Perseverance (The Resident FF) by Frances51163

CHAPTER TWO: Meeting A Friend

Although Conrad was clearly still feeling unwell he insisted on going into work on Monday morning. Jude had not managed to get his friend to open up any further about the problem and he knew he had an uphill battle on his hands. Devon and Nic had been politely rebuffed by Conrad when each had separately expressed concern for him. Jude had wanted to tell Nic what was going on when she approached him about her worry but he had kept his promise knowing his friend would never trust him again if he revealed his secret. And he also knew she was going off on holiday at the end of her shift. For his part Conrad put on a good show although his eyes remained hidden behind sunglasses and any enquiries about them were met with a remark about how cool they looked before the third year Resident would make a quick getaway to avoid further quizzing. It was nearing the end of his shift just after he had instructed Nic to enjoy her break as she headed out when Jude approached his friend as he finished writing up a chart.

"I'll give you a spin home since I brought you in."
"Nah man you're good. Got a cab booked," Conrad offered his hand, "thanks for ... well thanks."
"No thanks necessary," Jude shook hands and pulled his friend in for a quick hug, "anytime you need me just let me know," he spoke softly.
"Think once was enough," Conrad said wrily.
"I mean it," Jude spoke as he headed off.

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An hour later Conrad had changed clothes and retrieved his jacket from his locker and was looking forward to heading home. As he was heading out he accidently collided with a man whom had been walking into the foyer with his head down.

"Sorry," the man continued on without raising his head.
"Hey!" Conrad frowned and turned around, the voice was familiar.
"Sorry," the mans' shoulders tensed before he stopped and turned back, "Conrad?"
"Andy! Man I can't believe you're here!" the Resident walked up to his friend and the two embraced.
"Didn't know you were in Atlanta," the black haired, taller man put in as they each stood back.
"Are you visiting someone?" Conrad asked his own question.
"No," Andy replied quietly then seemed to gather some resolve and stood to attention giving his friend a formal salute, "just got something I need to take care of."
"Andy we're not in the army anymore," Conrad blushed and shook his head noting they were garnering attention from amongst others Devon, "you in a rush to do whatever you need to do?"
"Not since I met you," Andy smiled.
"Well my shift is finished so if you want I can hang on until you're done and we can head back to my place. Be great to catch up."
"Actually," Andy hesitated briefly, "I'm a bit early so how about we go to the cafe for a while?"
"Sure," Conrad agreed readily.

Ten minutes later the two sat at a window table each holding a steaming cup of coffee. Luckily the place was relatively quiet so they were able to talk in private.

"Are you okay Andy?" Conrad asked as he subconsciously rubbed his eyes behind the dark glasses.
"I'm good but you on the other hand are in pain. You still have that eye problem?"
"Yeah," Conrad shifted uncomfortably in his chair, "so how are Fran and the boys doing?"
"You were always good at deflection," the older man shook his head ruefully, "they're good."
"Last I heard from you you were in New York. Have ye moved here for good?"
"I have."
"But ...," Conrad trailed off, his friend and his wife were made for each other, "what happened?"
"Afghanistan."
"Damn I'm sorry man. You get to see the boys?" Conrad referred to his twin boys who he figured must be in their late teens by now.
"No. That's why I moved here. Figured if I wasn't in the same place it wouldn't hurt as much," Andy looked out the window as rain began to descend from the night skies, "turns out it still hurts."
"Maybe things will change down the line."
"Nah. Fran said she couldn't trust me around them or herself. Besides they're old enough now to contact me but they haven't. Just hope they know I love them. Can't say I blame Fran. That damned war changed me."
"It changed us all."

"So you got someone?" Andy asked.
"There's someone I care about but like you said Afghanistan changed us."
"So have you told her or your friends about your eye problem?" Andy gestured to the dark lenses.
"Actually wound up telling a friend the other day. He didn't give me much choice!"
"There's no shame in having a health problem Conrad. Heck you treat patients all the time. You saying they're all weak because they're sick?"
"Of course not!"
"Well then give yourself a break," Andy spoke smugly as if he proved his point, "I know you're a lot of things but weak is not one of them. Your father is an ass."
"How long have you been in Atlanta?"
"Little over a year. Still travelling a lot for the job," Andy accepted the topic change knowing his friend hated talking about any issues relating to his health.
"You still in Sales?" the Resident checked recalling that the last time they met his friend was working for a pharmaceutical company.
"Yeah. It pays the bills," Andy checked his watch then stood up, "I'm late. Your CEO any good?"
"Depends on what you're talking about. She's very concerned about figures more than patients," Conrad got to his feet, "did you forget your suitcase? She'll definitely need to see the samples before committing to anything?"
"This is just a short meeting," Andy said as they reached the entrance to the cafe, "I'd better go."
"You want to catch up later? You have my number," Conrad asked after the two men hugged.
"No but thanks. I'm glad we met again Conrad. If you visit New York anytime Fran and the boys are in the same place. Be sure to tell the boys I've always loved them."
"Haven't been to New York in a long time but if I do go I'll definitely check in on them," Conrad frowned , "you give me a ring about meeting up okay?"
"Take care," Andy glanced at his watch, "gotta go."
"Call me!" Conrad called after his friend then headed out once more.

There was something niddling Conrad as he looked back towards the hospital. His friend spoke as if he thought he would see his wife and sons soon. He mulled over the conversation as his steps slowed then stopped altogether. He had no suitcase yet he had once told Conrad that the first meeting with a potential client is the most important one so he always had his suitcase in hand. When Conrad thought of his request to meet up he realized his friend had not given an answer. His gut was screaming at him and with a curse he ran back to the hospital to locate his friend ignoring the painful throbbing caused to his head by the exertion. He should have paid more attention he chastised himself as he met Devon just heading out.

"The guy I was with earlier did you see him?"
"The guy you met here?"
"Yeah."
"No I haven't. What's up?"
"Look I don't have time to explain! Just
check with Thorpes' Secretary if he's there. If not ring me," with that Conrad took off for the nearest lifts hoping with all his might that he was totally misreading the situation.

tbc