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SERENDIPITY - CHAPTER FOURTEEN
As Katie, carrying a sleeping Jacob in her arms, walked through the entrance to Memorial, she couldn’t help but notice the tall, blond man at the information desk. He was nearly as tall as her late husband Brad. His blond hair was trimmed short. His broad shoulders were every nicely emphasized by a black button down shirt. Katie allowed her eyes to travel lower to the form-fitting blue jeans that hugged his ass in all the right places. He was holding hands with a little blonde girl, about seven or eight, whose green eyes were staring at Katie. When Katie smiled and waved at her, the child smiled shyly before hiding her face against the man’s leg.
“Hello. Could you please direct me to where I may find Dr. Reid Oliver?”
Hearing Reid’s name, Katie’s curiosity was piqued and she found herself interrupting before the receptionist could answer. “Excuse me, you’re looking for Reid?”
He turned away from the receptionist, who was now giving Katie a disgruntled dirty look for capturing the attention of the handsome man.
“Why yes, I am. You know Reid?” Katie lost her train of thought as she gazed into those green eyes that stared back so intently.
“Miss?”
“Oh! Yes, yes I know Reid…We live together.”
“What?! You’re messing with me…Reid lives with a woman?” He said rather incredulously.
“Uhh yeah he does…he lives with me and my son…is that really so hard to believe?”
“Well, yeah. Knowing Reid, it’s quite difficult to believe.” He shakes his head feeling bewildered. “I’m sorry, you seem like a nice enough lady but the Reid I know, or rather the Reid I thought I knew, would never live with anyone, let alone a woman.”
“Well he does live with me, and has done so for just over a month now. He complains some but I know he really enjoys living with us. He’s actually a very good roommate. It’s nice having a doctor in the house.”
“Did you say roommate? Like platonic roommates?”
“Well of course. Exactly how well do you know Reid?” A hint of skepticism in her voice.
“Considering that I’ve known him since we shared a dorm room freshman year, I think I know him quite well. You just had me confused with the whole living together scenario. I wondered if we were talking about the same Reid.”
“Oh God I don’t think the world could handle more than one Reid Oliver…you know rude…arrogant…brilliant but too egotistical…workaholic…eats like a fifteen year old boy.”
Laughing “Yes, that’s my Reid! Always been that way and truthfully I hope he never changes.” he said with a wink.
“Jason Novak. Nice to meet you.” He looked down at the girl by his side “And this is my daughter, Annie.”
“Hi.” Annie said peeking out from behind her dad’s leg. “You’re pretty.”
“Oh! Thanks Annie, so are you. I’m Katie and this little guy, is my son Jacob.” She smiled at the little girl. “Jason…A pleasure…So are you Reid’s…umm…boyfriend?” Katie asked hesitantly.
More laughter “Good God no!! Neither of us would survive that…Uh no!” he shakes his head. “He’s my best friend.”
“Oh good…well that’s one obstacle averted.” Katie mumbled under her breath.
“What’s that?”
“Oh umm nothing…really…umm…Is Reid expecting you? He didn’t mention expecting any company but he can be pretty tight lipped about his personal information.”
“No he doesn’t know we are in town. We were planning to surprise him today…”
“Oh! I was going to surprise him today too.” she nods knowingly. “Jacob and I were just on our way to take him to dinner. His shift should be ending.”
“He told you what today is?” Jason asked skeptically.
“Uh not exactly…he doesn’t say a lot…and umm…yeah…oh hell, I got curious one day and snooped in his wallet.” This made Jason laugh even harder.
“Oh that’s great! The famously private Reid Oliver not only living with a woman but a curious one at that. I bet you’re a chatty Cathy also! Oh that must drive him crazy! I love it!”
“Hey! I just want to know more about him.” Katie stated defensively. “I like him. My son likes him. We genuinely care about him.”
“No, no please don’t be offended. Good for you. Whether or not he’ll ever admit it, Reid needs people who take an interest in him. Don’t give up on him, hold your ground and do not let him push you away. He’ll try but don’t let him. I promise you he’s worth the effort.”
“Oh I know he is. He denies it but I know he really does care about Jacob and I.”
“Great! I’ll let you in on a secret…Once Reid lets someone in and allows himself to care about that person, he’s the greatest ally they will ever have. When he loves, he loves deeply.”
“I do believe some of us are learning that.” Katie couldn’t help but think of Luke. “You know Jason, I think you and I are going to get along wonderfully.”
“What do you say we go harass him before taking him to dinner?”
“Oh yeah! Excellent idea. This way my friend.”
They walked away, laughing conspiratorially.
*******
“Reid!”
“Jason?” Reid must be hallucinating. Jason couldn’t really be here in Podunk. Stunned he found himself hugging Jason back.
Jason pulled back from their embrace, “Reid baby! I haven’t seen you in over a month, phone calls just are not the same Sweetie! I’m just so excited to see you, Baby, I could kiss you right here in front of God and all your co-workers! Oh hell why not!” He then proceeded to smack his lips to Reid’s.
Momentarily stunned, Reid recovered quickly, pushing Jason away and stepping back. “What the hell man? Damn you, you know I don’t hug and what the hell was with that kiss? Seriously what were you thinking?”
Reid looks over Jason’s shoulder to see Katie laughing. “And you, really? He doesn’t need your encouragement. Just what I don’t need, the two of you…together!” Reid shakes his head, as if that would make them both disappear.
“Oh you know you’ve missed me.” Jason smiles and puts an arm around Reid’s shoulder. “Katie and I are best friends now, so you better prepare yourself.”
Reid looks down when he feels small arms wrap around his waist. “Annie?” She smiles up at him, her front two teeth missing. He smiles back and lifts her up into a proper hug.
“Happy birthday Reid. When are you coming home?” Annie kisses his cheek then lays her head on his shoulder. “I miss you.”
“Oh sweetie, I’ve missed you too.” Reid holds her a little tighter and kisses the top of her head.
“So Reid, we want to take you out to celebrate.” Jason said.
“Umm no. No celebrating. I’m busy.” Reid looks around quickly and sees Luke still standing there. “Mr. Snyder and I have a meeting, don’t we?”
“Mr. Snyder? Hi, I’m Jason and this one clinging to Reid is my daughter Annie, it’s nice to meet you.”
Luke hesitantly shakes the hand Jason held out to him, “Hello. Uh…actually it’s Luke.”
“Luke, now I’m sure your meeting is important but it’s Reid’s birthday and we have some celebrating to do tonight, and Annie and I are only visiting for a short while…so can I ask if you wouldn’t mind rescheduling? Or better yet, why don’t you join us! The more the merrier! Katie, we’ll have a party!”
“Oh! Uh no…no that’s fine. I-I need to go.” Luke quickly walked away.
“Luke…” Reid called after him. “Damn.”
*******
Luke found himself sitting in his car, unable to remember how he got there. All he could think about was Reid’s arms around the other man (Jason!) and Reid’s lips connected to someone else (not Luke). It’s Reid’s birthday?! Why didn’t Luke know that? Jason knew! Jason! Reid baby? Baby? Really? He let someone call him Baby?! Another guy had put his arms around Reid. Reid hugging someone! And a kiss…a kiss! Shit Reid was kissing someone else!! Reid has a boyfriend? He never said anything about a boyfriend! They were going to celebrate?! Reid and Jason! His daughter misses Reid, wants him to come home! His arm casually around Reid, as if it belonged there! Damn Damn Damn! Luke was in shock. He had to leave. He couldn’t stand there and watch Reid touching another man. Luke felt like the whole world was crashing around him. God it hurt so bad.
*******
Reid found himself having dinner with Jason, Katie and the kids at The Lakeview. He couldn’t stop wondering why Luke had wanted to talk about Boston.
“Hey Reid!” Katie waved a hand in front of his face. “You with us?”
“Yeah man, where are you? I’ve never seen you this distracted before. What’s going on?”
“I’m right here, I just figured that you two being new best friends and all that shit, that you didn’t need my input.”
“Bullshit!” Jason glared, as Katie poked Reid’s shoulder and called him “Liar!”
“Whatever. Are we done celebrating yet? I’d like to go home now.”
“No, we still have presents!”
“No. I don’t do presents.”
“You do now!” Katie started to dig into her purse. She pulled out a bulging envelope, handing it to Reid. “This is from me and Jacob.”
Reid grudgingly opened the envelope to find a key ring. He couldn’t help but laugh “Ha! That’s great! How appropriate.”
“Handcuffs?” Jason questioned, staring at the key ring and his two laughing companions.
“Reid is always complaining that he was coerced into coming to Oakdale, so I figured the handcuffs may force him to stay.”
“Okay. Annie do you want to give Reid your gift?”
Annie opened the pink purse she had been carrying and pulled out a folded square of paper. She climbed off her chair and stood next to Reid. “This is for you, I drew it all by myself.”
Reid unfolded the paper and found a crayon drawing of a tall man and a small girl holding hands. There was a giant heart in the top left corner. Annie had also written I love you Reid, also in crayon across the top of the page.
“See that’s us, Reid, you and me. Do you like it? I drew it special for your birthday. Can you read it? It says I love you Reid.” Annie was smiling proudly at him.
“Oh Annie, I love it. It’s the best present I’ve ever received.” Reid put an arm around her, drawing her into a hug. Then he kissed her cheek “And I love you too, Annie.”
“And here’s my gift, it’s nothing as creative as your other gifts but I hope you like it.” Jason handed him a slim box.
“Thank you” Still smiling, Reid took the top off and removed a layer of tissue paper. He felt his heart stop when he read the cover of the book, without thinking he opened the cover to look inside…and just stared.
“Reid?” Katie asked.
“Reid…Is there something wrong with the book? Cuz I also got you a pair of tickets to the Rangers season opener.”
“Uh no, it’s all good. Thank you.” Reid shook his head, he couldn’t believe that after all this time, he had the book in his hands.
“I’m confused.” Katie admitted. “Am I missing something here? What book it that?”
“The Catcher In The Rye.” Jason tells her. “Do you have any idea how many used book stores he’s dragged me into over the past few years, only to look at this book and then leave without buying one? I know you don’t own a copy and it is the only non-medical book I’ve ever seen you pick up…Though I’ll never understand why you’ve never bought one yourself before now, you had plenty of opportunities…I know it’s used but I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“No, it’s the right book.” Reid closed his eyes for a moment. “It’s the exact copy I was looking for.”
“What?! All this time you were looking for a specific copy? Really?” Jason was surprised.
Reid opens the book’s cover and reads
for Reid, I’m waiting
Luke Snyder, April 22, 2007, (269) 555-1025
He hands the book to Jason.
“That’s Luke!” Katie doesn’t understand but she recognizes Luke’s phone number.
“Luke Snyder? Who is…OH! Mr. Snyder…Luke…from the hospital. Oh.” Jason doesn’t know what to say as the realization hits.
“Reid? You said you were looking for this book, if it’s got Luke’s name in it why have you been looking for it?” Katie wanted to know.
Reid took a calming breath. “Luke and I first met three years ago in New York City. He took five dollars from me and bought that copy off of a sidewalk vendor and wrote in it, then he was going to sell it to a used book seller for me to find. I’ve been looking for it ever since. All I knew was his first name, the date and the title of the book. It was a test of fate.” He sounded defeated.
“Oh Reid.” Katie looked like she was going to cry.
“You met him in New York?” Jason’s mind was reeling, “Wait a minute…hey, wasn’t that guy in Boston named Luke? The one who never called? Is this all the same guy or do you just have a kink for guys names Luke?”
Reid rolled his eyes at Jason.
“There’s only one Luke.” He said sadly.
NEXT
As Katie, carrying a sleeping Jacob in her arms, walked through the entrance to Memorial, she couldn’t help but notice the tall, blond man at the information desk. He was nearly as tall as her late husband Brad. His blond hair was trimmed short. His broad shoulders were every nicely emphasized by a black button down shirt. Katie allowed her eyes to travel lower to the form-fitting blue jeans that hugged his ass in all the right places. He was holding hands with a little blonde girl, about seven or eight, whose green eyes were staring at Katie. When Katie smiled and waved at her, the child smiled shyly before hiding her face against the man’s leg.
“Hello. Could you please direct me to where I may find Dr. Reid Oliver?”
Hearing Reid’s name, Katie’s curiosity was piqued and she found herself interrupting before the receptionist could answer. “Excuse me, you’re looking for Reid?”
He turned away from the receptionist, who was now giving Katie a disgruntled dirty look for capturing the attention of the handsome man.
“Why yes, I am. You know Reid?” Katie lost her train of thought as she gazed into those green eyes that stared back so intently.
“Miss?”
“Oh! Yes, yes I know Reid…We live together.”
“What?! You’re messing with me…Reid lives with a woman?” He said rather incredulously.
“Uhh yeah he does…he lives with me and my son…is that really so hard to believe?”
“Well, yeah. Knowing Reid, it’s quite difficult to believe.” He shakes his head feeling bewildered. “I’m sorry, you seem like a nice enough lady but the Reid I know, or rather the Reid I thought I knew, would never live with anyone, let alone a woman.”
“Well he does live with me, and has done so for just over a month now. He complains some but I know he really enjoys living with us. He’s actually a very good roommate. It’s nice having a doctor in the house.”
“Did you say roommate? Like platonic roommates?”
“Well of course. Exactly how well do you know Reid?” A hint of skepticism in her voice.
“Considering that I’ve known him since we shared a dorm room freshman year, I think I know him quite well. You just had me confused with the whole living together scenario. I wondered if we were talking about the same Reid.”
“Oh God I don’t think the world could handle more than one Reid Oliver…you know rude…arrogant…brilliant but too egotistical…workaholic…eats like a fifteen year old boy.”
Laughing “Yes, that’s my Reid! Always been that way and truthfully I hope he never changes.” he said with a wink.
“Jason Novak. Nice to meet you.” He looked down at the girl by his side “And this is my daughter, Annie.”
“Hi.” Annie said peeking out from behind her dad’s leg. “You’re pretty.”
“Oh! Thanks Annie, so are you. I’m Katie and this little guy, is my son Jacob.” She smiled at the little girl. “Jason…A pleasure…So are you Reid’s…umm…boyfriend?” Katie asked hesitantly.
More laughter “Good God no!! Neither of us would survive that…Uh no!” he shakes his head. “He’s my best friend.”
“Oh good…well that’s one obstacle averted.” Katie mumbled under her breath.
“What’s that?”
“Oh umm nothing…really…umm…Is Reid expecting you? He didn’t mention expecting any company but he can be pretty tight lipped about his personal information.”
“No he doesn’t know we are in town. We were planning to surprise him today…”
“Oh! I was going to surprise him today too.” she nods knowingly. “Jacob and I were just on our way to take him to dinner. His shift should be ending.”
“He told you what today is?” Jason asked skeptically.
“Uh not exactly…he doesn’t say a lot…and umm…yeah…oh hell, I got curious one day and snooped in his wallet.” This made Jason laugh even harder.
“Oh that’s great! The famously private Reid Oliver not only living with a woman but a curious one at that. I bet you’re a chatty Cathy also! Oh that must drive him crazy! I love it!”
“Hey! I just want to know more about him.” Katie stated defensively. “I like him. My son likes him. We genuinely care about him.”
“No, no please don’t be offended. Good for you. Whether or not he’ll ever admit it, Reid needs people who take an interest in him. Don’t give up on him, hold your ground and do not let him push you away. He’ll try but don’t let him. I promise you he’s worth the effort.”
“Oh I know he is. He denies it but I know he really does care about Jacob and I.”
“Great! I’ll let you in on a secret…Once Reid lets someone in and allows himself to care about that person, he’s the greatest ally they will ever have. When he loves, he loves deeply.”
“I do believe some of us are learning that.” Katie couldn’t help but think of Luke. “You know Jason, I think you and I are going to get along wonderfully.”
“What do you say we go harass him before taking him to dinner?”
“Oh yeah! Excellent idea. This way my friend.”
They walked away, laughing conspiratorially.
*******
“Reid!”
“Jason?” Reid must be hallucinating. Jason couldn’t really be here in Podunk. Stunned he found himself hugging Jason back.
Jason pulled back from their embrace, “Reid baby! I haven’t seen you in over a month, phone calls just are not the same Sweetie! I’m just so excited to see you, Baby, I could kiss you right here in front of God and all your co-workers! Oh hell why not!” He then proceeded to smack his lips to Reid’s.
Momentarily stunned, Reid recovered quickly, pushing Jason away and stepping back. “What the hell man? Damn you, you know I don’t hug and what the hell was with that kiss? Seriously what were you thinking?”
Reid looks over Jason’s shoulder to see Katie laughing. “And you, really? He doesn’t need your encouragement. Just what I don’t need, the two of you…together!” Reid shakes his head, as if that would make them both disappear.
“Oh you know you’ve missed me.” Jason smiles and puts an arm around Reid’s shoulder. “Katie and I are best friends now, so you better prepare yourself.”
Reid looks down when he feels small arms wrap around his waist. “Annie?” She smiles up at him, her front two teeth missing. He smiles back and lifts her up into a proper hug.
“Happy birthday Reid. When are you coming home?” Annie kisses his cheek then lays her head on his shoulder. “I miss you.”
“Oh sweetie, I’ve missed you too.” Reid holds her a little tighter and kisses the top of her head.
“So Reid, we want to take you out to celebrate.” Jason said.
“Umm no. No celebrating. I’m busy.” Reid looks around quickly and sees Luke still standing there. “Mr. Snyder and I have a meeting, don’t we?”
“Mr. Snyder? Hi, I’m Jason and this one clinging to Reid is my daughter Annie, it’s nice to meet you.”
Luke hesitantly shakes the hand Jason held out to him, “Hello. Uh…actually it’s Luke.”
“Luke, now I’m sure your meeting is important but it’s Reid’s birthday and we have some celebrating to do tonight, and Annie and I are only visiting for a short while…so can I ask if you wouldn’t mind rescheduling? Or better yet, why don’t you join us! The more the merrier! Katie, we’ll have a party!”
“Oh! Uh no…no that’s fine. I-I need to go.” Luke quickly walked away.
“Luke…” Reid called after him. “Damn.”
*******
Luke found himself sitting in his car, unable to remember how he got there. All he could think about was Reid’s arms around the other man (Jason!) and Reid’s lips connected to someone else (not Luke). It’s Reid’s birthday?! Why didn’t Luke know that? Jason knew! Jason! Reid baby? Baby? Really? He let someone call him Baby?! Another guy had put his arms around Reid. Reid hugging someone! And a kiss…a kiss! Shit Reid was kissing someone else!! Reid has a boyfriend? He never said anything about a boyfriend! They were going to celebrate?! Reid and Jason! His daughter misses Reid, wants him to come home! His arm casually around Reid, as if it belonged there! Damn Damn Damn! Luke was in shock. He had to leave. He couldn’t stand there and watch Reid touching another man. Luke felt like the whole world was crashing around him. God it hurt so bad.
*******
Reid found himself having dinner with Jason, Katie and the kids at The Lakeview. He couldn’t stop wondering why Luke had wanted to talk about Boston.
“Hey Reid!” Katie waved a hand in front of his face. “You with us?”
“Yeah man, where are you? I’ve never seen you this distracted before. What’s going on?”
“I’m right here, I just figured that you two being new best friends and all that shit, that you didn’t need my input.”
“Bullshit!” Jason glared, as Katie poked Reid’s shoulder and called him “Liar!”
“Whatever. Are we done celebrating yet? I’d like to go home now.”
“No, we still have presents!”
“No. I don’t do presents.”
“You do now!” Katie started to dig into her purse. She pulled out a bulging envelope, handing it to Reid. “This is from me and Jacob.”
Reid grudgingly opened the envelope to find a key ring. He couldn’t help but laugh “Ha! That’s great! How appropriate.”
“Handcuffs?” Jason questioned, staring at the key ring and his two laughing companions.
“Reid is always complaining that he was coerced into coming to Oakdale, so I figured the handcuffs may force him to stay.”
“Okay. Annie do you want to give Reid your gift?”
Annie opened the pink purse she had been carrying and pulled out a folded square of paper. She climbed off her chair and stood next to Reid. “This is for you, I drew it all by myself.”
Reid unfolded the paper and found a crayon drawing of a tall man and a small girl holding hands. There was a giant heart in the top left corner. Annie had also written I love you Reid, also in crayon across the top of the page.
“See that’s us, Reid, you and me. Do you like it? I drew it special for your birthday. Can you read it? It says I love you Reid.” Annie was smiling proudly at him.
“Oh Annie, I love it. It’s the best present I’ve ever received.” Reid put an arm around her, drawing her into a hug. Then he kissed her cheek “And I love you too, Annie.”
“And here’s my gift, it’s nothing as creative as your other gifts but I hope you like it.” Jason handed him a slim box.
“Thank you” Still smiling, Reid took the top off and removed a layer of tissue paper. He felt his heart stop when he read the cover of the book, without thinking he opened the cover to look inside…and just stared.
“Reid?” Katie asked.
“Reid…Is there something wrong with the book? Cuz I also got you a pair of tickets to the Rangers season opener.”
“Uh no, it’s all good. Thank you.” Reid shook his head, he couldn’t believe that after all this time, he had the book in his hands.
“I’m confused.” Katie admitted. “Am I missing something here? What book it that?”
“The Catcher In The Rye.” Jason tells her. “Do you have any idea how many used book stores he’s dragged me into over the past few years, only to look at this book and then leave without buying one? I know you don’t own a copy and it is the only non-medical book I’ve ever seen you pick up…Though I’ll never understand why you’ve never bought one yourself before now, you had plenty of opportunities…I know it’s used but I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“No, it’s the right book.” Reid closed his eyes for a moment. “It’s the exact copy I was looking for.”
“What?! All this time you were looking for a specific copy? Really?” Jason was surprised.
Reid opens the book’s cover and reads
for Reid, I’m waiting
Luke Snyder, April 22, 2007, (269) 555-1025
He hands the book to Jason.
“That’s Luke!” Katie doesn’t understand but she recognizes Luke’s phone number.
“Luke Snyder? Who is…OH! Mr. Snyder…Luke…from the hospital. Oh.” Jason doesn’t know what to say as the realization hits.
“Reid? You said you were looking for this book, if it’s got Luke’s name in it why have you been looking for it?” Katie wanted to know.
Reid took a calming breath. “Luke and I first met three years ago in New York City. He took five dollars from me and bought that copy off of a sidewalk vendor and wrote in it, then he was going to sell it to a used book seller for me to find. I’ve been looking for it ever since. All I knew was his first name, the date and the title of the book. It was a test of fate.” He sounded defeated.
“Oh Reid.” Katie looked like she was going to cry.
“You met him in New York?” Jason’s mind was reeling, “Wait a minute…hey, wasn’t that guy in Boston named Luke? The one who never called? Is this all the same guy or do you just have a kink for guys names Luke?”
Reid rolled his eyes at Jason.
“There’s only one Luke.” He said sadly.
NEXT