Fic: Neither Rhyme Nor Reason (4/9)
Title: Neither Rhyme Nor Reason (4/9)
Author: gradgirl (aka Ali)
Rating: PG-13 (eventually NC-17)
Characters/Pairings: Luke/Reid eventually
Summary: When it comes to love, neither rhyme nor reason need apply.
Warnings: Based upon this prompt.
Author’s Notes: Written for a prompt by gypsieheart . Hope you enjoy it. And a huge thank you to cherimola for beta work and listening to my whining. Comments are appreciated and loved. Thank you ~Ali
Previous Chapters: { One} { Two} { Three}
Chapter Four
Luke and Reid made a point of not being alone together. There were architects, Bob, and of course Katie, to keep them company and prevent the two men from killing each other. Bob and Katie, in particular, tried to keep the two men in check. The first two architects left within ten minutes, not wanting to be caught between the battle that invariably started to brew between the guys.
Reid drove Luke crazy. They argued over every little thing, and Luke sometimes wondered if the doctor did it on purpose. Worst of all, Luke was left with so many doubts and questions about why and how Reid could get to him the way he did. If the younger man allowed himself, he would know what he was feeling, but he’d never stop long enough to do so. And Luke felt like Reid knew exactly what Luke was thinking, what he was feeling, almost daring the blonde to say it. But part of who they were wouldn’t allow Luke to give Reid the satisfaction.
The doctor sighed heavily. His assistant, Martha, had just informed him that Luke Snyder was scheduled to see him later that day. Luke wasn’t the only one who made sure they weren’t alone together. Sometimes Reid would use the excuse of a surgery in order to avoid meeting with the younger man to discuss patient rooms or why Reid needed a particular piece of equipment. “Email was working so good for us,” the redhead muttered and silently prayed for an emergency surgery.
The doctor wasn’t so lucky.
A few hours later, Luke had walked into Reid’s office. The blonde’s hair looked more disheveled than usual. Reid refused to ask if Luke had slept well. Reid hadn’t been sleeping well since they met, because of the man in front of him and his ridiculous hair. He’d never noticed anyone’s hair as much as he did Luke’s.
I’ve got to get laid.
“Uh, hi…” Luke said. He handed Reid a coffee cup. “Caramel latte. You seemed to like mine so I thought… Is that all right?” he checked and almost knocked over the cup, as he reached up and ran his fingers through his hair a few times.
Staring at the long fingers for a moment, watching them disappear into Luke’s dark blonde locks, Reid wondered if Luke’s hair was as soft as it looked.
“Dr. Oliver?” The younger man’s head tilted slightly to the right as he checked on Reid.
“What do you want?” the redhead questioned.
Luke noted the push from Reid, but he felt the need to pull himself closer. “Dr. Oliver, if you’re busy-which I know you’re not, because I triple-checked with Martha-then we can reschedule. But you do need to talk to me.”
“Now what? You want to give every patient a lollipop and teddy bear.”
The younger man snickered. “No, but that’s an idea worth considering.”
“No it’s not,” Reid said immediately. His voice was cool, almost bored. He didn’t want to be engaged by Luke.
The blonde couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll just write it down,” he offered helpfully.
“Why?” Reid demanded, taking a sip of the coffee. It tasted good and the afternoon was wearing on him. Normally, the doctor would have savored it, but something was missing. It didn’t taste like the one that had been Luke’s.
“If nothing else, it’ll annoy you to no end,” the younger man’s voice was deceptively innocent.
Despite himself, Reid smiled. It was something he would do. “Of course. So what are you buttering me up for today?”
“Well, Katie is going to want to do a story about the wing. She and Brad did a show together and many of the viewers… They miss him. We all do and well…” He picked up a pen and started to tap it against the desk. “There will be other interviews and while I want to give you everything you want-”
Reid had been caught in Luke’s comment about giving Reid what he wanted, and more than a few things came to the doctor’s mind. He shook his head; he couldn’t afford to be distracted by Luke. He would end up with a hot pink office if he wasn’t careful. And the doctor made a mental note to check the size of his new office. He felt uncomfortably close to Luke. If nothing else, he needed a bigger desk. He could actually see little flecks of gold in Luke’s hazel eyes.
“We’ll need more investors. Worldwide-well my grandmother, Lucinda, actually-promised a sizeable donation, but costs are skyrocketing.”
Reid swallowed thickly and his eyes traveled from Luke’s mouth to his throat. The doctor wished Luke would stop wearing those button-down shirts. His fingers itched, watching to touch him, feel the chest hair, press a kiss to the spot where his neck and shoulder meet.
“Look, I want this project to succeed and I’m going to do everything I can, but…” The tapping continued. “I know how it looks. I know what people think when they see me, and I think we need to look at other possible investors.”
The doctor reached out and grabbed Luke’s hand. The tapping stopped, but Reid didn’t let go.
“And um…” Luke took a deep breath, but it didn’t help. His heart started to beat erratically and his breath came out in pants. “You’ll have to be there with me, but we need to make a good impression.”
“I’m not a show pony,” Reid noted. His grip loosened slightly but his palm was still pressed against the back of Luke’s hand.
“Yes, but since I know you… I think it’s best if I do all the talking.”
The doctor finally let go of Luke’s hand. His mouth opened, ready to argue, because that was his first instinct whenever it came to Luke Snyder: argue or kiss him. The latter wasn’t an option. Reid wasn’t sure what it was about Luke that did this to him. He usually didn’t spend enough time with someone to argue constantly. Reid attributed it to the fact that Luke brought out the schoolboy in him.
“I’m generally not in the habit of repeating myself, Mr. Snyder, but I am not a show pony.”
“I know, but… You send me these massive emails full of this jargon. I’ve bought three medical dictionaries and I still…” He shrugged and reached for the pen again. He didn’t tap it, but his gaze met Reid’s for a moment. “What?”
Reid shook his head. “Nothing, I’m a little impressed actually, you’re doing research.”
“Well, what did you expect, Dr. Oliver?” Luke questioned. He was a little defensive. “You’re extremely busy; I’m not going to text you at midnight with a question about a cervical axial curette. I can just imagine your response.” He rolled his eyes.
“Mr. Snyder, if you want people to stop viewing you as child, don’t make assumptions about them, and keep doing your research. Come prepared to every interview, every meeting. Know the person better then he knows himself.”
“Find his weakness and exploit it,” Luke finished, tossing his pen. “You sound like both Lucinda and Damian. Lucinda is formidable.”
Reid knew who Lucinda was from his previous assumption about her being the benefactor. “Who’s Damian?”
“Damian Grimaldi…my biological father.”
The doctor briefly recalled Luke mentioning the source of the funding for his foundation was his biological father. Reid didn’t make the connection until now. He had to be better, more careful in the future. Normally, Reid would have done extensive research on Luke, as he did for his first trip to Oakdale. But Reid didn’t want to get to know Luke, and Katie had a way of keeping him informed. Mostly, Reid learned what he needed to from the young man himself. “Luke Snyder?”
“Luciano Eduardo Grimaldi,” Luke said the name slowly. The coldness in his voice made Reid think Luke was talking about another person, some stranger, someone he hated. “I am Luke Snyder. Damian…” He shook his head. “How do I describe my biological father? I wanted him to love me, but I hate him for the damage he has done to my family.”
“I think you just did,” Reid noted softly.
“I want to be taken seriously; I don’t want to manipulate people to get what I want.”
Reid snorted.
“What?” Luke questioned, his voice full of hurt.
“You already do. The coffee.” He nodded to the cup sitting on his desk.
“I was being nice,” the blonde argued.
“Idle threats so I’ll respond to an email.”
“Natalie loves unicorns.”
Reid shook his head and leaned in closer. “I think it makes you a shrewd businessman. What’s wrong with that? Lucinda Walsh is-”
“Alone,” Luke finished. He didn’t mean for it to come out like that, but all his friends were in relationships. He spent his time with Katie, but that wasn’t the same. Now, Luke would be working on this project and spending all of his time with Dr. Oliver.
“Success doesn’t mean you have to be alone, Mr. Snyder,” Reid reminded him and wondered why they were talking about everything but the neuro. wing.
“You’re the best neurosurgeon in the country and the only people in your life are Katie and Jacob.”
“The kid’s good company, and aren’t you here to give me a personality or make me less offensive so you can be a success?”
“You’re right,” the blonde said quietly. “I’m not any better… I’m sorry, Dr. Oliver.” He stood up and headed for the door.
“That’s all you got?” the doctor called after him.
Luke hesitated for a moment. He didn’t want to look back, because he knew that Reid was going to bait him, but it felt like the doctor was actually trying to help, which didn’t make any sense either. A smile tugged at his lips, but Luke didn’t want to give in, he didn’t want to feel better, he didn’t want… Reid.
The doctor moved quickly, his chair scrapping against the floor, a loud echo in the small room. In a few strides, he was facing Luke’s back. He saw the blonde reaching for the doorknob and Reid’s hand came up. He slammed the door shut, and the force pushed his body into Luke’s. His breath came out in hot pants against the younger man’s neck.
“Dr. Oliver,” Luke’s voice was strangled, and then he turned in the cocoon of Reid’s arms. His eyes widened slightly, an awareness of how close they were.
For some reason, the doctor didn’t make any indication he intended to move. They were about the same height, and yet Reid seemed to tower over the younger man. “What?” Reid asked, his gaze locking on the blonde’s mouth. “What, Mr. Snyder?” his voice was soft, almost a plea.
“We need to get you a bigger office.”
Reid smirked and his head ducked down as he went to move away. His forehead briefly brushed against Luke’s and Reid finally learned that yes, the younger man’s hair was as soft as it looked. The doctor went back to his chair, taking a sip of the cold coffee. He needed to do something, so he could forget about soft hair and hot breath and the absurd desire for something he couldn’t have.
“Is that all, Mr. Snyder?” Reid asked, knowing the answer before Luke even opened his mouth. The younger man said more with his eyes then anyone Reid had ever met.
“We need to loosen you up,” Luke reluctantly admitted.
The older man snorted in response. Of the two of them, Luke seemed the most wound up, but Reid didn’t want to express what he thought Luke really needed, mostly because he was the man who wanted to give it to him.
“I know, Dr. Oliver… You’re brilliant. We all get that, but when you act all condescending-”
“It’s not an act,” Reid cut him off. “I do know more than you.”
“You want the Snyder Pavilion to have everything you want?” Luke checked, raising an eyebrow, but he continued on before Reid could respond. “Then just once, listen to me. We need more money. We need other investors. And if you come in like…well, you…not everyone is going to be so easily charmed.”
“Since when has anything between us been easy? You’re just doing this for Katie,” the doctor replied. He refused to acknowledge or even hope that Luke might like him in some capacity. Reid shook his head at the thought. Who cares if he likes me?
“Well, fine, I can do most of the talking, but they’re going to want to meet you. They’ll want to know whom they’re investing in.”
“The best neurosurgeon in the country.”
Luke sighed heavily. He knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but every time he tried to speak, Reid cut him off. “Could you just sit there and smile?” the younger man checked.
The doctor did as he was told. His grin was huge and his eyes bulged out.
Luke laughed instantly. “You look like the Joker. Have you been reading those comic books I gave you?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Reid quickly lost his grin. He had done it to annoy the younger man, not make him laugh. And he wasn’t about to admit that yes, he still had the comic books, even read a couple. When he saw that some were very old, he didn’t know what to do with them. They were sitting on a box in his closet, mocking him every time he pulled out a shirt in the morning.
“Just relax…” Luke continued. Reid hadn’t responded, but he could see the turmoil on the doctor’s face. “We’ll get the money. But… I’ve seen you, the way you look at Katie, just think about her during these meetings.”
Reid’s eyes narrowed slightly. He thought he had made himself perfectly clear with Luke, he wasn’t interested in Katie. The redhead briefly shook his head in disgust. “Mr. Snyder-”
The younger man got up and quickly walked around Reid’s desk. The doctor found himself automatically turning toward Luke, and the blonde crouched down. Luke’s hands came up and his thumbs pressed into Reid’s cheeks, working the older man’s mouth into a gentle smile. Leaning back, trying to get a better view of his work, Luke found himself smiling in return. His hands had yet to leave Reid’s face, and Luke said, “You have a nice smile. It’s a little quirky actually.”
For once, Reid found himself without a quick response. He sat there, staring at Luke, his cheeks feeling the warmth of Luke’s hands on his face. Luke’s gaze wavered slightly, focusing on Reid’s mouth and he started to lean in closer. Reid quickly pulled away.
“Are we done?” the doctor questioned, his voice was a little scratchy.
Luke assumed the angry part of their relationship had returned again. “Y-yeah. I guess we are.”
“Good I have real work to do. Set up these meetings. I’ll show up and smile, kiss their rings and genuflect if that’s what you want, but…” He took a breath, still feeling the warmth and the inescapable pull of Luke against his skin. “Good-bye, Mr. Snyder.”
Luke scrambled up and went back to get his bag. He shoved his notes and pen in quickly. “Right. Good-bye, Dr. Oliver.” He raced out of the office and made it barely two feet, before he had to lean against the wall for support. Why does this keep happening?
With a shake of his head, he tried to once again assure himself that…
It’s nothing.
*
Katie offered to coach Reid for Luke. The younger man didn’t want to spend any more time with him then necessary, and the times they did spend together… Well, it didn’t matter, Luke decided.
Luke had insisted, though, that they practice what they would say before meeting any investors. Reid was dubious, but the younger man reminded Reid that they would need more money to meet all of the doctor’s specifications. Katie was there to act as a referee of sorts. Her efforts with the doctor seemed to pay off. Luke didn’t want to hit him and only had to try to shut him up a half dozen times. Luke expected at least a full dozen.
Jacob’s crying interrupted one of their practice sessions. “Now, boys, can you behave yourselves for five minutes?” she checked before leaving the room.
They both looked at her without responding, and they sat in silence for a couple of moments.
“I, uh, I actually think we could do this,” Luke told Reid, trying to fill the oppressive silence.
The doctor opened his mouth and was about to disagree, but then he realized, “Yes, I suppose so.” He turned slightly, looking at the younger man.
A smile tugged at Luke’s lips and Reid found himself drawn to the mouth, before his gaze met Luke’s. Reid turned away when he saw the awareness in Luke’s eyes, as though the younger man realized what Reid had been doing, or worse, all the thoughts he had about the blonde.
Jacob’s cries had died down and then Reid’s beeper went off. Both men jumped and the redhead reached for it. “9-1-1. I have to go,” he announced.
Luke stood up as well. He didn’t know what he was supposed to; maybe try to get out of Reid’s way, but the doctor’s shoulder brushed across Luke’s chest as he made his way past. Luke’s breath caught in his throat. Even the simplest of touches sent every nerve ending in Luke’s body at attention.
“Uh, g-go-good luck,” the younger man called out after him. He almost waved but thinking better of it, he shoved his hand into his pocket.
Reid’s hand was on the door. He tossed a look over his shoulder at Luke. “I don’t need luck, Mr. Snyder. I’m the best,” he told the blonde and left.
“Like I need a reminder,” Luke muttered to himself.
“Where’s Reid?” Katie asked. She came back holding Jacob. She had hoped the baby would hinder her need to act as a referee.
Luke jumped slightly. “Oh, emergency surgery. It could be awhile. We should probably wrap up the planning session for today.”
“Okay.” She smiled. “I’m really glad you’re doing this.”
He shook his head. “I should be thanking you. Dr. Oliver was…” his voice trailed off, and he nervously ran his fingers through his hair. “Well, you did a good job with him. What did you threaten him with to get him to behave?”
Katie chuckled softly. “We actually get along, which surprises me about you,” she noted.
“What?” he asked, the suspicion clouding his voice.
“Luke, you get along with everybody. What is it about Reid that makes you so…” She shook her head. “It’s not like you. And as far as a threat, I didn’t have to do anything, really. Reid and I were talking and, you know, this neurology wing is very important to him as well. He wants to make it the best. He really cares about his patients. Sometimes when he comes home, I can tell…” Katie stopped herself, she didn’t want to gossip about Reid. And she had a feeling the doctor would be angry with her for discussing him and the reactions he has to some of patients, especially the ones who have complications or as the case the other day, when one had died.
Luke was eager to know more, to hear what Katie wasn’t saying, but he knew better then to push. Besides, Luke honestly wasn’t sure why he wanted to know about Dr. Oliver: to make it easier to work with him or the desire to know everything.
*
Lucinda helped Luke and Reid set up meetings with investors. The first one went surprising well and both men were grateful. Reid didn’t want to continue to be trotted out for display, and Luke hated spending any time alone with the doctor. Reid generally insulted early-most people were insufferable anyway-but it was always easier to cut his losses and walk away. Luke always made Reid want to come back for more, and yet the constant rejection was wearing.
After the first investor left and both men realized that the meeting had gone well they turned to each other. Luke almost reached out to hug Reid, but at the last moment Luke jumped out of his chair, knocking it over. He apologized and left as though there was a fire at his feet. Reid was getting used to his attraction, but the annoyance that it couldn’t go anywhere was wearing on him, and the skittish reaction Luke had to Reid was beginning to hurt.
Now, they were waiting for their next investment meeting. Reid had seen enough of the Lakeview lounge to know he didn’t want to dine there again. And they couldn’t even eat; Luke had insisted that they not have food. He didn’t want the investors to spend more time than necessary with Reid. When Reid had suggested ordering a drink Luke had said that was an even worse idea then food.
“Why?” Reid demanded. “You’re not my mom, why the hell do you keep-”
“I’m an alcoholic,” the blonde ground out. “I won’t be able to stop at one drink and you’re a pompous ass sober. With a little alcohol in you,” Luke began, “I can only imagine how quickly you would insult the investor.”
“I don’t need alcohol to be insulting,” Reid noted, without commenting on Luke’s alcoholism.
“So I’ve noticed,” the blonde replied dryly. “And…” He glanced over to Reid, observing the doctor was straightening the silverware. “Thank you for not asking me a lot of questions about my drinking.”
“But you don’t drink,” Reid said, his voice appearing innocent, but Luke knew otherwise.
“Anyway-”
“Mr. Snyder?” a middle-aged gentleman with salt and pepper hair was standing in front of the table. “I’m Allen Hale.”
Luke went to stand up, and he placed his hand on top of Reid’s to stop his movements. “Yes,” Luke said, holding out his free hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Hale. This is Dr. Reid Oliver; he will be running the Snyder Pavilion.”
The man spared a glance at Reid, who was still sitting. Allen couldn’t help but notice that Luke’s hand was resting on top of the doctor’s. Allen grimaced slightly and made a move to sit down. Luke followed suit.
“Well,” Luke began, “we have a copy of the proposal, including plans, I am sure you-”
“Mr. Snyder, I think you should know that I have had Dr. Oliver thoroughly investigated, and now seeing the two of you together, I cannot condone this type of behavior.”
Reid leaned back in his chair. He had a bad feeling about this meeting, but he attributed it to the close proximity to Mr. Snyder and the young man’s constant need to touch Reid. But then Mr. Hale arrived. Reid didn’t keep anything in his life secret. He was an excellent doctor, so he knew that this investor must have been referring to his personal life. Reid had a few choice words for Mr. Hale, but he didn’t want to give Luke more ammunition for these meetings where Reid was just supposed to sit there and smile.
Well, if that’s what you want, Mr. Snyder…
“Excuse me?” Luke questioned. He hadn’t realized his hand was still on Reid’s.
“It’s disgusting,” Allen replied.
“What is wrong with helping people?” Luke sputtered and his hand moved slightly, feeling the redhead’s knuckles and Luke realized… “Do you have a problem with someone being gay?”
Reid was once again noticing the pronouns Luke used and didn’t even acknowledge the fact that Reid was gay. The doctor wasn’t sure if that bothered Luke, especially in light of the blonde’s friendship with Noah and paying all of his hospital expenses.
“It’s immoral and revolting,” Allen continued. “I had hoped the report was mistaken, but seeing the two of you-” He stopped and the man’s face contorted, not bothering to hide his distain. “You will most certainly not be getting any money from me, and to think of that foundation and all of those children you… Mr. Snyder-”
“No, Mr. Hale, you don’t get to speak,” Luke cut him off. “I’m not certain what you think is going on here, but it is none of your damn business, either. And if you think we want anything to do with you and your disgusting ideas, then you can think again.”
Reid felt his stomach clench. He had hoped that maybe, just maybe, Mr. Snyder would defend him. Instead, Luke seemed to be focused on setting the record straight, as it were.
“Reid Oliver is the best neurosurgeon in the country! Memorial and Oakdale are lucky that he even considered bringing his skill and talent here. If he is gay, it is none of your damn business and it has no bearing on who he is as a doctor and surgeon. And if you want to go around announcing to the world your bigoted thoughts and misinformation, you will be sued for slander. Now get out.”
Allen started to stand up. “Mr. Snyder-”
“And if I were gay, it doesn’t have any bearing on how I run my foundation. I’m glad to know Reid Oliver and if you weren’t such an ass you would realize how lucky we are to have him.”
Mr. Hale simply walked out. He couldn’t bear the thought of being around these men.
Luke immediately turned to Reid. “I-I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have-” The rest of Luke’s sentence was cut off by Reid standing up as well. The doctor didn’t say anything, but simply walked in the direction of the bathroom.
Luke sat for a moment, wondering what he had done wrong now. He picked up the proposals, tossed them in his bag, and went in search of Reid.
The doctor couldn’t catch his breath. He’d never had anyone stand up for him. Most people tried to dismiss him and his ideas as part of his brilliance. His parents ignored the fact that he was gay, and his uncle didn’t even speak to him. While Reid didn’t hide who he was, there were still moments, times of hesitancy, when he would try to check another person, to detect if he or she was uncomfortable with who Reid was.
Luke was always uncomfortable around him; Reid knew that, and he knew it was because Reid was gay. But Luke wasn’t a bigot; it was because the air shifted the moment they were alone together and it made Luke uncomfortable. Reid wanted Luke to give in, because the blonde was driving him crazy. He thought if they could get whatever was between them out of their system, then it would be fine. Reid could move on, but he wasn’t sure how they were supposed to work together afterwards. The redhead could separate his heart and his head from sex, but everything about Luke Snyder screamed relationship.
Turning on the water, Reid reached under the faucet, and formed a cup with his hands. He glanced at himself in the mirror, and he splashed some of the water on his face.
“Dr. Oliver!” Luke exclaimed when he finally found Reid. “I am so sorry.”
Reid blindly reached for the faucet, some of the water splashed on his shirt and pants before he could turn off the faucet. “It’s fine, Mr. Snyder.”
Luke’s shoulders slumped. “No, it’s not.” He dropped his bag on the floor and reached for one of the hand towels. “You shouldn’t-” He hastily shook his head. With the towel in his right hand, Luke started to pat Reid’s face. His left hand came up, cupping the doctor’s cheek in his hand. “I can’t believe that jerk, and you know it’s not all right. I had no idea Allen Hale was such a…” He continued to pat Reid, moving down his chest, his left hand still holding the doctor’s face. “He’s disgusting, talking about you like that, thinking we were…” Luke hesitated, his hands stilled and his eyes met Reid’s. “Not that being gay is gross, or if we were to have a relationship… It wouldn’t be… Wrong… I mean, I’m sure it would be nice. You’re… And we could… Well, it would… You know…”
“You’re babbling, Mr. Snyder,” Reid finally cut him off. He wasn’t sure exactly where Luke was going with this conversation, but he was having difficulty concentrating as well. Reid couldn’t think with the younger man constantly touching him and talking about what kind of relationship they would have. Reid knew exactly what he wanted out of Luke Snyder.
“I know.” Luke sighed and his hand moved off of Reid’s chest. “I just hate that there are people out there that would judge you…” The younger man’s thumb moved across Reid’s cheek. “They should meet you first, know that you’re annoying-”
Reid chuckled. “Thank you, for what you said. There are a lot of people like Mr. Hale, this won’t be the first or the last time, I’m sure. You didn’t have to, but I appreciate what you said.”
“Of course I had to,” Luke insisted, his thumb still working across the doctor’s face. “I… I couldn’t…” His gaze wandered to Reid’s mouth and saw the doctor’s tongue dart out for a moment. Luke’s eyes watched, wanting to follow, to explore Reid’s mouth as Reid’s tongue slipped back in, and when Luke felt the need to explore, he abruptly let go.
“You couldn’t what?” Reid questioned.
Luke moved toward the counter and put the towel down. “I couldn’t let him say those things to you.”
“Why?” the doctor stood perfectly still, but his fingers itched to touch him, and despite his best efforts, his left hand twitched a little. “Why?”
“Because it was wrong. He was wrong,” Luke said. “I’m sorry to have wasted your time today. I’m sure you have patients. Good-bye, Dr. Oliver.” He bent down to pick up his bag and rushed out of the bathroom.
By now, Reid was used to the quick getaways, but he hated them. “Good-bye, Mr. Snyder,” he murmured. He glanced down at the forgotten towel and left the bathroom as well. Luke was long gone.
*
Holden was a little surprised to see Luke’s car at the farm. His son came by to help whenever he could, but Luke had thrown himself into this new project, and Holden rarely saw him. Heading out to the barn, he heard the scrapping of the hay and a low grunt. The older man waited, watching Luke work, putting so much force into the job that Holden was concerned Luke would hurt himself.
“Luke?”
The blonde dropped the bale in his hand, and it scraped against his legs. He swore under his breath before turning to Holden. “Hi, dad. Thought I’d just help out a little.”
“Well, I appreciate it and I’m sure grandma does too, but you don’t need to hurt yourself.” He crossed his arms over his chest and walked further into the barn. “You want to tell me what’s bothering you.”
Luke’s breath came out in pants for a moment. “What makes you think anything is bothering me?”
“Because whenever I get upset and I can’t punch someone in the face, I come out here and take it out on the hay.”
The blonde smiled. “Dr. Oliver-”
“Ah,” Holden replied. “Luke, why do you put up with that man? He obviously upsets you.”
“No, well, yeah, Dr. Oliver is annoying, but there’s no one like him. He’s the best, and we need the best.”
It was the same argument Holden heard about Dr. Oliver, and he had yet to meet the doctor, but Holden wasn’t looking forward to that day, either.
“But that’s not why I’m here.” Luke moved and sat down heavily on one of the bales. “We had a meeting today. One of the investors… He thought Dr. Oliver and I were together, and…” His hand came up and he tugged on at his shirt. “Dad, the things he said. The judgment and hatred…” Luke shook his head. “I loathe that he was judging Dr. Oliver. How can you have such an absolute disgust for someone, because of who he’s attracted to?”
Holden moved so he could sit down next to Luke. “I don’t know, son. But unfortunately, there are bigots out there. You have to know that I love you, unconditionally.”
Luke turned and gave his father a quizzical grin. That wasn’t really the point of his coming to the farm. “I know, dad, but where are you going with this?”
Holden took a moment, trying to find the words to comfort his son and let Luke know… “You would never face that kind of hatred, not from any of us.”
“I know.” Luke offered his dad a grateful smile. “I just hate that Dr. Oliver… I was more angry then he was, it was as though he expected… But why should he?”
“Well, he could have experienced prejudice before. His parents… Luke, if you…” Holden stood up. He had had some concerns, some ideas when Luke was in high school, but then he started drinking and then Luke began dating Maddie. After struggling through college, and finally quitting, there was so much that Holden was concerned about. He had pushed away these ideas, instead focusing on how best to help his son and whatever current problem the young man faced. “Luke, just know that you wouldn’t face that from any of us. You can tell me anything and it wouldn’t mean I would love you any less.”
Luke stood up. His legs and back were a little sore and he stretched for a moment. “I know, dad, I just… I just want to get this done.”
“Sure,” Holden replied. “Do you want some help?” he offered.
“No,” the blonde insisted. “I think I need work this out on my own.”
*
Reid slammed the door shut when he got home. He stormed into the kitchen and started pulling out ingredients for one of his sandwiches. Katie, who had just put Jacob down for a nap, came out to see what all the noise was about.
“So I take it the latest investor meeting didn’t go well?” she checked.
He glared at her for a moment. “Why can’t Mr. Snyder ever leave anything alone?” he demanded, while absently putting together a sandwich. “He just never knows when to stop.”
“It’s because he cares,” Katie replied reasonably. They’d had this same discussion before, but it had been a while, and Katie honestly thought the two men were getting along better now. “You know after Brad died, I wanted to die, too, but Luke was there. He pushed me, made sure I got out of bed, went to work, and looked after Jacob. He’s been helping me to heal.”
Reid’s hands stilled, looking down at the counter. “You have a relationship,” he said, as though that was the difference between him and Luke. Reid didn’t have relationships.
“Yes, because we’re family, and more than that, Luke and I are friends.”
“Just friends,” the doctor said, he couldn’t stop himself from checking.
Katie chuckled as though the idea were ridiculous. “I care about Luke, but…” Another laugh worked its way past her lips. “You don’t think that there’s more between Luke and me, do you?”
He knew that Luke was attracted to him, but the blonde did everything he could not to acknowledge it. Reid did wonder if maybe Luke would push himself toward Katie. “He talks about you,” Reid said. “A lot.”
“Maybe, but when I’m with Luke all he does is talk about you.”
Reid’s eyes flashed wide for a moment and he turned to Katie. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what exactly Luke said to her, but he couldn’t. Mr. Snyder always brought out the adolescent in him.
“Why does Luke get to you so much?” she questioned. “He’s building this wing to all of your specifications. He’s giving up a large sum of money, trying to find investors, doing all of the research, all for you, so that this wing will be perfect.”
Luke didn’t want anything from Reid. That hurt of course, but until the younger man realized… “He’s building the wing for you,” Reid countered.
Katie shook her head. “You know, if I didn’t know any better I would think you’re jealous.”
Reid went back to his sandwich, suddenly finding it the most fascinating thing in the world.
She gasped and then, “Oh, my God!” she let out a squeal. “Dr. Oliver!”
“I need a drink,” Reid announced. Leaving his sandwich and all the ingredients sitting on the counter, he grabbed his jacket and raced out of the apartment.
Katie couldn’t stop herself from smiling. She went over to the counter and Reid’s forgotten sandwich and started to clean up the mess. “Reid and Luke,” she murmured to herself and let out another chuckle. “It’s actually…not a completely ridiculous idea.”
-------------------------------------------------
So is Katie figured it out. Reid has an idea. When will Luke know? And the name of the investor was the same name of the father in the play from Off the Stage. Anyone pick up on that? ~Ali
P.S. Happy (early) Birthday to alissablue!
P.P.S. Since Sunday is Easter, I will post Chapter 5 on Saturday.
Onto Chapter Five...