A Real Family

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

A few days later Bernice called to book a follow-up appointment for Russell to go over the results with Peter. It was for the following day, late in the afternoon. He got through the rest of his work at the office and before he left, he had Denise clear his schedule for the following day. Russell then sat down to plan, or more accurately, to scheme. He was looking forward to seeing Peter again. During the evening, he worked on some files he brought home, did a bit of internet research on colon cancer, and wondered if Peter liked flowers. He was buff and lean, so chocolate or candy was out of the question. He’d never bring wine to the office, so flowers it was.

He slept well through the night despite feeling anxious about the test results. He figured he should have gone in to his office, at least for half a day. He was restless but also eager to see his doctor. Finally it was time for him to go to the clinic.

On the way, he stopped and bought half dozen roses. They were beautiful and fresh. He shook his head and wondered what the heck he was doing. Well, it was too late now. He took one out of the bunch and set it on his car seat to give to Denise when he got to work in the morning. He made a mental note to put it in a vase later at home.

In the waiting room Russell was greeted by Bernice with her wide smile. On a whim, he pulled out a rose and gave it to her. As he waited, he glanced around and noticed an elderly woman who appeared to be downtrodden and distraught. He had four remaining roses. Why not? he thought. He moved to sit beside her. She looked at him with a trembling smile, so he offered her a rose. Her smile widened briefly as she mumbled her thanks, then lowered her head.

Helen came to escort him to the examining room. “That was a lovely thing you did for Mrs. Grady. Her husband passed away recently and as I understand, the insurance company is refusing to pay his life insurance, claiming he had a pre-existing medical condition when he was insured. She’s alone, has nearly nothing, and is trying to deal with her own medical issues, as well as her grief.”

Russell presented Helen with a rose. She smiled and nodded. “The doctor will be with you shortly.” Russell grinned, looked around, and on another whim, he stripped. Buck naked he sat on the edge of the examination table, holding two roses in his hands that were folded over his crotch. There was a short knock on the door and in walked a very surprised Trevor Mills. Russell groaned and Dr. Mills grinned.

“Is it fair to assume you were expecting someone else? Bernice perhaps, or maybe Helen, or more likely, Peter? Anyway, those are pretty flowers. Would you like me to step outside so you can dress before we go over your results?”

“I thought Peter would cover them with me. Is he okay? I’m sorry! I got carried away with my practical joking. It won’t happen again.” Trevor faced away, glancing at the reports while Russell pulled on his clothes. Trevor turned when he heard Russell settle on the examination table.

“Peter’s fine. Perhaps I should ask him to join us for a few minutes.” He opened the door and called to his colleague. Peter joined them and Russell noticed he didn’t look as bright and cheerful as usual. Something wasn’t right. He picked up the two roses from the table and handed one to each doctor.

Peter spoke first. “These are beautiful, thank you. I wanted to discuss something with you after Trevor finished here. But now is as good a time as any. I’d like to see you, on a personal basis. As in dating, or whatever it is people do when they are attracted to each other. I didn’t want a possible conflict of interest or personal concern to interfere with your care. I asked Trevor to handle your case. I wanted to know if that would be okay with you, and to ask if you would go to dinner with me this evening.”

Russell was stunned, but only for a moment. A very wide grin spread over his face. “I’m not losing a hunky doctor, I’m gaining one. And, I get a hunky boyfriend in the process.” He looked at Trevor with a serious expression. “Will you have me, sir? I promise to behave much better than I did with that other guy.” He nodded his head towards Peter.

Trevor smiled. “You’re on. Thank you for finally getting this office to settle down.” He glanced over at Peter. “Do you want to sit in while I go over these results?”

Peter visibly relaxed, looked at Russell, and shrugged. “Why the heck not? The man did list me as his emergency contact and next-of-kin on the forms at the hospital.” He grinned at the surprised look on Russell’s face.

The meeting became a blur. When Russell heard that there was malignancy in several of the polyps that had been removed, his brain turned off his hearing. He had cancer, the same disease that claimed other members of his family. He wondered how Peter could possibly want to date someone who was most likely going to die a rather unpleasant death. He didn’t notice when Trevor left the room. He felt strong arms around his shoulders and a kiss brushed his cheek. He noted the concern on Peter’s face.

“There’s a woman in the waiting room, Mrs. Grady. I gave her a flower. She has a legal issue I can help with. She has no money to pay for it. I’d like to speak to her in private if that would be possible.” His brain began to work in high gear, but not on the subject of cancer. He knew he could help this woman regain her life, and hopefully her dignity.

Peter stood, took one more kiss, and left the room. A short while later he returned with Mrs. Grady. She clutched her rose and spoke softly. “Thank you for the lovely flower. Dr. Wilson said you wanted to speak with me—to help me? He said you’re a lawyer, but I can’t afford a lawyer.”

Russell stood and took her hands in his. “I work in contract law. My firm allows for some pro bono work. I think I can help you get this problem with your insurance company resolved. Will you please allow me to work with you?”

Mrs. Grady sniffled and smiled once again. Russell told her what he needed and asked when he could visit her home to discuss details. He raised her hands to his lips and gently kissed them. He left the examining room so doctor and patient could complete the appointment she had. He waved at Bernice as he left the clinic, noticing the frown on her face.