Equals 23
EQUALS…
Author: Scotianova
Beta-fairy: ♥ Carol38 ♥
Disclaimer: I don't own them and writing about them is just for fun.
Genre: A story about different shades of love
Pairing: Reid and Luke - as always
Characters: Reid Oliver, Luke Snyder, Ravi Oliver, Ruby Oliver II, Kathryn Peretti, Liath Orbanns, Damien Grimaldi, Henry Coleman,Dustin Donovan, Paul Ryan, Holly McLean…
Warning: none so far
Rating: sexual contents
Summary: On the surface they couldn’t be more different from every point of view, but if someone just looks closely at them…
23.
Hours later Reid found them both sound asleep, Luke with an open book on his chest, he’d obviously fallen asleep while reading beside Ravi. Poor Luke - Reid wasn’t very familiar with contemporary literature so Luke had settled for Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”. Reid loved classical literature - it spoke of time-transcending themes and the symmetry of Latin or Greek grammar had always comforted him. It was as fun as solving mathematics problems or admiring molecules, such as protein crystals simply as pieces of beauty.
The human beauty right here in his room, precisely in his bed, took Reid’s breath away and made his heart constrict, especially after what he’d discussed with DD two hours ago.
Why had their life become so complicated? If he could he would grab the kids, Luke, Katie and even Liath and migrate to a desert island or a mountain village where the accesses could be heavily and effectively guarded, and live their life without so many pressure and burdens.
All he wanted for himself and his family was to have some peace.
“Daddy?” His son’s sleepy voice startled him from his thoughts.
“Sorry, I fell asleep.”
“Don’t be sorry - sleep is good for you. You’re still recovering. Next week we’ll do some tests again - to see how your liver is doing. But given your facial color - it’s good!”
Reid answered and nudged the tip of Ravi’s nose.
“OMG - I fell asleep, too!” Now it was Luke’s turn to startle, rub his eyes and apologize.
Yawning and finally focusing on Reid’s expression Luke instantly knew that something was wrong.
“So what? You had a father-son-nap - there’s nothing wrong with that, right?” Reid tried to avoid Luke’s quizzical eyes.
Ravi stretched before he peeled off the blanket and stood up.
“I am going to finally get ready for the day.” With that he was gone.
“The two of you peacefully sleeping in my bed - that’s adorable!” Reid whispered and bent down to kiss those full lips.
“Yeah, I would never have expected him to feel so comfortable around me that he just dozed off. - You’re reading heavy stuff!” Luke pointed to the book on his stomach and put it away.
“And now tell me, what’s wrong!”
“DD had a call in the morning. Massimo - you know the waiter - told him that as soon as we’d left last night two guys were entering the place and pumping him about ‘what “the Oliver” and the “Grimaldi-fag” had been negotiating’`”
“What??”
“Yeah… ” Reid rubbed his face and didn’t look happy at all.
“Could Dustin find out who they were?”
“No, Massimo swore he didn’t know them and we can trust him.”
“Did they threaten him?”
“Not openly.”
“Do you suspect my father behind it?” Luke asked cautiously.
“No, why should he be? He knows about us, and I don’t think his guys would call you ‘Grimaldi-fag’!”
“No, they wouldn’t. It took him some time to come square with me being gay, but when he was finally behind it he was totally supportive. Damian is surely not behind that. So who?”
“The thing is DD is going to tell Liath and then…”
“But maybe that’s a good thing - something tells me he is the one capable of dealing with those things.”
“So does DD - he’s already calling together ‘his special staff’ - you don’t want to meet them, trust me. It’s his backup-corps, they usually don’t show up in the house.”
Luke wondered if Damian still had a small corps up his sleeve and right now he was almost hoping Damian still might have some special connections. Well, Luke knew there still were a few men absolutely devoted to Damian - but the enigmatic man surely wasn’t the powerful Maltese Godfather anymore.
Noticing Reid’s concerned expression he wondered if now was the right time to tell him, that he’d called his dad because of Gavin. Because earlier, before falling asleep he’d come to the decision to not start their relationship with concealment or even lies.
But there had to be the right time to drop that bomb, right? How was Reid supposed to handle another crazily jealous boyfriend although Luke didn’t consider himself a possessive person?
Reid rubbed his stomach, murmuring: “All this pressure has the potential to trigger a gastric ulcer someday, I’m surprised it hasn’t already!”
“Can I do anything to ease the pressure?”
“You, GORGEOUS, can do a lot - but not right now. I need to talk with Liath.”
“I want to join in - it concerns me too.”
“Sure, you’re right. So get your butt in gear, shower and meet me in an hour in the living room, okay?”
Luke slowly raised and planted himself in front of Reid. Lifting his shirt he took Reid’s hand and placed it on his chest.
“I think I need some encouragement!” He whispered his face moving closer to Reid’s.
When Reid cupped his face then and pressed his lips to his he welcomed them already open and eager to greet Reid’s tongue. Both still tasted of coffee and sweet scones. Tilting their heads simultaneously to have better access they kissed deeply and their tongues firmly stroked and lapped at each other.
Luke moaned with pleasure and it was then that he slipped:
“I love you!”
As soon it was out he regretted it. It was too soon, too uncontrolled. What grown man said that after having slept together only a few times? He acted like a teenager.
Blushing he ended the kiss and muttered:
“Sorry - I…I don’t know what I was thinking!”
“Shhh…” Reid brought Luke’s lips back to his and kissed him again. The kiss was cautious and tender, slow.
“Listen, I am a bit retarded when it comes to expressing feelings - but I can tell you that I spend 95% of the day thinking of you, wanting you, yearning for your presence, and I don’t want that to ever end - so call it what you want, but I guess my feelings don’t differ from yours - at least not much!”
Luke’s heart pounded in his chest like a tympanum and if they had time he would have ripped Reid’s clothing off and dragged him to bed.
They went to Liath together, actually Reid grabbed Luke’s hand and held it with an almost painful grip before he knocked at Liath’ door. Strangely enough they both felt like boys who’d done something wrong and were now supposed to confess to their overly strict father.
Liath was already waiting for them with DD at his side.
Liath didn’t bother to greet them properly - Luke thought the guy really needed a manners check when it came to him.
“Hey guys!” DD grinned noticing their joined hands. Luke smiled back at him. Dustin might be a grumpy contemporary most of the time but he had good eyes and he loved Reid and the kids - that was all Luke needed to know that he was a good man.
“So we have a problem here. Let’s see what we can do about it!” Liath stated.
Knowing that most so called honorable societies had strict standards of manliness and that homosexuality didn’t fit in their concepts, Luke was sure the two guys who’d been after him and Reid last night were related to one of the ‘families’ and an agonizing fear gripped his heart. This wasn’t only about him - the man he was in love with and his son were concerned for God’s sake. He would have felt so much better if Damian was around - or even better if Damian and Lucinda were here to stand by them. Damian, Lucinda and Liath - if the three eccentric alpha leaders would come to an agreement in order to protect their beloved ones…
“Well, I don’t want to overreact but something tells me this isn’t good and it’s definitely no coincidence. Luke, can it be that your father hasn’t entirely retired from his ‘former’ business?”
Luke could strangle Liath for the air quotes implying Damian hadn’t changed yet he answered civilly - unlike Liath who seemed to forget his professionalism when it came to Luke.
“As far as I know, no - he isn’t into dubious business anymore and that’s for a long time now.
What about you? What about P&P?”
“No, Luke!” Reid interrupted calmly. “As far as the pharmaceutical industry can be clean - we are. We sold the entire cosmetic branch two years ago, we exclusively bank on our flagships and they are ethically acceptable.”
“And which are those flagships?” Luke wanted to know earning an impatient sigh coming from Liath.
“An anti-viral drug, an antihypertensive medication, and a few painkillers and… “. Now Reid couldn’t suppress a smirk “…and condoms.”
“And it was Reid’s decision to sell the cosmetic branch - against my advice and against the board.”
Liath added. “Angus though had a phase when he was involved in dubious bargains. But that’s a long time ago. And before you ask or your father digs it out - when I was a young defense lawyer I pleaded a man’s cause who turned out to be a member of the ‘Irish Family’. But as your question indicates you are thinking in the right direction, I guess. The point is, what do they want from us?
So, first things first - there is no dating outside the mansion anymore as long as we don’t know what they are up to.”
“I suggest involving my father and my grandmother. They are both very professional when it comes to managing those kinds of crises - I would feel better if they were on board! Sorry, I sense there is something ugly behind it!”
“You sense…no offense, but I think we are able to handle the situation without your help!”
“I disagree, Liath. We can´t keep Luke out of this. He is Ravi’s father - not to mention he and I intend on having a relationship that hopefully lasts. So would you please quit acting as if he’s not welcome? You’re not helping!”
“Hey guys, easy!” DD’s deep voice tried to soothe the tension. ”Maybe it’s only some panjandrums fooling around.”
“Do you actually believe that?” Reid turned to his friend and Dustin frowned and lightly shook his head. He didn’t. He had the same bad feeling as Luke - and Reid and probably Liath had it as well.
But it didn’t help to go into hysterics. DD had no objections though to including Damian Grimaldi and Lucinda Walsh - unlike Liath and the kids he liked the smart Maltese Don. There was something elegant yet humorous about him - and he loved his son. Dusty Donovan respected everybody who loved their children and treated them well. When Ravi and Luke still were in the clinic he’d had a few chats with the elder Grimaldi, and the man had been friendly and nice. Yes, Dusty didn’t flinch thinking of a man being ‘nice’ anymore. But he also was aware of why Liath was on the warpath internally. The Grimaldis coming to the family meant giving up total control, meant suffering from a leak in the carefully woven protection-net. But Man, Liath had to slow down, to ease up a bit. Dusty liked the older man very much, in many respects Liath was his role model, but DD loved Reid and seeing him happy again was a pleasure. Luke was good for Reid. The guys acted as if they were falling in love for the first time, Man! Holding hands, throwing each other adoring glances. This was nice, plain and simple!
And given that Liath and Katie had finally stopped being dumb and admitted their mutual attraction life could have been just fine. Only Dusty knew life too well not to know there was always a ‘but’.
“Actually, I think we might need allies, Liath!” He took his former downplaying back.
“Look, I think, we should put our aversions aside and look at the whole picture!” Luke turned to Liath and it felt good to finally express their mutual dislike.
The older man stared at him for a moment without answering as if he was weighing an appropriate reply: “So, I guess you want to contact your father and grandmother yourself? And I talk to Holly to get some rooms ready for them.”
“Huh - I don’t believe my grandmother is eager to be your guest. She owns a few houses in Boston.”
“Luke, maybe it’s better to convince her to stay here for a few days - it’s easier to arrange than to find safe meeting places!” Reid added for consideration. “And she can finally meet her great-grandson!”
“So that’s it - I guess each of us has some calls to do.” Liath stated and dismissed them without words.
“I’ll talk to Katie.” Reid whispered and cupped Luke’s face to have a better access to his soft lips.
“I’m actually not a very optimistic person, but I do hope, that things turn out well. I…I…”
“I know…” Luke saved him from uttering his fear.
Their kiss was so sweet, tender - both their soft lips only brushing.
“You know my inner Freud talked to me and he and I analyzed my emotional state and I dare say now, that I love you too.”
Reid grinned and Luke smiled.
To hell with fear and threat - they leaned in and kissed again, ignoring DD who left Liath’s room and passed them - whistling. It felt so good to have a few allies!
:::
“Luke! My boy, I almost wore away my nails, drumming on the table - waiting for your call!!!”
“I know, Grandmother - and I am sorry!”
“You’re forgiven, since there are so many changes in your life.” Luke could hear her smile. ”So how is your boy?”
“He is so much better, and this very morning he fell asleep - next to me. Can you believe that?”
“I am so happy for you - and your big boy, how are things with him?” Her voice dropped and Luke knew she was eager to hear about their ‘progresses’.
“What can I say? He’s smart and upfront and adorably awkward sometimes and funny! When he’s in doctor’s mode, exuding knowledge, professionalism and that white-coat-awesomeness and I am almost too shy to approach him then - and he quotes Homer and reads Ovid - God! Other times he’s unbelievably shy, almost innocent but enthusiastic and he told them we were an item - it was almost like a public confession, you know and first I thought: How can I leave, when it’s time, but right now I don’t want anything more than to stay with him and Ravi ---“
“So he’s enthusiastic! I see.” Lucinda could practically see her grandson blush- through the line.
“It’s time, I meet them finally, Luke! You kept them from me forbiddingly long!”
“Yeah, you’re right - in two ways.”
“What do you mean and why is it that your voice gets so meek?”
“I need your help, Grandmother - actually we need your help!”
:::
“And those Olivers have ruled out that it’s just some idiots?”
“They do, and so do I! I have that bad feeling that rarely betrays me.”
“Have you talked to your father, yet?”
It was funny when it came to special business Lucinda and Damian forgot all about their aversions and became a dream-team. Ever since Damian had rescued ‘their Luke’ they bonded once in a while - for good causes. And Luke knew that Lucinda had helped Damian to get his business clean.
“Yes, but he’s in London - and he can’t leave not until tomorrow.”
“What’s he doing in London?”
“Long story…nothing criminal, don’t worry. I’ll tell you when you’re here.”
“Okay, I’ll be there then in a few hours!”
“I’m looking forward to it!”
“Oh my dear boy!”
Of course - while speaking to her beloved grandson Lucinda had already indicated her personal assistant to muster her staff.
Author: Scotianova
Beta-fairy: ♥ Carol38 ♥
Disclaimer: I don't own them and writing about them is just for fun.
Genre: A story about different shades of love
Pairing: Reid and Luke - as always
Characters: Reid Oliver, Luke Snyder, Ravi Oliver, Ruby Oliver II, Kathryn Peretti, Liath Orbanns, Damien Grimaldi, Henry Coleman,Dustin Donovan, Paul Ryan, Holly McLean…
Warning: none so far
Rating: sexual contents
Summary: On the surface they couldn’t be more different from every point of view, but if someone just looks closely at them…
23.
Hours later Reid found them both sound asleep, Luke with an open book on his chest, he’d obviously fallen asleep while reading beside Ravi. Poor Luke - Reid wasn’t very familiar with contemporary literature so Luke had settled for Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”. Reid loved classical literature - it spoke of time-transcending themes and the symmetry of Latin or Greek grammar had always comforted him. It was as fun as solving mathematics problems or admiring molecules, such as protein crystals simply as pieces of beauty.
The human beauty right here in his room, precisely in his bed, took Reid’s breath away and made his heart constrict, especially after what he’d discussed with DD two hours ago.
Why had their life become so complicated? If he could he would grab the kids, Luke, Katie and even Liath and migrate to a desert island or a mountain village where the accesses could be heavily and effectively guarded, and live their life without so many pressure and burdens.
All he wanted for himself and his family was to have some peace.
“Daddy?” His son’s sleepy voice startled him from his thoughts.
“Sorry, I fell asleep.”
“Don’t be sorry - sleep is good for you. You’re still recovering. Next week we’ll do some tests again - to see how your liver is doing. But given your facial color - it’s good!”
Reid answered and nudged the tip of Ravi’s nose.
“OMG - I fell asleep, too!” Now it was Luke’s turn to startle, rub his eyes and apologize.
Yawning and finally focusing on Reid’s expression Luke instantly knew that something was wrong.
“So what? You had a father-son-nap - there’s nothing wrong with that, right?” Reid tried to avoid Luke’s quizzical eyes.
Ravi stretched before he peeled off the blanket and stood up.
“I am going to finally get ready for the day.” With that he was gone.
“The two of you peacefully sleeping in my bed - that’s adorable!” Reid whispered and bent down to kiss those full lips.
“Yeah, I would never have expected him to feel so comfortable around me that he just dozed off. - You’re reading heavy stuff!” Luke pointed to the book on his stomach and put it away.
“And now tell me, what’s wrong!”
“DD had a call in the morning. Massimo - you know the waiter - told him that as soon as we’d left last night two guys were entering the place and pumping him about ‘what “the Oliver” and the “Grimaldi-fag” had been negotiating’`”
“What??”
“Yeah… ” Reid rubbed his face and didn’t look happy at all.
“Could Dustin find out who they were?”
“No, Massimo swore he didn’t know them and we can trust him.”
“Did they threaten him?”
“Not openly.”
“Do you suspect my father behind it?” Luke asked cautiously.
“No, why should he be? He knows about us, and I don’t think his guys would call you ‘Grimaldi-fag’!”
“No, they wouldn’t. It took him some time to come square with me being gay, but when he was finally behind it he was totally supportive. Damian is surely not behind that. So who?”
“The thing is DD is going to tell Liath and then…”
“But maybe that’s a good thing - something tells me he is the one capable of dealing with those things.”
“So does DD - he’s already calling together ‘his special staff’ - you don’t want to meet them, trust me. It’s his backup-corps, they usually don’t show up in the house.”
Luke wondered if Damian still had a small corps up his sleeve and right now he was almost hoping Damian still might have some special connections. Well, Luke knew there still were a few men absolutely devoted to Damian - but the enigmatic man surely wasn’t the powerful Maltese Godfather anymore.
Noticing Reid’s concerned expression he wondered if now was the right time to tell him, that he’d called his dad because of Gavin. Because earlier, before falling asleep he’d come to the decision to not start their relationship with concealment or even lies.
But there had to be the right time to drop that bomb, right? How was Reid supposed to handle another crazily jealous boyfriend although Luke didn’t consider himself a possessive person?
Reid rubbed his stomach, murmuring: “All this pressure has the potential to trigger a gastric ulcer someday, I’m surprised it hasn’t already!”
“Can I do anything to ease the pressure?”
“You, GORGEOUS, can do a lot - but not right now. I need to talk with Liath.”
“I want to join in - it concerns me too.”
“Sure, you’re right. So get your butt in gear, shower and meet me in an hour in the living room, okay?”
Luke slowly raised and planted himself in front of Reid. Lifting his shirt he took Reid’s hand and placed it on his chest.
“I think I need some encouragement!” He whispered his face moving closer to Reid’s.
When Reid cupped his face then and pressed his lips to his he welcomed them already open and eager to greet Reid’s tongue. Both still tasted of coffee and sweet scones. Tilting their heads simultaneously to have better access they kissed deeply and their tongues firmly stroked and lapped at each other.
Luke moaned with pleasure and it was then that he slipped:
“I love you!”
As soon it was out he regretted it. It was too soon, too uncontrolled. What grown man said that after having slept together only a few times? He acted like a teenager.
Blushing he ended the kiss and muttered:
“Sorry - I…I don’t know what I was thinking!”
“Shhh…” Reid brought Luke’s lips back to his and kissed him again. The kiss was cautious and tender, slow.
“Listen, I am a bit retarded when it comes to expressing feelings - but I can tell you that I spend 95% of the day thinking of you, wanting you, yearning for your presence, and I don’t want that to ever end - so call it what you want, but I guess my feelings don’t differ from yours - at least not much!”
Luke’s heart pounded in his chest like a tympanum and if they had time he would have ripped Reid’s clothing off and dragged him to bed.
They went to Liath together, actually Reid grabbed Luke’s hand and held it with an almost painful grip before he knocked at Liath’ door. Strangely enough they both felt like boys who’d done something wrong and were now supposed to confess to their overly strict father.
Liath was already waiting for them with DD at his side.
Liath didn’t bother to greet them properly - Luke thought the guy really needed a manners check when it came to him.
“Hey guys!” DD grinned noticing their joined hands. Luke smiled back at him. Dustin might be a grumpy contemporary most of the time but he had good eyes and he loved Reid and the kids - that was all Luke needed to know that he was a good man.
“So we have a problem here. Let’s see what we can do about it!” Liath stated.
Knowing that most so called honorable societies had strict standards of manliness and that homosexuality didn’t fit in their concepts, Luke was sure the two guys who’d been after him and Reid last night were related to one of the ‘families’ and an agonizing fear gripped his heart. This wasn’t only about him - the man he was in love with and his son were concerned for God’s sake. He would have felt so much better if Damian was around - or even better if Damian and Lucinda were here to stand by them. Damian, Lucinda and Liath - if the three eccentric alpha leaders would come to an agreement in order to protect their beloved ones…
“Well, I don’t want to overreact but something tells me this isn’t good and it’s definitely no coincidence. Luke, can it be that your father hasn’t entirely retired from his ‘former’ business?”
Luke could strangle Liath for the air quotes implying Damian hadn’t changed yet he answered civilly - unlike Liath who seemed to forget his professionalism when it came to Luke.
“As far as I know, no - he isn’t into dubious business anymore and that’s for a long time now.
What about you? What about P&P?”
“No, Luke!” Reid interrupted calmly. “As far as the pharmaceutical industry can be clean - we are. We sold the entire cosmetic branch two years ago, we exclusively bank on our flagships and they are ethically acceptable.”
“And which are those flagships?” Luke wanted to know earning an impatient sigh coming from Liath.
“An anti-viral drug, an antihypertensive medication, and a few painkillers and… “. Now Reid couldn’t suppress a smirk “…and condoms.”
“And it was Reid’s decision to sell the cosmetic branch - against my advice and against the board.”
Liath added. “Angus though had a phase when he was involved in dubious bargains. But that’s a long time ago. And before you ask or your father digs it out - when I was a young defense lawyer I pleaded a man’s cause who turned out to be a member of the ‘Irish Family’. But as your question indicates you are thinking in the right direction, I guess. The point is, what do they want from us?
So, first things first - there is no dating outside the mansion anymore as long as we don’t know what they are up to.”
“I suggest involving my father and my grandmother. They are both very professional when it comes to managing those kinds of crises - I would feel better if they were on board! Sorry, I sense there is something ugly behind it!”
“You sense…no offense, but I think we are able to handle the situation without your help!”
“I disagree, Liath. We can´t keep Luke out of this. He is Ravi’s father - not to mention he and I intend on having a relationship that hopefully lasts. So would you please quit acting as if he’s not welcome? You’re not helping!”
“Hey guys, easy!” DD’s deep voice tried to soothe the tension. ”Maybe it’s only some panjandrums fooling around.”
“Do you actually believe that?” Reid turned to his friend and Dustin frowned and lightly shook his head. He didn’t. He had the same bad feeling as Luke - and Reid and probably Liath had it as well.
But it didn’t help to go into hysterics. DD had no objections though to including Damian Grimaldi and Lucinda Walsh - unlike Liath and the kids he liked the smart Maltese Don. There was something elegant yet humorous about him - and he loved his son. Dusty Donovan respected everybody who loved their children and treated them well. When Ravi and Luke still were in the clinic he’d had a few chats with the elder Grimaldi, and the man had been friendly and nice. Yes, Dusty didn’t flinch thinking of a man being ‘nice’ anymore. But he also was aware of why Liath was on the warpath internally. The Grimaldis coming to the family meant giving up total control, meant suffering from a leak in the carefully woven protection-net. But Man, Liath had to slow down, to ease up a bit. Dusty liked the older man very much, in many respects Liath was his role model, but DD loved Reid and seeing him happy again was a pleasure. Luke was good for Reid. The guys acted as if they were falling in love for the first time, Man! Holding hands, throwing each other adoring glances. This was nice, plain and simple!
And given that Liath and Katie had finally stopped being dumb and admitted their mutual attraction life could have been just fine. Only Dusty knew life too well not to know there was always a ‘but’.
“Actually, I think we might need allies, Liath!” He took his former downplaying back.
“Look, I think, we should put our aversions aside and look at the whole picture!” Luke turned to Liath and it felt good to finally express their mutual dislike.
The older man stared at him for a moment without answering as if he was weighing an appropriate reply: “So, I guess you want to contact your father and grandmother yourself? And I talk to Holly to get some rooms ready for them.”
“Huh - I don’t believe my grandmother is eager to be your guest. She owns a few houses in Boston.”
“Luke, maybe it’s better to convince her to stay here for a few days - it’s easier to arrange than to find safe meeting places!” Reid added for consideration. “And she can finally meet her great-grandson!”
“So that’s it - I guess each of us has some calls to do.” Liath stated and dismissed them without words.
“I’ll talk to Katie.” Reid whispered and cupped Luke’s face to have a better access to his soft lips.
“I’m actually not a very optimistic person, but I do hope, that things turn out well. I…I…”
“I know…” Luke saved him from uttering his fear.
Their kiss was so sweet, tender - both their soft lips only brushing.
“You know my inner Freud talked to me and he and I analyzed my emotional state and I dare say now, that I love you too.”
Reid grinned and Luke smiled.
To hell with fear and threat - they leaned in and kissed again, ignoring DD who left Liath’s room and passed them - whistling. It felt so good to have a few allies!
:::
“Luke! My boy, I almost wore away my nails, drumming on the table - waiting for your call!!!”
“I know, Grandmother - and I am sorry!”
“You’re forgiven, since there are so many changes in your life.” Luke could hear her smile. ”So how is your boy?”
“He is so much better, and this very morning he fell asleep - next to me. Can you believe that?”
“I am so happy for you - and your big boy, how are things with him?” Her voice dropped and Luke knew she was eager to hear about their ‘progresses’.
“What can I say? He’s smart and upfront and adorably awkward sometimes and funny! When he’s in doctor’s mode, exuding knowledge, professionalism and that white-coat-awesomeness and I am almost too shy to approach him then - and he quotes Homer and reads Ovid - God! Other times he’s unbelievably shy, almost innocent but enthusiastic and he told them we were an item - it was almost like a public confession, you know and first I thought: How can I leave, when it’s time, but right now I don’t want anything more than to stay with him and Ravi ---“
“So he’s enthusiastic! I see.” Lucinda could practically see her grandson blush- through the line.
“It’s time, I meet them finally, Luke! You kept them from me forbiddingly long!”
“Yeah, you’re right - in two ways.”
“What do you mean and why is it that your voice gets so meek?”
“I need your help, Grandmother - actually we need your help!”
:::
“And those Olivers have ruled out that it’s just some idiots?”
“They do, and so do I! I have that bad feeling that rarely betrays me.”
“Have you talked to your father, yet?”
It was funny when it came to special business Lucinda and Damian forgot all about their aversions and became a dream-team. Ever since Damian had rescued ‘their Luke’ they bonded once in a while - for good causes. And Luke knew that Lucinda had helped Damian to get his business clean.
“Yes, but he’s in London - and he can’t leave not until tomorrow.”
“What’s he doing in London?”
“Long story…nothing criminal, don’t worry. I’ll tell you when you’re here.”
“Okay, I’ll be there then in a few hours!”
“I’m looking forward to it!”
“Oh my dear boy!”
Of course - while speaking to her beloved grandson Lucinda had already indicated her personal assistant to muster her staff.