Odds of Love: Past Wounds

Episode 18

   Doris thankfully did leave the hospital room but not without a smirk at her son who was being assisted into  the wheelchair by Nigel under the ever watchful eye of the nurse. 

" Are you all right , baby ? , " Nigel asked with alarm and urgency lining the edges of his voice. He was kneeling beside the chair and holding Richard's hand. " I swear if that woman hurt you in any way..... " 

" I'm fine , love , " Richard said as he leaned over to kiss him gently and lovingly upon his forehead. " I shouldn't have let her get to me. " 

The nurse clucked , " I'll be the judge of if you are fine , Mr. Cardiac Care Patient. Let me see your arm there. " 

She efficiently wrapped a blood pressure cuff around his arm and adjusted the stethoscope in her ears. After a little while she finally nodded with satisfaction and took the cuff off his arm. " Not bad. Not perfect but not bad enough to have me calling a code on you. " She smiled at them both and hesitated before saying , " I heard what that woman said to you. I don't agree with your lifestyle but I believe in live and let live. You all aren't hurting me so why should I care what you do in your bedroom. If you were my son I would never have treated you like that. " She looked at Nigel. " If you're able to take him out I'll leave you to it. Good luck to you both and congrats on the wedding. " 

They thanked her and with a small smile lining her lips she left the room. 

Nigel still looked concerned as he got to his sneakered feet and braced himself behind the wheelchair. " Are you sure you are ok , Richard ? "

Richard reassured him that he was fine. " I'm eager to get home and spend time with you. Oh and Sarah is bringing Rebecca over on Saturday for my weekend visit with her. You will stay in our home but it would probably be best if you stayed in another room. I'm sorry. " 

Nigel pressed a kiss to the top of his head and Richard smiled. " Don't be. I want Rebecca to be comfortable around me and for her to get used to us as a couple. I don't mind sleeping in the spare room while she's there. I'm eager to see you around her actually. I've never seen you in action as a daddy.  Any plans for the visit ? " 

As Nigel began to roll Richard in the chair out of the room , Richard said , " I'm not sure. I'm not really sure what fun activity a nine year old child would like to do. Nigel. Stop. "

At the sudden bluntness in Richard's voice Nigel abruptly halted the chair before they got to the elevator and became concerned even more. " Are you all right ?  I can grab the nurse. "

" I'm fine. Fine. What my mother said about Spencer ........ you heard it ? "

Nigel paused before answering. " I did. Is it true ? "

Richard shook his head. " I   don't have the slightest clue but I don't care. I'm not telling Spencer or Dad. And I want to make sure you won't either. True or not something like that would destroy them both and I won't have that. I love my brother. And my father. "

Nigel replied , " I won't say a word , baby. Doris is probably full of bollocks anyway. Oh. I think we should take Rebecca out to Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House. I've heard kids love their mac 'n cheese.  And I want to try their rib eye steak. Maybe get some ideas for our restaurant. " He laughed gently. " Oh and Glory emailed me. They're having another family dinner on Sunday and invited us. "

As they entered the half empty elevator , Richard asked , "  That sounds fine to me. I do know my daughter likes macaroni and cheese. That's something anyway. I'm game to go but is that drunken sister of DuBuis going to be there as well ? "

Nigel's eye turned stone cold chilly. " I don't know. I don't care. If she is there and starts shit with me I'll handle it. Don't you worry. "