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

Get well wishes came with a platter of fajitas from Mr. Valdez. He was injured during a deployment overseas and had trouble carrying large objects. Whenever I’d see a Fed Ex or UPS delivery for him dropped at the main entrance downstairs, I would run it up and leave it at his door. I did these things anonymously, not for praise or free food. I assumed I came and went unnoticed, and that was okay. Now, I realized I didn’t. My neighbors knew me. They knew I was hurt, and that made me feel both appreciated and appreciative.


My parents showed love and concern as well.


“Why didn’t you call?” my mother asked.


“I’m doing okay. I didn’t want to bother you.”


Chapter 21