Page 30 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
Collin followed the words down the hall to the right.
“I’ll have to move a meeting, but I can.” Damian sounded slightly breathless.
“Tell me if you have any trouble moving your meeting, and I’ll get Sheila to pull strings if I have to. Émeric, I’m going to cancel the trip to D.C. this week unless you’re opposed. The think tank can see me another week.”
Collin’s feet slowed.
“You’re staying for Collin.” Mr. Moreau said.
Collin froze. Mr. Reevesworth was canceling an entire trip for him?
“Collin needs me more, especially right now. I’m going to have Dr. Haverty out to talk to him.”
Chairs shifted around. Move your feet, idiot. You’re not supposed to be here.
But he couldn’t.
Mr. Reevesworth stepped out of the kitchen first, adjusting his shirt sleeve cuffs. He blinked and paused. “Collin?”
Collin opened his mouth and closed it. Silverware tinkled against each other on the tray in his hands. “Don’t…don’t cancel on my account, please.”
“Collin. Collin, Collin, Collin.” Mr. Reevesworth took the tray out of Collin’s hands. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”
Damian stepped into the hall. He was still in nothing but his running shorts, and there was a collar around his neck. Mr. Reevesworth passed him the tray and a whispered word. Collin balled his hands up into fists.
“Come, Collin, let’s get you back to your room. Chores can wait until the doctor clears you. Émeric would have been in in a few minutes.”
Mr. Reevesworth turned Collin with a hand on his waist. Collin swallowed and went. They said nothing until they were back in the bedroom. Collin paused by the side of the bed.
“Please, sir.”
“Where I choose to be is entirely my own decision.” Mr. Reevesworth studied Collin’s face. “You’re distressed.”
Collin worried at the hem of his shirt with his fingers. “I’ve been a huge inconvenience, sir. I don’t want it to be worse.”
“Collin, humans do not exist to be convenient. I inconvenience a great many people on a weekly basis.”
“I’m sure they don’t mind.”
“No, most do not. As I also do not mind canceling my trip to look after you.”
“I’m doing well, sir. I’ll be fine, I promise. It was just a concussion.”
“A concussion is a serious matter, Collin. And unlike some, I have the luxury of treating it as such. So, we will be taking a quiet week, getting to know each other, and discussing any questions you have before you choose to sign or not sign the contract.”
“I’m going to sign it.”
“You haven’t read it.”
“I trust you.”
“Oh, Collin.” Mr. Reevesworth stepped closer. “May I touch you?”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Reevesworth wrapped an arm around Collin’s shoulders, drawing him into a strong embrace. “I will cancel my trip if I choose, Collin. Your only responsibility is to rest and heal and communicate your needs. Later this afternoon, we’ll go over to your old apartment with movers to retrieve your things. The doctor approved it, so long as you can wear glasses outside and avoid heavy lifting.”
“That’s why you asked Damian to take your meeting, sir?”
