When he got to his building, Jon got his mail and decided to take the elevator--he was too worn out to tackle the stairs. He opened his door and walked into his living room. He stood for a minute, just staring at the walls. God, he thought, what was happening? He felt like his life was out of control. Just a couple of days ago everything was good. He and Luke were happy and carefree, planning their lives together. Then some bastards, who they didn't even know, came close to murdering the most important person in Jon's life. Jon sat heavily on the couch and sighed. He closed his eyes and envisioned Luke. His thick black hair, his blue eyes, the way his lips and eyebrows moved when he talked. That was one of the things Jon loved watching. Luke had a way of moving his lips and eyes when he talked that Jon found fascinating. It probably wasn't apparent to most people, but it captivated Jon. He forced himself to get up and undress. He got into bed and hoped he'd sleep soon. He did.

The Inn - Chapter 15

Jon woke at six Wednesday morning and tried to go back to sleep. It was too early to go to the hospital, but once he was awake it was impossible to sleep again. He got up and showered, shaved and got dressed. On the way to the hospital he stopped at the local bakery and bought some lemon squares--they were one of Luke's favorites. He also asked for a coffee and then got back on the road to the expressway. The morning traffic was normal and a little over an hour later he pulled into the hospital garage. He took the overnight bag and the sack with the bakery, then proceeded to Luke's room. Luke was awake and Jon gave him a long kiss.

"How do you feel?"

"Not so hot right now, but I'll be better. It was the same thing yesterday--it takes a while to get going in the morning."

"Has the doctor seen you yet?"

"No, yesterday he was here around 8 o'clock so I think he'll be here soon. God, I hope he lets me outta here today. I just want to go home."

"I know, I want you home, too. I'm pretty sure they'll discharge you today, I just hope it's soon." Jon handed Luke the sack with the lemon squares.

"Oh, I love these. Thanks!"

Dr. Harris walked into the room carrying Luke's chart.

"Morning, Luke. How are you feeling today?"

"Great! Never better!" Luke forced himself to sit up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Jon could tell it took a supreme effort but Luke was determined to suppress any signs of pain.

The doctor smiled. "Anxious to be out of here? I don't blame you. Let me just have a quick look."

Dr. Harris flipped a few pages on Luke's chart, scanning the notes that were there. Then he turned to Luke and untied the back of his gown. The doctor listened with his stethoscope, then checked Luke's eyes, ears and throat. He re-tied the gown.

"Well, Luke, if you promise to take it easy I don't see any reason to keep you. There's not much more we can do for you, but you did get a nasty bump on your noggin so I don't want you overexerting yourself. If you have any unusual symptoms I want to hear from you. I'll have the nurse prepare your discharge papers. Once they take out your IVs you can get dressed. It'll take about a half-hour for the paperwork, but in the meantime I suggest you use the PCA while you can. I'll give you a prescription for Vicodin--get it filled on your way home. When the morphine wears off you're probably going to need it. Any questions?"

Jon asked, "When can he have sex?" Luke was mortified. The doctor laughed.

"Whenever he's up for it--no pun intended. Anything else?"

Luke gave Jon a look. "No, I think that pretty much covers it."

Dr. Harris shook their hands. "Gentlemen, good luck and it was a pleasure meeting both of you. Don't hesitate to call or email me if anything comes up. My card has all my contact info."

They both thanked him and the doctor was on his way. Luke smacked Jon on the arm.

"I can't believe you asked him that. I could have killed you!"

"What? He asked if we had any questions, and I was wondering about it so I asked."

"He must think you're a sex maniac."

"I am, when it comes to you."

The two watched TV and waited for something to happen. After fifteen minutes a nurse came in.

"What's this I hear about you wanting to leave us?"

"Nothing personal. All of you have been wonderful. Thank you."

She smiled. "I'm going to take out your IV--do you want one for the road before I do?"

Luke pressed the PCA button. The nurse had Luke sign some papers which she then handed to Jon.

"These are aftercare instructions, read them over. And here's a prescription for pain medication. You should get it filled soon. And this is Dr. Harris's card, keep it handy in case you have any questions." She turned back to Luke. "Okay, ready?"

She slipped the needle out of Luke's arm and covered the site with a band aid.

"Okay, you can get dressed. When you're ready press the call button. Do you need any help?"

"I think I'll be okay, Jon can help me. Thanks."

Jon got the overnight bag and took out the clothes he had packed for Luke.

"Oh, good," said Luke. "I'm glad you brought those pants. Jeans would be a bitch to get into right now."

"I know, I was thinking ahead. I've got you covered."

"Well, uncover me now. Untie the gown, please."

Jon did so, and Luke pulled the gown from his shoulders. Jon gasped. It was the first time he'd seen Luke's upper body since the attack.

"Oh my God, Luke!" Jon could feel the tears coming. He walked around the bed and looked at Luke's back. "Fuck! There's hardly a place that isn't bruised!"

"I'm sure it looks worse than it feels." Luke reached for his boxers and let out a groan. "Then again, maybe not."

Jon helped him dress, being very careful to cause as little pain as possible. When he was dressed, Jon stepped back to look at him.

"You look a hundred percent better now that you're in your own clothes. Let me put your shoes on."

Jon slipped Luke's shoes on and tied them. Luke pushed the call button as Jon was gathering up miscellaneous things and putting them in the bag with Luke's old clothes. Tim came into the room with a wheelchair.

"Ready to rock & roll?"

"You bet!" said Luke.

Tim helped him into the chair. "Do you have a car here?"

"Yes," answered Jon. "It's in the parking garage."

"Okay, pull around to the main entrance and we'll meet you there."

Jon bent down and kissed Luke. "See you in a few minutes."

Jon began sprinting down the hall, then he slowed to a fast walk as he realized he'd probably be at the entrance before Tim and Luke got there anyway. He was smiling, excited that soon he would have Luke at home and they could begin getting their lives back in order. Jon pulled out of the garage and headed around the building to the main entrance. He parked and got out and walked to the passenger side. He opened the door and adjusted the seat so its back was reclined a bit. When he turned around he saw Luke and Tim. Tim pushed Luke's wheelchair up to the passenger-side door. He locked the brakes and walked to the front of the chair, then raised the footrests. Tim extended his hands and Luke gripped them, pulling himself up to a standing position.

"Do you need help getting into the car?" asked Tim.

"I think I can handle it. I just have to take things slow."

Tim handed Luke a card. "This is my card. I do massage therapy on the side and once you're not so sore, it would probably be good for you. I don't live too far from you guys."

"Thanks, I might call you. And thank you for all your help."

"My pleasure. You guys take care, and I hope everything goes well. I'm sure it will."

They shook hands and Tim waited until Luke got in the car with Jon hovering next to him.

"What about the seatbelt?" asked Jon.

"Oh, God, I don't know. All right, let's try it." Jon carefully pulled the belt out and buckled it. He slowly let it retract.

"How's that?"

"It's fine, it isn't bothering me."

"Good." Jon closed the door and took his place in the drivers seat. He looked at Luke and smiled, taking his hand and kissing it. "It's so good to have you back."

Jon was especially careful driving back. He drove slower than he normally would and left plenty of room between them and the car in front. The last thing he wanted was to have to make a panic stop and hurt Luke. The mid-day traffic was relatively light and they made good time. Jon slowed as they approached their exit.

"Do you want me to take you home first, then get your prescription?"

"We might as well do it now as long as we're here."

Jon pulled into Walgreen's and parked. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere and don't talk to strangers." Luke gave him the finger and Jon laughed.

Jon returned 15 minutes later and handed a bag to Luke and headed for home. Luke was reading the information sheet attached to the bag.

"Oh damn! It says here I shouldn't drink when I'm taking this stuff. I was looking forward to a couple of beers."

"See how you feel. Maybe you won't need to take it right away."

Jon pulled up in front of Luke's condo. He helped him get out of the car and they walked to the door. Jon unlocked it and they stepped inside.

Luke said, "This place never looked so good."

"Do you want to go to bed, or sit out here?"

"I'll sit on the couch. I've had enough of beds for a while." Luke carefully lowered himself onto the couch.

"What can I get you? Is there anything you want?"

"Just some water, I'm gonna take these pills. Screw the beer."

Jon's cell phone rang. "Hi, Cathy."

"Hi, are you guys home?"

"Yeah, we just got here. Everything's okay."

"Good. Don't worry about dinner, I made stewed chicken and dumplings. I'll stop by with it after work. How's Luke feeling?"

"He's doing okay. I'll let you talk to him..."

Jon handed his phone to Luke and went to the kitchen to get water. When he returned Luke was closing the phone. He put it on the coffee table.

Luke said, "She is such a doll. Always thinking of everyone. We should do something for her. Maybe take her out to a fancy restaurant. She loves good food."

"You'd never know it to look at her--she's got a great body."

Jon handed the water to Luke. He took two Vicodin and handed Jon the glass.

"Want more water?"

"No, I'm okay. Let's go out on the patio for a while. I can still smell the hospital on me; maybe I'll air out."

They took off their shirts and Jon helped Luke take off his pants and put on a pair of shorts. They sat on lounge chairs, relaxing in the sun. Luke enjoyed the peace and quiet after the hospital. Only birds singing and the occasional airplane interrupted the solitude. Luke dozed off. After almost an hour Jon decided to go inside--he had had enough sun, but he knew Luke could take it for at least another hour. Jon made himself a drink and turned on some soft music. About a half hour later there was a knock on the door. Jon got up and answered it.

"Hi, Jon. How is everything?" asked Cathy. She was holding a rather large Tupperware container.

"Everything's fine. It's so good to be back here with Luke."

"I'll bet. Here's dinner. It's all done, all you have to do is heat it up. But do it on the stove, not the microwave. For some reason this doesn't heat well that way. How's Luke?"

"Thanks. Luke is on the patio. Go and see if he's awake yet."

Cathy walked out to the patio and looked at Luke. She was shocked at how badly bruised he was. "Oh, you poor baby," she whispered. Cathy bent over and kissed him on the forehead.

Luke's eyes fluttered a couple of times. "Oh, hi. When did you get here?"

"Just a minute ago. You're looking better than the last time I saw you." She sat on a chair close to him.

"I saw myself in the mirror for the first time when we got home this afternoon and I damn near passed out. I can't imagine what I looked like before with everyone telling me how much better I look."

"No one looks good when they're in the hospital. You were all bandaged up. But you do look better. How are you feeling?"

"I felt better in the hospital. They were giving me morphine and I felt pretty good. But now I'm taking Vicodin. It's not nearly as good, and it makes me feel jumpy. It'll get better. I should get inside--give me a hand so I can stand up."

Luke got to his feet and went to the bathroom. Cathy found Jon in the kitchen.

"He looks better, don't you think? But I had no idea he was that badly bruised."

"Yeah, it really freaked me out when I saw it. Those bastards beat the shit out of him. Can you imagine what would have happened if Luke's friends hadn't shown up?"

Luke walked slowly into the kitchen and leaned his shoulder against the wall.

Jon asked, "Are you hungry? Cathy made chicken for us and it looks delicious."

"I'm getting there. That was very nice of you, Cathy. Thanks."

"You're welcome. I'm going to go--you guys need to relax and I need to catch up on stuff at home. So enjoy, and I'll probably see you tomorrow."

Jon gave her a hug and a kiss. "You're a sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow."

Jon returned to the kitchen and found Luke in the same position. "Do you want another pill?"

"No, I took one a few minutes ago. It just feels good to stand for a little bit."

Jon was transferring the chicken into a pot on the stove. "I'm going to put this on low. Let me know when you want to eat and I'll get it ready. Do you want to eat in the living room on the couch?"

"No, I'd have to bend over too much. Let's eat here at the table."

They went back to the living room and Luke sat down. Jon turned off the music and put the news on the TV. Evidently it was a slow news day and nothing much interesting was going on. Jon got up to check on dinner. When he returned Luke was working on getting up from the couch.

"Here, I'll give you a hand."

"I can do it."

"No, let me help you."

"I said I can do it. Just leave me the fuck alone!"

Jon straightened like he had been slapped. He turned his back to Luke and took a couple of steps away from him. Luke was in shock. He didn't know what made him snap at Jon like that. He felt awful.

"Jon? Babe, I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that."

Jon didn't respond. Luke made it to his feet, walked up behind him and put his hands on Jon's shoulders.

"Jon, I guess it's because I'm frustrated that it's so hard to get around and angry at the assholes that did this to me. I've never had to depend on other people for anything. And this medicine is making me edgy. But that's no excuse for me lashing out at you. You're so good to me, and I love you more than anything. Jon, please forgive me."

Jon's shoulders slumped and his head dropped.

"Jon, please turn around and look at me."

After a few seconds Jon turned and looked at Luke. He could see Luke's eyes were about to overflow with tears. He leaned forward and kissed Luke.

Luke whispered, "I feel like a jerk. You're the person I care more about than anyone, and I go and say a dumb-ass thing like that. I didn't mean it. Please believe me."

"I believe you," whispered Jon. "It just came as a shock. I guess I'm a little on edge, too. I know you didn't mean it the way it came out. It's okay--I know you've been through hell."

"I didn't mean it. I wish I could take it back. I'm so sorry. I'd cut off my arm before I'd hurt you."

They kissed again.

Jon said, "As I recall, you were going to take a piss. I'll get dinner ready."

"Aren't you going to help me to the bathroom?"

"Hell no! I'm not going to make that mistake again--unless you really want help."

"I can manage."

When they finished dinner Jon took the plates to the sink and rinsed them. They sat on the couch and watched more TV. Jon looked at Luke.

"Do you want to be alone tonight so you can get a good night's sleep?"

"Oh, screw you--rub it in why don't you? The only reason you asked me that is because of what I said before. No, I don't want to be alone. I want you next to me tonight and every night for the rest of my life. Does that answer your asinine question?"

Jon smiled. "Guess so."

Thursday morning Jon woke up before Luke and quietly got out of bed. He went to the bathroom and after taking care of everything he got a glass of water and two of Luke's pills. He returned to the bedroom, placed the pills and water on the nightstand, and lay back down. Jon watched Luke for some time before he saw him start to roll on his side. Luke grimaced with his eyes still closed and abandoned the attempt. He opened his eyes and looked at Jon.

"Damn! I can't sleep on my back all night, but I can't lie in any other position. I probably only got two hours of sleep last night."

"Call Dr. Harris today. Maybe he can give you some sleeping pills or something. Here..."

Jon gave Luke the Vicodin and water. He took them and then settled back on the bed. He'd wait until the Vicodin kicked in before he got up. Luke had come to realize it was the mornings that were the most difficult, and once he forced himself up and started moving things got better.

Jon went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He took out eggs and sausage links and put them on the counter, then started the coffee. He went back to the bedroom while the coffee brewed.

Jon sat on the edge of the bed at the foot, facing Luke. "Luke, Cathy and I were thinking of having a party this weekend to celebrate your coming home. What do you say?"

"Let me think about it. I'll see how I feel later today." Luke got his legs over the side of the bed. "Give me a hand, hon."

Jon walked to the other side of the bed and helped Luke to his feet. They kissed, then Luke proceeded to the bathroom. Jon returned to the kitchen and poured two cups of coffee, then started the sausage. Luke walked in and leaned against the wall, wearing only a pair of boxers.

Jon looked up. "Do you want me to help you get dressed?"

"Later, maybe. It's not like I'm going anywhere. Which reminds me, I forgot to call my boss yesterday--I better do that today."

"I'll remind you. I'll say one thing, you certainly are colorful to look at."

"Thanks. I'm glad you like it."

Jon walked over to him and smiled. He gently kissed a bruise on Luke's chest. "I love you no matter what color you are--or how many. But it'll be nice when you're back to your old, boring monochrome. Have a seat--breakfast is almost ready."

Jon went to the stove and started the eggs and put bread in the toaster. When everything was done he prepared two plates and sat down. He ground some pepper over his eggs and passed the peppermill to Luke. Luke used the pepper and began to eat. Suddenly he sat up straight and froze.

"Oh, shit!"

"What?" asked Jon.

Luke just stared straight ahead, then wrapped his arms around his chest.

"What is it, Luke?"

Luke didn't answer. Finally he sneezed.

"Oh fuck! God damn, that hurts." He was breathing heavily.

"Poor baby. Maybe you should have a pepper-free house for a while."

"Sneezing is the worst. Coughing's right up there, too." Luke was still breathing hard. "This makes me realize how much you take your body for granted. Now I have to think about every move I make. And I'm going to have to figure out a way to sleep. I can't even put my arms around you in bed because I can't lie on either side, and lying on my stomach is out of the question."

"I told you, call the doctor. And you have some other calls to make, like your boss and didn't you tell your father you'd call him when you got home?"

"I'll email Dr. Harris. It's probably a lot easier and faster than trying to get him on the phone. I think I'll wait till lunchtime to make the other calls."

"You will call your father, though?"

"Yes. Why are you so hung up about that?"

"I don't know, I just think it's important. After all, he did go out of his way to see you in the hospital."

"So he drove 25 miles in the past ten years. Not exactly a sacrifice. But yes, I will call him."

"Good," Jon said. "What do you want to do today?"

"Feel like going for a walk?"

"Really? You're feeling up to that?"

"I think so. Once I'm up I feel okay. And my legs aren't bothering me so much today. Let's go down to the lake."

Jon helped Luke get dressed and they went outside and headed to the lake. It was only about two blocks away and when they got there they sat on a bench near the water.

"Are you doing okay?" asked Jon.

"I think so, but let's rest here for a while. I didn't know I'd be this winded after walking only two blocks."

"You've been in bed for the past five days, and it's going to take a while to get your strength back. Just take your time, we don't have anything to do today anyway. This might not be the time to ask, but have you thought about whether you'd like to have some people over on Saturday? If you don't feel up to it, it's okay."

"No, let's do it. I should be a little better by then, and it would be nice to see everyone, especially since they helped us so much. I wonder if Carl and the guys would want to come. I think I'll ask them."

"That would be fun. It would be nice to have them out here for a change. I'd like them to see where we live."

"They'll probably think they need to bring rifles and watch out for Indians. They've lived all their lives in the city, and they think the suburbs are the Wild West."

"I think I'll ask Connie if he wants to stop by, too. He's been wanting to meet you."

"Why would he want to meet me?"

"I don't know, he just does. Maybe because I talk about you and he wants to meet a god in person."

Jon and Luke relaxed and watched the ducks and geese on the lake for another half hour. Luke felt like heading back, so they slowly walked to his condo. It was more difficult than he thought it would be--going back it was uphill, and while not that steep it was noticeably harder. He had never paid attention in the past, but now each hill became a challenge. He put his hand on Jon's shoulder and leaned on him as he walked. By the time they reached Luke's door, he was sweating and breathing hard.

"I think maybe I overdid it a little. I'm not feeling so good right now."

"Sit down and I'll get you some water. Do you want to get in bed?"

"No, I'll sit out here. Bring my pills, please."

Jon gave Luke water and he took two pills. Within about twenty minutes he had caught his breath and was feeling better and got up to go to the bathroom. Jon went to the kitchen to see what there was for lunch. He made two chicken salad sandwiches and brought them into the living room. Luke was at his desk typing on the computer. When he finished he returned to the couch and thanked Jon for the sandwich.

"I sent an email to Dr. Harris. I hope he can give me something to help me sleep."

"I hope so, too. Did you tell him which pharmacy we use?"

"Yes. I guess I should call my boss." Jon looked at him. "Yeah, and my dad."

"I'm gonna run to the store, we need milk. Anything else you want?"

"Get some Diet Coke. We have regular, but I don't like it as much."

Jon left and Luke called his boss. He told him he probably wouldn't be back to work until at least a week from Monday. Luke had plenty of sick days and vacation coming, so that wouldn't be a problem. Luke ended the call; he sighed and thought to himself, "I might as well get this over with." He called his father.

"Luke?"

"Yeah, hi dad. I'm back home."

"That's good. How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad, Jon is taking good care of me. He's at the store right now."

"Are you sure you're all right? You didn't look so good when I saw you."

"I know, but I'm getting better. We're even going to have a get-together with some friends this weekend. I might not be here if it weren't for them."

"That's good. You should call your mother. She's worried about you."

"Tell her I said hello and that I'm fine."

"Okay, I will. Thanks for calling."

"All right, dad, I'll talk to you later. Bye."

Luke closed his phone. "I'm glad that's done," he thought. He called Carl and invited him and the rest of the guys for Saturday night. Carl said he'd check with them but he was sure they'd all make it. Luke called Paul and Joe, knowing he'd have to leave voice mail. He didn't call Cathy, since he knew she and Jon were going to orchestrate the shindig. Jon returned from the store.

"What took you so long?" asked Luke.

"I ran into Angie." Angie was a very nice 40-something woman who lived close by, and once she started talking it would be a 15-20 minute conversation. "I asked her to come by on Saturday. I thought Cathy would appreciate having another female for company."

"That explains the delay. Yeah, you're probably right. I did call my father, and I called Carl and he said they'd be here. I left a message for Paul and Joe."

"Oh, good. How'd it go with your father?"

"Fine. Nothing special. He said I should call my mother--like I'm gonna do that. She can call me if she wants."

Jon didn't say anything; he felt he'd pushed this issue far enough. He was putting the milk and Coke in the refrigerator when Luke came up beside him and checked the meat drawer.

"How about hamburgers for dinner?" asked Luke. "I'll grill them and make Tater Tots."

"Fine with me--I love Tater Tots. Let's see if Cathy wants to come for dinner. I'll call her and leave a message."

They spent the afternoon on the patio sunning themselves and reading the newspaper. Luke got up and went into the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror and thought he saw some improvement. His eye was quite a bit better and the bruises on his face seemed to be fading a little. He washed his hands and went to the kitchen to start preparing the hamburgers. Cathy returned Jon's call and said she'd be there in a half hour.

"Jon, can you give me a hand?"

Jon walked in. "What do you need?"

"Put about five or six turns of pepper in the ground beef and mix it in a little. I'm not taking any chances. Then if you could start the grill that would be great."

About twenty minutes later Cathy arrived with a container of cole slaw she had just made. She could never go to dinner at someone's house without bringing something. They sat on the patio while Luke tended the grill. In addition to the hamburgers he grilled broccoli and cauliflower. When everything was ready they sat at the table on the patio and enjoyed their meal.

"Our friends are coming from the city Saturday. What do you think we should do?" asked Luke.

"Oh, that'll be fun. I want to meet them," said Cathy. "Let's get some chicken and ribs and we can barbeque. I'll make some salads. That'll be easy and we can relax."

"That sounds good," said Luke. "We're going to need to do some shopping. Besides the food we need charcoal and beer, plus whatever else you can think of."

Jon said, "Cathy and I will take care of the shopping."

"Okay," said Luke. "I'll see if we can borrow some extra chairs from the neighbors. Oh, Dr. Harris said he phoned in a prescription. Can you go to Walgreen's some time tonight and get it?"

"Okay," said Jon. "I can get the other stuff we need at the same time."

When Saturday arrived, Jon and Luke were looking forward to seeing everyone. Joe and Paul arrived first, toting a case of beer. Shortly thereafter Cathy arrived, followed closely by Carl, Mike, Tom and Chris. They all settled in the living room and there was a knock at the door. Jon answered; it was Angie. Jon escorted her into the living room.

"Oh my God! This is better than Chippendale's! All these handsome men and I didn't even have to pay a cover!" She laughed and sat next to Paul.

Luke started putting the food on the grill and Jon made sure everyone had drinks. The group migrated out to the patio and Jon went back to the kitchen to get a clean platter. He heard a knock at the door and when he opened it he saw a middle-aged couple.

"Mr. Sorensen!" Jon exclaimed.

# # #

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