Patrick hop-walked to the clearing not too far ahead and gratefully dropped to the ground. He shuffled on the hard surface to get somewhat comfortable, and submitted to Simon’s inspection. After a couple of questions and a minute or so of prodding and poking, Simon gave his diagnosis.
“You’ll live.”
Patrick laughed. “I told you it was fine, but I’m glad I now have your expert opinion.” Surprisingly, Simon’s expert touch and caring concern did make him feel better—safe.
“I don’t think we should continue any further, though. There’s no point in risking any further damage or aggravating it. Let’s head back once we’ve had a break.”
“Sorry to cut the hike short. You guys could continue on and meet me back here later if you want. I’d be okay to wait here.”
“Thanks. But I’m all right to head back. Plus, the quicker we get back, the sooner we can get some ice on that knee. You okay with that, Mike?” Simon asked as he opened a bottle of water.
“Yeah, happy to head back early.” Mike raised his bottle and took a swig. “But thanks for inviting me to come along today.”
“Someone had to do something to get you to exercise,” Simon teased.
Mike leaned over and mock-punched Simon’s arm. “Hey, I’m not that unfit. Just because some of us don’t like spending so much time in the outdoors.”
“I’m surprised you don’t have a vitamin D deficiency.” Simon continued with his friendly taunting. “Between working all those hours in the clinic, then holing up in your bedroom to study, or hanging out in bars or clubs….”
Mike laughed. “Yeah, that’s me. I’m sure I’m part nocturnal.”
“Or maybe a vampire….”
Patrick listened to his friends banter back and forth as he lay back and tucked his hands behind his neck. The pain in his knee was easing and had lowered to a dull ache, so he actually enjoyed just lying in the sun. Their voices faded as he listened to the sound of the light breeze rustling the leaves, and the screech of a bird overhead. There really was something to be said for getting out into nature. It reminded him of the weekend away in the mountains, just him and Simon in complete solitude. The warm memories washed over him. Best weekend ever.
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
Patrick turned his head as Simon whispered softly against his ear. “Hey,” he responded lazily. His eyelids fluttered closed again.
“Sorry, babe, got to wake you up. It’s time we headed back.”
Patrick slowly sat, blinking as he came back to reality. “How long was I asleep for?”
“Not long. Half an hour maybe.”
“Wow. I must have been tired. Sorry to flake on you guys.” He glanced to where Mike was rummaging through his backpack, to see him nod.
Simon held out a hand, gripping Patrick’s wrist and helping him to his feet. “Don’t worry about it. I know you haven’t been sleeping well with everything that’s going on.”
The worries that Patrick had successfully put out of his mind for the last couple of hours came rushing back. He changed the subject, determined to get back into a happy space. “The fresh air’s been great. I’m sure I’ll sleep like a log tonight.”
Simon squeezed the hand he still held firmly in his grip. “I was hoping for the exact opposite—that the hike would have given you more energy.”
Patrick looked into Simon’s eyes. The afternoon sun brought out the gold in his hazel irises. He gave a cheeky wink before lowering the sunglasses that had been pushed back on his head.
“Cut it out, you two.” Mike’s voice cut across the clearing, but the smile was evident in his teasing tone.
Patrick didn’t lean in to give Simon a kiss, although he itched to do so, but before he could move away, Simon flipped Mike the bird, then pulled Patrick into his arms. The resulting kiss was totally over the top, Patrick bent back in Simon’s arms like a ballroom dancer in a dip.
Mike’s laughter echoed as Patrick smiled against Simon’s mouth, awash with the happiness of the moment.
The piercing screechof a car alarm became louder the nearer they got to the start of the trail where they’d begun their hike a few hours earlier.
“Holy shit!” Patrick turned at Mike’s words. “Have a look at that, will you?”
Patrick followed where Mike was pointing.Jesus.
“Fuck! My car.” Simon flung the backpack from his shoulders and rummaged in the front pocket while he held the pack by one of its straps, all the while moving toward his car. Eventually, he dragged out his keys, shutting off the loud noise with a press of the fob.
