ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 63

Nigel sat up in his hospital bed and smiled brightly as he saw his family coming into the room. Richard with his requested nachos and calzone as well as a big smile on his face. Rebecca and Tanisha clutching enormous teddy bears for him. Richie and Lewis holding round sparkly balloons that had Get Well written on the front of them.

" I love you all ," he whispered softly. A tear slipped from his eye.

Richard kissed him on his cheek and then his smiling mouth. " And we love you. I adore you. "

                           -------------

Reese lay on his and Eric's king size bed , holding Eric's old faded NYPD tee shirt close to his face as he sobbed uncontrollably.

                      ---------------

Winston let himself into his and Joe's house to stand in the foyer. His phone dinged with a notification about a text message and his heart soared with anticipation. Joe ? Then the hope faded away as he saw it was from his brother. Spencer wanted to know if he needed to come stay with them until Joe was back again.

Tears flew to his eyes as he texted back," No. What if he comes back and I'm not here. I need to stay here for when he comes home. But thank you. I appreciate it. " Then he sent the message.

It didn't take long until he got a response.

Spencer: I don't understand the emotions of human nature. You and I should not be friends much less brothers yet we are. I care about you. I am here if you need me. "

As he read the text message Winston fell to his knees and began to cry. What he needed was Joe. Where the hell was he? Was he really missing? Kidnapped? Or was that detective right? Had Joe changed his mind..... run off with another man.... left him behind...... What had happened?

                  -----------

Lyle sat on his porch steps watching Angel playing frisbee with one of the dogs Flora as Rufus slept peacefully in the lowering sun.

                ------------

Spencer sat in his chair reading a letter from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice. His blue eyes were veiled and tense behind his glasses.

                  ------------

Joy and Faith laughed as they ate dinner at Richard and Nigel's until Faith noticed her ex girlfriend and professor Ada Abara coming into the restaurant with her wife. Ada smiled coolly at them.

                   -----------

Andrew was in the locked bathroom of his house. He quickly drank the last of the whiskey he had hid away in the toilet tank.

               ------------

Alfred looked in amazement at Gerald who sat beside him in his hospital room. " What did you just say? ," he asked hesitantly.

Gerald smiled faintly and nervously. " I said.... why don't you move in with me? "

At the same time Alfred smiled, laughed and replied happily," Yes. If you wouldn't be embarrassed by me. "

Gerald laughed as well. " I don't think you have to worry about that. Not with me. Not ever. "

                     ------------

Joe lay awake and handcuffed in the bed beside a sleeping and snoring Dave. He was thinking about Winston and wondering if he would ever see him again.