Chapter 22

* * * *

Across town Dr. John Middleton sat down to breakfast with his husband, Patrick O’Malley.

“I start work on Monday.”

“The oncology unit doesn’t open for six weeks, you promised to spend some time with me.” Patrick pouted and put cream in his coffee.

“Now that you’re out of rehab, you need to spend time restarting your career.” Middleton picked up the newspaper. “Why don’t you go over to the college, set up your office and meet your TA on Monday? I promise that I’ll do only half days this week and then we can spend the afternoons exploring the area.”

“You said you’d stay home and help unpack.” Patrick slammed his mug onto the table so hard the handle came off. John stood, went to the sink and got a sponge to clean up the mess.

“I hired someone to help us unpack,” he said reasonably, “all you have to do is direct the men as to where you want to put the items. The housekeeper is going to be here and she’ll help. We also need to find you a new therapist.”