Golden

By A.C. Stratford

Does trying to make up for past mistakes only lead to new ones?
Continuing where Too Good To Be True left off, everyone is in London,
struggling with how to deal with a diffi cult case because now, their friend, Sergio
del Mundo, is involved. Dr. Mitchell Davis has to treat his best friend and try to
stay objective. Can his partner, Marc Romero, be supportive of Mitchell through
this tough time? Luckily, Mitchells ex-boyfriend, Dr. Nathaniel Blake, is there to
perform the surgery; but that means a lot of time at the hospital and time away
from Nates boyfriend, Ryan Stevens. All this brings back bad memories for Ryan,
since he lived through this before. His relationship with his ex-boyfriend ended
because of an accident like this, but maybe he can help Sergio and his boyfriend,
Akemi Hashi, stay together.
It might mean everyone has to deal with things they have avoided, whether
they want to or not. Will the stress of Sergios accident bring this group of friends
closer together or move them further apart?
Find out how it all started and read the fi rst two books: When Youre Cold and
Too Good To Be True

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483684505

A.C. Stratford

A.C. Stratford lives in Oakland, California, teaching community college by day and writing romance novels by night. A.C. also enjoys talking about these boys with friends, sharing yoga with others and traveling to new places. Family is very important and their support is an instrumental part of the process. Goat help keep A.C. company while writing, sometimes make edits to the pages.

Book preview

1

London, England

July 2010

The day was gloomy anyway, cloudier than normal for July, and the mood of all the people added to the darkness. Rain was falling on the grass and tombstones as they all stood around the hole in the ground with the casket above. Mitchell stood, holding Marc’s hand, as the rain fell on his face. Looking over at Paola, he couldn’t help but worry about her. Gretchen’s arm was around her shoulder, but she was just looking at the ground. He was worried because she hadn’t said much lately, hadn’t even come to work, didn’t really get out of bed. It wasn’t her fault at all, but Mitchell knew she was blaming herself and was thinking she could have done something to save him. Just wishing there was something he could do to help her, he only felt more lost. Sergio would know what to do, but now he couldn’t ask for his help.

Looking around at the number of people at the funeral, it was clear that Sergio was quite an important guy. There were so many people from the hospital, Serge’s football team, and lots of guys from various bars. Sergio was popular with everyone, so friendly, so caring, a real friend. Everyone had a similar look of shock; how could this have happened? A life without Sergio seemed unreal. He still couldn’t believe he was gone. At work, Mitchell would look down the hall for him and not see him; at home, he’d pick up the phone to call him for advice or just to chat and realize there was no one to answer. They all loved him so much. What were they going to do with this huge hole in their hearts? His gaze ended with Akemi, just sitting there, staring at the casket, and holding the hand of Sergio’s mother who sat next to him, his brother on the other side, no dad in sight.

Standing in the rain, Mitchell listened to the minister talking about life and loss and heaven, something about better places and being proud of the mark he left on the world in such a short time. Closing his eyes, Mitchell started thinking about what Sergio would think about that. What would Sergio’s heaven be? Maybe a big room with the French national football team. Sergio would have laughed at what the minister was saying, making some kind of comment about the marks he’d left on lots of guys, and they all loved it. Mitchell was trying not to, but the tears were starting to mix with a smile, and then he heard a voice.

Mitch, Mitch, wake up.

Nobody else called him Mitch anymore, so it was only one person. He opened his eyes to see Nate standing at the end of the bed. He heard the sounds of machines and the noises of the hospital. Quickly turning to the sources of the sounds, he looked to see Sergio in the bed next to him, tubes and wires all around him, beeps from machines helping him heal.

Oh, good god, Nate. I just had the worst dream. I don’t even want to talk about it.

Do you want me to come back, or you want to look at these now? The MRI is done. Do you want to see? Nate had put his folder down but still held his coffee while the computer booted up. It was late evening, the day after the accident, but time of day wasn’t something anyone was paying attention to. The latest blood work is back too, so I thought we’d look at it all together.

Yeah, yeah. Nate, how long have you been up? Mitchell sat up and rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted, but how Nate was standing at all, he didn’t know.

Pulling up the MRI, he just said, Don’t worry about it. Let’s look.

Nate looked tired because he was tired. Considering they’d just flown in yesterday, then it was hours of surgery, then hours of reviewing, it was surprising he was still up. The answer to the question was probably thirty-six hours, but who was counting? This was important enough to stay up for.

The surgery had ended after midnight, and then there were tests and more tests. They all stayed until he seemed more stable. They waited until Akemi fell asleep in the chair next to him, holding his hand. It was 3:00 a.m. when Marc and Ryan decided to go back to the apartment to put away Nate and Ryan’s luggage, maybe take a shower, maybe have a glass of wine, and finally get some sleep. Mitchell told Marc not to hurry back, there was little they could do there, and he’d keep an eye on Akemi. After debating between the couch in his office and the other bed in the room, Mitchell opted for the bed.

Although Akemi tried to stay awake for as long as he could, the chair was his bed last night, not that comfortable of a bed, but he wouldn’t leave Sergio’s side.

What’s it look like, Dr. Blake? Akemi had been strong and done everything medical he could, then broke down crying and feeling helpless, then fell to his knees feeling responsible. Now he was back to professional doctor mode, until he turned and looked at Sergio, lying in that bed with all those wires. After that, he went back to heartbroken and scared. What do we do now?

Okay, I think I have to go back in. It looks like there is another clot forming here. I’d also like to double check the cerebrospinal fluid around here and make sure there’s no contamination. Nate was very professional and trying to stay calm for them. Really, he just wanted to cry too. What do you two think?

I think I’m not in a place to make decisions. I trust you. Akemi was listening and knew what Nate was telling him, medically speaking, but really didn’t know what to say. Thank you for everything you’re doing, Nate.

Of course. He’s going to be okay. Nate was fighting back tears and a yawn. He was tired but okay. He had no choice. He had looked over to Akemi and wanted to reassure him that he wasn’t alone. I called Marc and Ryan already. They’re headed back over. Paola was napping downstairs, so I asked Sheila to let her know what’s happening. She’s on her way up.

Nate, I’d like to scrub in with you on this one, okay? I’ll just assist. It’s your room.

Mitchell felt like he wanted to help, and he was ready to now. He trusted Nate completely with this, so it wasn’t that he thought he could do a better job. He felt like he needed to be in the room, at least talk to Sergio, even if he was out.

Okay. Let’s do it. I’ll make sure everything is ready, and we’ll do it ASAP. Nate looked at both of them with a sincerity that he only used in certain situations. Honestly, guys, I’ve seen a lot of these, and he is healing really quickly. He’s not just fighting to live. He’s fighting to be better sooner rather than later. He’s tough, okay?

Akemi just reached out and hugged Nate. He whispered thank you and then moved over to the bed and sat down next to Sergio, taking his hand and kissing it. With his other hand, he brushed Serge’s face with his fingertips. You’re doing great, love, great. You hang in there and fight. I have some things to show you when you wake up that will make it worth your while. Then he leaned over and kissed him. You’re doing great.

Nate and Mitchell just watched Akemi as he talked to Serge. Nate put his hand on Mitchell’s shoulder, and Mitchell reached up to grab it. They just stood there for a second; they could relate to what Akemi was feeling in their own ways but couldn’t imagine sitting in that place.

Let me check in with Paola and the OR, and we’ll get him in there soon. Nate walked toward the door after patting Mitchell’s shoulder. Be right back.

Mitchell? He loves you, you know. Without turning his head away from Sergio, Akemi could see the fear in Mitchell’s eyes.

I do. I love him and am glad you’re here to help him through this. He walked over and stood close enough to Akemi that he could wrap an arm around him. I’ve known Sergio for a long time, and he’s never expressed this much feeling for someone before you. You mean a lot to him. Keep talking to him. I think it will help.

I will. I’ll do whatever it takes. Looking at Sergio’s arm in a cast, Akemi continued, But, Mitchell, when he wakes up, you have to tell him his hand is broken, and it may not work again. There’s no way I’m going to be the one to tell him. A surgeon with a broken hand, Sergio with a broken hand—his dominant hand—that’s not going to be good. There is no way he’s going to take that well.

I’ll tell him, Akemi. You’re right. It’s not gonna be pretty, but I’ll tell him. Mitchell smiled and laughed a little. It was true, Sergio could throw pretty hard right-handed. So when he wakes up, he’d be angry about that. His hair and his hand, when he wakes up. Mitchell couldn’t help but think, if he wakes up. He just stood there with a hand on Akemi’s back. Okay. I’m going to wait in the hall for a few and give you two some time. I’ll be right outside.

Mitchell walked out and leaned against the wall. He really just needed a moment to himself. He slid down the wall and cried, hoping that his dream wasn’t a premonition. Holding his hands against his face, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw those warm brown eyes that always made him feel better. Hands stretched out, he took Marc into his arms and held him. Marc put his hands around Mitchell and pulled his head against his shoulder. Mitchell didn’t need to say anything and couldn’t do this without him.

Hey, honey, how’s he doing? Marc sat down next to Mitchell and held him.

Looks like the surgery is doing what it’s supposed to, but it’s hard to tell. Nate wants to go back in and make sure these clots don’t cause a stroke. He looked over at Marc and didn’t hold back the tears. I’m gonna help this time, just be in the room. I need to be there this time.

That makes sense. Ryan and I can wait with Akemi until you guys are done. Keeping his arm around Mitchell, he rubbed his shoulder. You need anything?

A good-luck kiss? A small smile led to a kiss and a big hug.

I’m proud of you, Mitchell. He’s lucky to have you. Marc smiled as he stood up and held a hand up for Mitchell. It will be fine. You don’t need luck with this. You’re a brilliant neurosurgeon too, remember?

With a sigh, Mitchell said, If you say so.

They stood up as Nate walked back over. Okay. They’re ready for us upstairs. You ready to go?

Yeah. Let’s do it. Mitchell took a deep breath as he looked at Nate. Ready as I’ll ever be.

It didn’t really matter if they were ready; they had to do it anyway. One more surgery and maybe they could sit down for more than a few hours. Sergio should have some time to heal. It was overwhelming for everyone, including his immune system, and there were only so many antibiotics. One more try and then a break, at least a break from surgery, but not a break from everything else that surrounded it.

2

Day 2

Walking into the waiting room where families waited for news was something Nate usually left for the nurses, but this time, he knew he had to do it. Mitchell wanted to stay with Sergio in recovery, so he said he’d go give Akemi, Marc, and Ryan the rundown on how the surgery went. Nate knew he couldn’t lie about the surgery, considering that Akemi was a doctor and Marc and Ryan knew enough about the job to know if he was lying. The surgery had gone well with Mitchell’s help, and Nate was glad he was there. Together, the whole process seemed to go much more smoothly. There was a lot Nate didn’t have to say because Mitchell seemed to know what he was going to ask for; it was as if they knew what the other needed. It was weird performing surgery together, a weird kind of closeness. They were a good team, which was good because there were likely more surgeries in the near future. Yet it was a little awkward, all things considered. As Nate walked to the door, he took a deep breath and pushed it open.

Okay, guys, here’s the deal. Nate could tell that they were all more than just worried; they were scared really. All three of them were just looking at him, but he thought he should focus on Akemi. We took care of the clots, so there isn’t a risk for stroke at the moment. It looks like we don’t have contamination issues at the moment either.

This all sounds good. What’s the bad part? Akemi had seen this look before on other surgeons. He just usually saw it from afar. Tell me what’s wrong.

Nate looked at Ryan and Marc before saying, It’s his hand. I repinned his wrist and now want to check on the circulation issue. It seems that he’s getting blood clots from his hand. They’re travelling, and he’s not getting good circulation to his fingers. He looked at everyone again and took a breath. Normally, he wouldn’t be this honest with the patient’s family, but this was different. Here, he couldn’t pretend. Honestly, I’m trying to figure out a way to save his fingers, but right now, I’m at a loss.

Akemi just sat there dumbstruck. How could this be too? It was bad enough that his hand was broken, but if he lost his fingers, there was no way he could regain feeling in what wasn’t there.

I know. It’s a lot. We can figure this out though. There has to be a way. I’m hesitant to use thinners for a number of reasons. His kidneys are vulnerable at the moment, but we’ll figure this out. He knew that Akemi was probably thinking the same thing, if he was in doctor mode. Let’s just see what happens, okay?

Thank you, Nate. Marc had kept one hand on Akemi’s while Nate talked. Mitchell with Serge now?

Yeah. He wanted to stay with him in recovery, just to talk to him a little. Nate was trying to smile and reassure everyone a little. If only he was more sure himself. I’m gonna check on him, okay? I’ll let you know if anything changes, but right now, he’s stable.

Akemi just nodded, trying to take it all in. He couldn’t believe it all sometimes, like now.

Tell Mitchell we’re going to take Akemi back to our place and get some food. I’ll talk to him when you guys come back.

Marc was hoping a little distance from the hospital would give Akemi some breathing room. It wasn’t that far away, so if anything changed, they’d be there quickly.

Sounds good. Nate smiled again as he stood up and looked over at Ryan. Check in with me later?

Yeah. Of course. Trying to be strong and supportive just brought it all back. The whole thing with Chad wasn’t really that long ago, and now it was all back. It was back in an overwhelming wave of fear and anxiousness, to which he, once again, could see no end. We’ll be fine.

Nate knew he was lying, he could see it in his eyes, but he didn’t know what to do. This had to be scary and reminiscent of a frightening time in Ryan’s life. Not wanting to put Ryan on the spot in front of Marc and Akemi, Nate kissed him on the forehead and said, Ryan, can I talk to you in the hall a second?

Ryan stood up and followed Nate out the door but wasn’t sure what he was going to say. Did he forget to bring him something from their luggage?

What is it, Nate? Do you need something?

No. I wanted to check on you. You can’t pretend this isn’t bothering you and think that I won’t notice. I’m likely going to be here a lot, but if you need me, just tell me. I can make time for you. Nate reached out and grabbed Ryan’s hands. I know this has got to bring stuff back, and it’s got to be hard for you, so let me in, okay?

He was trying not to cry all day, but this was it.

I’m just scared again, Nate, and I don’t know what to do about it. It just reminds me of everything that happened with Chad, and it still hurts so much. But I don’t want to bother you. You have so much to do here and—

As Ryan talked, Nate just pulled him in and held him. You’re no bother, babe, really, no bother at all. I’m here for you if you need me. I’ll be back later tonight, and we can talk. I love you, you know.

I know, Nate. I love you. Thank you for checking on me. Ryan smiled at Nate as they kissed. Thank you. This just wasn’t what I was expecting, not that it was what anyone was expecting, I mean—

I understand. It’s not what any of us thought we’d be doing now. It’s okay. It will all be okay. Nate pulled Ryan back in closer and hugged him. I gotta get back, but I have my phone on me, okay?

Okay. I’ll be okay. We’ll get Akemi home, and we can talk later.

They kissed again before Nate walked back to the recovery area. With a deep breath, Ryan walked back into the waiting room, ready to help out however he could. It was good to have support, considering how much was needed all around.

Once Nate was back in the recovery room, he walked up to Mitchell who was talking to Sergio, holding his hand.

Hey, Mitch. How’s he doing?

Mitchell turned around, teary, but doing okay.

Hey, Nate. He seems to be stable now. I think he’s okay. His eyes were back on Sergio with disbelief. Great job, by the way. You handled all that really well. Quick responses in there.

Yeah, well, your help was appreciated. What Nate left out about this surgery was that Sergio started crashing as they were doing the surgery, and they had to act fast. Luckily, Nate is good in an emergency, Mitchell kept his cool, and it all turned out okay. I guess we make a good team.

I guess so, Nate. I’d say we should do this more often but maybe not on Serge. Mitchell just stared at Serge while he talked to Nate. Maybe we can help other people that I’m not as emotionally attached to.

It was a moment that needed some quiet time, a second to collect your thoughts before anyone said anything. It had been one of those moments where everything changed.

You know, when I met him, it was my second year here. It was a strange transition into this system from our system, so it was nice that Paola was here with me. But it was tough to make new friends for both of us. We thought it would be good to have a party to meet people, so we did. Just a small party in our tiny little apartment with some of the other students in our class. I don’t remember inviting him, but Serge showed up with two other friends and just came in. I was hiding in the kitchen, as usual, talking to someone with the counter as a buffer between us. But Sergio, man, he wouldn’t let me hide. He walked up to me and said, with that sexy accent of his, ‘The name is Sergio, and I think you should know me,’ with a big smirk. Then he reached over my shoulder to grab a glass from the cabinet behind. Of course, he was pressing up against me as he reached. He filled the glass with water and then walked away. I couldn’t believe what just happened. It was surreal. And of course, he turned as he walked away and winked. He was just so charismatic it was disarming. He was so intriguing I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Then like two weeks later, he walked up to me at school and said, ‘You have a lot of baggage, don’t you?’ After my jaw dropped, he just smiled and told me he’d still be my friend regardless. He really has been, you know. He’s been the best friend ever. Starting to cry, Mitchell couldn’t keep it in anymore. I can’t lose him, Nate. I just can’t.

You aren’t going to, Mitch. Nate sat down on the bed and put his hand on Mitchell’s knee. He’s going to make it. I know it. He’ll make it.

Mitchell, turning to Nate, said, How can you be sure? I mean, I know we are all trying our best, but—

Mitchell. Listen to me. He is going to make it. We fixed what we can tonight. What we need to do now is believe it will be okay. He won’t leave you if you remind him not to.

Nate, you’ve always been book-smart and weird-facts-smart, but when did you get good at this too? Damn it. You just have to be better than me at everything. Laughing now, Mitchell was still kind of crying but was just so tired. Oh god, Nate. What do we do now?

Well, we can sit here and talk to Sergio. You can tell me more stories about him if you want. I’m sure you have some good ones. Or I can tell you about when I met him, though that didn’t make you very happy before. How’s that?

Nate just sat smiling at Mitchell. He was happy to support him too, but it was getting to be a lot of emotional work.

Okay. I wanted to hear that story from your perspective. Maybe we should do that. It was hard not to notice how tired Nate was. Or maybe we should let him rest and grab a coffee. Or dinner. Have you eaten?

You know, I can’t actually remember what that is. Smiling, he actually couldn’t remember the last time he ate anything. Food is probably a good idea.

Mitchell and Nate decided they should both eat and relax a little and review the surgery. As they walked over to the diner, Mitchell told him all the stories about their waitress, Pam, and the hours they’ve spent at the diner talking about life. He even told Nate about the night before he left for Maryland and the support Sergio gave him throughout the whole process. The part about how Sergio suggested that Nate might have a wife as a way to ease the tension and that it gave him something else to think about besides the stress got a laugh out of Nate and brought a smile to Mitchell’s face.

As the night went on, they talked about work, catching up on things in the few moments they had alone. It was nice to be able to talk openly with each other. It was comfortable and relaxed, all things considered. Maybe it was because they were tired, or the stress of everything made them appreciate each other more, but it was nice to be together.

We did do a good job in there together, didn’t we? Mitchell smiled at Nate while he finished his coffee.

We did. He’s going to pull through this. I can feel it. Nate smiled back. It was a nice to talk but strange circumstances.

I think you’re right, Nate. He’s in good hands with you. There wasn’t anyone else Mitchell would trust to perform surgery on his best friend. They were good hands in a lot of ways from what he remembered.

He’s in good hands in general. They were both smiling now. They hadn’t really had a chance to talk since Nate got there. With everything else going on, it was hard to catch up and not feel a little guilty. We should get back and check on him.

You’re right. Let’s go back. We should see how he’s doing. Pulling some money out with a sigh, Mitchell said, Let’s get back to work, Dr. Blake.

Okay, Dr. Davis. Let’s go. Regardless of anything else, they were both professionals. "You know, when you were publishing all that crap about spinal reattachment, I hated it. But now I’m glad we both went into