by Elouise East
“Craig!” He inhaled before spinning to face Alex, who was stood by their table. “Take care of yourself, Craig. I mean that.” Alex smiled softly.
Craig nodded once and marched towards the exit as quickly as he could, afraid he’d swing around and go back to Alex. And he couldn’t do that.
****
Returning home after visiting a client at their workplace, Craig found one of his brothers’ cars outside his house. He hadn’t been expecting anyone, but he could be the solution to Craig’s sombre mood, depending on why he was there, that is.
He entered the house, expecting to find Aaron sat on his sofa watching TV, but the living room was suspiciously empty. He’d been out of the house for a total of five hours, what trouble could he get into in that time?
“Aaron?”
“In here!” Aaron’s voice called back from the direction of his office.
Frowning, he stalked down the hall, freezing when he entered. He gazed around, eyebrows raised. Instead of his usual white walls, he saw splashes of green and blue in the natural light of his open curtains—he usually kept them shut and relied on his lamps. His desk had been moved closer to the window and shelving had been built and stacked against the walls.
“What’s going on?” He glanced at Aaron and Brandon next to him. Double trouble.
Brandon got a sheepish expression on his face. “I thought you might like someplace different to work in.”
Aaron grinned. “It was a slightly sterile environment you had before.”
Brandon smacked Aaron on the shoulder. “Shut up, asshole.”
Aaron appeared affronted. “What was that for?”
“We’re supposed to be supportive, not complaining.”
Craig smiled as they continued bickering back and forth. He waited them out, and eventually, Brandon seemed to remember Craig was there.
“Sorry. I wanted to take away some of the memories.” Brandon inspected the floor during his confession.
Craig bit his lip. His brothers were assholes, but they were his. “Thank you.” He strode over to them, giving Aaron a man-hug and wrapping his arms around Brandon. “Thank you,” he said again, this time with feeling into Brandon’s ear.
He pulled back, discreetly wiping his face and shifted to survey the room again. “Do you even know what a website designer needs in an office?”
“Fuck! I never thought of that. If it’s wrong, we can—” Brandon stared when Craig burst out laughing, interrupting him. “What?”
“You’re an idiot!”
“Why?”
“A website designer? Brandon, what does a website designer work on?” Craig tried to contain his sniggering.
“A computer?”
“Exactly.”
After a second, “I don’t get it?” Brandon’s expression made Craig bend over, holding his sides.
“Ow! Fuck, that hurts.” Craig finally got his laughter under control. “Brandon, the sole thing a website designer needs is a computer. Everything else is extra.” He smiled. “You done good.”
Brandon grinned back. “A plus for me, bro.” He elbowed Aaron’s side, waggling his eyebrows up and down.
“Come on, guys. After all your hard work, I’ll whip up some dinner for us, and we can put on a movie. That is if you have time?” Craig canted his head in question.
“Yeah, we’ve got all night. I told Rhea we’d keep you company for a bit when you got home. I may have to make a call at Harley’s bedtime.” Aaron followed in Craig’s wake.
“I’m good. Matt is holding the fort with Willow and Sutton. It’s about time he did the bedtime routine alone.” Brandon chuckled.
After they’d gone, Craig entered his office to close the window they’d left ajar to diffuse some of the paint fumes; he’d re-open it tomorrow, weather permitting. He studied the room, trying to figure out his feelings about the difference. He smiled, liking the room more now. It felt more professional and more…his, even though the house had been his before Darren had moved in, it was now his again.
Tomorrow he would attempt to work in here again and see if it made him more efficient than he had been since he’d quit working at the hospital restaurant.
****
It did. By the time he’d logged off at five o’clock, Craig had outlined four future projects and sent them to the clients for approval, scheduled his diary for the next four months and spent two hours on his current project. An eight-hour day hadn’t been as productive since the incident.
Now, if he could get the rest of his life to go as well, he’d be all set.
Alex was always a predominant focus in his brain, despite it having been eight weeks. He’d find himself staring at nothing while thinking about what Alex might have been doing and whether he was alright. It was getting easier to refocus his thoughts. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
Chapter 21
Alex
Every time he glimpsed Craig in the corridors of the hospital on a Thursday, the hole in his heart appeared to fissure open further. Alex wanted nothing more than to go to him and make sure he was alright. But it’s not what Craig wanted, and Alex had to respect his choice. Alex would’ve loved to be Craig’s friend, but it wasn’t to be.
Alex had enjoyed getting to know Craig during their Thursday get-togethers. Craig had a wicked sense of humour when he let it out, and his knowledge of random facts was endearing.
He was jostled to the side and came to rest against the wall with a spritely paramedic’s finger pointing in his face.
“Enough.” Casey pointed down the corridor where Craig had gone. “He’s out of your reach now, Alex. It’s time to move on. And I have just the thing.” The mischievous expression on Casey’s face had Alex groaning and banging his head against the wall behind him.
“I don’t want your intervention, thanks. I’m happy on my own. And anyway, I need to go and see my new nephew.”
“Too late. We have a double date tomorrow night. I’m with Marcus, you’re with Heath. I’ll pick you up at seven because we’re meeting them at Crush at half-past.”
“Fuck, Casey. Do I have to?”
“Yep, and no cancellations allowed. I’ll drag you there kicking and screaming if I have to.”
Alex had no doubt Casey would do that to him, and he’d prefer not to start a date on unequal footing. “Fine. But if it goes badly, I’m leaving with or without you.”
“Deal.”
Alex headed back to the nurses’ station.
“I see Casey found you.” Gloria giggled.
Alex rolled his eyes. “What gave it away?”
“The defeated expression on your face.” Gloria smiled. “You never know, Alex, this guy could be the love of your life.”
Unless he’d already found—and lost—the love of his life.
****
Pacing in front of his wardrobe trying to choose an outfit, Alex considered calling Casey to cancel yet again. He knew Casey would be fine with it, regardless of what he’d threatened yesterday, but something prevented him from making the call.
Instead, he dialled Ella. “Hey, I didn’t wake the little guy, did I?”
“Nah, he’s having a bottle. You couldn’t have picked a better time.” Alex listened as Ella yawned over the line.
“How’s he sleeping?”
“He’s doing well. About six hours a night solid, not bad for being eight weeks old.”
“Yeah, that’s not bad at all. Elijah’s a little champ. How’s Danny doing with the new addition?” Alex pulled on some black dress trousers, cradling the phone between his jaw and shoulder.
“He’s not interested unless Elijah’s crying, then Danny stares at him as if he’s a monster.” Ella laughed before another yawn overtook it.
“Bless him. He’ll figure it all out soon. Anyway, I’ll let you go. I’ve got a date to get ready for.”
“Hold on a minute. What date?”
“All I know is his name is Heath. Casey set me up.”
; “About time. Well, ring me tomorrow and let me know how it goes, alright?”
Alex agreed and returned his attention to his date. Casey had no information about his date other than his name, at least there would be conversation topics Alex could pick from, mainly “What do you do?”.
He hadn’t expected to be nervous, but he was. Alex wasn’t sure if it was because he was meeting someone new or if it was because he was opening a door that he wasn’t sure he wanted open. The idea of giving up on Craig didn’t sit well with him, but how could he argue with the request of the actual person involved?
A knock at his door had him plucking a light blue shirt from the hanger and slipping it on as he strode towards it.
“Don’t you scrub up smart? Although I would recommend buttoning it. If it was me, I’d be all for the open shirt look, but I’m not sure Crush would be happy with it.” Casey smirked, obviously pleased with his remark.
“Hardy-har-har.” Alex finished buttoning his short, then scraped his fingers through his hair, trying to tame some of the strands. “Let me fetch my wallet, and I’ll be ready.”
His stomach rebelled against the knowledge he was one step closer to shutting out a part of his life. A headache formed, and Alex, once again, contemplated cancelling.
“Come on, slow coach. Time waits for no man.”
Alex closed his eyes, shook his head and exhaled heavily. He straightened his posture, shoved his things in his pocket and strode towards his potential future.
****
Entering Crush, Alex quickly found relief in the masses. If the date went south, he could easily get lost amongst the sea of people, and it also gave him something to study if there was ever an awkward silence. He enjoyed people watching.
“There they are!” Casey called over the noise. Casey grasped Alex’s hand and dragged him forward. Alex wasn’t sure if Casey wanted to make sure they weren’t separated or if he wanted to make sure Alex didn’t leave. Either way, it was effective.
“Hi, Marcus.” Casey’s tone had Alex glancing over at him, and he saw a red splash of colour high on Casey’s cheeks. Interesting. Alex took in Marcus, who appeared a likely contender for a wrestling match with all the muscles he was sporting. Marcus seemed to have jet black hair, although, in the dim light of the bar, it might not be true, and a full beard and moustache to match. His eyes were sparkling as they openly gawked at Casey. Alex smiled. He knew the result of tonight for those two, at least. Which made him remember the reason for his being there, and he swung his attention to Marcus’ companion.
A less muscly, but no less large, man sat on the opposite side of the table from Marcus. Heath had short hair, not a buzz cut but close, which appeared to be auburn, although it could be light brown, Alex wasn’t sure. He had a long nose which flared at the nostrils and thin lips, which should have seemed severe but, for some reason, didn’t. What had Alex staring was the vast array of freckles covering the guy’s face and neck, making Alex lean towards the auburn hair colour again.
“Alex, this is Heath.” Marcus’s introduction had Alex blushing with mortification at being caught staring.
“Nice to meet you, Alex.” Heath extended a hand in his direction, a couple of beaded bracelets sitting snugly against his wrist bone as he slid his hand into Alex’s.
“You, too.”
“Have a seat.” Heath slid further across the booth seat to allow Alex space to sit, and if he wasn’t mistaken, to avoid touching without conscious effort. He found the thoughtfulness appealing.
“Thanks.” Alex sat, leaving a gap, but not enough to be on the edge of the seat. He felt comfortable enough not to worry about Heath having wandering hands.
“Marcus didn’t know much about you; therefore, I was unable to prepare something witty and exciting to talk about relating to your job.” Heath’s deadpan delivery had Alex chuckling. This date might not be as bad as he’d been expecting.
“We’re both in the same boat.” Alex smiled in Heath’s direction.
“Okay, question time. What do you do, Alex?” Heath cocked his head to the side, scanning Alex head to waist with a frown. “I think you’re a sales manager.”
Alex frowned and scrutinised his choice of clothing. “You get that vibe from where?”
Heath rolled his lips inwards. “Okay, not a sales manager. A mechanic?” He chuckled at Alex’s expression while grimacing. “Sorry. Tell you what, put me out of my misery.”
“I’m a doctor.” Alex grinned at Heath’s antics, thoroughly entertained.
Heath’s eyes lit up. “Seriously?” Alex nodded warily. Hopefully, Heath was not an ambulance chaser. “I’m a vet! I know it’s not exactly the same thing, but…” he trailed off with a smile.
“Large animals or small?” Alex asked, getting back to their conversation after Marcus had requested their drink order.
“Small usually, although there are some dogs around here which would give a horse a run for their money.”
“Favourite animal?” Alex was enjoying himself and wanted the conversation to keep going.
“Um…hedgehog.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, they’re cute. What’s your favourite animal?”
“Chipmunk.”
“Ooh, no having to think about that one. Are you a closet Alvin fan, too?” Heath smirked at Alex.
“God, no. Their voices drive me up the wall.” Alex chuckled. He thanked Marcus upon receipt of his beer.
“Thanks, mate.” Heath did the same. “Okay, favourite movie?”
“Bloody hell, you don’t pull any punches, do you?” Alex shook his head with a smile. “No idea.”
“What? You don’t have one you like?” Heath’s mouth gaped, incredulous.
“I don’t watch a huge amount of TV, but I do like sci-fi fantasy films, like The Matrix and Alien. Stuff like that. Couldn’t name a favourite, though.”
“Okay, I understand. I like time travel ones, like Looper and The Terminator.”
Alex watched as Heath swallowed, gazing as his Adam’s apple bobbed with the motion. Heath caught his gaze and smiled.
Glancing at his watch, Alex couldn’t believe the time. “Wow, we’ve been here for two hours!”
“Is that a good realisation, or a bad one?” Heath studied Alex, gaze roaming his face.
Alex beamed. “Good, of course.”
Heath exhaled. “I’ve had a great time, Alex.”
“Me, too.”
“Would it be too forward of me to ask if you’re willing to try this again sometime soon?” Heath rolled his lips inwards; a sign Alex was coming to realise meant Heath was unsure.
“Not too forward. And I’d love to.”
The smile that spread across Heath’s face could power the whole of Cambridge, and Alex felt a fluttery sensation in his stomach.
Heath pulled out his phone and passed it to Alex, once he’d unlocked it. “Could I have your number?”
Alex grasped the phone and entered his details before passing it back to Heath, who pressed a few buttons before Alex felt a vibration from his own phone. “Now, you have my number.”
Alex retrieved his phone and, with a smirk, saved Heath’s number under Hot Vet Heath.
“Hot vet, huh?” Heath grinned.
Alex blushed. “Shut up, I need to differentiate between all the other imaginary guys I have in my contact list.”
Heath laughed. “Good to know.”
“Good to know what? That I have imaginary guy friends?”
“No, that you think I’m hot.” Heath leered.
Alex smacked the back of his hand against Heath’s shoulder. “Shut it, or you drop down my list of who next to contact.”
“No! I’m sorry, don’t do that.” Heath wailed with the exuberance of a child not wanting their favourite toy to be taken away from them.
Alex guffawed. “You’re an idiot.”
“Yep.” Heath agreed with a grin.
Getting into the taxi with Casey—they’d had excessive amoun
ts of alcohol—Alex couldn’t help smiling at the night he’d had.
“Your date seemed like it went well,” Casey mused.
“Yeah. Heath’s a great guy.”
“Are you going to see him again?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, that was decisive. Who are you, and what have you done with Alex?” Casey joked.
Alex smacked him. “I like him, and we get on well. Why not try, eh?” Alex shrugged. “I’m surprised you didn’t go home with Marcus.” Alex glanced over at Casey, seeing a small smile playing around his mouth.
“I was going to, but I wanted to wait a bit. Marcus seems like a nice guy. Too good to be true with my track record.” Casey’s pain was evident on his face.
“But, as you told me, you have to try.”
“Stop throwing my words back at me.”
Alex chuckled. “Ah, when the student becomes the teacher.”
“When are you next seeing Heath?” Casey rested his head against the headrest, no doubt on his way to falling asleep.
“We’re going to sort it out in a few days.”
“Good.” Casey yawned, which made Alex yawn.
“I’m glad I’m not working tomorrow.”
“It’s alright for some. I’ve got to be at work by seven.” Casey grumbled good-naturedly. Alex knew Casey lived for his job, but Alex worried he worked too hard.
“You should have swapped your shift.”
“I tried. No one could take it.” Casey yawned again as they pulled up outside Alex’s house.
“Want to sleep in the spare room?”
Casey paused. “Yeah, go on. Make sure I’m up in time to head home before I start work.”
They both alighted the taxi and stumbled up the path.
Within seconds of Alex’s head hitting his pillow, he was out.
Chapter 22
Craig
Ten months after the incident—Craig called it that because he wasn’t sure how else to talk about it—the routine he had when he was with Darren was not in full effect any longer. Some of it was, but some wasn’t. It was progress as far as Amanda was concerned. However, Craig was impatient, wishing he would get over them immediately.
Craig was able to leave the dishes in the sink without having a panic attack and had grown used to cooking what he wanted when he wanted. As for logging on and off his computer, he had found out it was beneficial to keep that going. It gave him an idea of how long each project was taking, and it was easier to bill the clients. He also finished work at five o’clock now instead of four and cooked dinner afterwards.
