VANCE STREET by Mike Austin
nasstop@yahoo.com
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XXIX.
Wednesday morning, rain, the alarm went off, the guys rose, dressed and headed out. Unlike other days, Ivan asked to be dropped off at work and that they'd talk later. Tim headed off to get the Peters and then to the hospital for the morning ICU visit. On arrival, they learned Alex had already been moved and was back in his last room 1221. Dave sent a text to Ivan relaying the good news and wondering if he was coming up to visit? Ivan thanked him for the update and he'd be there but later.
Ivan shared the good news with the Company team and headed into a fund raiser planning session. John announced at the opening of the planning session, the good news about Alex AND that the birthday party program had netted donations from all the attendee parents, a total of mid 5 figure range and that everyone should be proud. Applause went up and John encouraged Ivan to stand for further recognition, who then he sat down just as quickly. He was stunned. The planning session concluded, John set about meeting with Ivan about future the show schedule and his thoughts about a road show series. It was still early in the planning cycle, but "it's never too soon to start this" John ended and walked Ivan to his office door, "oh and by the way, you and Alex will split a $2750 bonus."
Ivan admitted to himself that he really had no clue what he was doing next or first or at a point in the future, so he returned to his office, stunned by the bonus and sat a few moments before his office phone began ringing. There were budgets to review, young student dancers to evaluate for their Fall student program, the first show of the season, all things Alex did but now fell to Ivan. Grace rang him with calendar questions about vendor meetings that extended out until October; it was still June he thought. It then struck him that Dr. Markel had told Ivan that Alex's recovery would happen, but it would take a long time. This was his show to run for the interim, he realized.
He reflected on Dr. Markel. His cell went off with more texts from Towns, MaryAnn and Gary. The queue was filling up and his head was spinning. He needed a break. Dance, it had always helped him focus and would do so again. He left for the staging area, changed into his gear, selected a jazz piece; Benny Goodman's "Sing Sing Sing" and hit the audio to high, making the walls reverberate. The music attracted passers-by, students and staff as they sneaked into the wings and opened doors into the staging area to find Ivan spinning, leaping, bent over, crawling and back up literally flying from one side of the area to the other, back and forth, near the mirrored wall and backing away from it. He'd selected the long version which challenged him to over 10 minutes of exertion. When done, the assembled watchers applauded and Ivan bowed, then hit the shower. He'd not danced for others, but for himself. As he stepped from the changing area, Alexi was waiting for him. "That was old school but pretty impressive stuff still" Alexi remarked then added "maybe we could jive dance a duet sometime?" Ivan paused, "perhaps we could build a show around "Swing Time" if you're interested" then left Alexi standing in the open area. It was 2:00 and the cafeteria was closed. He went to the beverage bar, sleuthed about and picked an apple, some nuts, popcorn and bottled water, taking them back to his office. Once eaten, he thought again of Dr. Markel, though this time not professionally but physically. The intercom interrupted his reverie. Dan needed him to sign off on some paperwork and was leaving in 15 minutes and wondered if Ivan could come to his office right then? Ivan made his way to the HR Dept and Dan's office. After some pleasantries, Dan produced the file and sticky arrows that defined the various pages requiring Ivan's signatures. Dan gathered his file, another folder and stuffed them in his tote, made his farewell to Ivan and HR staff then headed out. Ivan returned to his office. It was 3:00. He gathered stuff off his desk, emailed Grace and John, advised them he was heading out to go visit Alex and the family and would see them Thursday. Going down the long hall, he thought about Tim, but decided on a cab. He'd stored Shelley's cab contact, pulled up the directory, hit speed dial and placed a request. The dispatcher advised 10 minutes, so Ivan made small talk with Shelley as he waited. The cab appeared, Ivan gave the hospital as the destination and in no time, they were stopped at the curb. Ivan realized he was lost in thought during the ride. Lost in thought about Dr. James Markel. Somewhat dazed, Ivan walked to the lobby called the elevator and rode up to 12, turned and went to the last room in the hall, 1221. He breathed deeply, expecting the family or physicians and found Alex awake and alone, replaying the dance program video from Saturday. "Pretty damned fine stuff there buddy" Alex remarked. Ivan nodded thanks and then shared the good news about their shared fund raising bonus. Alex gave Ivan his best high five possible.
Ivan began his inquiry about how Alex was doing, feeling, recovery time, etc. Alex answered to the best of his ability, but went on to add reluctantly, "my real dance days may be over." Ivan dispatched that claim saying "your dance gear is a long way from being retired." They both smiled and Alex mouthed `thank you'. So now tell me about you and Tim, Alex prodded. Ivan blushed a bit and offered back, "well ya know" and grinned. Ivan then asked about Dr. Markel. Alex beamed and replied "hands off he's mine as soon as I'm discharged from his care", and both guys laughed again. They continued their banter and chatting and at 5:00, the family returned and gave Ivan hugs from each. The nurse soon arrived with Alex's soft diet tray. "Ugh" he moaned and they all smiled, then he added "I need real food not that predigested goo." Ivan and the family left to go to dinner after Alex finished his tray and the nurse returned with his meds. They maintained the visit until Alex's meds began to take effect and then they slipped out for their own supper. While waiting for the elevator, Ivan spotted Dr. Markel down the hall, his dick stirred on cue. The elevator opened and they filled it before being whooshed down to the first floor, almost non-stop. Reg was evidently off tonight, as Ivan had overhear a conversation between two nurses saying "that hot Reg was off or else she'd want to work a double", then both giggled. Ivan wondered what lucky piece of tail Reg was getting tonight?
Tim opened the front and rear passenger side doors. Ivan climbed in the front seat, Dave sprinted around to the driver's side passenger door and climbed in as his folks entered the rear passenger side door. "All situated" Tim asked and then "where are we off to tonight folks?" Mr. Peters announced "seafood, I want seafood" and all more or less agreed. "Know just the place, not fancy and bit of a ride, but is worth the trip" Tim spoke and they set off to Deno's Seafood Grill. He pulled up, the riders exited and then he parked the car before joining them as was the usual routine. Standing next to Ivan, while waiting to be seated, Ivan asked Tim what he thought of Dr. Markel then "IF he ever thought of Dr. Markel" with a twinkle in his eye? Tim smiled, his eyes fluttered a bit and nodded yes as they were led away to their table. The place was full and their order took a while, but when it was served, the meal was delicious and not overpriced. They all had Take Home bags and went straight to the hotel as directed by Mrs. Peters who was very tired she announced. After leaving them at the hotel, Tim and Ivan continued their discussion of and comments about Dr. Markel even after arriving at Vance St and the apt. The B&B feeding routine completed, they took their joint shower, snuggled a bit on the loveseat and speculated about Dr. James Markel's torso that was discretely concealed beneath his long white coat. They toyed with each other a bit more then went to bed. Ivan's twin bed was really a challenge for the pair to rest in, and Tim suggested they could spend time at his place and his queen sized bed, but it was in the opposite direction of town. They were both tired and the shower had really relaxed them and encouraged their rest and sleep.