Page 52 of Deep Down
Craig sniggered. “Are you planning to go with them?”
“God, no! Seeing my parents all lovey-dovey and all over each other is more than enough on a normal basis. On holiday, it will be ten times worse.” Alex sighed, content. “Nah, they need this time for themselves. If we went, they’d be spending all their time making sure we were all okay.”
Craig nodded. “Yeah, my parents would do the same. It’s a nice idea for a gift. I may have to steal it.”
Alex winked. “Steal away.”
Craig glanced at the table, a smile on his face. Alex tilted his head and studied Craig while he wasn’t aware. Craig sat straighter now as if he felt more comfortable in his skin. He was able to keep eye contact for longer periods of time, although shy in some respects. His skin and body appeared healthier, there was more definition to his muscles than when Alex had first seen him.
It had been around five months since Craig had left the hospital the final time, and Alex could see the difference, both in his physical features and his demeanour. Here was the strong guy who told him to leave when he’d made the house call.
Alex lost track of how long he’d been staring until Craig’s gaze lifted and caught his. They stayed locked for several seconds before Craig blushed again and dropped his gaze. The trance broken, Alex cleared his throat and checked his watch.
“Holy crap. I have to go.” He stood quickly, not wanting to leave Craig at all. “I’m late for my rounds.” He paused. “Would you like to do this again?”
Alex watched as Craig’s finger grazed across his lower lip, pinching it before he answered. “Yes.”
“Thursday?” His heart pounded fast in his chest, his palms sweating.
Craig nodded. “Okay.”
“Great. See you next week.”
Alex wheeled around, jogging for the exit. Luckily, doctors were known for being late; he wouldn’t have too many complaints.
As he headed back to work, he couldn’t keep the smile off his face.
****
Weary and bone-tired, Alex locked his front door behind him, resting against it for a few seconds before heading towards the bathroom. The silence pressed in on him, the absence of noise making the house feel empty. As he had done many times before, he wished he had someone to come home to.
After finishing in the shower, he set some pasta boiling and called his parents. He was past due a call to them and apologised when his mother answered.
“Don’t worry. Ella told us about your work schedule being crazy.”
Thank you, Ella.
His mother talked about what they’d been doing since their last conversation and their plans to, hopefully, go to Italy for their anniversary.
“That sounds good, Mum. You deserve it.” He rubbed his palm against his breastbone, his sense of homesickness returning as it always did when he spoke to his parents. Which was stupid. They lived in the same city, for god’s sake.
“I can’t believe Ella’s baby is nearly here!” He basked in the complete and utter joy coming through the phone as his mother rambled about baby things. Alex managed to finish cooking his dinner and devour it in between adding his input to the conversation.
“Anyway, enough about us. How are you?” The abrupt change of subject jarred Alex from his reverie.
“I’m good. I’m coming over to see you this weekend, most likely Saturday, if I don’t get called into work if that’s okay?”
“Of course. You’re welcome any time.”
“Yeah. Alright, well, I’m shattered, so I’m going to go to bed. I’ll let you know if plans change about Saturday, but if you don’t hear from me, I’ll be there.”
“Great. See you then, darling. Don’t work too hard, and make sure you get enough rest.”
Alex grinned at the usual ending to any conversation, be it on the phone or in person. His mother couldn’t help mothering. He was excited about their reaction to their anniversary gift.
Heading to bed, he thought about how nice it would be to be able to introduce Craig to them. They’d love him. All Alex could do was hope, one day, they would get their chance. He’d waited this long; he was sure he could wait longer.
