High Test

by Elizabeth Noble

  “Ze man hasn’t been in touch today,” Rick explained.

  Steffie smacked Rick’s shoulder. “You’re such a child. The last time you had a girlfriend you checked your phone hourly.” She shook her head. “And you guys say we’re needy.”

  “You’re right. I’m being silly,” Hayden confessed. “We’re supposed to have dinner tonight, and he’s going to stay in town with me for the rest of the week.”

  “Look at that smile.” Steffie poked at Hayden’s ribs. “See, we both told you things would work out. I think this Neal guy is a keeper, and it’s time he met your friends.”

  “Then why do I feel all nervous inside? I was never like this with anyone else,” Hayden said. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to complain.”

  “You’re not complaining,” Steffie said.

  Rick grinned and slurped down the rest of his drink. “Much.”

  “So when do we get to meet him as your friends and not the chick you worked with at the coffeehouse? It made you feel good to know he wants you to meet his parents, so it’ll make him feel good to know he is now allowed to meet us,” Steffie pointed out. She was always so good at seeing all sides of things.

  “This week? I have to check Neal’s schedule. He sent me his calendar, but I haven’t added it to mine yet.”

  “Ohh,” Steffie and Rick chimed at the same time. “Calendar sharing!”

  Hayden rolled his eyes and focused on what was left of his meal. All too soon lunch was over and they split up, each heading to their respective classes. When he left late that afternoon, there was still no message or text. This time he sent a quick text to Neal while he waited for the tow truck. He’d arranged for the driver to follow him to the alleyway behind the building where his car was currently parked.

  Rick jogged up right behind the tow truck and climbed into the pickup beside Hayden. He grinned and gave Hayden sidelong glances when Hayden turned on the radio, humming and tapping his thumbs on the steering wheel. It seemed to take forever to get from the college to the studio apartment.

  The driver had a challenge moving the tow truck into position. The space was narrow, and other drivers were constantly trying to get their vehicles through to the main street. Hayden stood next to his car while the flatbed was lowered, intending to keep a very close eye on his baby. He decided the tow truck driver had the patience of a saint working in the tight alley.

  Excitement crawled up Hayden’s spine. He’d missed working on his car and was happy he’d be able to resume that project very shortly. After several chains and cables were attached to the car, it began a slow journey from the ground onto the flatbed. Hayden was focused on his car and not what was going on with the truck behind him. He heard yet another car drive down the alley that led to the parking area behind the apartment building.

  There wasn’t a lot of room for a car to maneuver around the tow truck, and the thought flitted through Hayden’s head that he hoped no one got dinged. He’d no sooner finished that thought when he heard the sound of breaking glass and the tow truck rocked ever so slightly. Next there was a snap and a sharp whistling sound.

  “Look out!” the driver yelled.

  Hayden barely had time to think about turning or ducking before he felt something hit his back and a sharp sting across his forehead. The world spun and went black.

  HAYDEN tried to lift his hand to rub at his head, but he couldn’t. He didn’t spend a lot of time figuring out the problem. There was a consistent, annoying scream in his head that made him think of a siren. He was jostled side to side, then he felt a thump and the floor beneath him jumped slightly. The only thing he could see clearly was what looked like the roof of a van. Swallowing, he tried to turn his head and was met with a stab of pain. His efforts rewarded him with a glimpse of a monitor and what appeared to be medical equipment. Another few seconds later, Hayden realized the siren and motion weren’t his imagination. His head—along with the rest of him—was in an ambulance.

  A woman was asking if he knew his name. What a silly question. Of course he did. He must have said that out loud because she giggled softly, and from somewhere in the distance, he heard Rick comment about Hayden’s very hard head. When they stopped pestering him, Hayden closed his eyes, and the movement of the vehicle lulled him enough that he drifted off.

  When Hayden opened his eyes again, he was lying in a room with more medical equipment and a man about his age was gently dabbing at his forehead. “You’re lucky. The cable that snapped hit you in the back, not the head.”

  “Oh.” Hayden frowned.

  “You wacked your noggin when you fell. That’s how you got this cut.” The man told Hayden his name, but all he really caught was it was Doctor somebody. Hayden endured a few minutes of answering questions, having his head turned this way and that, lights shining in his eyes, and being asked to follow a finger moving in front of him—it dawned on him after a few seconds that the finger belonged to Doctor Somebody. Then he was told to rest. It seemed like a good idea, so Hayden relaxed back against a comfortable pillow and lowered his eyelids.

  When Hayden woke up again, Rick was sitting beside him talking on the phone. “He’s a bit woozy and goofy but doing okay. He’s awake. Want to talk to him?”

  Hayden frowned, and when Rick held out his phone, Hayden reached for it. He didn’t even think to ask who he was going to talk to.

  “Honey, how are you feeling?” His mother’s voice, calm on the surface but with desperate undertones, greeted him through the phone.

  “Hi, Mom.” Hayden had to talk slowly to keep from slurring his words. “My head hurts a little, but I’m okay.” He smiled and whispered into the phone, “I met a really great guy, Mom. He’s a bit older than me, so don’t get freaked out.”

  “Hayden, honey, do you need me to come out there?”

  “Nah. I’m only staying here….” He looked up at Rick.

  “Give me the phone, Romeo.” Rick took the phone back. “Hi, Mrs. Owens, it’s Rick again. The doctor said as long as people can stay with him, he’ll be released in the morning. That’s all covered, no worries. They said he should be back at school in a week or less.” He stopped talking, smiled, and nodded a few times. “Yes, I’ll make sure he calls you.”

  Rick held the phone to Hayden’s ear again. “Tell your mother you love her and will call when we’re home.”

  “I love you, Mom. Talk to you tomorrow,” Hayden dutifully repeated. When Rick disconnected the call, Hayden told him, “She asked me to thank you.”

  Rick nodded and smiled. He turned and Hayden saw his shoulders relax while he blew a breath out at the same time. Hayden tried to see around him, but his shoulders and head hurt and moving was too much of an effort.

  “Christ, I’m sorry. I was meeting with a client all day and left my phone in my desk.”

  At the sound of Neal’s voice, Hayden tried sitting up. He failed miserably.

  “Whoa, whoa, lie still,” Neal said softly. He pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, taking Hayden’s hand. He used his free hand to brush his fingers through Hayden’s hair. Hayden smiled, and Neal twisted in his chair. He had to let go of Hayden to hold out his hand to Rick. “Neal Kirchner. Thank you for calling me.”

  “Rick Patterson.” Rick nodded and added, “No problem at all. Glad to do it.”

  The minute Neal’s hand was free, it was back on Hayden’s again. “Is the doctor coming back?”

  “Yeah. He’s a cool guy. Said he was going to do his rounds and would check back here.” Rick handed Neal Hayden’s phone.

  The door to Hayden’s room opened again, and Steffie rushed in. “I leave you two alone for a few hours and this is what happens?” She smiled at Neal. “Hi. I remember you from the coffee shop. Steffie Blye.”

  Neal shook her hand and nodded. “I remember you. Neal Kirchner.”

  “Hayden was hovering too close to the tow truck watching his car being loaded,” Rick explained.

  “My car,” Hayden croaked.

  “Yeah,
he’s fine. More worried about his car than his head,” Steffie said. She walked to the other side of the bed and leaned in to give Hayden a kiss on his forehead.

  “Taken care of,” Neal assured him.

  Doctor Somebody entered shortly after Steffie. “All of you can’t stay. Mr. Owens needs to rest. I’ll probably send him home tomorrow morning.” The doctor made a shooing motion with both hands.

  “We left our numbers at the nurses’ desk,” Steffie said. She waved as she and Rick walked to the door. “Need a ride, Rick?”

  “Yes, thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow, buddy. Call if you need anything before then,” Rick said softly.

  Hayden smiled weakly and nodded. Neal stood up and bid them both goodbye. The doctor gave Neal a pointed glare when he sat back down again. Neal glared right back. “He’s my boyfriend, and I’m paying for the private room. I’m staying.”

  The doctor grinned and shrugged. “Fine with me, but I’m only the doctor. You might have to clear it with the nurses on duty tonight. They run this place.” He glanced at Hayden. “Is it okay with you that he stays?”

  “Yes, please.” Hayden’s voice had an annoying crack and hitch to it.

  The doctor held up one hand, then turned to Neal. “I have to hear him say that when you’re not in the room.”

  Drawing in a deep breath and blowing it out slowly, Neal stood and nodded before he walked slowly from the room.

  “Are you sure?” the doctor persisted. “He seems like a decent guy, but sometimes you never can tell about people.”

  “Yes, I’m sure. I’d feel better if he could stay with me,” Hayden assured the man.

  The doctor walked to the door and opened it, waving Neal back inside. “I’ll see you in the morning. Hit that button on the wall behind you if you need anything. Have a good night.”

  Neal spent a few minutes fiddling with the chair before getting it extended. “These things are handy. They open into a bed.”

  “I bet this button doesn’t bring Nathan,” Hayden said and snickered. Neal laughed.

  Hayden watched him for a few minutes before it became impossible to keep his eyelids open. When he pried his eyes open again, he felt much better. The room was dark other than a little light from under the door and a soft glow from the bathroom. Hayden pushed up straighter, stretched, and yawned. Neal was asleep in the foldout chair. Moving slowly and carefully so he didn’t disturb Neal, Hayden eased his legs over the edge of the bed and gingerly stood up.

  With one hand on the bed to steady himself, Hayden stood there for a minute waiting for his balance to right itself. He was a little wobbly, but taking deliberate, slow steps, he began crossing the room to the bathroom. Half his journey had been completed when a strong arm slipped around his waist and he was tugged against Neal’s side.

  “You shouldn’t be walking around without help,” Neal murmured. He didn’t release Hayden until he was inside the bathroom.

  “I got it from here,” Hayden said and brushed his fingertips down Neal’s cheek. “I’ll holler if I need help.” Neal nodded and kissed Hayden’s temple.

  When he finished with his task, Neal was waiting, leaning against the wall beside the door. Hayden didn’t need the help now that he was more awake, but he didn’t turn down Neal’s strong arms around him, guiding him back to the bed. He noticed the extra pillow and a blanket on the foldout chair.

  “That locker is full of extra supplies if you want another pillow or something. The nurse clued me in when she checked on you earlier,” Neal explained.

  Stretching out on the bed, Hayden smiled at Neal and said, “I’m good. Thank you for being here.”

  Neal leaned down and kissed Hayden’s forehead before resettling himself in the chair. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

  Neal’s simple statement filled Hayden with a warmth that spread out from his chest. Comfortable and feeling safe, Hayden went back to sleep.

  HAYDEN wasn’t released from the hospital until the next afternoon. By the time they were in the suite at the Riverfront Hotel, he was completely wiped out. Neal had him settled in bed and was ordering an early dinner when Hayden fell asleep. He awoke to the sound of soft laughter, voices, and the clinking of silverware against dishes. Hayden frowned and pushed higher in the bed so he could lean forward and squint at the sight before him.

  “Mom, am I dreaming? I must have hit my head harder than they told me,” Hayden said.

  “How’re you feeling?” Hayden’s mother and Neal asked at the same time.

  Hayden took in the table set with dishes holding the remains of a meal and the half-empty wineglasses. “Mom, how long have you been here?”

  “My flight got in a few hours ago. You were out like a light by the time I arrived. Neal has been a lovely host.”

  “I get a ton of airline miles flying to Dubai all the time and can never use them. It seemed like a worthwhile cause to spend them for your mother to fly out,” Neal said.

  “I… uh… gotta….” Hayden waved toward the bathroom. “I could use a shower too.”

  Neal stood at once and hurried to Hayden’s side to guide him across the suite to the bathroom. “If you need—”

  Hayden caught a glance of his mother nodding with approval. Her face softened even more, and she leaned back in her chair, watching them.

  “I’ll yell.” Hayden smiled and went into the bathroom. After he took care of personal needs and had a shower, he felt much better. Neal slipped into the room and set a stack of clothes on the counter before leaving again. Hayden knew it was a ploy to check up on Hayden, and he was all right with that.

  Once he was dressed, he made his way out of the bathroom and to the dining table. His mother was on her feet, enveloping him in a hug. “I was so worried about you. However, I see you have excellent care.”

  “You didn’t have to come, but I’m glad you did,” Hayden confessed. He let go of his mother and met Neal’s gaze. “Thank you.”

  Neal shrugged and grinned. “I didn’t want to wait until graduation to meet your mother. Hungry?”

  Hayden rubbed his abdomen. “Yeah, I am.”

  It wasn’t long after Neal ordered some food for Hayden that it arrived. While he ate he sat and listened to his mother and Neal chat.

  “Hayden, you didn’t tell me your mother was such a tea connoisseur.”

  “Uh… I guess I knew that.” Hayden looked between them. “I mean, I knew you drank tea.”

  “Well—” Neal laid one hand over his mother’s arm. “—Kerry, you tell me what you like and I’ll have a supply shipped to you every month. My treat. Don’t argue, because it’ll happen anyway, so you might as well pick what you’d like.”

  “Ah.” Kerry Owens raised her eyebrows. “Bribing the mother of your boyfriend? Wise move.”

  Neal laughed. “What’s the point of owning a tea company if I can’t give some away? And it’s free advertising when you share it with your friends.”

  Kerry turned to Hayden. “I like this one.”

  “Me too,” Hayden agreed.

  She looked at Neal. “Thank you for taking care of Hayden and for lying about the plane ticket.”

  “I wasn’t—”

  “Neal, please. I’ve raised enough teenagers to know a fib when I hear one. I’ll admit I was concerned when I found out the age difference between you and Hayden. Only someone who cared very much for him would fly me out here under the pretext of not wanting to waste airline miles to keep me from being embarrassed or feel indebted.”

  “So I can keep him?” Hayden gave his mother a wink.

  “I think you should,” Kerry replied.

  Hayden’s week with Neal didn’t exactly go the way he’d planned, but in the end he was happy for the way things turned out. It didn’t take long for Hayden to feel well enough that he and Neal could take his mother to do a little sightseeing. The day he drove Kerry to the airport, he was taking Neal there as well. His mother was flying home to Wisconsin, and Neal was off to Dubai for
another stint. Hayden was beginning to feel as if this was what his relationship with Neal would be like forever.

  Chapter Eleven

  NEAL met Hayden’s gaze and squeezed his hand. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Hayden said.

  “Before we meet them, I have to warn you. My parents aren’t warm and nice like your mom is. As for my being gay, they float down a big river in Egypt and—”

  “I won’t hold anything they say against you, so don’t worry,” Hayden said. He rocked onto his toes and kissed Neal. “And you only met my mother, not the rest of the gang.” He heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry our week together didn’t go as planned.”

  “I’m sorry I was gone until two days ago and then was monopolized by my mother and father,” Neal said.

  Hayden let go of Neal’s hand and made a small adjustment to his tie. “You look good.”

  Neal chuckled and ran both hands up and down Hayden’s arms a few times. “We both do. Now remember, show no fear.” He leaned in and whispered in Hayden’s ear, “They can smell it.”

  Hayden walked with Neal to the elevator. He wore the custom tux Rick had made him. Instead of the blue tie he’d worn before, they both had red vests and ties, courtesy of Rick. Green tartan pocket squares finished off their Christmas dinner look. It was Christmas Eve, and the hotel was decorated with small white lights, pine trees with red bows, and art depicting winter scenes and Christmases in a variety of time periods and areas. The entire place had a cozy, holiday feel to it.

  They left the elevator one floor down. Hayden knew Neal’s father had recently begun to use a wheelchair, and one entire section of the two floors below was specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible. There were a variety of rooms, from regular to the more finely appointed suites. Neal stopped at a door around the corner from the elevator and knocked lightly.

  A man dressed in a uniform but who didn’t work for the hotel answered the door and bowed slightly. “Mr. Neal, a pleasure to see you again.”