REED AWOKE the next morning with a firm resolution. He wasn’t going to just stand by and watch Peyton Wheeler weasel his way into his family. It was one thing when it was him and Peyton. Bad enough he’d let his ex get away with the things he had and kept quiet about them. Maybe if he’d spoken up then, his family wouldn’t be in the danger they were in. Although just what that danger was, he wasn’t sure. He just knew his ex was bad news. And if he hadn’t been such a coward about admitting not only to their past relationship, but to Peyton’s abuse… well, he knew there was no way that Mom or Dad, and certainly not Renee, would have ever brought the viper to their collective bosoms. Jacob was another matter entirely. He might have, just out of spite.
The question was could he actually tell them the truth after all these years? Not such an easy question to answer. But Reed knew he had to at least try. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to them because of him. Still, he had to do it the right way, take it slowly and ease into it. Yeah, it wasn’t going to be nearly as easy as it seemed, even in theory.
He let Taz go into the shower first, resisting his pleas to come with him. Not that Reed wouldn’t have loved to do just that, but in his parents’ house? That didn’t feel right. Coming home, even at his age, was a mindset thing, and it felt too awkward to even think about being naked with Taz with his mother and sister in the house. It also served a double purpose, though, in that he could open a dialogue with his mother without fear of Taz saying too much too soon. He knew if he told Taz not to say anything, he wouldn’t understand. Taz was an open book, and he didn’t understand anything less than total honesty.
Reed sighed. How he envied his lover that. How he wished he had the nerve to be like that. Maybe today would be the start of a new level of honesty.
He found his mother in the kitchen, making waffles and frying bacon.
“Morning, Mom!” He came up behind her and kissed the cheek she offered. “You didn’t have to go to all that trouble for us.”
“Speak for yourself, little bro.”
To his dismay, Renee came plowing out of her bedroom, tugging a T-shirt into place over a pair of rather tight blue jeans. Momentarily distracted by the sight of his sister, he raised skeptical eyebrows.
“Do you use a can opener to get out of those things?”
“No, smartass, I don’t.” She stuck out her tongue. At the same moment, their mother admonished, “Language!”
Reed smirked, but the look slid off his face. “Ah, listen, guys, I wanted—”
Renee shoved a cup of coffee in Reed’s hand. “Hey! Where’s your better half?”
Reed frowned at Renee, the coffee nearly sloshing over the edge of the cup. “He’s in the shower. Anyway—”
“Breakfast isn’t ready yet, why don’t we drink our coffee out on the back patio? It’s a nice morning.” Renee stared a hole through Reed.
Reed ran a hand through his hair. “But—”
“Oh heavenly day, go on with you.” Jeanette stood at the stove, waving the spatula. “Your sister apparently wants to talk to you about something without me around. I promise I won’t beat Taz over the head with a rolling pin or anything, sweetie, so go.”
Renee grabbed Reed by the arm and marched him outside. No sooner had the door shut than Renee rounded on Reed. “Dammit, Reed.”
“Dammit, Reed?” Reed sputtered. “Dammit, Renee is more like it. You’re about as subtle as a bulldog in a cage fight. Jesus Christ, I was trying to talk to the two—”
“You do not need to tell Mom about what happened with you and Jacob last night. She doesn’t need the extra stress, not on top of everything else she’s dealing with.” Renee leaned back against the railing, sipping her coffee. “I know what happened, and Mom would freak if she knew Jacob tried to hit you.”
“I… that wasn’t… but how did you…. Dammit, Renee. What were you doing, peeking out the window again? Thought you grew out of that by now. I got enough of that when we were kids.”
Renee glared at Reed as a blush climbed up her cheeks. “I just happened to glance out the window, thank you very much, and I saw what happened. I was not spying.” Suddenly Renee grinned and winked at Reed. “And speaking of the cutie—go, Taz! He certainly shut Jacob down from what I saw.”
Reed blew on the hot coffee. “That was really out of character for him, but yeah, it made me feel good. God, did you see the look on Jacob’s face? I’d pay good money to have a picture of that.”
“Yeah, me too. I thought about taking one, but Mom would’ve wanted to know what was going on if I suddenly whipped out my cell. And if she had any idea how out of bounds Jacob was last night, I don’t know what she’d have done. I do know she doesn’t need that kind of shit right now, though.”
“I totally agree, but I didn’t start it, and damned if I’m going to let Jacob lay me out either. The bastard hasn’t changed at all.”
“Did you really expect him to? And unfortunately, he’s not a bastard, as we both know. Bottom-feeder, yeah, but he is related to us, I’m afraid, by good old-fashioned blood. Unless maybe he was dropped off here by aliens and our parents hid the fact? Now that I could see. Some slimy, googly-eyed, brain-eating alien from outer space.”
Reed strangled on his coffee, uncomfortable with the too-close-to-home turn the conversation had just taken. Speaking of aliens—there was Taz now, standing in the kitchen, talking to their mom, and he was as far away from a slimy brain-eating alien as one could get. “You need to watch something besides those sci-fi channels, girl. I mean, really. They’re taking over your brain.”
Renee giggled.
“Look, Taz is out of the shower. How about we go back inside? I promise I won’t say anything to Mom.” Relieved that she agreed without an argument or any further discussion of the Jacob is an alien theory, Reed followed Renee back into the kitchen. Guess that solved the problem of telling them about Peyton, effectively shelving the situation for now. Renee was right; his Mom didn’t need any more stress.
Would there ever come a time when he could tell his family the truth about Taz? Reed had no frigging clue.
BREAKFAST WAS not only delicious, but it was blessedly peaceful, thanks in large part to Jacob’s absence. His name did not even come up once, for which Reed was grateful. Even better, Taz outdid himself in being charming, which was saying a lot considering his lover fairly oozed charm from every pore. And not once did he say or do anything even remotely strange. Reed glowed every time he looked at him. He held his hand openly over the breakfast table and basked in the ability to be open and honest about who he was, for a change.
They split into two groups to travel to the hospital. Renee drove their mom, and Reed and Taz went together, but they would bring Reed’s mom back as Renee had to go to the bar later and work for a while. Dad had called before they left, saying the doctor was optimistic that he could be discharged the next day so it was important that he talk to the family when they visited. Things were certainly looking up. If it continued in this way, he and Taz would be heading back home soon.
Home. The thought made him tingle. Home with Taz was a very special place, and while he loved his family, it would be good to be in their own space together again.
On the way to the hospital, he called Peter and put him on speakerphone so he wouldn’t have to hold the cell while he drove.
“A Touch of Class, this is Peter, how may I help you?” The familiar voice answered the shop phone.
“Hey Peter, it’s me!”
“Reed! How are things going? How’s your dad?” Peter sounded unflappable as ever. Reed breathed an internal sigh of relief. If things were not going well, he was sure he would have heard it in Peter’s voice.
“Dad’s actually doing well. In fact, we’re on the way there now. There’s a chance he might be discharged tomorrow.”
“That’s really good, Reed. I’m glad. Will you be coming home then?”
“Not right away. I want to make sure he’s doing okay, that he and my mom can handle everything, you know?”
“I know what you mean, Reed. That’s cool.”
“How’s business?”
“Pretty good. Nothing earthshaking but a little better than normal for this time of year. I’ve taken care of the deliveries, ordered the things you asked me to. Everything’s straight. Well, in a manner of speaking.” He snickered at his own joke.
Reed laughed. “I can imagine. I’ll let you know when I have some idea about coming back. I really appreciate your doing this for me. I owe you some time off for sure.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Peter chuckled. “Not that I have anywhere to go. Or anyone to go with.”
Reed winced at his friend’s words. He felt bad for Peter. He knew the shop had become his whole life. Peter’s relationships with men never seemed to end well and, more often than not, he was left alone. But it wasn’t like Reed was an expert on such matters himself. Taz had dropped into his lap—literally. Otherwise, he’d be in pretty much that same silly boat, searching for a paddle and a clue. He didn’t have suitable gay friends to fix Peter up with, and he didn’t allow dating in the customer pool. On the other hand, Peter’s lack of a love life was fortuitous for occasions such as this.
“Yeah, well, you just never know when things will turn around for you. I’ll check back when I know more. Call me if you need me, okay?”
Peter snorted. “Right. I’m fine, the shop is fine, just concentrate on your dad. Bye.”
“Talk to you later.” Reed hung up, the sigh he’d been holding in finally escaping.
“Is everything not okay?”
“Hmm? Oh yeah, babe, everything’s fine at home. I was just thinking about Peter and his lack of a love life. I wish there was someone I knew who was gay and single.” Reed maneuvered through the Florida traffic. To him, this was nothing; these people should try driving in New York. No wonder he didn’t own a car there. He muttered when someone cut him off, thought about laying on the horn but decided against it.
“You don’t know anyone?”
“I’m afraid not. I just don’t have that many friends.” Reed shrugged. Fact was he’d spent every spare second since arriving in New York in getting his business up and running. That hadn’t left a whole lot of time for socializing. “We’ll have to see what we can do once we get home. I owe Peter some time off. Maybe he’ll actually go on vacation, but I doubt it. Not much fun going somewhere by yourself.”
“I know that is very true.” Taz patted Reed’s hand. “We’ll figure out something.”
Reed felt reassured just by hearing Taz say we. A simple word, but it meant so much, told him that they were both in it for the long haul, and that was a mighty good feeling to have.
Reed pulled into one of the hospital parking lots, paid the toll, and turned the car off. There was something else besides his employee’s love life he needed to talk to Taz about before they walked inside. Best get it over with now.
“Look, Jacob is probably here, so let’s try not to upset Dad by ripping out my brother’s guts or something. Even though we may want to. Okay, Taz?” Reed leaned across the seat and kissed his lover. “I want you to know I found you defending me the sexiest thing ever, but don’t take any chances, love. Just ignore him, please?”
“He annoys me, almost as much as that other one.” Taz growled.
“See? That’s what I’m talking about. Humans don’t growl.” Reed waited until Taz opened the door, then popped the master lock on the driver’s side. “Even though I find that sound very… arousing.”
Taz hiked an eyebrow. “You do?” He gave a faux growl for good measure, then turned serious once more. “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. They just…. I’ll try, Reed. I don’t want to do anything that would set your dad’s recovery back or bring trouble down on us. So, as much as I’d like to flex my claws, I won’t.”
“Good.” Reed grabbed Taz’s hand as they entered the hospital. “Hopefully, we’ll be leaving soon and things can get back to normal. For all of us.”
They rode up to Herb’s floor holding hands since they were alone in the elevator, dropping them as they exited the car. Reed nodded at the nurses as they passed by the nursing station. Just as his hand landed on the door, he heard Jacob’s voice float out. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself of the lecture he’d just given Taz, his desire to punch Jacob in the nose nearly overwhelming him. Then Peyton’s voice joined the mix, and he found himself taking another deep breath. For just a moment, he imagined himself as a young Jackie Chan, whirling into their midst, karate chopping his enemies into oblivion; they’d never know what hit them. Then he and Taz could ride off into the sunset… Taz’s voice drew him out of his reverie.
“Well, at least we know they’re here,” Taz said.
“Yippee ki-yay.” Reed pushed the door open. The good news was the doctor was there already. At least they wouldn’t have to be alone with the Hardy boys.
An older man, thin on top with graying hair that grew thickly about his ears, and a short gray stubble on his chin, he had warm brown eyes that somehow inspired confidence at first glance. He stood at the end of the bed, eyeing them as they walked in.
“More visitors, Herb? Looks like you’re popular today.”
“Those two are our other boys.” Reed’s father shifted in the bed, using the bed tray that lay over his lap to pull himself into a sitting position. His wife, who stood beside him, reached down to assist him. “The one with the short hair’s Reed. The long hair belongs to Taz. Boys, meet the best doctor in all of Lake Hydethorne, Dr. Winters.”
“Glad to meet you.” Reed held out his hand and the physician took it; his grip was firm, instilling more trust. “How’s Dad doing?”
Dr. Winters released Reed’s hand, took Taz’s, and smiled at them both. “Your dad’s doing great. In fact, I was just about to give him the good news. You’re just in time.”
Reed glanced around the already crowded room. His sister was standing far too close to Peyton for his liking, although he knew she was perfectly safe from any unwelcome overtures on his part, even if she didn’t realize it. Jacob sat on the opposite side of the bed; he’d scooted his single chair so far over at their entrance, he was almost in the next bed. Good thing it was unoccupied. His parents were together, as always. Without analyzing his own motives, Reed stepped closer to Taz, surreptitiously reaching for his hand.
“Well, what is it?” Herb asked the question that was on everyone’s minds.
“I’m afraid I’m kicking you out tomorrow,” Dr. Winters said, maintaining a straight face.
“Can’t think of any other tests you might want to charge me for?” Reed’s father chuckled even as he spoke.
“No, I ran out, so out you go. Jeanette, you can come for him in the morning. Anything after about nine, let’s say. Does that work for you?”
“You know it.” She beamed at her husband, and then at each of her children.
Dr. Winters covered all the do’s and don’ts, pointed his finger at Herb a few times when the patient groaned, reminded him that all instructions would be included with his discharge papers, and left.
“Well, Dad, seems like you’ve overstayed your welcome here.” Reed smiled as he moved closer to the bed. “And stop frowning so much. You knew a change was coming.”
“He’s frowning because he’s trying to figure out how he’s still going to get that bowl of ice cream before bedtime.” Jeanette shook her head fondly at her husband. “Which he’s not.”
“Don’t see the difference one damn bowl will make,” Herb griped, straightening the covers.
“Dad,” Renee whined, rolling her eyes. “Do you want to be back in here?”
“Well, this did get Reed to come home.”
Jacob snorted, and Reed fought off the cringe that threatened to overtake him. “Oh man, come on, Dad. That’s not funny. You scared the crap out of me… out of all of us. Besides, I told you—”
“I know, son. I was just kidding. I’ll do what the doctor said.” Herb leaned his head back on the pillows and let out a deep breath. “This scared me too. Just about the time your mother and I were getting ready to get on with the golden years, this smacks us in the face. We got plans, and this certainly put things in perspective.”
“Yes, you never know what will happen in your life to put things into a proper perspective,” Peyton agreed. “A good scare will open your eyes to a great many things.”
Reed wanted to tell Peyton to shut the hell up. He didn’t know exactly what Peyton meant, but the brief stare he got while his ex reeled out his words of wisdom made him uncomfortable. Frankly, he didn’t give a damn what enlightenment Peyton had stumbled upon, he just wanted the ass to go away.
“So, we should be here kind of early in the morning, huh?” Renee said. “That’ll give us time to clean all the goodies out of the kitchen tonight.”
“You are a mean, mean daughter,” Herb grumbled.
“And too late anyhow,” Jeanette added. “Already done it.”
Conversation flowed for another hour. Reed stood and fished around in his pockets. “Going to get something to drink. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“Want me to help?” Taz looked up from the web picture of different hair colors Renee had on her smart phone.
“That’s okay, babe, I’ll just be a minute. I’d hate to interrupt that fascinating conversation about hair dyes the two of you have going on.”
Renee snorted. “I’m going to figure out how to get all those different colors like he has in my hair if it’s the last thing I do.”
“Yeah, good luck with matching Taz’s hair color, you’re gonna need it.” Reed winked at Taz as he walked out of the room. Little did his sister know just how much luck she was going to need.
Laughing to himself, he walked down to the little room that housed the snack and soda machines, wondering what sort of selection he might find, trusting that there must be a high turnover rate so everything would be fresh. But a dismal sight met his eyes.
“Out of service? Really?” Reed glared at the sign that proclaimed the machines didn’t work. “Just great.”
A nurse walked by and suggested he try the snack area on the floor below them. With a quick nod of thanks, he headed for the elevators. He really didn’t want to leave Taz by himself for too long, not with Peyton and Jacob. The potential for disaster was just too great. One of them would have been bad enough, but two was asking for trouble. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a hand shot through the opening. The door stopped in its track, and slid open again.
“Thought I’d get something too,” Peyton said.
Holy shit, kill me now.
Reed automatically retreated to a corner of the car as his ex advanced inside. There wasn’t very far he could go, but he glared at Peyton, hoping that, and a bit of common sense, would keep Peyton on his own side. No such luck. As the doors shut with a clang and the elevator lurched down to the next floor, Peyton stepped closer to Reed.
Reed tried to move away, but he was already at the wall and had nowhere else to go. Damn.
“I’m glad Herb’s doing so well,” Peyton began. He ran his hand through his dark hair, accidentally brushing it against Reed’s arm in the process. Reed flinched.
“Yeah, me too,” he mumbled. He cast a wary glance at his ex.
“Guess you’ll be heading back to the Big Apple soon, huh?”
“What we do is none of your business,” Reed replied pointedly. For some reason, Peyton’s grin only grew wider. Like he was in the middle of some big private joke, one which Reed was afraid he was the punch line for.
The elevator jarred to a stop, and Reed rushed through the doors once they were wide enough to allow him to do so. He began to walk down the hall, eyeing the doors he passed, looking for any sign of artificial nutrition to be had. To his dismay, Peyton kept pace with him.
“No offense meant, Reed. I’m just concerned about Herb, that’s all. I figured now that the crisis is over, you’d be wanting to get back to what’s important.”
There. He saw them. Gleaming rows of silver handles, waiting to be turned, dispensing assorted snacks, while in the second tier, a can of heaven awaited the punch of a button. He bit back his first response, not wanting Peyton to know how close to home his words hit. He was also suddenly grateful Taz hadn’t accompanied him. He suspected his kitten would not take any of this lying down. Best he stay out of the ugliness.
“I don’t need to answer to you.” Damn, his answer was an answer anyway. He stared into the vending machine that held the soft drinks and selected one that carried a pretty good punch, aimed his quarters into the slot and let them drop. When the light told him the machine was ready, he jabbed at the buttons with his thumb and down it dropped.
He could hear Peyton make his selection from the machine beside him, and looked up to see him holding a candy bar aloft. “I remember how much you always liked these,” he said softly. “You’d tell me that sometimes you just felt like a nut. And then I’d say that I always felt like having nuts. As long as they were yours.” He grinned at his own words, and Reed’s cheeks heated.
Damn, Peyton had a way of making him feel dumb. And unclean.
“Yeah, well, enjoy.” He tried to exit the too-small room, but Peyton seemed to be taking up more space than the law should allow and he couldn’t get by without touching him, something he was quite loath to do.
“I miss you, Reed.” Peyton had dropped his voice into a seductive whisper, one that raised the hackles on Reed’s neck, but not in a good way.
“Don’t, Peyton. Just back it up. We tried having a relationship and it didn’t work, remember? I’ve moved on, and I’m very happy with Taz. You need to do the same. With someone else,” he hastily added, just in case his ex got any funny notions of going after his man. He wouldn’t put it past him. Reed skirted around Peyton, intent on evading whatever the other man might be thinking of doing. “And while it’s on my mind, I have no idea what you think hanging out with my family’s going to accomplish, but you should know if Jacob ever found out we used to be together, he’d drop you like a hot potato. He’s not overly fond of gays. Or hadn’t you noticed?”
“I’m not worried about your brother.” Peyton reached out to Reed, his hand catching air as Reed moved back. “And as far as that boy you’re seeing… please. He can’t give you what I can.”
“Right. What you gave me was an inferiority complex that took me a good long while to get over. Pardon me if I’m not all that interested in repeating that. Just leave me alone, Peyton.”
Reed turned and hurried down the hall. He stabbed at the elevator button, mind made up—if Peyton tried to get back on with him, he’d bail out, take the damn stairs if he had to. Once the doors closed, he leaned shakily against the back wall and took a deep breath. No Peyton. Now all he had to do was calm down before he got back to his dad’s room, otherwise Taz would know immediately there was something wrong with him. His gut instinct told him that wouldn’t be a good thing.