“Theo is exhausted. The kind that gets you hospitalized, not the kind that you sleep off. Plus, he’s dehydrated, Matt. Could be stress. Could be long-term stress. Could be trauma or the recovery from it.”
“Did you see the bruises?”
“I’m going to call that a fight. Looks like what I would see in Boston after a mugging.”
“What does exhaustion and dehydration need?” I roll the bit about a mugging around in my head.
Perrin smiles. “Care. Time.Safety. Same thing as those bruises. Not to mention the drip I’m going to bring him. No reason to bring him to the hospital for something he needs for maybe half a day.”
“Thanks, man. What did we do without you?”
“Sometimes I really wonder,” he quips with a big grin, and I give him a hug at the door. “I’ll bring that drip by in just a bit. I have one at the condo.”
“Of course you do.”
“You can pay me back with a dinner for two sometime—you know I’m not picky.”
“You got it.”
While waiting for Perrin to return, I try not to be a creeper, staring at sleeping Theo, but there is only so much laundry. Theo looks different, even in his sleep. No blissful, boyish expression this time. In its place is a furrowed brow.
To give myself something to do, I start chicken noodle soup, adding fresh herbs and aromatics. Maybe Theo can at least manage the broth.
Perrin, true to his word, makes it back in about twenty minutes. Jack’s in tow now, along with Farrow. He joins me rambling around the kitchen, letting Perrin to have privacy with Theo.
“Not how you imagined having Theo back in your place, I imagine.” Jack bends down to pick up Mulder, who is rubbing herself all over Farrow.
“Or how I imagined him back in my bed.” I grin, and Jack rolls his eyes at me.
“Did you see the writeup about Summit House inWest Magazine?”
“I think my favorite quote was ‘epicurean feats that will delight everyone from the discerning palate to the resort guest lucky enough to get a table and going for the name on the door alone.’” My eyebrows rise in a wave.
“I’m proud of you, Matt, if I haven’t said that enough. Or clearly.”
“Jack Mann, being clear about his feelings.”
“It’s important to acknowledge the people you love. I don’t want to forget that.”
“Your husband’s influence is showing,” I tease, but Jack doesn’t shrug it off. “Perrin does seem to be doing well.”
“He really is. Therapy is maintenance level. Farrow is more often a pet than a service animal of any kind. And Christopher has been calling a lot lately, especially since the wedding.”
“His brother? Got to say I was a little surprised he showed.”
“The very same. And so was I, but glad he did.” Jack seems like he wants to say more, but Perrin walks into the living room.
“Your boy looks better.” Perrin easily slips his fingers through Jack’s, like they were made to fit. “He’s awake for a little while if you want to check in with him. I’ll be by in the morning, though.”
Perrin and Jack make to leave, but Perrin pauses before they are out the door. “I probably shouldn’t have, but I did ask about the bruises and got shut down fast. Whatever that was, you’re going to have to approach it with finesse. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head. “It’s not you. I just don’t want him to take off or feel uncomfortable. I’ll try to figure it out, even if I don’t pry.”
“See you in the morning, then.”
As they head for the door, Jack calls over his shoulder, “I’ll have him stop by Maxine’s for some breakfast.” I don’t bother to see if he catches my middle-finger salute to his smart ass.
Instead, I head down the hallway. Theo blinks at me as I enter. “I would ask how you are feeling, sweetness, but you still look pale.” I hold some water to his lips, thankful for the bendy straw Perrin also produced. As soon as he is done, I press my lips to his for a soft kiss.
