“Actually, you just pointed out how goodyoulook in yours.”
“I’ll tell you now,” I lean in towards his mouth, but someone taps my shoulder.
I sigh, frustrated, and turn to face one of the journalists at the event.
“Is this the time, man?”
“Just one question.”
“It’s not my night.”
“I know, but I couldn’t help noticing.”The journalist smiles slyly at me.
“Just one.Then piss off.”
“Is that your boyfriend?”the journalist asks, nodding towards Martin, who is half-hidden behind a pillar.I glance between them, then reach for Martin’s hand and gently pull him to my side.
“He’s not my boyfriend.”I keep my eyes on Martin, not the journalist.I don’t care what the journalist writes or what people will read tomorrow.What matters is how Martin feels, and I want to make sure he understands.
“He is my Doctor.And he is my family.”
Martin
Iweave through the bleachers, following my son and Chris, and sit down.
“Doctor,” Nick greets me.
“Dickhead number one,” I reply.
“How nice to watch the games among you lot,” Don Madigan comments from behind me.
“Then you shouldn’t use the reserved seats,” Nick mutters through clenched teeth.
Casey sighs softly and calls Nick back.“Nick, please.”
Nick snorts and crosses his arms and legs, acting like a stubborn kid.
“How is he?”I ask Riley, who’s sitting right behind me.
“He is excited and tense.”
“I understand.Jamie was a nervous wreck this morning, too.”
“It’s not easy for either of them.”
“And how are you?”
“I’m very good.”
Riley is having another baby girl.They just found out, and she’s thrilled — Jamie even more so.I just feel bad for Ian, though.
And Chris?She’s also expecting a girl, and I can’t help but look forward to watching Ryan O’Connor deal with a future troublemaker.
I probably shouldn’t enjoy it this much.We’re friends now, we usually get along, and we’ve grown used to each other’s rough edges, but I can’t help feeling a bit smug.
“Hey, Dad,” Evan draws my attention.“You’re really cool,” he comments, nodding at the special pass around my neck.
“No need to put it on display like that, you know?”Nick points out.
