“That’s all of the story,” Aiden said. “I’m happy. Isaac is a stand-up guy.”
“Who is too young? Right? And too handsome for me? He’s your age, which is worse. I’m… I should have my head examined.” He closed his eyes. Yep, he’d made a big mistake by even thinking he might want to date Isaac.
“Who says you’re not good enough or hot enough? So he’s younger. Be a proud silver fox. If he’s who you want, then go for him. He’s better than that clingy guy from your housing development.”
“Brandon? He’s harmless.”For the most part.He stared at the fabric on the inner roof of his car. “Aiden.” He wanted to say so many things, but couldn’t form the words. He needed Aiden’s approval.
“What? I want you to be happy. He might be nearer to my age than yours, but if I were picking people for you to date, he’d be on the list,” Aiden said.
Len couldn’t speak and wasn’t sure what to say. Was Aiden being honest?
“If that’s the earth-shattering news Steve told me to ask you about, then it wasn’t that big of a deal. We’re cool. Tell Isaac I said hi and to be good to you. He might be my friend, but you’re my dad. No one breaks my dad’s heart and gets away with it.”
“Thanks, Aiden.” He’d raised a good son. One with a big heart and lots of compassion.
“Welcome. See you Saturday? Dinner? Matt’s cooking,” Aiden said. “Bring Isaac and Cissy. It’ll be weird at first, but that happens. Cissy wants to visit the pups.”
“Pencil me in because she does. I don’t know about Isaac, but I’ll be there.” He paused. “Love you, kid.”
“Love you, Dad.”
Len hung up and tapped the phone against his lips. Aiden would’ve had a fit and chewed him out about the million germs on the phone touching his mouth. He didn’t care. He had his son’s blessing. The germs couldn’t harm him now.
He left the car and headed into the building. Len wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but the waiting room full of elderly people caught him off guard. He wondered if this was how Isaac saw him…as a geriatric individual? He hoped not.
Len marched up to the receptionist’s window.
“Name and appointment time,” she said and didn’t look up from her computer.
“I don’t have one.” He should’ve thought this plan through a little better. When he’d visited Aiden at the hospital, he’d been able to stroll in and see him. Isaac being at an office proved a little more difficult. He could pretend he was there for Dr. Gates, but the lie wasn’t good.
“What time do you need?” she asked.
“I don’t.”Yep, should’ve planned ahead.
She froze, then glanced up from her computer. She shook her head and resumed typing. “Picking up a script? You can call that in now or use the Internet. It’s faster, especially for refills.”
“I don’t need any refills.”
“Are you here for Dr. Gates? This isn’t your normal time, Mr. Connor.” She frowned. “I’m missing something.”
“I want to leave a message for Dr. McLean. I’m a friend.” Len gripped the small counter. He’d made the wrong choice by visiting the office on a day when he didn’t need to be there.
She frowned, then rolled away from her desk. Another girl, a nurse if Len had to guess, smiled at him. She didn’t speak but also didn’t stop staring. The first girl returned to the counter. He tensed. Where was Elise? She’d understand. Hell, she might put him with Isaac without a second thought.
“Doc will see you, but make it quick. We’re behind.” She slammed the glass window shut, effectively ending the discussion.
The door to the left opened, and the smiling nurse waved. “This way.” She directed him past the scales and two exam rooms to what Len suspected was Isaac’s office. “I’m really excited you’re here. He needs a friend. He’s stressed,” she whispered. She nodded once, then shut the door.
Len hooked his fingers into his belt loops. He’d acted on impulse. His mind filled with questions and doubt. If he abandoned the plan now, he’d really screw himself over.
The door opened. “I’ll be there in a moment.” Isaac caught Len’s gaze and held on to the knob. “Hi.” He pushed the door shut. “What brings you by? Are you okay? Can’t you get in to see Dr. Gates?”
“That’s a very popular question today.” He rocked on his feet. “But no, I don’t need to see Dr. Gates.”
“Oh?” Isaac flipped through the paperwork on his desk. He didn’t seem excited to see Len. Annoyed was more like it.
Christ, he’d acted like a lovesick teenager by coming to the office.