ODDS OF LOVE : ONE MOMENT

Episode 6

( Texts )

Richard: Spencer is not returning my texts or calls. Is he alright?

DuBuis: He's not returning anyone's calls or texts. Not even your father. Andrew is actually very concerned. He's thinking of coming down with Glory to check on Spencer. Spencer is too quiet. I actually asked Reverend Lynn to call him and he ignored her. He won't even leave the house. And he avoids the living room yet still says nothing happened.

Richard: If I catch this guy I might consider hiring a hitman of my own.

DuBuis: I'll chip in.

Richard: How is your sister doing? After.... the accident?

DuBuis: Same as Spencer. Close mouth as hell and claiming she's fine. She won't even talk about Pamela.  How is Nigel?

Richard: Sleeping.

DuBuis: How are you doing ? Handling all this?

Richard: It doesn't matter about me. I'm unimportant in all this. You ?

DuBuis: Same as you.

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Richard lowered the phone and looked at Nigel with alarm. The man was waking up and he was panicked. He sat straight up in his hospital bed in spite of the IV and other medical torture devices hooked up to him. And he was looking so frightened.

" I can't see," he almost whimpered and Richard's heart twisted at the nearly childlike sound that came from the usually very proud and proper man. He patted at the air and then the right side of his face. " Where's my patch? My patch ! I need it. I don't want people to see my eye. "

Richard moved closer to the bed and cautiously put a hand on his arm. At his touch Nigel flinched slightly until Richard said quietly," It's me, Nigel. Richard. Your constipated twat of a former boss. You're alright. They said you lost sight because of the air bag but it could be only temporary. It will be only temporary. And your patch is on the nightstand. I don't think you need it right now. "

" I do. I do need it. I hate what it looks like without my patch. Please , please put it on for me. "

Richard didn't even hesitate. He grabbed the rainbow sequined eye patch and gently put it back on its rightful place. Then he placed Nigel's hand on it so he could tell it was there.

" Richard. I'm scared. "

Richard didn't say anything in response to that. He just held the man in his arms, mindful of all the wires and IV , and  in his deep baritone voice sang Ave Maria which was both of their favorite song. The song helped to calm Nigel enough that he fell back asleep while still in Richard's arms.

Richard held him and thought that he had no idea what he was doing with Nigel Hawthorne - Cyrus.

Because more and more he was falling deeply in love with the man. Even though he had been married three times he knew in his heart this was the very first time he had been in love.

Nigel was not the only one who was frightened , he mused as he kissed his forehead lovingly.