The Movie

Chapter 8

Luke walked into the living room. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

“Should I get Ethan? He’s upstairs, presumably working on his homework.”

“Not just yet.” Luke sat next to Reid on the sofa, removing from his hands the e-reader he was using to review a new approach to epilepsy procedures. “I got a call from Noah earlier today. He wants to meet with me.”

“Oh really, about what?” Reid tried to remain calm, hoping Mr. Mayer did do the right thing.

“It seems he’s rethought how to present the movie and wants to discuss it with me. He suggested we have lunch together. And he asked me to bring you too. Are you available tomorrow midday? He’s asking Mark if he can clear an hour as well.”

“I see. Did Noah say anything else?”

“Only that he’s trying to see things from more than his own point of view and it’s been an eye-opening experience.” Luke pressed his lips to Reid’s. “I wonder what got him to truly rethink the direction of the film.”

“Hmmm, it’s a mystery.” Reid tried to keep a straight face.

“Yeah, I bet.” Luke kissed Reid again. “If what I suspect is true, you really are my hero.”

“I love to be worshipped.”

“Uh huh. I love you.”

“Oh crap! You two are making out again! Don’t you ever stop?” Ethan bounded into the room.

“Hey, Eth, if I was you I’d be more concerned if we ever stopped wanting to make out.”

Reid rolled his eyes. Luke always regressed into the twenty-two year old big brother when he and Ethan got into it.

“You guys must be contagious.”

That piqued Reid’s curiosity. “Why do you say that, kiddo?”

“Katie and Chris have started making out more often. Jake thinks it’s pretty gross even though he knows it’s probably a sign that his parents are doing better than they were a year ago.”

“Well, since you’re so wise about the importance of public displays of affection, or as your clever older brother calls them, PDA’s, I suggest you get used to it.”

“I can’t believe anyone would want to suck face with my brother.”

“Whoa. Just because you don’t see anything suck face worthy in Luke doesn’t mean the rest of us non-related folks can’t see it as clear as day. I personally take complete charge of making sure I’m the only one who reaps the benefits.” To accentuate the point, Reid crashed his lips against Luke’s until his young partner started to open his mouth, moaning into the kiss.

“Gross! I thought we were about to have dinner. Can you get the food out before I barf?”

Pulling back, Luke laughed. “I really am in demand today.”

Reid squeezed Luke’s hand. “You’re always in demand in my book.”

Luke nodded. “I’m glad. I like feeling useful -- especially where you and Ethan are concerned.”

“And I’ll make sure my assistant clears my calendar for a complete lunch break tomorrow.”

“Great.” Luke stood, making his way toward the kitchen. “Let’s go have dinner. I don’t know about both of you, but I’m starving.”

“Yeah, probably revving your engines for your after hours activities.” Ethan pretended to gag.

“How would you know about our after hours activities?” Luke’s eyes widened as he faced his little brother who was growing closer to him in height every day.

“Number one, I’m not deaf, and number two, you both can’t seem to keep from groping each other in public. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what you must be doing in private.” Ethan ran ahead, barreling into the kitchen.

“Oh my God, Reid, I’m not sure I can deal with my brother knowing what we do behind closed doors.”

“Trust me, I’ll make you forget he’s even in the house later.” Reid smirked as he watched Luke’s blush rapidly creep up his cheeks.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Reid began to make his way toward Al’s just before noon the next day. Leaving the hospital, he bumped into Mark.

“Do I have to guess where you’re going, Dr. Oliver?”

“Not if you’re half as intelligent as I think you are, Dr. Jenkins.”

Mark smiled.

The two walked silently for a short time until they came within view of Old Towne.

“Noah and I spoke at length last night.”

“Please don’t tell me any details about what happened after you stopped talking.”

“I have no intention of doing so.” Mark chuckled. “However, he did tell me about your visit.”

Reid remained silent, looking directly at Mark.

“He also shared more of the less-than-stellar behavior he demonstrated during his relationship with Luke, including more details about Mrs. Walsh’s gay ex and the Mason Jarvis fiasco.” Mark looked directly at Reid. “It was hard for him to confess his past poor judgment to me. I love him for trusting me enough to do it.”

“I understand, Mark. Those weren’t pretty memories.”

“I’d say downright horrible memories. In both cases, Luke and Noah’s youth set them up to be used and hurt in ways I’m glad I never had to experience.” Mark tilted his head. “You? Ever get screwed by an older, more experienced man -- literally or figuratively?”

“Only my parents, but that was emotionally. Since then, with Luke’s help, my mother and I have worked through most of the ancient crap.”

“I hate to think how that college professor--” Mark’s voice trailed off.

“It’s not easy imagining someone touching someone we love for anything but honest, caring reasons.”

“I want to do things to him that the very thought of actually scares me.”

“Well, just think, Dr. Jenkins, maybe that asshole will come to Oakdale and will have a motorcycle accident. I’ll let you operate.”

“Somehow I don’t think that would be a wise decision for either one of us, or for our futures in the medical profession.”

Reid shrugged. “Probably not, but it’s legal to think about it as long as we don’t act.”

Mark snorted.

“Did Noah decide to change the script?”

“I’m not sure. He didn’t tell me.” Mark and Reid started walking. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

“I’m not sure why he wanted us there.”

“Let’s hope it’s to cheer them on, rather than pick up the pieces or keep them from starting an all-out war.”

“Mark, if Luke and Noah can’t get past this hurdle, I don’t want it to affect our professional relationship.”

“I don’t want it to affect the friendship we’ve built either.”

“You know, if Luke can no longer be Noah’s best man, this might blow up in all our faces. I’m your friend, but I live with and love Luke.”

“I hope it won’t come to that.”

“I hope not too.”

“Are you ready for lunch?”

Reid laughed. “I’m always ready to eat -- it’s the side conversation I’m not sure I’m ready for.”

As the two approached the diner they spotted Luke and Noah already seated at a table near the window.

“Mark, I’m more concerned about this than the surgery I have scheduled in two hours.”

“I wish I could say without question that you have nothing to worry about.”

“Me too.” Pushing the door open, Reid wished he could read the faces of both men he was about to join at their table.

[TBC]

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