Page 148 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“You couldn’t stop throwing up. You became dehydrated. The doctor put you in the ICU for a day. Do you remember talking to me there?”
“Yes, but it’s all a bit cloudy. What made me sick?”
“Baby squid.” Wyl smiled.
A weak smile crossed Rod’s dry, cracked lips. “I thought I asked you not to mention squid, Wylton,” he chuckled, weakly squeezing Wyl’s hand.
Relief flooded Wyl’s entire body. He knew Rod would be okay if he could crack a joke.
“Did you talk to the doctor?” Rod asked.
“Yes, and he said you are going to be fine. Your vitals are good, and you should be able to go home as soon as your strength returns.”
“I want to be home with you.” Rod closed his eyes.
As Rod drifted off to sleep, Wyl remembered Stewy and Matthew’s invitation for dinner the previous night. He left Rod’s room and went to the 5th-floor waiting room to call Stewy.
“Stewy, Wyl here.”
“Hey, Wyl. What happened to you guys last night? I called your place, but no answer. Is everything okay?”
“No. Rod is in the hospital with what the doctors think was food poisoning. I’m sorry about last night. I came to the hospital early yesterday morning when the ambulance brought Rod. I was so distraught I forgot to call.”
“Oh my gosh. Is Rod going to be okay?” Panic showed in Stewy’s words. Matthew clicked on the extension. “Are you doing okay, Wyl?” Matthew asked.
“I’m doing fine, and Rod is improving. He needs to stay another day so the doctors know he can tolerate solid food.”
“Is he up for visitors?” Matthew asked.
“I think so. Visiting hours this evening are from four to seven.”
“Do you think bringing Mom and Dad is okay?” Stewy asked.
“If Lefty and Rebekah don’t mind a hospital visit, that would be fine. I want to see them again, and it might help your cause if your parents saw a gay couple who are so totally in love they cannot bear to be apart.” Wyl hoped Stewy would take this opportunity to show his parents that he and Matthew could be as solid as he and Rod.
“Great. Where are you?”
“We’re in UCSF, 5th floor, Room 522. Rod should be stronger and more alert by tonight.”
“Okay… we’ll see you later this afternoon. Bye.” Matthew and Stewy hung up.
Wyl returned to Rod’s room and relaxed in his chair, dozing intermittently.
* * *
By late morning, Rod was more alert. The nurse brought in a food tray with clear broth and iced tea. Rod’s spoon tapped the plastic bowl as he slowly sipped the beef broth, the aroma permeating the air.
“That tasted good.” Rod pushed the tray table away.
Wyl breathed a relieved sigh. “It’s good to see you eat. You gave me quite a scare.”
“I gave myself quite a scare, too. I’m glad you rescued me.” The love in his eyes warmed Wyl’s heart.
Just before noon, Dr. Wilson entered, followed by a nurse. “How is our patient doing?” he asked Rod.
“Much better. I sucked down the broth and am starting to feel like my old self.”
“That's great news,” the doctor smiled at Rod. “I’m Doctor Wilson, by the way. I’ll ask the nurses to remove the femoral IV and the catheter. You’ll be more comfortable. But you must promise to drink lots of liquids. Tell the nurses what you want. Juice, coffee, soft drinks, water, tea, you name it. Keep forcing fluids.”
