Title: Is Love Enough? – The Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish Story
Chapter 21: Ollie and Stacy
Nick opens his eyes slowly the next morning. His head is pounding. He looks around at his surroundings, but is unable to bring anything into focus. He hears a shower running in the background. As his eyes start to focus the room looks oddly familiar, but he can't believe he is really in Kyle's room. He tries to sit up to get a better grasp of his surroundings, however his aching body and pounding head have other ideas. His head falls back against the pillow. He tries to recall how he ended up in Kyle's room. The thoughts are blurred. The last thing he remembers is going into Rodi's and wanting to forget Kyle rejecting him.
He recalls Kyle's exact words. I need you to stay clear of me and Oliver for a while.
The words, while simple in nature, hurt him deeply. How could Kyle just toss him aside? He tries to block the memory from his mind.
Nick then hears the shower turn off. He wants to run and hide, but his body refuses to leave the bed. Nick turns his head to face the bathroom door.
A few minutes later Zach, wrapped in a towel, stands in the bathroom doorway. He looks over at Nick. "Good morning."
It then hits Nick that he is not in Kyle's place, but Zach's. He is disappointed at the realization. If his mind was half functioning he would have realized that everything was backwards to Kyle's place. He pulls the bed covers over his head to hide. This is the last place in the world he wants to be.
Zach walks over to the bed and sits down next to Nick.
Nick holds onto the covers with a very firm grasp, but of course Zach easily pulls the covers away from Nick's face.
Zach smiles down at Nick. "So, how ya' feeling?"
Instantly embarrassed Nick responds with a question. "What am I doing here?"
Zach smiles. "You don't remember?"
"Not really." Nick clinches his eyes closed as a strong shooting pain rips through his head.
"You okay?" asks a concerned Zach. "Let me get you some aspirin and water." Zach heads over to the small kitchen area and pours some water in a glass. He lays the glass on the nightstand and disappears into the bathroom. He returns with an aspirin bottle. He sits back down on the bed, pops the cap of the aspirin bottle and places two pills in his hand. He closes the bottle and places it on the nightstand.
"Can you sit up to take these?"
Nick does not want to appear weak and tries to sit up again, with much the same result.
Zach notes the pain in Nick's face. "Headache, huh?"
Keeping his eyes closed Nick responds. "You have no idea."
"I can imagine. Here, let me help you sit up. Take these and then you can lay back down. We'll try to do this fast. Grab my hands."
Nick places his hands in Zach's outstretched hands. He immediately feels the electricity hitting his body from the touch. Typically, he would not mind this, but the charge makes his head hurt in ever more severe pain. Within seconds Zach has pulled him up and is handing him the aspirin and water. Nick takes the aspirin and returns the glass to Zach. He then falls backwards again, his head hitting the pillow.
After the pain subsides a little, Nick opens his eyes to see Zach staring down at him. Zach's eyes instantly mesmerize him. "I'm sorry. I know you don't want anything to do with me."
"I never said that, Nick."
"My head hurts too much, to play mind games with you right now. I'll just leave. "
"You can stay as long as you like. I wasn't in a good place yesterday. That's all."
More pain shoots through Nick's head. "What do you mean by not in a good place?"
Zach looks away from Nick. "I don't want to talk about it. Can I get you something to eat, some coffee?"
"Why won't you let me in? Don't you feel the connection between us. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I'm here to listen and help if you need me."
"No one can help me, Nick. I'm on my own with stuff. I've always been on my own."
Nick sees pain shoot across Zach's eyes. "Sounds lonely."
"It can be, but I survive."
"Don't you think it'll help, to talk about it?"
"No!" snaps Zach. "Can we please just stop talking?"
Nick throws the covers off of his body." Fine. I'll just go. Sorry to bother you." Nick attempts to sit up again. He succeeds in sitting up, turns his legs and lets them dangle over the side of the bed. He decides to rest for a few minutes to allow his headache to return to a dull roar.
Zach looks out a nearby window. "You don't have to go. Stay, get some rest."
"I don't want to put you out."
"I wouldn't have offered, if I wasn't okay with you staying?"
"I don't get you, Zach. One minute we're having hot passionate sex and the next your pushing me away. I don't need all this drama in my life."
Nick's words anger Zach. "Then stay clear of me. It's probably for the best anyway. I'm going to get dressed for work." Zach heads into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
Nick remains sitting on the bed perplexed by the guy who is in the bathroom. He feels bad for upsetting him, but not for what he said. He does not need more drama in his life, especially after the whole Kyle debacle.
Several minutes later, Zach exits the bathroom in his work uniform.
Nick remains sitting on the side of the bed and looks up at Zach. "Wow!"
"What?"
"You look so hot in that uniform."
"Thanks, I guess."
"You guess?"
"I'm not much for compliments. People typically just want something from you."
"That seems like a cold view of the world."
"It's just the way I see it."
Zach sits on the other side of the bed.
Silence fills the room.
"When do you have to be at work?" asks Nick to break the silence.
"In an hour or so. I have some time to kill."
Silence fills the room again. This drives Nick crazy.
"Did we have sex last night?" asks Nick.
"No, but you definitely wanted to. I just didn't appreciate being called Kyle every other second."
"Sorry. I wish I could remember last night, but it's still just a big blur." Nick wonders to himself what other embarrassing things he did or said last night. He slowly stands and walks over to a nearby mirror. He looks at his swollen face. He is shocked to see his bruised and swollen face. "What happened to my face?"
"Oliver Fish happened. You decked him first, however. I bet you guys could be twins this morning."
"I threw a punch at Oliver?" asks a surprised Nick. He smiles at the thought. "Is it strange that knowing I hit him makes me oddly excited?"
"Well , any of us can do things we don't normally do when full of alcohol."
"Oh, right. Hence my headache and blurred thoughts."
Zach stands and walks over behind Nick. He looks forward at Nick in the mirror. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why Kyle Lewis? Why do you want to be with someone who so obviously wants to be with someone else."
"Well, I'll let you in on a Nick Chavez secret. I always pick the wrong guys, make the wrong assumptions and fall real fast. Kyle, was no exception. I knew going in he still had feelings for Oliver, but I was so desperate to be with someone that I pushed it out of my mind. I should've known better, but I can't seem to ever learn from these experiences. I let them in my heart and then suffer soon after. It's like a broken record." Nick shivers as a chill hits his body.
Zach grabs a nearby blanket, wraps it around Nick and brings him into a hug from behind.
Nick smiles at the sweet gesture. "Thanks."
Zach smiles and kisses Nick on the neck. "Anytime."
"Do you mean that?"
"In my own way I do, yes."
"Your own way?"
"Let's sit down."
Zach leads Nick back to the bed. They sit together on the edge, Nick still wrapped in the blanket. Zach wraps his arm around Nick's back. Silence engulfs the room again.
"You warmer, now?" asks Zach.
"Yeah, better. Thanks."
"How's the head?"
"It's becoming a dull ache instead of a loud roar."
"Good. Do you want anything to eat?"
Nick thinks of food and his stomach immediately starts doing flips. "I think I better hold off on food for a while."
"Ok." Zach embraces Nick tighter. "Listen, I'm not good with words or talking. My feelings and emotions are all over the place. I'm simply not good at expressing myself. I'm kind of a loner. So when someone comes on strong, I freak."
"You thought I was coming on strong, simply because I stopped by to see you yesterday?"
"I guess so. I can't be a boyfriend to you, Nick. That's not in the cards for us."
Nick looks over at the man sitting beside him. He notes the look of struggle on Zach's face and admires the effort Zach is making with him. "I don't want a boyfriend, Zach. I still love Kyle. Those feelings don't go away overnight."
"What do you need then?"
"A friend, someone to talk to when I need a pick me up or distraction."
"You don't have anyone else in your life who can fit into that role?"
"I have my friend, Amelia. She's great and all, but I need a guy friend in my life, preferably a gay guy who can understand what I'm going through."
"I'm not gay, Nick!" says a quickly defensive Zach.
Nick is confused by the response. "We did sleep together, right?"
"That doesn't make me gay."
"So, your bisexual. The key is that you understand the intimacy that can exist between two guys."
"I'm not bi either, Nick. I don't like labels. I'm just me."
"Then what was that night we shared together at my place? You seemed to really enjoy it."
"I just needed to be with someone. You were there."
"Ouch, that hurts. So I could have been anyone. As long as there was a warm body, you were good to go."
"Sort of," responds Zach in a very uncomfortable voice.
Nick feels the pain of rejection stirring up inside of him again. "I should just go."
"I don't want you too."
"See, that's why I'm confused. One minute, your cold and the next minute, you're so damn sweet."
Zach does not respond and stares forward at the wall in front of them.
"Why? Why me?"
"I don't know. Ever since I ran into you at the hospital, something inside of me says that you're supposed to be part of my life. I'm not sure why, really. I trust my instincts, though. Although, based on my track record with guys in general, I probably should think twice."
"I'm not your typical guy, Nick."
"I don't care. I just want you around."
"Hot and cold comes with the territory. You sure you can handle that? There will be times I can't deal with you. I just want to keep it real."
"How will I know those times? I can't handle another episode, like yesterday. You were down right rude."
"That's my point. Why would you want anything to do with me? I can't guarantee that it'll never happen again."
"What if we come up with a code word. When you can't be available or deal, you say this word and I'll back away."
"Why on earth would you want to put yourself through that? You'll still be hurt. Even if we have a code word."
"Well, you can say no if you want, but something tells me you want me around. I know it's on your terms, but I'm ok with that for now. Maybe it's good thing. It'll help me develop a good friendship instead of jumping heart first into the next available guy. So what do you say?"
Zach hesitates. While he does want Nick around, he is not confident that Nick can handle being just friends, let alone being told to go away when he can't deal with interacting. "Well I'm not available for any kind of relationship and I have concerns about this, but you're right in that I want you in my life. Even if I don't know exactly why."
"So what's the code word going to be?" asks an excited Nick.
"Before we get to that, I need to ask you to do something," says a hesitant Zach.
Nick looks concerned. "What?"
"I need you to tell Kyle the truth about your recent actions."
Suddenly Nick recalls Oliver's words from the previous night. Tell Kyle the truth. Tell him all the things you did and said to me. If he can forgive you and get past it, then I can too.
Nick stands and walks over to the mirror again with the blanket still wrapped around him. "Now you sound like Oliver."
"What?"
"Oliver said almost those exact words to me last night. He said he could probably get past me being around, if Kyle knew the truth and could forgive me."
"And?"
"I don't want to admit my shortcomings, especially to Kyle. I don't want him to know that side of me."
"Well, then you and I will not have a code word. I'm not going to let you continue to hurt Fish."
Anger builds inside Nick. Oliver again. "I wish I never met the likes of Oliver Fish."
"Fish is a good guy, Nick. You would see that if you weren't so blinded by your feelings for Kyle."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"Look, if we're going to do this thing together that we're discussing. I need to know you're ready to put Kyle behind you."
"You amaze me. You seem to be awfully demanding for someone who can only be friends and only when it's convenient for him. Can't you give me a little leeway here?"
Zach stands, angered by Nick's comments. "I need to get to work. Have a nice life, Nick."
Zach pauses waiting for Nick to stop him or say something, but Nick simply continues to stare into the mirror. He walks to the door and grabs the knob. Prior to opening the door, he looks back at Nick. Inside he hopes Nick will agree to his terms, but with each passing second his hope diminishes. "Just pull the door closed when you leave." Zach starts walking out the door.
Barely audible, Nick speaks. "Wait. Please." Nick rolls his eyes.
Amazingly, Zach hears Nick's faint request. He returns inside, closing the door behind him. Zach stands by the door in case he still needs to make a quick exit.
Nick looks back at him through the mirror. "I'll tell Kyle the truth."
Zach smiles at Nick.
Nick sees the smile and can't help but to melt a little inside. He can't remember the last time he put a true smile on a guy's face. Yes, Kyle smiled from time to time, but Nick can't help but to wonder if it was all for show now. The hurt won't allow him to believe the smiles were genuine.
Zach walks over to the chair, picking up Nick's pants. He grabs Nick's cell phone out of the front right pocket. He then walks over to Nick, holding the phone out to him. "Here. Call Kyle. Tell him you need to talk to him."
Nick is a little shocked by Zach's request. "It's early, I don't want to wake him."
Zach continues to hold the phone out to Nick. "He's a med student. He knows all about early hours. You can do this. I'm here."
Nick sighs and grabs the phone from Zach's hand. He walks back over to sit on the bed. He opens the phone, hits his contact list and selects Kyle's name. He places the phone next to his ear. It starts ringing. Nick secretly hopes Kyle will not answer.
In Oliver's bedroom, Kyle lays on his side sleeping, facing away from his multiple bedmates.
His cell phones starts ringing on the nearby nightstand. He reaches for it without opening his eyes. He rolls onto his back and brings the phone to his ear, hitting the accept call button in the process. "Hello," says a weary and tired Kyle.
"Kyle, it's Nick. Sorry to bother you so early."
Kyle does not open his eyes, but you can read the agitation on his face. "Nick, I told ya'. You can't keep callin' man. I'll talk to you later." Kyle begins to hang up.
"Wait, Kyle. Please." Nick looks up to Zach for encouragement.
Zach shakes his head and whispers. "You can do it."
Kyle returns the phone to his ear and lets out a huge sigh. "What?"
"Can we get together? I need to talk."
Kyle does not immediately respond. Zach notes Nick's nervousness and walks over to him placing his hand on his shoulder.
"Kyle, you still there?"
"I'm here. I'll have to check with Oliver. Can I call you later?"
Nick is screaming inside. Can't Kyle make any decision on his own anymore? "That'll be great. I'll catch you later."
Kyle hits the end button on the phone and places it back on the nightstand. His eyes remain closed. He then rolls over on his other side, grabbing for Oliver.
Nick hangs up the phone and lays it on the bed.
"Well?" asks Zach removing his hand from Nick's shoulder.
"Surprise. He has to check with Oliver," says an aggravated Nick.
"That's good. He's willing to meet you then."
Nick stands. "Only if Oliver will let him."
"He will. I'll put in a good word for you."
"Thanks," says Nick in a frustrated tone.
Zach wraps his arms around Nick. "Look, I know you really don't want to do this, but it really means a lot to me."
Zach's words make Nick all kinds of happy inside. He likes having Zach's approval. Maybe a bit more than he should. Nick smiles at him.
"Listen, I need to get to the station. Why don't you stay here today. Rest, take a shower. There's some food in the cabinet and fridge. Help yourself if you get hungry. I'll bring us dinner tonight and we can hang out some more."
"You sure? What if your Nick needs to go away mood returns."
"I'll call with the code word."
"What is the code word?"
"You pick."
Nick smiles. "Zach's an ass."
Zach smiles. "To many words to remember."
"Really? Or you just don't like what it says about you?"
"I'm not going to apologize for who I am."
"Fair enough. How about 'sex' as the word."
Zach gets embarrassed. "No. I will not be using that word as the code. Next? This is your final try and then I'll pick my own word."
Nick can't get his mind to work in between the constant pounding of pain that continues to churn inside. "I'm fresh out of ideas."
"Our word will be 'hero'," says a confident Zach.
Nick is a bit puzzled by the word. "Why 'hero'?"
"It's a special word to me."
"Sure. 'hero' it is." Nick agrees, but has concerns over the word choice. He's not sure why the word choice concerns him.
"Great." Zach pats Nick on the arm and smiles at him. "I'll see you tonight, then."
"I'll be here, unless your 'hero' complex sets in." Nick intentionally says the last few words to make a point.
"Point taken, but it's me. Take it or leave it."
"I'm on board, for now."
"Great! Ok, I'll catch up with you later. Thanks for the chat." Zach smiles and heads out the door.
Suddenly, Nick feels really tired and lays back down in the bed. He grabs the pillow next to him and hugs it. It is full of Zach's scent, but Nick envisions that the pillow is Kyle.
Kyle's hand reaches for what he thinks is Oliver's back. He pulls himself over to wrap his arms around his boyfriend. As his arms work there way over his boyfriend's body, Kyle suddenly feels strange. Did Oliver shave his chest hair? Kyle opens his eyes and realizes he is snuggling up against Cristian. Shit. Kyle pulls away from Cris, embarrassed and now awake. He sits up on his side of the bed and looks over. He smiles at what he sees. Cristian is spooning Oliver. Kyle grabs his cell phone and clicks a picture.
Oliver opens his eyes upon hearing the click of the cell phone camera. Still dazed with sleep he nestles closer into the guy that he thinks is Kyle. "Morning. Did you hear that?"
"Mornin' yourself. Hear what?" says Kyle.
Oliver is perplexed. "Why do you sound so far away?" Oliver tries to break free from what he thinks is Kyle's embrace to look back at his boyfriend. Cristian moans and pulls Oliver back towards him in an even tighter hold.
"Oh the clicking noise, I was just taking a picture of the guy you're cheating on me with."
"Kyle, get serious. I am not cheating on you. I've been with you all night."
"I guess I'm just not muscular and hot enough for ya' anymore."
"What are you talking about? You have your arms around me right now, silly."
"You seriously think I have my arms wrapped around ya' right now? Feel again Oliver."
Oliver nestles closer into the guy hugging him. Suddenly a light bulb goes off as he notes the very different feel of the guy behind him. "Shit. Kyle I'm so sorry." Oliver panics in typical Oliver mode.
Kyle laughs. "Priceless, absolutely priceless. It's only Cris. I think he thinks you're someone else."
Oliver in dramatic fashion. "Kyle, get him off of me."
"I think you're on your own, buddy. I don't want him thinkin' that I'm makin' the moves on him."
"So it's okay if he thinks I am?"
Kyle laughs. "I want to see the look on his face when he realizes he is snugglin' with another guy. I'll have to take another picture at the moment he realizes what's goin' on."
Oliver continues to try and free himself, but Cris's hold becomes even stronger. "I can't get loose, Kyle."
"Cris would disagree. It seems he thinks you're pretty limber and loose."
"Ha, ha. Kyle, come on. Help me."
"Not on your life. This is so cool. A buff straight dude, with his hands and body all over my man."
"He was pretty messed up last night. I'm sure he doesn't remember even coming in here with us."
"He'll remember soon enough. Once he wakes up. So." Kyle pauses for a second planning his next words. "Not to be crude or anything, but I'm curious."
Oliver chuckles. "Here we go."
Kyle bends over and whispers in Oliver's ear, trying hard not to touch Cristian. "How does it feel?"
"How does what feel?"
"Don't play coy with me, Oliver. How does it feel to have another hot guy all over ya'," says a teasing Kyle knowing this is driving Oliver all kinds of crazy.
"He's not you."
"You're so sweet, but seriously come on, I would die to feel that hotness next to me."
"Fine, then switch places with me."
"How does it feel, Ollie bear?" asks Kyle again.
"It feels wrong, that's all."
"Right. I'm so sure. Those muscles and that super ripped chest."
Oliver gets annoyed. "I wouldn't know. Can you please just help me get up?"
Kyle chuckles. He knows exactly what to say next to get under Oliver's skin. "Do you happen to feel some ripped hardness a little lower?"
"Kyle!" says Oliver in a shriek. Oliver then feels Cris's excitement rubbing against him.
"What? It's an innocent question."
"Oh yeah, so innocent. I think you have a filthy mind."
"Ya' love that about me, Ollie bear. I learned everything I know from you."
"I think not, sir."
"I respectively disagree. So tell me how it feels?"
"No! Shut up, Kyle."
"I'll just check for myself," says Kyle. He knows Oliver will flip out at the statement.
Oliver does not disappoint. "No, you most certainly will not. Don't touch him, Kyle."
"Why do you get to have all the fun?"
"I am not here by choice."
"I don't think you're tryin' to get free very hard."
"He's strong," says a not convincing Oliver.
"You're a cop, you're just as strong. You should just admit it. You're ready to toss me aside, for your super hot and sexy roommate."
Suddenly, Oliver feels a hand grab something in between his legs. He panics thinking that Cris is getting very touchy with his hands.
"I knew it, you're totally excited right now."
Oliver sighs in relief realizing it is Kyle's hand and not Cris's. "I'm sorry, Kyle. I always have this problem in the mornings. You know that."
"Right. You want me to believe it has nothing to do with Cris being all over ya'," says Kyle.
"I swear, nothing at all," says Oliver again in a not convincing tone.
Kyle laughs and sits back up on his side of the bed. "It's ok, Ollie. You're human. I would be excited too."
Just then Layla knocks on the door and barges in. "Hey guys. Have you seen Cris? He's not in his room."
Kyle smiles at the awkwardness that now is evident in the room. "He's bonding with Oliver at the moment." Kyle points with his hand to the scene next to him in bed.
A smile breaks out on Layla's face. She busts out laughing. She walks over to Oliver's side of the bed. She looks down at an embarrassed Oliver.
"Wow, roomie. One hot guy isn't enough? You need two?"
"It's not what you think,. I can explain."
Layla smiles at the seriousness of her roommate and begins to laugh. "Relax, Fish. I always knew you had the hots for Cris. I don't blame you guys for wanting a three way with him. He's super hot."
"We did not have a three way, tell her Kyle."
"It's to late Oliver. Give it up. She knows the truth. Tell her how great it was." Kyle can barely hold his laughter, but he finds the scene unfolding around him hilarious.
"Kyle, this is her boyfriend."
"Not anymore, it seems he's found a new Layla. She's just a bit more masculine," says Kyle continuing to fight his laughter.
Layla continuing to find the situation comical also. "Kyle's right, Fish. Cris and I aren't together anymore. I see the truth now. He wanted you all along."
"This is not funny guys," says a not very amused Oliver.
"Quite the opposite roomie, this is hilarious."
Kyle and Layla bust out laughing.
Oliver finally breaks free of Cris's grasp and jumps out of bed stark naked.
Layla and Kyle look over at him and laugh harder.
"Stop laughing guys, this isn't funny."
"Ollie bear, ya' need to find some covers or something."
Oliver suddenly feels very exposed. "Oh, shit." He grabs a pillow from a nearby chair. "Sorry, Layla." He walks around the bed, pillow facing Layla and his backside facing Kyle and heads toward the bathroom.
"Don't be sorry, Fish. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that view," says Layla.
Cris moans and pulls the covers over his head, as Oliver enters the bathroom closing the door behind him.
Layla shakes her head back and forth. "Wow, I needed that. I can't remember the last time I laughed."
"I'm glad, we've been worried about ya', " says Kyle smiling at Layla.
Oliver returns now wearing shorts and a t-shirt. He sits on the bed in front of Kyle.
Kyle wraps his arms around his man and lays his chin on Oliver's shoulder.
"I'm okay guys, really," says a less than sure Layla.
"We're here if you need us," says a concerned Oliver. "Even if you want to make fun of me some more."
Layla smiles and chuckles. "You're awesome, Fish. We love you so much."
Kyle places a kiss on the back of Oliver's neck. "She has that right. I love ya', Ollie bear."
Oliver smiles. "I love you too, K-man."
Layla looks away. Their happiness is too much for her to look at right now. "I'll leave, so you guys can be alone."
"Wait, Layla. You don't have to go. We can't do anything with our bedmate around," says Kyle.
"You guys want some breakfast?" asks Layla.
"Sounds great. I'm starving," says Oliver who stands and walks over next to Layla.
Kyle and Layla look at each other and smile.
Oliver looks back and forth between them. "What?"
"I'm not surprised, Oliver. Its takes a lot of energy to handle two hot guys," says Kyle.
Oliver picks up another pillow in a nearby chair and chugs it at Kyle. "Very funny, Lewis."
"Ya love me," says Kyle as he smiles at his man.
"Maybe sometimes," says Oliver. "We'll go start breakfast. Ready?" Oliver places his arm around Layla.
She smiles feeling some comfort with Oliver's arm around her. "Sure."
Layla and Oliver exit the bedroom. Kyle gets up and heads into the bathroom.
About 20 minutes later Kyle exits the bedroom and heads into the kitchen. "The food smells great, guys."
Layla and Oliver sit at the breakfast bar eating.
Kyle enters the kitchen to grab a coffee mug and pours some coffee.
Oliver looks up and sees that Kyle is fully dressed. He is disappointed as he wants to just spend the day hanging out with his guy. "I thought you were off work today?"
"I am, why?" asks Kyle.
"I was hoping we could just hang out today."
Kyle grabs a plate and dishes some food on it from the pans on the stove. He turns and lays the plate on the counter, standing facing a sitting Layla and Oliver.
"I need to go check on Stacy."
Oliver is puzzled. "Why?"
"I just didn't feel right leaving her like I did last night."
"I thought they told you to get lost."
Kyle finishes chewing a recent bite of food. "They did, but I just need to make sure everything is okay. She's carrying Roxy's grandchild. Plus the doctor part of me feels bad for just taking off."
Oliver looks at Kyle with his puppy dog eyes. "Promise, you won't be long?"
Kyle scarves down a few more bites. He places the plate in the nearby sink. He walks over to Oliver and places a kiss on his cheek. "I'll hurry. I'll be back before you even miss me."
"You hardly ate anything," says Layla to Kyle as he continues to look at his boyfriend.
"Not super hungry. Thanks though. You going to be okay?" Kyle looks at Layla for a response to his question.
She forces a half smile. "I'm good."
Kyle smiles. "Ok, then. I'm off. I'll see you guys in a while."
Kyle exits the apartment.
Layla takes a drink of her coffee and then puts her hand over Oliver's hand that is resting on the breakfast bar. "You're so lucky, Fish. Kyle is so awesome. You're both so happy."
Oliver looks over at his pal. "Thanks. I owe you and Cris for us being together, for shaking some sense into both of us."
Layla pats his hand. "That's what friends are for."
Layla stands to take her empty plate to the sink. She refills her coffee cup and returns to her seat.
"So," says a hesitating Oliver. "What about you and Cris?"
"There's nothing to talk about," says an uncomfortable Layla.
Oliver turns to face his friend. "Talk to me, Layla. I can't stand to see you guys like this."
Layla sits in silence. She simply wants to avoid the conversation that she knows is coming.
Oliver continues to talk. "I get that you're scared, Layla. Don't let fear ruin a good thing."
Layla stands and walks into the living room area. "I don't want to discuss this, Fish. You don't understand."
Oliver stands, walks over to Layla and stands directly in front of her. "I understand being scared and full of fear, more than anyone."
"It's not the same."
"How can you say that? I lived in fear for years. Scared of what society and my parents would think of me. Lying to myself, lying to you and everyone I'm close to, even Kyle. I almost lost the best thing that ever happened to me out of fear. I'm begging you, please don't follow my example."
"Look, Fish. I appreciate everything you went through. I was there for most of it. But this is different. I could lose my sister forever."
"I get that. I have probably lost my father forever, but I don't regret my choice. My situation with my parents makes me extremely sad sometimes, but Kyle is everything to me. I know you feel the same about Cris."
"Its not enough. It's just too hard."
"It is enough. Love is powerful. It's the best. Life changing. Mind blowing, Words can't even do it justice most of the time. Don't pass up a chance at real happiness. Please."
"I've never been good in the love arena. I always make the wrong choices. Cris is just another person in a long line of bad choices."
"You don't know that. How could you?"
"Oliver, my track record speaks volumes."
"So you hit a few bumps in the road. That doesn't mean you never get on the horse again."
"My mind is made up. I moving back to Maryland and that's final."
Oliver crosses his arms. "So you're running away?"
"I don't see it that way. I'm just making a fresh start."
"By getting on the first train back home? How's that a fresh start?"
"I just can't stay here."
Oliver grabs Layla's arm. "Come with me." He starts to lead her back to his bedroom.
"What are you doing? Let go of me," says a frustrated Layla.
Oliver opens the door to his bedroom and leads her over to the side of the bed. "Look at him."
Layla looks down at a sleeping Cristian in the bed. "So?"
"That man loves you. Are you really willing to give that up over some fear that may not even be reality. Don't be a coward. I love you guys. I want you both to be happy."
"We can't all be happy, like you and Kyle."
"I think you guys can be. He loves you. You love him. Give it a shot. Get past the fear and let him in. He got totally wasted last night because of your rejection."
"I'm sorry about that, but he'll get over it."
"You know. You're right. He will and then how are you going to feel?"
"What?"
"Knowing you could have had this awesome thing with him, but you simply gave him to someone else, without even fighting for him."
"You did the same thing, Oliver. You pushed Kyle to Nick. Or did you conveniently forget that?"
"That's my point, Layla. Do not make the same mistakes I did. Please, listen to your heart. Be happy. It's so much better than all that fear, misery and sadness."
Layla wants to the conversation to end. She brings Oliver into a hug. "I love you pal, but I'm not going to change my mind on this."
"You sure?"
"I'm going back to Maryland. I'm certain in my decision."
Oliver pulls away and looks directly into his friend's eyes. "You're making me really sad. I gain a best friend, which still amazes me considering what I put you through, only to lose you a few months later. I'm bummed. Cris will be devastated if you go through with this."
The words hit Layla deep inside. She is so disappointed in herself, but is convinced her decision is the right one.
Oliver grabs her hands and squeezes them with his own hands. He looks down at a sleeping Cris. "You leaving is going to hurt him deep. It's going to be painful to see this unfold."
Layla looks at Cris and tears begin to form in her eyes.
Oliver walks out of the room.
Layla sits on the bed next to the guy that has her heart. She rubs her hand across his cheek. "I'm sorry, Cris. I'm sorry for being so weak. I love you, but it's simply not enough." She bends down and places a kiss on his forehead. She stands as tears fall across her cheeks.
Kyle barges into room 115 at the hospital. "Good mornin'."
Stacy looks up from her magazine. "You again. You're like an nat that I can't get rid of."
"I just need to make sure that you and the baby are okay?"
"It's none of your business"
"That's my best friend's grandchild."
"I don't care about that old hag, Roxy. Now get out of my sight."
"You could do worse than having Roxy in your life."
Stacy sighs. "All I need is Rex, not any of the extra baggage that comes with him. Gigi included.
Kyle shakes his head in disbelief. "Lots of sisterly love there. You must be super lonely."
"What gives you the right to say that to me?"
"Truth hurts, huh?"
"Get out. I done with you, doctor wanna be."
"Is Rex here?"
"No! Why would he be?"
"Um, hello. The mother of his unborn child was attacked last night and is now in the hospital."
"How did you know I was still here?"
"I went by your place and there was no answer. So I made a guess. It appears I was right."
"Wow! Do you want a cookie for being so smart."
"Look, just tell me how you and the baby are. Then, I'll be on my way."
Stacy grabs the nurse call button. "Get out, or I'm calling a nurse to have you thrown out."
"Go ahead. I work here remember. I'll just say I'm checkin' on a patient."
"Why do you care so much?"
"I told you. Roxy, is my friend." Kyle looks around the drab room. "Did you call Rex and let him know what happened?"
"Rex had more pressing engagements."
"So, he's with the mother of his other child. The woman he loves."
Stacy gets defensive. "He does not love her. He loves me. He's just a little misguided right now."
"Right. Keep tellin' yourself that. I hope those lies keep ya' warm at night, honey."
Stacy grabs the magazine and throws it at Kyle. "Get out. You're upsetting me and its not good for the baby."
Kyle catches the magazine before it hits him. "Rex should be here."
"I don't want him here," says Stacy in a firm voice.
"Why's that?"
"I don't have to explain myself to you."
Kyle grabs his cell phone. "I'm calling Roxy. She can tell Rex you're here."
"Lewis, hang up that phone. This is none of your business."
"Just tell me you and the baby are okay. I'll put the phone away."
"Fine. We're okay. The doctor simply wanted me on bed rest for observation over night. I took a pretty hard fall."
"I know. I was there, remember?" Kyle puts the phone away.
"How could I forget? The oh so caring, Kyle Lewis. To bad I know that truth about you."
"What's that?"
"That you're no better than me. You're a blackmailer, a fraud and who knows what else."
"You don't know anything about me. I've changed."
"Oh yes, the good love of a confused gay boy has turned you all around."
"Your facts are a little off, but I am glad Oliver is back in my life."
"For how long, Kyle? When will you go down the wrong path again and mess everything up."
"I won't. Things are different now. I'm different."
"Sing it to the choir, boy. Everyone, hear this, Kyle Lewis is a changed man."
"Whatever, Stacy. You're just jealous."
"Not. What makes you think that?"
"You want someone who doesn't want you. I have Oliver. We love each other."
"Fish would come back to the closet in a heart beat, with just a little push."
"You don't know him. He's changed too."
"I know him better than you probably think I do."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's not important. I need to rest now. Can you go?"
"You're pitiful. You know that. Do you give a damn about anyone, but yourself?"
Stacy can only hear the word pitiful in her mind, over and over again. "I'm not pitiful. I love my baby. She means the world to me."
"Then grow up. Face facts. Rex is never going to be with you. You need to start thinking about how you're goin' to take care of yourself and the baby."
"You find love and you think you have all the answers. Take your happy self back to Fish. You two deserve each other."
"Look I simply want what's best for the baby. Kids are innocent. They don't deserve to be used as a weapon in some play to get a guy."
"I am not doing that. I love this baby with all my heart."
"I'm not sure you have a heart. I feel sorry for the baby. He or she doesn't deserve the likes of you for a parent."
Kyle's words make Stacy angry. She snaps.
"I was good enough for your boyfriend. That's right lab boy. I was with Oliver. It was great. He may be a little on the geeky side, but he knows how to use what nature gave him. You're a lucky fellow. Oliver is packing the heat for sure."
"You're lyin'. Oliver would never lower his standards for the likes of you."
"Sorry to break it to you, but he was all over me. Multiple times in fact. Ollie's a hottie."
"Don't call him that."
"Did I hit a nerve? Ollie. Ollie. Ollie. I remember saying that name a hundred times as we had sex. He's a good lover, even for a gay boy."
Kyle is speechless. His Ollie and Stacy intimate with each other. The picture in his head turns his stomach. He rushes out of the room feeling as if he may be sick.
Stacy smiles to herself. She is pleased with her performance. 'That'll teach him."
She places her hands over her stomach. "I love you baby girl. Don't listen to a thing that crazy man said. You and I are going to be happy. Your Daddy loves us both so much. He'll come around. I promise you."
Chapter 22 Preview
Stacy's words haunt Kyle.
Nick lies to Zach.
Brody has an accident, much to Zach's delight.
A stakeout becomes heated.
A tragic event starts to unfold.