by Andrew Grey
Duncan shrugged, and Todd furrowed his brows. “When I was going through all that, I really didn’t give visitors and things like that too much thought. I was pretty miserable and would have been terrible company.”
“But I’m your friend. I was supposed to come and help cheer you up,” Todd said, trying to make Duncan understand.
“I wasn’t in a cheering-up mood. There was nothing you or anyone could have done then. I was pretty much a miserable person to be around. Just ask my mother. She saw me at my worst, and I swear she has the patience of a saint.” Duncan reached across the table. “We can’t undo what happened, and Lord knows I don’t want to go back to those times. They’re behind me and I’ve moved on. You need to let it go too.” Duncan smiled.
“But I wasn’t good to you.” Todd had been carrying this around for a while, but it seemed to be coming to the surface.
“You’re good to me now, and that’s what’s important.” Duncan shook his head. “God, those days were filled with pain and hurt like you can’t imagine. I never want to go through that again.” He took a deep breath and looked Todd in the eye. “What happened wasn’t your fault, and there was nothing you could do about any of it. If we had connected earlier, I somehow doubt things would have turned out the way they have. I would have been different, and so would you.”
“So you’re saying that sometimes things happen for a reason?”
“Either that or we step into a pile of crap and then clean ourselves up and move on.” He finished the last of his champagne and reached for the bottle. “This isn’t why we came here, you know. I didn’t intend to take a walk down the creepy woods portion of memory lane.” He poured some more for both of them. “We’re here to celebrate the commercial and the start of what’s ahead of us.” Duncan lifted a piece of bread. “Tapenade?” he asked with a glint in his eyes, and Todd nearly lost it.
“You’re so poetic sometimes.”
“And at others I’m just full of crap.” Duncan snickered, and Todd shook his head slowly. “So here’s to your first endorsement.”
“Our first endorsement,” Todd corrected, and lightly touched Duncan’s glass. He sipped and then set the glass down, taking a few seconds to look around.
“I love this place. It’s like one of those warm, romantic places you see in the movies, with dark wood and huge upholstered seats you could get lost in,” Duncan observed, and Todd had to agree.
“Do you want me to have them bring a chair so you can use one?” Todd asked. “I’ll help you into one.”
Duncan shook his head. “No. There’s no need to make a big production of it. Besides, I finally got this chair pad so I don’t sweat,” he added in a whisper that made Todd smile.
Vale brought salads with poached pears and a wonderful vinaigrette that tingled Todd’s tongue, pecans that added crunch, and the salty bite of blue cheese. Duncan seemed to love it as much as he did, judging by the way his eyes closed and his lips closed sensuously around his fork. The sight of a happy Duncan sent a little shock of excitement running through him.
“I love this.”
“I remembered it’s your favorite,” Beverly said quietly as she filled their glasses and took away the bottle, replacing it with some sparkling water. “I have a pasta course coming for you. Just a small nibble.” She smiled, and Todd understood why the restaurant was so popular and had been for a long time. It felt like they were at Beverly’s table in her dining room, eating something prepared especially for them.
“It’s as delicious as the first time you brought it in for me.” Duncan blinked and turned away.
Beverly placed her hand on his shoulder. “You were always such a sweetheart. It’s as much a pleasure to make you happy now as it was then.” She gently kissed him on the cheek, then wiped the touch of lipstick off his skin with a wicked smile. She reached across and took Todd’s hand. Todd wasn’t sure how to react and just went with it. “I’m happy you’ve found someone.”
Duncan colored.
“I’m the lucky one.”
She sighed softly. “Friends make the best lovers. Claude and I were friends for a decade before he finally understood.” She rolled her eyes, and Todd realized she was gearing up for a story. “I had eyes for him in high school, but he was dating someone else then. He went to culinary school, and I went to secretarial school but learned quickly that I had a head for business. After he graduated, I rescued him from the girl he’d been dating for years and had just left. I convinced him to open his first restaurant. That was in Shorewood, just a small place. He cooked in the kitchen, and I cooked elsewhere….” She winked and tried to look demure, but failed completely. “The rest, as they say, is history.” She squeezed their hands. “You boys enjoy your meal. I’m needed in the kitchen, but I’ll say goodbye before you leave.” She released their hands and left the table, chatting with each diner as she made her way toward the back.
Todd was a little overwhelmed as the food arrived: pasta with a pesto and pine nuts, a little plate of carpaccio, and then their entrees. By the time dessert was served, Todd could barely move, but the tiramisu served in a chocolate cup was beyond expectations. He again was wondering how Duncan could afford all this when Beverly came back out.
“Did you like the food?” she asked, beaming with pride and taking Duncan’s hand once more. “Remember, you are like family, and we want to see more of you.” She kissed him on the cheek again. “I forgot to ask if you were celebrating something special.”
“We were, actually. Todd just filmed his first commercial. I’m starting a marketing business, and his boss was my first client. We shot their commercial today, and Todd was brilliant.” Duncan actually beamed.
“Can you help us?” she asked, then motioned Albert over. “Duncan is starting a marketing business.” She looked back at Duncan. “Albert has wanted to open a second location in Wauwatosa, and Claude and I like the idea, but we’re worried about pulling business from here.”
“It’s far enough away, and we could do a single website for both locations that would allow the patrons to make a reservation at either location.” Duncan smiled.
“I’ve been telling you we need to modernize,” Albert said. “How about if I call you and we get together to work up a proposal for the folks?”
Just like that, Duncan’s smile rippled through him. He deserved some success. He had brilliant ideas. Todd sat back, sipped his water, and listened as they talked.
“I can do that, though I have mobility issues. I’m working to get my license again, but I have to get a van and I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
“I can take you,” Todd volunteered, and Beverly patted Todd’s hand.
“You have yourself a good one here. Both of you do.” She left the table, and Albert hugged Duncan once again.
“Don’t be a stranger. You’re family, and we want to see you.” He straightened up. “Besides, I have some news of my own. I’m getting married.”
“Congratulations!” Duncan said, and Todd added his own.
“I want you to be my best man,” Albert said to Duncan, holding his hand. “You saw me through the darkest part of my life, and I’d like you with me for the happiest.”
“Jessica?” Duncan asked, and Albert nodded. “You finally let her convince you?”
“I wasn’t going to marry her until I was worthy. My head was a mess, and now that it’s where it should be, we’ve set a date for next spring. She wants an Eastertime wedding. Will you do it?”
Todd grinned happily, and Duncan’s smile grew even brighter. “Of course I will. I’d be honored.” Then he bit his lower lip, and Todd saw the worry and doubt creep in.
He reached for Duncan’s hand. “I think you’ll look amazing in a tuxedo,” Todd encouraged.
“So do I,” Albert said. “And Jessica will too.” He grinned. “I need to go back to work, but the bill is all set, so you enjoy some coffee. Take your time and have a wonderful evening.” He hugged Duncan once again and shook Todd’s
hand before leaving.
Vale refilled their cups, and Duncan pressed some money into his hand for his superior service. Once they were done with their coffee, they said goodbye to everyone, and then Todd drove him home.
He parked in the driveway, staring at the garage door through the windshield. “I don’t want to say good night,” he said quietly. “But I can’t go in and expect to stay. Your mother has been tolerant, but….”
Duncan nodded. “I know. I don’t feel right sleeping together in her house when she’s in the next room. Well, maybe those aren’t the right words, but….” He shivered. “There’s something about having sex while knowing my mom is nearby that gives me the willies. Like she might hear us and….”
“I know.” Todd turned to him and smiled. “Next weekend I don’t have to work at all. Trevor gave me paid time off as part of my pay for the commercial. So I was thinking you and I could maybe go to Chicago. We could drive down on Saturday morning and come back Sunday night.” He could probably come up with the money for a single night’s stay provided he could find a room that wasn’t too expensive. He could use some of his commercial money.
“Let me check. I have some hotel points that I could use.” Duncan leaned closer, and Todd kissed him. “You and I could have a whole room all to ourselves.” Now that sounded like a heavenly idea. “I’ve always wanted to go to the planetarium. I got to go to the museums when I was a kid, and the aquarium, but never there.”
“Then let’s do that.” Todd slid his fingers around the back of Duncan’s head and kissed him harder. “We could have street food and go window-shopping, take in the fountain by the lake.” There were plenty of things that didn’t cost a lot of money, and it would be awesome just to have quiet, one-on-one time with Duncan.
“I love it when things work out,” Duncan said without making a move to get out of the car.
“Me too,” Todd agreed, then kissed Duncan again.
Chapter 7
“ARE YOU sure this is a good idea?” his mother asked for the fifth time as Duncan finished packing his overnight bag.
“It’s a great idea. I need to be on my own, and I’ve made the reservation. The room is fully accessible, and when I called, they promised me there is enough space for me to get around in the room.” Chicago hotel rooms were notoriously small. “I’ll be perfectly fine. It’s a nice hotel, and Todd is going to be with me.” Duncan’s eyes widened as he suddenly understood what was going on. “Why don’t you call some of your friends and arrange to go out?”
“I….”
Duncan closed his bag and placed it on his lap before gliding over to his mother. “I know how much of your effort you’ve spent on me ever since the accident. But it’s time for me to move on with my life, and I want the same for you.” Duncan held his breath for a second. “Have you thought about dating?”
She put her hands on her hips. “Really? We’re having this conversation right now?”
“Nope.” Duncan slid back. “This is your business. I’m just saying I’d be happy for you if you decided to.” If he wanted his mother to respect his private life, then he needed to do the same for her. “Dad’s been gone a while, and I want you to have someone.”
She smirked. “There is someone who has asked me out on occasion, but I always said no. You know Matt Connell from church? He and his wife divorced two years ago, once the kids were grown. She’s in Texas, and he’s here. I like him, so….”
“Do you need me to get his number?” Duncan teased as he glided past her and down the hall. “Just have some fun. I’ll be back tomorrow evening.” Through the big living room window, he saw Todd pull into the drive, so he got an umbrella, then pulled open the front door. Todd hurried up to meet him and held the umbrella so Duncan could use both hands to navigate the ramp. “Mom, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Have a good time,” she said, waving as Duncan glided down the ramp.
He got into the car as quickly as he could in order to keep from getting too wet. He was sweating a little in the humidity by the time he got into the car. Thankfully Todd’s air conditioner worked pretty well, and by the time they reached the freeway, it was blowing plenty of cool air.
“The hotel is right downtown,” Duncan said. “I printed out directions, though it shouldn’t be too hard to find.” He sat back, trying not to get too excited. They had a good hour and a half or longer ride ahead of them.
“Cool. I got us tickets for the planetarium show this afternoon, and I thought we could find somewhere to eat tonight.” Todd sped up as they reached the outskirts of Milwaukee and traffic lessened.
After forty minutes, they crossed the state line into Illinois, and Duncan couldn’t suppress his sigh.
“What?” Todd asked.
Duncan pointed to the huge sign. “I used to go there all the time when I was a kid. Dad’s company had their summer party at Great America, and he and I used to go on all the roller coasters together. It was our thing. Most of the time, Mom didn’t go at all. She never liked any of the rides, so Dad and I would have a day of it, just him and me.” Duncan sniffed. “I still miss him.”
“Of course you do,” Todd said. “Which reminds me that I’m going to need to visit my dad and stepmother. Do you want to come along this fall? It’s a long drive to Florida, so I’ll understand if you don’t want to come. I have to go before it gets too cold and I start training.”
“That would be fun.” Duncan took Todd’s hand as they rode. Normally, being in the car made his back ache. Since he’d lost muscle tone in his lower body, he sometimes didn’t sit as straight as he used to. But the seat in Todd’s car had the perfect angle, and he was happy being with him. Maybe that blocked out any discomfort.
Traffic picked up again as they neared the city and then nearly ground to a halt at the interchange for downtown. Soon the Sears Tower—now the Willis Tower—came into view. Duncan smiled, as the name always reminded him of Die Hard, and he thought of it as the “Bruce” Tower.
“Not too long now.”
“You’d be surprised.” Todd pulled his hand away to put both of them on the steering wheel as the number of cars increased even as the speed remained fast. Approaching downtown, they entered stop-and-go traffic until they reached their exit and headed for the lakeshore, following the GPS.
“I had enough points so we could stay at the Marriott. I sort of splurged.” Duncan usually stayed at Courtyards and lower-priced hotels in the chain, but they still added to his points, and he’d been banking them for a long time.
Todd pulled up and helped him get out. Duncan held their overnight bags on his lap and fished out his handicapped parking hang tag, handed it to Todd, and went inside while Todd parked the car.
Duncan got them checked in and was waiting by the elevator when Todd joined him.
“You took care of the parking too?”
“They offered it to me.” Duncan didn’t think too much about it and pressed the button.
They rode up to their room, holding hands, alone in the elevator car. When they reached their room, Duncan excused himself to use the bathroom. After taking care of business, he glided out of the room. Todd sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his phone.
“There’s an email from the Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. Apparently someone reported me to them for a violation of some kind. They want to talk to me.”
“Did they say why? What sort of violation?” Duncan rolled over and placed his hand on Todd’s knee.
Todd shook his head. “It’s a form email that tells me nothing at all. They gave a phone number.” He made the call, lifting his phone to his ear. Duncan waited, Todd’s leg bouncing anxiously. “Yes, I received an email about a possible rule violation. Todd Hamilton.” He waited, nodding his head, while Duncan’s heart raced. He hoped to hell he hadn’t done something with the commercial that had broken one of the federation’s protectionist rules.
The federation made rules that governed the sport, which was good and hopefully made
the sport more competitive and safer. Duncan agreed with those goals, but the federation and the US Olympic Committee also had a bunch of rules set to ensure they remained in control of everything they possibly could. That would be fine if they helped the athletes out, but they didn’t. The USOC and the various athletic federations took in large amounts of money, paid their executives huge salaries, and very little was given to the athletes themselves.
It made Duncan angry. He’d been in the same position as Todd before the accident, and it sucked. Part of what he received in disability still went to pay off his old training debts.
“What did they say?” Duncan asked once Todd hung up.
“That something was reported and that was all. They said the email was a standard notification and they usually don’t amount to anything, especially since this report didn’t come with any details and was called into their offices anonymously. The lady said they get dozens of these a week and most come to nothing.” He sighed and lay back on the bed.
“Did she think it was malicious?” Duncan asked.
Todd sat back up. “She didn’t say that, but she hinted at it, I guess.” He shrugged and stood. “Come on. We aren’t going to let something like that ruin our weekend. This is nothing. Clive got one because someone was angry with him at work and decided to call something in on him. They looked into it, found no validity, and that was it. I haven’t done anything wrong.” He smiled, and Duncan nodded slowly.
“I never thought you had.” Duncan took his hand. “I’m going to get my things set out and then we can go have some fun. Okay?” He needed a minute to settle his nerves. “Did they say anything more about who reported it?”
“Nope. It came from a Yahoo account that had no real information.” Todd rested his hands on his shoulders. “Whoever did it was someone with an ax to grind about something, and I doubt they are going to get very far.” Todd’s words said one thing, but his tone rang clear that this was worrying him. It would have worried Duncan if he was in his position. “Let’s go have some fun.”