Ch 5
Long distance emotions.
Henrik sat in the car after a long day. Should he stay around for Jac? Would she miss him for a few hours? He was not operating on her and, on reflection, she would probably berate him and tell him to get a life in lieu of hers.
The car was ticking over. He tapped in the post code for the address Russ put on the parcel . He would not forget those 6 digits, but the parcel was there as a reminder. It was the lifeline he was acting on.
He pressed enter on the sat navigation. Four hours and 27 minutes... well, where else had he better to be right now... He knew he would only spend the next however many hours tying himself up in knots. He did think about calling Russ but was afraid that he would be rebuffed. Maybe turning up impromptu would show Russ that he was changing.
He started the engine and set off not knowing what the destination would bring.
He pulled up in the street and decided to park across the road just slightly down from the house.
He straightened his tie and knocked. He heard Russ shout, "One minute." Henrik waited and could hear Russ unlocking the door.
He smiled expectantly. Russ answered the door with a smile. "Henrik, um, this is a surprise... a nice one. Come on in."
As Henrik entered he noticed that Russ placed a hand on his back. That small contact, he noticed, was something Russell always did; and Henrik was not adverse to it. Just not used to it.
Russ guided him to the living room where Denver was asleep in a Moses basket.
"Did you have a good trip up?"
Henrik was surprised how nice Russ was being given the words he had spoken the last time they had been in each other's company. He had been harsh. It was mean, and by no means true. Henrik gathered that Russ had seen through this.
"Yes, it was steady ... and worth the trip."
Russ smiled, "Good to know. Anyway, sit. Lets have some coffee and you can catch up with little man."
Henrik smiled and looked across at Denver. "That would be nice."
Russ got up and touched Henrik's shoulder, "Still take your coffee the same, yes?..."
Henrik nodded. He needed a coffee for sure. It had been a long day, a long drive.
Whilst Russ was in the kitchen Denver started to cry. Henrik stood and looked into the crib, he picked him up; "Well whatever is the matter young man?"
Denver seemed comfortable with Henrik, which would be no surprise given how they were first acquainted. He sat down and held Denver rocking him slightly. This seemed to work as he was soon back asleep in Henrik's arms.
"Ah, you can come back!" Russ exclaimed as he approached with coffee. "Little man doesn't usually settle that quickly."
Henrik smiled. "You need to remember Denver and I have a special bond." He rocked Denver in his arms.
Russ looked on and could see what a wonderful man Henrik was, albeit a little strange... but that was no bad thing. Russ felt that Henrik just needed some TLC, but it wasn't that simple. He had to let you in. Russ knew not to force it; but it wasn't a case of bringing the mountain to Mohammed. He had to be patient. The fact Henrik had turned up here , well that was a massive thing.
They sat and Henrik caught Russ up on the situation with Jac. Russ could clearly see that Henrik was upset. He placed his hand on Henrik's arm and smiled sadly. They sat in silence for a while until they heard the door go. They heard Billie dumping her stuff in the hallway. Russ rolls his eyes, this house was always going to look like a tornado swept through. "Hey dad. Oh hello Henrik." She put on her formal voice when addressing Henrik. "Someone looks comfortable."
"Well, yes I am." Henrik replied.
Billie waved her hand, "Not you, Denv."
Henrik smiled, "Ah yes, he is as good as gold."
Russ sat smiling, he had his 3 favourite people right here. He realised that he still had his hand on Henrik's arm and they were sat close on the sofa and Henrik had not said anything or moved.
Billie addressed her dad, "If I put Denv to bed now, while he's actually asleep. Have I got time for a shower before tea?"
"Absolutely."
Billie takes Denver from Henrik and goes upstairs.
Russ turns to address Henrik now that Billie had left. "I'm still not the best chef but I'm improving. I've made a lasagne. I trust you are staying for supper."
"Well only if I'm not imposing."
"Certainly not Henny. Plus to come all that way just for a coffee and baby cuddles seems absurd."
Henrik smiled and nodded.
"You relax here, I'm going to check on my culinary delight."
As Russ left Henrik stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles. He closed his eyes for 2 minutes feeling more content than he had for a long time.
Russ came back into the room 10 minutes later and found Henrik asleep. He wasn't going to wake him. He took off Henrik's glasses, loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt. He got the blanket off the back of the chair and draped it over Henrik.
Just then Billie came bounding down the stairs. Russ held his hand up as she was going to speak. He then silently put his finger to his lips and then pointed at Henrik.
Billie smiled. Mr Uptight must be comfortable. He must be letting his guard down.