Bringing Home Danny (31 page)

“
It's a bit sore.”
 

"Let me have a listen." Jason delicately placed his stethoscope to Ricky's chest. “Take a little breath if you can.”

Ricky breathed in and winced.

“
There is some swelling here. Your ribs are definitely bruised, but I don't think anything is cracked. You will need to be careful not to injure them more.” He ran his hands over his bruised arms, and detected swelling. “How did you sprain your elbow?”
 

Ricky gave his rehearsed automatic response. “I fell.”

Jason nodded knowingly, not willing to press the issue.

“
Did you ice it?”
 

“
Some.”
 

“
Okay, Ricky, let me help you get into this gown. It's what all the most fashionable men are wearing these days,” he joked, in an effort to ease his tension. "Should we ask your entourage to leave?”
 

Ricky nodded nervously.

Antonio smiled reassuringly at him. “We'll be waiting in the lobby,” he said.

“
How have you been managing with three broken fingers and a sprained arm?” Jason asked, after they left.
 

Ricky shrugged and said, “I had help.”

Jason refrained from making a disparaging comment about the person he assumed helped him to sustain the injuries in the first place.

“
If it's okay with you, I'd like to do a full physical.”
 

Jason helped Ricky to lie down and ease off his pants. Ricky closed his eyes and grimaced. He played his favorite Kalbalvsky cello and saxophone rhapsody in his mind to distract himself from the intrusive exam.

After the difficult procedure was completed, Jason invited Antonio and Mitch back in.

“
I spoke to Ricky about the importance of taking it easy. He's to get plenty of rest for the next few weeks. I would like him to ice his eye, rib cage, and elbow several times a day for the next forty-eight hours. Then a warm heating pad can be used to help with the pain. He should take an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever as needed. I have a few here he can go home with. I recommend he wears an eye patch and sees an eye doctor if the redness in his sclera isn't gone by tomorrow. I also recommend he uses
suppositories and refrains from sex for a week or two."
 

When nobody commented the doctor continued, "I'm going to put his arm in a sling to help with the swelling and to keep it stable. There is not much we can do for the ribs, other than for Ricky to take it easy and to keep them protected. There should be no lifting or strenuous activities for a month. I assume it goes without saying that I recommend he not be in contact with his boyfriend while he is healing.”

“
Yes, we'll make sure of that,” Antonio said, directing his gaze at Mitch.
 

“
Let me know if you are planning on pressing charges. I will be more than happy to send you with a medical report and pictures of the injuries.”
 

“
Thank you, Jason. We will take those with us just in case,” Mitch said.
 

“
Good luck, Ricky, and take care of yourself.”
 

“
Thank you, Doctor.”
 

“
Antonio, why don't you bring Ricky up front with this note? There will be no charge, but I would like a follow up appointment.”
 

“
Of course, Doc. Thank you.”
 

“
Mitch, I'd like to speak to you a minute.”
 

Mitch nodded as he watched the two leave.

“
What's going on with all the rescues?”
 

“
My boys keep bringing home strays.”
 

Jason shook his head ruefully at his friend. “Well, you certainly have your hands full. Speaking of which, how is young Danny doing?”

“
He's adjusting.”
 

“
I'm glad to hear it. I'm concerned about this one, though. He's a nice boy, but he seems so passive.”
 

“
Yes, he does,” Mitch agreed.
 

“
I've seen situations like this more than I care to remember. They almost always go back to the abuser.”
 

“
I'm aware of that. We'll do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen.”
 

“
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out.”
 

Once they were out of the medical building and heading to the parking lot fear began to grip Ricky, completely immobilizing him. Unable to take another step he turned helplessly to Mitch and Antonio. “Please don't be angry, but I don't want to go to the police station to press charges. I don't think I could handle that right now.”

“
We're not angry with you, sweetheart," Antonio reassured. "No one will make you do anything you're not ready to do.”
 

“
Either way, I think it is a good idea to have a restraining order in place. I'll call my attorney, and we'll see what he can do,” Mitch said.
 

Antonio and Mitch brought Ricky home. There was no longer a question about where he belonged. Mitch was learning to take these additions to his life in stride. What choice did he have? The only thing more powerful than Antonio's will when his mind was set on something, was the force of his love when his heart was locked in.

Antonio set Ricky up in the living room with ice packs, a pain reliever, and some refreshments while Mitch called his attorney. He gave Mitch a little time before joining him in the office. As soon as Mitch set the phone down, Antonio closed the door behind him. He was finally able to release the anger he was suppressing all afternoon.

"You'll need to come with me when I speak with Brendan. Otherwise, I'm likely to smash his head in.”

“
I wouldn't have you alone with that man anyways.”
 

*****

Early the next morning, Mitch and Antonio drove to their gym together. It had taken many good years of heart and sweat to get their business up and running successfully. Now, they were the proud owners of one of the most reputable health and fitness centers in the city. They unlocked the doors together and waited by the lobby for Brendan. He was always one of the first arrivals, and as soon as he approached, Antonio confronted him. "Before you get any closer, you need to know you are no longer welcomed in our gym. We will be severing all business ties. You will be given a full refund.”

“
What the hell is going on? Do you know where Ricky is?”
 

“
Ricky is in a safe place, and is no longer your concern.”
 

“
How the hell can you say that? What have you done with my boyfriend?!”
 

“
It's more about what
you
have done
to
him.”
 

“
I haven't done anything to him other than love him. What has he been telling you?”
 

“
You will be receiving a restraining order. You are not permitted to be within a hundred yards of him,” Mitch stepped in to inform Brendan.
 

“
What?!”
 

“
I don't even think it is a good idea you're in the same state as him,” Antonio followed up.
 

“
Ricky wouldn't have done this to me. You have no right to interfere.”
 

“
Are you listening to me?” Antonio asked.
 

“
This is a misunderstanding. If you let me speak to him I'm sure I can clear things up.”
 

“
If you try to contact him, or if I see you anywhere near the vicinity of him, you will have to answer to me.”
 

“
You're not threatening me are you? I have a right to live here.”
 

“
Oh, it's no threat. It's only my promise to Ricky that's keeping me from hurting you at the moment. But if you go near him again, you will live to regret it.”
 

“
What about my career? It's here in New York.”
 

“
Not anymore it isn't. You go peacefully and I will wipe my hands clean of you. If I see you around, I'll call all of my connections and have you blacklisted as a troublemaker and a steroid user.”
 

“
I can't believe this! That stupid little cunt is ruining my life!”
 

Antonio tensed and Mitch put a calming hand on his shoulder. “I suggest you pack your things and leave town, or your career will be that last thing you'll need to be concerned about,” Mitch warned, through clenched teeth.

Brendan felt the ground drop out beneath his feet. The world as he knew it died, and the dream for his future was spinning out of reach. He needed control back and swung around in an attempt to find something to latch on to. There was nothing there but empty space on either side of him, and a fortress standing in front of him blocking forward movement. In a moment of hysteria, he envisioned himself lunging over the desk for the computer - for anything nearby to throw, to destroy, to tear down to the ground with him.  

Mitch and Antonio surrounded him before he could put any of his crazy thoughts into action. They swiftly escorted the stunned man out of the gym, advising him not to cause more problems for himself by creating a scene. They were wise words, and Brendan was smart enough to heed them. He knew he lost the first battle, but the war was yet to come. He just needed time to gather his strength and come up with a plan. Once out on the street, in neutral territory, Brendan lobbed a few hateful threats at them before getting into a cab.

With nothing left to do, Mitch and Antonio turned their backs to his cursing and walked back towards their establishment.

 “
Thanks for helping me to keep my cool. I don't think I could have done it without you by my side.”
 

Mitch put his arm around Antonio. “Where else would I have been?”

Ignoring his usual reservations about kissing in public, Antonio pulled Mitch's face towards his and kissed him passionately under the archway of M & A's Healthy Heart Fitness Center
.
 

Chapter Seven

A Matter of Trust

Ricky rested on the couch with ice packs in various locations as he watched the coming and going of four very distinct and animated men. Normally, he would have felt out of place in such an atmosphere. Fortunately, everyone had been so kind that he never felt like he was taking up needed space. Antonio continued to offer him things that Ricky politely declined.

Eventually, Antonio sat by Ricky's side and rubbed his knee. “Are you sure I can't get you anything?” he asked.

“
Really, you have done more than enough. I promise I'll be out of your way shortly.”
 

“
Nonsense, you're not going anywhere until those bruises have healed.”
 

“
According to Doctor Phillips that could take a while.”
 

“
What's the matter? Are we boring you already?”
 

“
Not at all. Everybody has stopped by at least once to chat with me.”
 

“
We should give you some peace and quiet then.”
 

“
I don't mind the company.”
 

“
Still, Jason said it was important for you to get some rest. I'll tell everyone to clear off til' you get some shut eye.”
 

“
I can't ask you to do that, this is their house.”
 

Antonio stood up and ruffled his hair. “Don't you fret about that, there are plenty of other spaces they can occupy. Soon as the sheets are washed, we'll have your room set up.”

After Antonio left, Ricky shut off the television and closed his eyes. He was surprised at how quickly he was able to relax with all the noises coming from the other rooms. With fatigue and painkillers kicking in, he was asleep within a few minutes. By the end of the week, Ricky was not only feeling physically better, but emotionally stronger, too. He was humbled by the way the men fussed over him. Ricky continued to be amazed at how they selflessly catered to him without asking for anything in return. It did his heart good and accelerated his healing process.

*****

Antonio was enjoying his houseguest. It gave him the opportunity to pamper and nurture someone who wasn't going to take advantage of it like TJ, or fight it like Danny. After several days, Antonio recognized that what Ricky also needed was encouragement to spread his wings. He delicately approached the subject.

“
As much as we have loved having you as a permanent fixture in our living room,” Antonio teased lightly, “I think it's time you start venturing out more.”
 

“
You're right. I'm sorry...”
 

“
Stop right there. You are not causing anybody any problems. We are more than happy to have you here. However, it's been over two weeks, and you've barely left the house.”
 

Ricky nodded. He wanted to be strong for Antonio. But when he was out alone he got easily spooked. He knew Brendan had left the city; he had Antonio and Mitch to thank for that. Even so, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that there was someone lurking behind ready to jump him.

“
Why don't we go out for the day? Later, I will make you an appointment with Danny's therapist. It might be good for you to talk to a professional. He's been extremely helpful to us.”