Page 56 of Deep Down
Chapter 21
Alex
Every time he glimpsed Craig in the corridors of the hospital on a Thursday, the hole in his heart appeared to fissure open further. Alex wanted nothing more than to go to him and make sure he was alright. But it’s not what Craig wanted, and Alex had to respect his choice. Alex would’ve loved to be Craig’s friend, but it wasn’t to be.
Alex had enjoyed getting to know Craig during their Thursday get-togethers. Craig had a wicked sense of humour when he let it out, and his knowledge of random facts was endearing.
He was jostled to the side and came to rest against the wall with a spritely paramedic’s finger pointing in his face.
“Enough.” Casey pointed down the corridor where Craig had gone. “He’s out of your reach now, Alex. It’s time to move on. And I have just the thing.” The mischievous expression on Casey’s face had Alex groaning and banging his head against the wall behind him.
“I don’t want your intervention, thanks. I’m happy on my own. And anyway, I need to go and see my new nephew.”
“Too late. We have a double date tomorrow night. I’m with Marcus, you’re with Heath. I’ll pick you up at seven because we’re meeting them at Crush at half-past.”
“Fuck, Casey. Do I have to?”
“Yep, and no cancellations allowed. I’ll drag you there kicking and screaming if I have to.”
Alex had no doubt Caseywoulddo that to him, and he’d prefer not to start a date on unequal footing. “Fine. But if it goes badly, I’m leaving with or without you.”
“Deal.”
Alex headed back to the nurses’ station.
“I see Casey found you.” Gloria giggled.
Alex rolled his eyes. “What gave it away?”
“The defeated expression on your face.” Gloria smiled. “You never know, Alex, this guy could be the love of your life.”
Unless he’d already found—and lost—the love of his life.
****
Pacing in front of his wardrobe trying to choose an outfit, Alex considered calling Casey to cancel yet again. He knew Casey would be fine with it, regardless of what he’d threatened yesterday, but something prevented him from making the call.
Instead, he dialled Ella. “Hey, I didn’t wake the little guy, did I?”
“Nah, he’s having a bottle. You couldn’t have picked a better time.” Alex listened as Ella yawned over the line.
“How’s he sleeping?”
“He’s doing well. About six hours a night solid, not bad for being eight weeks old.”
“Yeah, that’s not bad at all. Elijah’s a little champ. How’s Danny doing with the new addition?” Alex pulled on some black dress trousers, cradling the phone between his jaw and shoulder.
“He’s not interested unless Elijah’s crying, then Danny stares at him as if he’s a monster.” Ella laughed before another yawn overtook it.
“Bless him. He’ll figure it all out soon. Anyway, I’ll let you go. I’ve got a date to get ready for.”
“Hold on a minute. What date?”
“All I know is his name is Heath. Casey set me up.”
“About time. Well, ring me tomorrow and let me know how it goes, alright?”
Alex agreed and returned his attention to his date. Casey had no information about his date other than his name, at least there would be conversation topics Alex could pick from, mainly “What do you do?”.
