ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 46

Saturday September 6 , 2025

" Wake up, Freddie," Alfred heard as he slowly opened his eyes from the dream he was having about Gerald rescuing him from the attacker. His lips curled into a slight smile until he saw who was standing over him holding a dozen roses in his arms.

Scott Sands. Fuck it all.

" Go away," he said with irritation as he carefully eased himself up in the bed. His good hand gently touched his bandaged chest beneath his thin hospital gown. First he had been stabbed in his mother's house where he and everyone there should have been safe , sound and secure. Stabbed by the same person who hurt Nigel and Joe Jacobs in their homes as well as killed the husband of Reese Malden. The person who turned out to be Nicholas's nephew Roman. When he thought of how often he had been around that man and about the creepy ass phone call he had gotten from him way back when........ He was sorry when he had woken up to the news of who the mad stabber was and that he tried to kill Lyle but especially finding out Lyle had had to shoot and kill him. Lyle was a very gentle soul so he knew he couldn't be dealing well with it. But his sympathy only applied to Lyle. Not Roman. Roman could burn in hell for all he cared. 

" Don't be silly , Freddie , " Scott said smoothly as he placed the roses on the nightstand beside the bed. Then he sat down in the empty chair beside the bed and smiled at him.  " I'm not going anywhere. I am very concerned about you. I would have been here sooner than now but I had to file the news story on it all. It's hitting people hard at the Reign. Everyone likes Rebel but people adore Reese. The fact that his husband was killed by this mad creature is not setting well with anyone. Reese is devastated of course. Eric's funeral should be next week. Private of course. I'll be invited I am sure. I get along with both the families. "

Alfred made a face. " I'm not being silly. I want you  gone. Now. Get out. "

Scott sighed. " I thought you were done with your little temper tantrum. I promised you I would change. My tomcatting days are behind me. You are the only man I want. "

" Changed ? Really ? So your parading around that dinner at Nicholas' house with Alexi on your arm was you changing ?  No. I think it was your trying to make me jealous but it didn't work. I'm not interested in you any more.  I have someone very special. His name is Dr. Gerald HighTower."

Scott just laughed as he crossed his chinos wearing legs casually.  " That fat man ? From the private school ? Come on. You're not serious about that , are you ? Come on. Give me a kiss and let's make up , babe. Once you get out of here we can move you and all your stuff into my apartment. You'll love it. It's in DC with a great view of Rock Creek Park. You know how I love my hikes in the morning before work. I wish you could come with me but what can you do? " Then he leaned forward in the chair and tried to kiss Alfred on the surprised mouth. Which had him pulling back and wiping off his lips with the back of his hand. 

" I don't want your kisses , Scott. I don't want you. Get out or I will call the nurse. "

" You don't have to call anyone ," they heard from the doorway and they both turned to see Alfred's stepfather practically swaying as he stood , his hands pressed against the wall to steady himself. Andrew Norland stuck his chin up a notch as his grey eyes narrowed on Scott. " You heard the man. Get out or I will toss your ass out of here. I used to box for my supper and law school so I will do some damage on you. " 

Alfred said as he shook his head , " Drew , you're drunk. Where's Momma ? "

Andrew snorted , " I'm not drunk. Your Momma thinks I'm drunk but screw that. I just needed a little pick me up. With all this shit and nonsense going on lately. People getting stabbed. My son and grandson getting shot. My own son not remembering me beyond a few memories. My other son who isn't my son , thanks to my slut of a first wife Doris The Hun , being targeted by a motherfucker like Skip Sands. Hey ! That was your brother ! " He stumbled into the room and headed for Scott who stood up with much amusement. " You get away from my son Alfred here. Rape runs in your family tree right ? Hmmm ? "

Scott laughed harshly." I think you need some coffee , old man. I'm nothing like Skip. "

Alfred sighed as he reached for his phone. He couldn't call his mother. He didn't want to  worry her. And she didn't need to come out to get Andrew in her condition. Dodie ? Oh God no. Richard was busy with Nigel who was in recovery after the transplant. Spencer ? DuBuis ? All the names that came to his mind were null and void because the only number he dialed was Gerald who answered promptly and sleepily with concern. 

" Gerald , can you come by ? I think , I know , my stepfather needs a ride home. "

Andrew spluttered out ,  " No , I do not. I drove here. I can drive home. "

Alfred shot out tersely , " Hell you will. You are not driving anywhere , Drew. You are drunk. And ,  Scott ,  you need to leave now.  "

Scott shook his head. " I'm not leaving you alone with an old drunk. "

Andrew stepped up to Scott and growled , " Who you calling an old drunk , you little cocky punk ass son of a bitch ? "

Gerald said on the phone , " I will be right there. I love you. "

Alfred smiled over the endearment and said back , " I love you too , Gerald. "

As he hung up he took a deep pleasure in seeing Scott's face redden with much dismay and anger. " Drew , sit down before you fall down. Scott , get the fuck out. I would rather be alone with an old drunk than you. "

Andrew collapsed on the bottom of the hospital bed. " I ain't drunk. Might be old but I ain't drunk. "