When he woke up the next morning Reid wasn't surprised to find that Luke had already gone, slowly getting use to the new morning-person Luke had become. He rolled over, groaning as something crinkled beneath his cheek. He sat up and looked down to find a note taped to the pillow and he grinned.
'Had to run into town for a while. I'll be back this afternoon. -Luke.'
Reid made himself breakfast, thankful that during the week the farm was mostly deserted in the mornings. He showered and got dressed, pulling out his computer and checking his emails and getting some work done. Technically he was on vacation but that didn't mean he completely dropped everything. He even made a few phone calls before the noises his stomach was making became too much to ignore.
Wandering into the kitchen Reid was surprised to find Holden there, reading the paper at the table. When he registered Reid's presence, he closed the paper and smiled up at the other man.
"Hey there," he said cheerfully. Reid actually smiled a little. "It's good to see you again, I'm sorry we didn't get to talk much the other night."
"It's good to see you, too, Holden," Reid began, stepping further into the room.
"Where's Luke?"
"Oh, he had some errands to run or something," said Reid, not bothering to hide the fact that he wasn't quite sure. He made his way to the fridge, opening it and looking inside with a frown.
"Lunch?" Holden asked, looking entertained.
"Possibly. We just went shopping yesterday, though that doesn't seem to be helping," Reid frowned. Holden laughed.
"I was thinking of heading to Al's for lunch. You're welcome to join me."
Reid considered for about five seconds before accepting Holden's offer. How could he turn it down? Holden was allowing him to get out of the house, feeding him, and he was the best choice of company Reid had at the moment.
Holden didn't force conversation on him, which Reid was grateful for, at least during the ride into town. Once they had arrived at Al's they talked more, falling into an easy conversation as they had last time Reid was in town. Holden steered clear of talking about him and Luke, only adding to the reasons Reid admired him so much.
As always the food at Al's was great and Reid almost ordered some chili to go so he'd have something to nibble on later. Holden footed the bill, even after Reid insisted on paying for his part, though he didn't fight it too hard, something Holden noticed and actually laughed at.
"I have to run over to the hardware shop to pick up some things. It's just around the corner and I shouldn't be long. You can come with or wait here if you want," said Holden.
"I think I'll stay here," said Reid, giving no more than that. Holden smiled and nodded before walking off and disappearing around the corner.
Reid sat down on a bench, pulling out his phone and frowning when he had no messages. He considered texting Luke but refrained, pocketing the device and taking to wandering around the small square that connected everything. Java came into sight and Reid was suddenly filled with a taste for coffee. He made his way inside and ordered without looking at the boards overhead, stepping aside and gazing around the room as he waited for his drink to be made.
Truth be told, people watching had never been all that interesting to Reid. In fact, he rarely took the time to even notice the faces of those around him. As his eyes fell on a couple in the back corner, sitting close and talking as though they were sharing secrets, he found himself wishing remembering why he never looked up and found himself wishing he hadn't started today. His stomach dropped and that sickening feeling he'd been fighting all week returned. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't look away, especially as the handsome blond reached over and laid his hand over the brunette's, a familiar smile creating dimples in his cheeks.
Grabbing up his drink, Reid practically ran out of the coffee shop, trying to force the image of Luke and Noah, sitting so close, hands touching, out of his head. He dropped his drink into the first trash can he came across, no longer have any appetite. As he waited for Holden to return he paced in the square, trying to calm down and rationalize what he had seen. He kept picturing Luke, reaching for Noah, e just couldn't get the sight out of his head. So much for rationalizing, he thought. No matter what he tried he was consumed with overwhelming anger at the sight burned behind his eyes, and no amount of pacing would make that go away.
When Holden finally returned he instantly looked worried, but Reid insisted that they get the hell out of there before he had a chance to question him.
