Involved in separate accidents. Russel and Finn end up sharing a cubicle in the ER on a busy night. As the hours pass, separately and together, they face issues of life and death, human nature, addiction, perceived shortcomings, love, romance, and sexual arousal.<br><br>Both men are feeling flirty and friendly at first, until they end up in a heated argument about what feature in a man is more important, his face or his body. After some time alone to think, Russel is eager to apologize for losing his temper and to explain where he was coming from. Unfortunately, Finn never returns from surgery, leaving Russel both sorry and worried.<br><br>Is Russel’s chance to make amends really gone? What will happen if the two ever do come face to face again? Can Russel win Finn over or will the need to prove his point screw everything up again?

An Arm and a Leg

“No problem. And be careful. You’re going to fall out of bed and bump your head, and then we’ll have to start all over.”


He settled back with a groan. “You’re funny and—”


“Wait.” My timing was as bad as the X-ray guy’s. And what? What was I? “How do you know I had anything to do with getting your guitar back to you?” I’d make sure to circle back.


“Hmm. How do I?” That seemed to require some thought.


“Cristela told you. The nurse. Is that how?”


“The name’s not ringing a bell,” Finn said. “I only remember a guy nurse.”


“Yeah. I’m not sure how I know, Russel. I just…do. Like tickle, tickle.”


Heaven help me if Finn knew everything that went on before he woke. “Are you close with your family?” I seemed to recall While You Were Sleeping’s Lucy Moderatz attempting to redirect the conversation in a similar cinematic situation. If it was good enough for Hollywood, it was good enough for me. “Are they nearby?”


Chapter 12