Heart Unseen

by Andrew Grey

  “We’re almost there.” Trevor sped up slightly. “And I don’t think you do understand. I went out with Dean and had a miserable time because I kept thinking of a certain guy and what he was doing at that moment. I left after an hour and wanted to come see you, but didn’t think you wanted to see me, so I went home.” They turned and slowly pulled to a stop. “I’m going to go inside and get a wheelchair. Then I’ll come out and help you into it. Just relax as much as possible.”

  “I will.” James took a deep breath and sighed, berating himself under his breath. Could he have read everything wrong? Was Trevor trying to be nice? God, he felt like a fool. What in the hell could a guy like Trevor ever see in him, though? Something as simple as someone being supportive and kind, and he’d completely misread it.

  The door opened next to him. “Okay. I have a wheelchair. So unhook your seat belt, and I’ll get you out and into the chair.” Trevor waited while James did as he asked, then lifted him. James settled against Trevor’s chest and didn’t want to leave. “Sweetheart, I need to put you down.”

  “I’m sorry,” James whispered.

  “Let’s get you inside so they can fix you up. I get the idea that there’s probably plenty of waiting in our immediate future.” They could talk more once James was inside.

  “I just don’t want to be a millstone around your neck.”

  Trevor held him a little longer. “Have you ever thought that it’s just the opposite? That maybe you are just what I need?” Trevor turned him around, placed James in the chair, then wheeled him inside.

  “May I help you?” a woman asked.

  “Yes, I fell and hurt my ankle pretty badly. You need to know that I’m blind, so unless you have forms in Braille, you’ll need to fill them out for me.” He carefully got out his wallet and handed her his identification and insurance card. “The address on the ID is correct.”

  “All right. Just give me a minute.” Keys clicked rapidly. “Can I have your phone number, please?”

  James provided it. “And Trevor is with me, so he is allowed to know my medical condition today.”

  “I take it you’ve been through this routine before.”

  “Yeah, though I haven’t been here in a while.” He tried to smile and hoped he didn’t look creepy or anything as the soft whir of a printer hummed behind her.

  “Okay. I’m going to need your signature on a few things.” She explained each form and read off the pertinent information. James signed where she placed his hand, and once they were done, Trevor wheeled him to the waiting area.

  “How is work going?” James asked.

  “It’s been a tough week. I thought I had found everything my manager had taken, but I wasn’t even close. He was stealing from me for a long time.”

  “I’m sorry.” James wasn’t sure what else to say. “Have you pressed charges?”

  “Yes. And he’s in custody for now. But the money is gone and I doubt there’s any chance of getting it back. So I’m looking into every account to make sure I have the resources to meet all of my obligations.” The rumble in Trevor’s throat told James just how worried Trevor was. “If this had gone on much longer, he’d have bankrupted me.”

  “Oh God. I didn’t know it was that bad.” James found Trevor’s hand and took it in his.

  “None of us did until my accountant was able to dig deeply into the books, and he found fraudulent payments and thousands of dollars in missing inventory because of it. Now I’m paying again to replace what I thought I had so there are more bills because of that. I’m using the savings I had to try to make up the difference, but this whole thing is going to leave me so tight.”

  “Is it really that bad?” James asked.

  “Yes. I may have to sell my house to make up the difference. The business itself is profitable, but the theft has eaten all of my cash reserves and more. It’s like I just started out all over again.” Trevor paused. “We’re here because of you and to take care of you. We don’t have to talk about all this.”

  James grew quiet for a few minutes. “Is it because you don’t think I can handle it?” he finally said, just above a whisper, afraid of the answer.

  “Goodness, no. It’s just that you’re hurt and you don’t need to hear my problems. I’ll deal with them.”

  James’s name was called, and Trevor pushed him across the quiet room and into a smaller one, where the door was closed behind him. A woman spoke softly, taking his blood pressure and getting specifics about what happened. Once they were done, he was taken back, and Trevor lifted him out of the chair and laid him on a bed of sorts. “A nurse will be in soon and they’ll take a look at what’s happened.”

  “Is she gone?” James asked. “So many people come and go here. It’s hard to keep track of them.”

  “Yes.”

  Someone came in. “I’ve got an ice pack for you.” It was a different woman, and she sounded so gentle. “I’m going to put this beside your ankle so I don’t put pressure on it. Then we’re going to take you down for an X-ray. Your friend can wait here for you.”

  “Okay.” James didn’t move. “You don’t have to stay here with me, Trevor. I can call a taxi once they’re done with me.”

  Trevor squeezed his hand. “I’m not going anywhere. Just relax and let them help you. I’ll be here when you get back. Do you want me to call anyone for you?”

  “I can when I get back. We’re probably going to have plenty of time.”

  People came in, and the bed clicked under him as the stops released and he slowly began to move. Trevor didn’t let go of his hand.

  “I’m going to go with you.” Trevor walked right next to him, staying with him, and James let the pain go, concentrating on Trevor’s touch. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”

  “It’s not like I’m going into surgery.”

  They stopped and Trevor leaned close. James could feel his breath on his face. “No. But you can’t see and this place is foreign to you. I wanted to be something familiar to you. They’re about to take you in for the X-ray, and I’ll be right out here when you’re done.”

  “Thanks.” James began moving again and then heard a door close behind him.

  “I need to take some film of your foot. Can you get onto the X-ray table or do you need help?” a male voice asked.

  “I don’t know where the X-ray table is. I’m not able to see, so you’re going to have to help me.” James sat up, and the technician guided him over, gently positioned his foot, and took the images. Then he helped James back so he could lie down again. When he was wheeled out of the room, Trevor was right there, holding his hand once again, walking with him the entire time until James came to a stop. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” The man left the room, and James sighed, willing some of the pain away.

  “I have something to ask you,” Trevor said once they were alone. “This is something I never really thought I’d ever ask anyone again.”

  James stilled, tension building inside him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. But I was wondering if you’d be my boyfriend?” Trevor’s voice quivered.

  “Wait a minute. You want me to be your boyfriend? You left me on Sunday and went to a club so you could pick up guys.”

  “No. Well, yes. But I didn’t pick up anyone. See, I didn’t want to. I was miserable because when guys came up to me, I looked at all of them and compared them to you. I didn’t realize how you’d taken things at my dad’s and thought you were upset about Collin and needed some time alone, and then I didn’t hear anything from you for three days.” Trevor groaned. “I’m so crappy at relationships. I’ve only had one and that was with Chase, and….” Trevor pulled back. “I can’t talk about him right now. I just can’t. But trust me. I sat at that bar and realized what I wanted—you.”

  “But how could you? We’ve known each other for two weeks.” James sat up and removed the ice pack to let his ankle warm up. “I’m not like some puppy that you bring out and take for a walk.�
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  “Is that another of Collin’s words of wisdom? Because I’d really like to beat the crap out of that guy.”

  “You didn’t say anything to him at dinner when he was being snide.”

  “Only because I didn’t want to highlight the issue. I was hoping you didn’t hear him, though I should have known you would with your exceptional hearing. I just wanted you to have a good time, and I stayed close to you because I wanted you to know that I was there and being supportive. I know how hard that was for you.” Trevor gently stroked the back of his hand, and James really liked the gentleness in the touch. “As for you being blind, big deal. We’ll figure things out.”

  “And what if it becomes too much for you?”

  “Is that what happened with Collin?”

  James scoffed. “That’s what he said when he left me. That I was too big a burden. But I think he wanted something, and when he didn’t get it, he lashed out and left. My dad is a successful executive, and I think he went along with my mom’s plan to cozy up to me in order to gain favor with Dad. He kept asking if I’d talk to my dad about a job for him, and when I refused and said that I couldn’t do that because it wasn’t right, he said that was okay and made like everything was fine. But then the next time we went to the club, he made sure I spilled all kinds of things. He told me where my glass was and made sure it was over a little so I’d knock it over. He even turned my plate during the meal so I’d slop. My mom got impatient, and he sided with her and then decided I was too much work to be with.”

  “Did you know what he was doing at the time?”

  “No. Marti told me about the plate thing. She didn’t think too much of it when she saw it, but once we talked and compared notes, I realized what he’d been doing. And to make matters worse, Mom still likes the guy.”

  “Does she know the truth?”

  “Are you kidding? Truth is whatever she thinks it is and nothing more. I managed to stay away from him for years, and then like a bad penny, there he is. And to make matters worse, he ruined a perfectly lovely evening with your dad and Margaret, who are wonderful people. And Rachel is a total doll.”

  “If it makes any difference, they really liked you. Dad said that Margaret was asking why we left so early and that she hoped you were comfortable. I explained about Collin and she said, quote, ‘That sweet young man is welcome in my house any time, and you tell him that Collin definitely isn’t.’ She had only invited them so we’d have other people to talk to.”

  Footsteps and the sound of a throat clearing stopped the conversation. “I’m Dr. Hanson, and I’ve looked at the X-rays. There don’t seem to be any broken bones, but the sprain is one of the worst I’ve seen. We have a brace that we’ll give you for your ankle and it should compress it and allow you to walk, but it would be better if you stay off it for a few days. Continue to wear the compression bandage and ice the ankle for the next twenty-four hours. Do you have someone you can stay with?”

  “Why?” James felt his hackles rise. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  “I wasn’t saying otherwise, Mr. Stewart. I know you’re perfectly capable. Richie Hanson is my son.”

  James’s ire melted in an instant at the mention of one of his students from a few years ago.

  “You helped him tremendously, and he’s as independent as you seem to be. But the next few days are going to be hard. Your ankle is going to be painful, and sleep is going to be very difficult. Even the pressure from the blankets will be uncomfortable. So, if you have someone who can help you….”

  “I can probably call my sister.”

  “It’s all right, doctor. I’ll see to it that James is taken care of.” Trevor squeezed his hand. “It’s what a good boyfriend does.”

  Damned if James couldn’t almost feel Trevor grinning at him.

  “Then we’ll get you fixed right up and you can be on your way.” Dr. Hanson paused briefly. “And I want to thank you personally for what you did for Richie. He’s doing well, going off to college in the fall on a full academic scholarship, and part of that is because of you.”

  “That’s so wonderful to hear. Give him my best.” James extended his hand, and Dr. Hanson shook it.

  “Be sure to contact your regular doctor tomorrow. We’ll send a report over, but it’s best if they know what’s going on.”

  “I will.”

  Dr. Hanson left, and James waited until the nurse came in and helped him put on the brace, explaining how everything worked and letting him feel it so James could put it on and take it off himself. Then Trevor helped him to his feet, and James put tentative weight on his ankle. It hurt, but less than it had before. Trevor helped support him as he made his way to the checkout desk, where he signed what he needed to, and then Trevor guided him out the door.

  “Stay here and I’ll bring the car around.” Trevor put his hand on a pillar so James could support himself and then hurried away. James stood one-legged until he heard Trevor’s car, with its soft engine purr, pull up near him. He followed the sound and was able to open the door and get inside. It took him a while to get his foot comfortable, but once he pulled the door closed and lay back, some of the tension he’d been holding on to for hours drained away.

  His phone rang as Trevor pulled away.

  “James, are you okay? I just got your voice mail. I don’t know what was wrong, but your call didn’t come through and then I heard your message. What happened?”

  “I slipped on some cardboard on my porch and sprained my ankle.”

  “Did you call Mom?” Marti asked, still talking a mile a minute.

  “God, no. I called Trevor and he took me to the hospital, where they checked me over and gave me a brace for my ankle. It really hurts, but they gave me something for it and at least it has some support now.”

  “Trevor, huh. So how did that come about?”

  “The world’s most opportune butt dial,” James answered honestly. “He came right away, and we’ve talked through some things.”

  “I thought he was a jerk,” Marti reminded him.

  “I guess things aren’t as I thought they were.” He didn’t want to have this conversation in the car with Trevor. “But I’m okay now, and Trevor is driving me back home.”

  “Do you want me to come over?”

  “No. It’s late, and I’m going to go home, put my foot up, and try to relax as much as possible. I’m afraid it’s going to be a long night. I’ll call you in the morning.”

  “Okay. Do you want me to call Mom?”

  God, he loved her for asking. “No. I have to do it.” James hated making that call, but it had to be done. At least he was on his way home and everything was fine.

  He ended the call and dialed his mother, who went full drama queen on him for at least five minutes.

  “I’m fine and I’m nearly home.”

  “Who’s driving?” she demanded sharply.

  “Trevor came to my rescue.”

  She huffed. “Why can’t you find someone nice who doesn’t look like a hoodlum?”

  “You mean like Collin?”

  “He was nice,” she countered.

  “No. Collin is a jerk, and your taste in guys leaves a lot to be desired.” Maybe he’d been doing her a disservice by not telling her everything that had happened with Collin. Hell, he wasn’t doing himself any good either. “I like Trevor, Mom. He’s good to me and he really cares.”

  Trevor placed his hand on James’s leg.

  “I think we need to talk about some of your decisions.” Now she was just getting on his nerves. James was in pain, and she was pushing, which was something he didn’t need.

  “No, we don’t. I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions.”

  Trevor pulled to a stop and turned off the engine.

  “We just got home, and I need to get inside and put my foot up. I’m doing just fine. It was only a sprain and I need to rest it. Nothing life-threatening.” He intentionally made light of it because doing so was t
he only way his mother would leave it. He knew she cared, but the drama and overreaction could be too much. “I love you, Mom, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  She took a deep breath. “I love you too, and I’m glad you’re all right.” He knew she sometimes let her motherly instincts run amok. “I just want you to be happy.”

  “I know you do. But that’s something I have to do for myself.” James said good-bye and ended the call, sitting still in the seat as a small realization came over him. He’d been letting everyone else determine how he made himself happy, but what he’d just told his mother was right—it had to come from him. It was internal, not something that came from someone else.

  “Are you ready?” Trevor asked.

  “I’m sorry I was on the phone the entire time.” He didn’t want Trevor to think he’d been ignoring him. James opened the door, and Trevor came around and helped him limp up the walk to the door. James handed Trevor his keys, and Trevor guided him inside and to the sofa that sat across from the chairs he usually used. James sat down, and Trevor helped him lie back and put his foot up.

  “Do you have extra pillows?”

  “Yeah. There’s a closet outside my bedroom in the hallway,” James said as the pressure on his foot abated and some of the pain ebbed away.

  Trevor left and returned with pillows for his foot and head, then left once again. Ice cubes clinked in the kitchen, and then a cold pack settled gently on his ankle. “Do you need anything to drink?”

  “A belt of vodka,” James quipped. “No, I’m fine for now.” He got comfortable and tried to let more of the tension ease away. “You don’t need to stay.”

  Trevor didn’t argue with him. Instead, his scent intensified and Trevor kissed him. “I’ll be fine. You relax and rest.” Trevor kissed him again, and James wound his arms around his neck, drawing him closer. The pain in his foot receded in favor of the heat that spread from his lips and down his spine, settling in his groin. “You are a beautiful man—I hope you know that.”