"Will I see you tomorrow, then?" asked Luke.

"Of course you will. Jeez!"

"Okay, give me a kiss and get your ass home."

Jon carefully kissed him several times. It felt so good that Luke was kissing him back again. It had been a couple of days but it seemed like a lifetime. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too. Now get going--I'm falling asleep."

The Inn - Chapter 14

Jon found Luke's car in the garage and headed home. When he got there he plugged his cell phone into the charger--he was surprised the battery had lasted so long. He flipped open the phone and found Luke's hospital number. Jon picked up the desk phone and dialed the number. He couldn't remember the last time he'd used a regular telephone. He momentarily panicked when he heard tones and a recorded message, then he realized he forgot to dial "1" before the number. Cell phones don't require it. "When the hell are they going to join the 21st Century?" Jon wondered.

Jon dialed again. The phone rang five times before it was answered. Jon heard the receiver clunk against a couple of things, then he heard Luke's voice.

"Hello?" Luke's voice sounded groggy.

"Hi, babe. Did I wake you up?"

"It's okay...I had to answer the phone anyway."

Jon smiled. "I'm home. I'm going to be lonely tonight."

"Me too."

"Okay, just checking in. Everything good?"

"Yeah. I love you."

"I love you, too. Go back to sleep and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye, hon."

Jon decided to go to Cathy's. It was nice to be home, but after all the commotion of the hospital and the last two days it was too quiet. He needed to unwind, so Jon went downstairs and knocked on Cathy's door. She opened it and gave him a big hug.

"Come on in and sit down. You must be exhausted. Can I get you a drink or a beer or something? How's Luke doing?"

"Beer sounds good. Luke's doing okay. He still looks like crap, but I think he's looking a little better. The doctor said he can probably come home Wednesday. He's pumping himself up with morphine, so he's not feeling much pain--literally."

"What about the guys that did this to him? Did they catch them?"

"I know they have one, I haven't heard anything. They'd better arrest them before I find them. Did I tell you Chris broke the guy's arm?"

"He did? On purpose?"

"Yep. Mike told me Chris had the guy's arm twisted behind him. The guy said something really nasty about Luke and Chris got pissed and just snapped it."

"Good. I hope it teaches him a lesson. He shoulda broken more than just his arm."

"He was going to, but Mike stopped him."

Cathy got up and went to the kitchen. "Jon, that boss of yours, Connie, he's a really nice guy. I only talked with him for maybe five minutes but I can tell he's a real good person." She put spaghetti in boiling water and some garlic bread under the broiler. Her homemade sauce was warming on the stove.

"Yeah, he is. But don't let that easygoing manner fool you. He's as sharp as a tack, and if anybody screws with him, they'll rue the day they were born."

"Well, he thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced bread. I got the impression the company would come to a screeching halt without you."

"It wouldn't. It's a very well-run and well-managed business. Connie sees to that. Ethical to a fault. They even send a letter out to all our vendors around Thanksgiving, reminding them no one is allowed to accept gifts. We're squeaky-clean."

"You should call Connie and let him know how Luke is. He wants to meet him."

"I will. Maybe we should have a 'Welcome Home' party next weekend. It depends on how Luke's feeling."

"Hey, that would be fun. We can do it at Luke's. He has more room, with his patio on the courtyard and all. I can cook something or we can grill. Or both."

"Let's see how it goes. I don't think we should overdo it, Luke will still be hurting. God, I can't wait for him to be home again."

"You're right, we don't want to overwhelm him. When are you planning to go back to work?"

"Maybe Thursday. I'll call Connie, but it depends on how Luke is doing. Man, it's going to be hard leaving him alone. But I can come home during lunch to check on him. They won't care if I take a little extra time."

Cathy placed two plates of spaghetti on the table and then brought some freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and the garlic bread. Jon wolfed down his food and accepted Cathy's offer of seconds. Other than the two sandwiches, this was the first real meal he'd had since Saturday.

"So you didn't have any trouble breaking into Luke's place?"

"Nah, it took Gail less than a minute. I don't know whether she's that good, or if Luke has a cheapo lock. Maybe you should look into that. It looked real easy."

Jon's cell phone rang. He looked at it and said, "It's Connie."

"Hi, Connie."

"Jon, my boy, how's Luke? And how are you?"

"Luke woke up today and he's looking better. He might be back home Wednesday."

"Good, good. I'm happy to hear that. Jon, your proposal was nothing short of brilliant. Your insight and ideas for streamlining the whole process impressed everyone. I don't think I'd have been that innovative. The Brass were impressed and told me the contract is as good as ours. They just need to go through channels. You did an outstanding job, son. I'm proud of you."

Jon was smiling. "Thanks, Connie. I'm thrilled we got the contract. I had a feeling we would. I should be back Thursday, but I might be in a little late."

"No, Jon, you take the rest of the week off. You've earned it, and you have your hands full with Luke. I can handle things for a few days--it makes me feel useful. Try to make it in here Monday, but if anything comes up, just call."

"Thanks, Connie."

"All right, then, I'll let you go. Oh, that friend of yours, Cathy. She's a sweetheart--and cute as a button. Tell her I said hello."

"I'll do that. Thanks again, and I'll see you Monday."

Jon put his phone down and smiled. This had been a good day all around after all.

"So I take it you got the contract?"

"We don't have it officially, but it's pretty much a done deal. Connie said you're a sweetheart, and he said to tell you hello."

"That's nice, I liked him, too. And you're off until Monday?"

"Yeah, that's a relief. I was worried about leaving Luke at home by himself."

"Joe is on vacation next week. I don't think he's going anywhere, and I'm sure he'd be happy to look in on Luke."

"Maybe I'll check with him. As long as someone I trust is with Luke, I won't worry so much. I think I'll go home now, I'm getting tired. And Cathy, I can't express my appreciation for all you've done. If it weren't for you and Paul, I don't think I'd have survived. And thanks for dinner, it was great."

"Jon, you know I love you, and I know you'd do the same for me. That's what friends are for. Now go home and get to bed. I know you're going to be up at the crack of dawn and back at that damn hospital."

Jon hugged Cathy and kissed her cheek. "See you tomorrow. Love you, hon."

Jon walked to the stairwell and started up. He stopped for a moment, then turned and began walking down. He wanted to sleep in Luke's bed tonight. He walked outside and got into Luke's car and drove to Luke's condo. As he unlocked the door he chuckled. He was glad they didn't have to break it down after all.

He took his clothes off and stepped into the shower. The warm water streaming down him was wonderful. He hadn't had a shower since Saturday morning. He luxuriated under the spray for ten minutes, then turned off the water and stepped out, pulling a towel from the rack. He dried himself quickly and looked in the mirror. "I look like something the cat dragged in," he thought. He hadn't shaved in over two days, and he felt even his hair was too long. It wasn't, but he thought it was. Jon decided to put off shaving until the morning and walked to the bedroom. He got under the covers and rested his head on the pillow. He sighed and pulled the other pillow--Luke's--to his chest. He wrapped his arms around it and could smell Luke's scent. He sighed again, closed his eyes and soon lapsed into the first good sleep he'd had since this nightmare began.

Luke woke up when someone came in with a tray. "It's breakfast time!" a middle-aged lady announced as she placed the tray on the table next to him. She swung the table so it was over the bed and removed the cover from the tray. Luke looked at the food warily. He'd heard about hospital food, but this didn't look too bad. He ate some eggs and part of a bagel, then drank some orange juice. He didn't have much of an appetite, so he pushed the table aside and settled back down. Everything hurt more this morning. He pushed the PCA button and closed his eyes.

A few minutes later there was a quiet knock on the door. A tall, very good looking young man entered the room. He had wavy brown hair, green eyes and an infectious smile. Luke could see he was quite muscular.

"Mr. Sorensen, I'm Tim. I'm your physical therapist.

Luke looked at him, smiled and said, "Oh, God, I've died and gone to heaven!"

Tim smiled. "Time for you to get out of that bed." He regarded Luke for a moment. Even with the swelling and bruises, he could tell Luke was a strikingly handsome man.

Tim lowered the rail on the bed. "I'm going to get these lines straightened out and then we're going to get you on your feet. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. We'll take all the time you need. Do you think you can sit up on the side of the bed?"

Luke tried to push himself up, then fell back onto the bed. "Oh, fuck!"

"That's okay, let me help you." Tim took Luke's hand and gently pulled him up. Luke hooked his leg over the side of the bed and pulled himself around. He got his other leg over the side. Tim had his hand on Luke's shoulder. "Do you think you can stand up?"

Luke was sweating. The pain had been intense, but it was subsiding. He looked at Tim--he wanted to please him. He carefully slid down until his feet were on the floor. He paused for a minute and summoned his strength, then he pulled against Tim's arm and stood. It wasn't as bad as he thought it'd be, but his legs were a little weak and they hurt. He smiled at Tim.

"Nicely done. Do you think you can walk a little?"

Luke didn't answer--he was concentrating too hard. He took an unsteady step, then another. Tim was right beside him, supporting him and at the same time pulling the stand that held all the equipment that was attached to Luke. Luke clenched his teeth and walked the eight or ten steps to the door. He turned around and walked back to the bed.

"That was great!" said Tim. "I can see you're used to physical activity. Why don't you sit in the chair for a bit. It'll be good for you to be in a more upright position."

Luke sat down, carrying his weight on his arms. His chest hurt when he changed to a sitting position. He moaned and stopped moving briefly, then relaxed into the chair. He was breathing hard and that hurt, too.

Tim watched Luke for a minute to be sure he was okay. He looked at the monitors and apparently was satisfied. "Are you comfortable, Mr. Sorensen?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'm Luke--my father is Mr. Sorensen."

"Okay, Luke. I didn't expect you to do as well as you did. Broken ribs are a bitch and your legs are banged up, too.. I had a broken rib once, so I have a feeling for what you're going through, but you have four broken ribs. The pain gradually lessens day by day, but it does take a long time. At least several weeks or more. Nothing we can do about it except give you pain medicine."

"Can they get rid of this catheter? It's starting to bug me."

"Probably, now that you're awake. I'll ask the nurse. I have to check on some patients, but I'll be back to help you into bed. Anything else I can do while I'm here?"

Luke looked at Tim and smiled. He could think of several things. "No, I think I'm good for now. Thanks." Tim handed him the call button and left. It wasn't long before a nurse came into the room.

"So you want to pee standing up, huh?" Luke smiled.

"Let me put the back of this chair down a little." She carefully lowered the back to about a 45-degree angle. Luke slowly settled back against it. She was doing something with the catheter. "Okay, take a breath." She removed the tube in one steady motion.

"Ugh!" Luke gasped. It didn't really hurt, but it was an uncomfortable sensation. "I'm glad I was out of it when you put it in."

It wasn't long before Jon arrived. He was glad to see they'd removed the gauze from Luke's head.

"Hey! You're out of bed! You look a lot better today--I can even see you have two eyes still."

"I walked to the door and back. Wait 'til you see my physical therapist."

"A real hottie, huh?"

"Not as hot as you, but he's a hunk. He provides incentive."

"I'll have to check out my competition. By the way, I called your supervisor yesterday. He said to call him when you can. I kept it vague, I told him you had an accident but I didn't go into any details. I think he assumed it was a car accident."

"Oh, thanks. I'll call him later today."

"Luke, I did something else. Please don't be mad at me. I only did it because I love you and I care about you.

"What?"

"I called your father."

Luke sighed. "What did he say?"

"Not too much. I told him where you were and briefly what happened."

"That will probably be the end of it."

They sat and talked for almost another hour until Tim returned.

"How you doing, Luke?"

"Pretty good. Tim, this is my partner, Jon." He looked at Jon. "This is Tim. It's his job to torture me."

Jon stood. "Glad to meet you." They shook hands. Luke was right, thought Jon, this guy could be on the cover of "Men's Health."

"Do you want me to help you back into bed, Luke?"

"I'm pretty comfortable here. I'd like to stay for a little longer. Jon can help me if I need it."

"Okay, just call if you need anything. I'll check on you later. Nice meeting you, Jon."

"Same here." Tim left the room.

Jon said, "You weren't kidding--he's a real stud!"

"Told ya. You know, I'm not feeling as good as I thought. I might have to stay here a few more days. Maybe a week or two."

"You do and I'll be right here day and night. I'm not leaving you alone with that home-wrecker." Jon smiled. "By the way, it looks like we'll get that military contract. And Connie gave me the rest of the week off, so I can stay with you when you get home."

''That's good. I was a little nervous about that, but I think I'll be all right. I talked to the doctor again and he said there's really nothing I can't do if I can handle the pain. I just have to be careful not to hit my head."

Luke turned the TV on and they watched some game shows. A while later a lunch tray was delivered. There was a chicken breast, mixed vegetables, bread and Jell-O. Luke still didn't have much of an appetite, so he shared his lunch with Jon. Between the two of them they finished everything within 15 minutes.

"That was pretty tasty," said Jon. "I was going to ask if you wanted me to bring something for you."

"So far, everything I've had has been okay. Good, even. I think I can survive on hospital food until tomorrow."

"Do you know what time they're springing you?"

"Not exactly. The doctor has to see me first. I'm thinking it will be late morning or around noon. They never commit to anything around here. Oh, the nurse told me you'll have to bring me some clothes. They cut the ones I was wearing off of me when I got here."

"I will, I was planning on it. I figured they probably did that."

"Yeah, and that was one of my favorite t-shirts. Maybe I should frame the remains."

"I don't think we want to be reminded of this episode." Jon moved next to the chair and gently put his hands on Luke's shoulders.

"Oh, careful babe. Everything hurts."

Jon removed his hands as if they had been burned. "I'm sorry. Where don't you hurt?"

"I think the big toe on my left foot is okay, but I'm not sure. Hey, help me up. I gotta pee."

"Want me to call someone?"

"No, just help me up. Pull the IV stand next to me, then put your arms out so I can pull myself up. Once I'm standing I think I'll be okay."

Jon wheeled the IV stand next to Luke. "They're plugged in, and the cords aren't very long."

"Just unplug them and loop the cords over the stand. The pumps will switch to batteries."

Jon pulled the plugs, half expecting alarms to go off and nurses to come charging into the room. Nothing happened, and the pumps seemed to not notice. The lights and indicators remained lit. "Cool," thought Jon.

Luke braced his feet on the floor and gripped Jon's wrists. He pulled himself to an upright sitting position on the edge of the chair and paused, taking a couple of breaths. "Okay, let's do this before I change my mind." Luke adjusted his grip on Jon's arms and pulled himself to his feet. Jon could see his jaw clench and his eyes widen. Luke groaned.

"Oh, Jesus Christ! Oh, fuck!" Luke gripped the IV stand on his left and Jon's arm on his right. He was breathing quickly but shallowly. Jon was frightened and looked at Luke as if he were about to explode.

After a minute Luke said, "I'm okay now. Let's roll."

Jon watched Luke like a hawk as they walked slowly to the door and into the hall. The bathroom was just to the right on the other side. They entered the room and Luke positioned himself at the toilet. He was trying to raise the hospital gown with one hand while steadying himself with the IV stand.

"Here, I'll get that." Jon raised the front of the gown and looked at Luke's legs. They were a mass of bruises--purple, red, yellow. "Oh, Jesus. My poor Luke."

"Stop talking or I won't be able to pee."

When Luke had finished they re-traced their steps to the room. Dr. Harris was walking down the hall.

"Hey, Luke! Looking good! How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good. We decided it was a nice afternoon for a walk."

"That it is. You're doing very well. I have to warn you, keep this up and I'm going to be kicking you out of here soon."

"Like tomorrow?"

"I'll examine you in the morning but I think you can plan on it. I won't be winning any popularity contests with the nurses when I discharge you, though. He winked at Jon.

When the doctor turned and began walking away, Luke found the PCA button and pressed it. They entered the room and Jon asked, "Bed or chair?"

"Bed."

Jon lowered the bed as far as it would go and raised the head as much as he could. Luke sat as far toward the middle as he could, and maneuvered his legs onto the mattress and gingerly leaned back.

"Oh, too high, too high."

Jon handed him the control. Luke adjusted the head of the bed until he was comfortable.

Luke said, "You know, how many times a day do you take a piss and never think twice about it? And this took, what, almost 20 minutes.

"You coulda used this," Jon smiled, holding up a plastic urinal.

"I know I could, but I wanted to show off so they'll let me go home. It was a bonus that Dr. Harris saw me."

They spent the afternoon chatting and watching Jeopardy! with Luke occasionally closing his eyes for a while. A little later Jon realized he was getting hungry. He waited for Luke to open his eyes.

"I'm going to get something to eat. Do you want anything?"

"Maybe just a Diet Coke. They'll be bringing dinner soon."

Jon walked to the cafeteria and got a ham and cheese sandwich and a Diet Coke. He decided he'd eat there and give Luke a chance to rest. He was excited about the next day and tried to think if there was anything he should do tonight to prepare. He decided he'd go to Luke's and change the sheets. Then he'd go home and sleep in his own bed so everything would be ready for Luke. He knew Luke had cold packs and aspirin, but maybe he should stop at Walgreen's and get some of those bendable straws. But then he figured he could just ask for a bunch before they left.

Jon finished his sandwich and bought another Diet Coke for Luke, then headed back to the room. As he approached the room, Jon saw a tall, blonde-haired man at the foot of Luke's bed. He hadn't seen this doctor before. He walked into the room and stood a few feet from Luke's bed..

"Oh, here he is," said Luke.

The man turned and regarded Jon. Jon looked at him and drew a sharp breath. He almost dropped the Coke. The man had Luke's eyes, or rather, Luke had his eyes. There was no question this was Luke's father. Jon felt uneasy.

"Jon, this is my father, Greg."

"I know. Uh, I mean, I'm happy to meet you." Jon set the Coke on the table and quickly wiped his hand on his jeans. He shook hands with him.

"Likewise," said Greg. "You are the one who called me, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for doing that." He turned back to Luke. "I should be getting home to your mother, now that I know you're okay. Call me when you get home."

"I will. Say hello to mom for me."

"All right. Good night, Luke. Nice meeting you, Jon."

Luke's father left and Jon just stood in somewhat of a daze. He gave Luke the Coke. "Well, how did that go?"

"Okay, I guess. I told him everything--I wasn't about to hold back. He hasn't been a part of my life for almost ten years, so why should I care? I told him you and I love each other, we're committed and devoted, and we're very happy. I said if he and mom couldn't handle it, they'll just have to forget about me and live their lives their own way. At least he didn't start with his religious crap or any of that."

"I'm sorry. I shoulda never called him."

"No, I think you did the right thing. He did seem concerned about me. After all, I'm their first-born, and deep down I think he cares. I'll call him later and see how he is. I don't hate him, you know. After all, he is my father."

"I know, but I didn't mean to stress you out. I didn't think he'd even come here. I'm sorry if it upset you."

"It didn't, really. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and I'm glad we're past that hurdle. At least now he knows where I stand. The ball's in his court, but I'm not at all sure he wants to play the game. Whatever. We're no worse off than we were before."

"I know. God, the second I saw him I knew he was your father."

"Yeah, we don't look a lot alike, but the eyes give it away."

"Did you eat dinner?"

"No, it's still here. My dad came in a few minutes after you left. I haven't had a chance."

"Well, eat. I'll just watch TV."

Jon flipped through the channels and settled on a sitcom. Luke picked through his dinner and wound up eating most of it. They watched the TV together for a while before Luke spoke.

"Will you help me to the can again?"

"Sure."

The ordeal went easier this time, partly because they knew the drill, and partly because Luke was feeling better. Luke got back into the bed and covered up. He hit the PCA button.

"You should be getting home, Jon. We're gonna have a busy day tomorrow."

"I know. I can't wait to get you in your own bed."

"Don't get too many ideas. I'm still an invalid."

"I don't mean that--I just want you at home where I can take care of you and have you to myself."

"So go home, go to sleep, and when you wake up it'll be The Day. I hope it will, at least."

"Okay, I'll see you in the morning. I love you."

They kissed for a longer time than usual. Finally Jon stood, gave Luke one last kiss, and left the room. Luke closed his eyes and thought about being back home. Jon got into the car and headed out.

When Jon got to Luke's he let himself in and surveyed the living room. He moved the coffee table away from the couch to make more maneuvering room. He went into the bedroom, stripped the bed and made it with fresh linens, then picked up the sheets and a couple of articles of clothing, and put them in the hamper. Jon looked in the closet and found a pair of Dockers and a short-sleeved shirt that buttoned in front. He went to the dresser and got a pair of socks and boxers, then found an overnight bag and placed the clothes inside. Jon went to the living room and tossed the bag on the couch, and went to survey the contents of the refrigerator and freezer. There seemed to be enough food for two or three days since Luke had shopped with Cathy last Saturday afternoon. Satisfied, Jon picked up the bag and left. When he got to his car he tossed the overnight bag on the back seat and headed home.

When he got to his building, Jon got his mail and decided to take the elevator--he was too worn out to tackle the stairs. He opened his door and walked into his living room. He stood for a minute, just staring at the walls. God, he thought, what was happening? He felt like his life was out of control. Just a couple of days ago everything was good. He and Luke were happy and carefree, planning their lives together. Then some bastards, who they didn't even know, came close to murdering the most important person in Jon's life. Jon sat heavily on the couch and sighed. He closed his eyes and envisioned Luke. His thick black hair, his blue eyes, the way his lips and eyebrows moved when he talked. That was one of the things Jon loved watching. Luke had a way of moving his lips and eyes when he talked that Jon found fascinating. It probably wasn't apparent to most people, but it captivated Jon. He forced himself to get up and undress, got into bed and hoped he'd sleep soon. He did.

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