Page 110 of Ancient History

“The good news is that you only had a minor heart attack,” she said.

“Hopefully it doesn’t get called up to the majors,” Bud said. Did I detect a hint of flirting in his voice?

“The bad news is that it sets back your existing recovery.”

“Fortunately, he has multiple seasons ofThe Golden Girlshe can rewatch,” Hutch said. He narrowed his eyes at his dad. “If you thought I was a hard-ass before…”

“Brown rice here I come.” Bud winked at him.

“Thank you, Dr. Kumar” Hutch turned to her. “How long will he have to stay here?”

“For the next two nights for monitoring at least. We’ll see where we’re at in forty-eight hours.”

“More time for us to get to know each other,” Bud said.

Did Dr. Kumar blush? I was curious enough to look down and notice she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring.

“You should get some rest, Mr. Hawkins.” She had a light giggle in her voice. “Same for you, too,” she said to Hutch.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Hutch squeezed his dad’s hand.

“Hutch, you don’t want to sleep on those chairs tonight. You can see me in the morning.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“I’ll be fine. Right, Doc?”

Did she smile again? Maybe Bud is the man I should send my friends to for flirting tips, not Charlie.

“Yes.” She turned to Hutch. “It’s best that you get some rest, too.”

“This isn’t where you two want to be spending prom night.”

Bud nodded his head my way. Dr. Kumar spun around, noticing me for the first time. I gave her an awkward wave.

“Hello,” I said flatly. “I’m a friend of Hutch’s.”

“Bullshit. You two are boyfriends.” Damn, Bud was like the king of PFLAG.

Hutch cracked a smile for the first time tonight, and it filled my soul with bliss. I would help him get through this. I wanted to make him happy.

Since we were boyfriends and all, according to Mr. Hawkins.

Hutch held my hand, interlocking our fingers for strength. “We’ll stay a little bit longer, then we’ll be back first thing in the morning.” He pointed at his dad like a parent warning his child.

“So much for sleeping in,” Bud said.

The doctor and nurse left. Hutch continued to hold my hand, eyes brimming with heart. I would be his pillar.

“So, uh, Pop. This isn’t the place I thought I’d be doing this, but I’d like you to meet Amos.”

I waved hello, just as awkwardly as before.

“Amos and I are old friends.” He raised his eyebrows knowingly.

Hutch did a double take between us. He blinked at me, wanting verification. For some reason, I decided now was a good time to have some fun.

“We’re close friends, actually,” I said, getting on my tiptoes.

---