Both his brothers inched closer. Bradley rested his hand on Navy’s shoulder. Instinctively, Navy reached up.
“Your father did have heart attack. We’re moving him to the cardiac unit right now and we’ll keep him here for a few days while running some tests. It appears it was a mild one, but the next few hours and days will be critical,” the doctor said.
“Can we see him?” Navy asked.
“Once he’s settled in, yes, but he can only have two visitors at a time, and only family.” The doctor tucked her clipboard under her arm. “Which one of you is Navy?”
“I am,” Navy said.
“Your friend, Casper Walgreen, has arranged for your father to be put in a private suite and he’s taken care of everything,” she said. “How do you know Casper?”
“We went to school together and I work for his father’s company.”
“Nice to have friends like him,” she said.
“He’s a good person.” Navy nodded. “How’s our mom holding up?”
“If we hadn’t moved your dad into the VIP room, I’d be suggesting you force her to go home and get some rest, but she should be comfortable here for a few days. Just make sure she eats and gets out of the room for some fresh air every so often.”
“We can do that,” Bradley said.
“For now, there is a waiting room in the cardiac unit. You can go there and either myself or one of the nurses will come get you, but we need to limit your time, so please, keep the visits short.”
Navy nodded before sitting down and cupping his cheeks. He fought the tears. He needed to find a way to mend fences with his family, especially his parents.
But how did he do that without denying his sexuality?
“I can’t believe your boss did that.” Randell leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest.
That statement showed how little his family knew him, or his life.
“Casper is my best friend. I went to prep school with him and when my plane went down and I nearly died, he’s the one who picked up all my medical expenses. I’m actually going to have to fly out this weekend to go get him and his girlfriend, unless I can find a replacement, or they charter a plane, which is possible.” Navy didn’t know why he felt the need to give his siblings all that detail, other than it helped to keep him from crying.
He hated crying.
Not because he thought it made him weak, though his father had always raised his boys with the philosophy that men needed to be strong and that tears could be seen as a sign of being fragile.
“We can’t afford to pay him back,” Bradley said.
“He’d be insulted if you’re tried.” Navy took in a deep breath. His phone vibrated in his back pocket. He pulled it out and stared at the screen. “He did this because he wanted to. All he expects is a thank you.”
Bobby: I’ve got fresh coffee. A variety of decaf and regular. For everyone. I know how much hospital brew sucks. I also brought a bag of bagels and pastries. I’m outside the ER. I didn’t want to come in.
Navy let out a long breath. He had to appreciate Bobby’s gestures, both beverages and treats, and not intruding in on his family during this trying time.
Bobby: I don’t need to stay. I just wanted to check on you.
Navy: Thanks. Give me a few minutes. I’ll be right out.
“We should probably head to the cardiac wing.” Randell approached him and squeezed his shoulder.
“A friend of mine is outside with a bunch of coffee and a bag of food for everyone. I’m going to go say thanks and I’ll be right back. If anyone wants theirs now, you can come with me.”
His two brothers shared a sideways glance.
Navy should have known better.
“I could use a decent cup of coffee,” Randell said.
“Me too.” Bradley nodded.
“Why don’t you two go with Navy,” Andrea said. “And I’ll head up for now.”
Navy’s heart pounded in his chest. His brothers hadn’t met any man he’d dated.
Ever.
Not that he was officially dating Bobby, but he seriously contemplated the probability that it would happen in the near future.
With his heart beating in his throat like a stupid kid, he stepped through the sliding doors. The sun had started its descent into the evening sky, turning it an array of purples, pinks, and fiery oranges. It was a beautiful sight.
“We should snap a picture of that for Mom.” Navy pointed. “She loves a good sunset.”
“I’m already on it.” Randell had his cell out.
Navy rounded the corner where he found Bobby sitting on a bench with two trays of paper mugs and one very large bag of food from the coffee shop up the road. “You weren’t kidding when you said you had enough to go around.”
“I had no idea how many people were here and if you don’t need it all, I’ll just take some home for ice coffee tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” Navy squeezed Bobby’s biceps and smiled. “Bobby Monroe. Meet my much older brothers, Bradley and Randell.”
“I’m sorry for the circumstances for which we’re meeting.” Bobby stretched out his arm. “How’s your dad? Did you find out what happened?”
“He had a heart attack.” Navy snagged one of the tall coffees that wasn’t labeled decaf and also had hazelnut written on it.
“Shit. That sucks,” Bobby said.
“I know you,” Bradley said with a narrowed stare. “Or at least your face.”
Fuck. The last thing Navy needed was for his brothers to recognize Bobby as a gay writer.
Not that his brothers read those kinds of books, but Bradley’s wife loved romance novels and might have read Bobby under his pen name.
“Maybe you’re thinking of my brother Fitz Monroe, the hockey player?” Bobby shrugged.
“No, however, I do see the resemblance and now I know where we’ve met,” Bradley said.
“Oh, yeah. You know my brother-in-law, Hawk Jefferson. We met at a party at his and my sister’s house last year.” Bobby waved his finger.
“How do you know Hawk?” Navy asked.
“I’ve been selling him cars for years. We’ve become friendly and play a little pickle ball now and then.” Bradley took the bag. “Thanks for bringing this down. We really appreciate it.”
“My pleasure.” Bobby nodded with a slight smile.
“We should get going.” Navy hated dismissing Bobby after all he’d done. “They’re going to let us see our dad.”
“Go. I understand. I’ll see you later. Call me if you need anything at all.” Bobby stuffed his hands in his pockets and strolled across the parking lot. He glanced over his shoulder once.
Navy waved.
“He seems like a nice guy,” Bradley said. “I’ve got to hit the head. I’ll catch up in a sec.”
“So, you’re dating a romance author?” Randell asked.
“He’s just a friend.” Navy swallowed, remembering the look on Shamus’ face when he’d showed up at the hospital and how Navy had treated the man he supposedly loved. “For now.”
“You know, before the doctor came in and told us about Dad, you were about to accuse us, or more me and Dad, of pretending you don’t exist because you’re gay and that’s really fucking unfair.”