The Other Side Read online

  “Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He closed the phone and glanced over his shoulder at Ray. His blue eyes glistened with tears. “My brother’s been in an accident. That was the hospital.”

  Ray nodded. “Let’s get dressed, Nick. We’ll go together.”

  Chapter 6

  Nick stepped inside the hospital room incredibly grateful for the presence of the man beside him. His legs were just a little wobbly as he approached his little brother’s bedside.

  The doctor said Caleb would be okay. He had a concussion and some facial contusions, but otherwise had been really lucky.

  He swallowed his fear and gazed down at Caleb. He looked so damn pale. Just above his nineteen-year-old brother’s left eye was a bandage. That eye was black and blue, too. There was a two inch scratch on his chin, also.

  Caleb opened his eyes and smiled just a bit. “Hey.”

  Nick fought to return the smile. He thought he was successful. “Hey yourself, kid. Has Mom been here to see you?”

  “Nah, no one knows where she is, as usual,” Caleb said, softly. His blue eyes looked beyond Nick to Ray, who stood stoically behind him. “Who is that?”

  Nick grasped Caleb’s hand and sat on the edge of the hospital bed. “That’s Dr. Ray Carmichael. He’s my…boyfriend.” He’d hesitated a little, but it seemed a natural enough word to use at this point.

  “Oh.” Caleb stared at Ray with renewed interest.

  “Nice to meet you, Caleb,” Ray said. “Sorry it’s not in better circumstances.”

  “Me, too.”

  “How do you feel?” Nick asked.

  “Sort of like I hit a tree.” Caleb attempted a laugh, and then winced. “Head hurts.”

  “Yeah, the doctor said they want to keep you here for a night or two. Listen, Caleb, you weren’t drinking or doing drugs or anything, were you?”

  Caleb’s soft gaze turned immediately hard. “No.”

  “Are you sure? Because if they tested you and found out you were under the influence—”

  “Easy,” Ray said, resting a hand on his shoulder.

  “I wasn’t under the influence, Nicky.”

  Nick nodded. “Okay, but you know, I have to ask. I need to know if there’s a chance they’ll charge you with anything.”

  “Fuck you,” Caleb said, closing his eyes.

  “Caleb.” Nick’s gut twisted.

  His brother looked at him again. “Is this my brother asking me, or is this an official police interrogation? Do I need to get a lawyer?”

  Nick felt about an inch tall. He hung his head. What a jerk he was. Caleb had every right to be pissed at him. He was just worried Caleb would get into trouble. He didn’t want that. Couldn’t handle his brother becoming just like their mother.

  “It’s okay, Caleb,” Ray spoke up. “I’m sure Nick just wants to be sure so he knows if he needs to help you with that.”

  He swallowed. He shot Ray a look of gratitude. “Yeah. Sorry, kid. I don’t mean to be overbearing. I’m worried.”

  Caleb squeezed his hand. “All right. I’m sorry, too. But, honest, Nicky, it was just an accident. I was trying to change the radio and got distracted.”

  Nick smiled. “I’m so glad you’re not hurt worse. You look terrible.”

  “They gave me pain pills but they were nasty.” Caleb sighed. “Do you know if they called Becca?” Becca was Caleb’s girlfriend.

  “I don’t know, but I’ll call her myself to make sure,” Nick promised. “I’ll try to find Mom, too.”

  Caleb shook his head. “Why bother? She doesn’t care, anyway.”

  The threat of tears burned Nick’s eyes. Why the fuck did their mom have to be the way she was?

  “How about Vanessa?” Nick asked, referring to their sister. “Do you know where she is?”

  “I think she’d said she was going to her friend’s house. A friend from school. She stays there a lot these days. She fights a lot with mom.”

  “What friend? Do you know?”

  Caleb wrinkled his nose. “Um, I can’t think of her name. Shelley or Pam or something. Sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll find her. You want her to come see you?” Nick squeezed his hand.

  “Okay,” Caleb said, sounding very tired.

  Nick stood and leaned over the bed railing to kiss Caleb’s forehead. “You get some rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Nicky. Nice to meet you, Ray.”

  Ray smiled and touched Caleb’s hand. “You, too. See you later.”

  Nick waved at his brother and went through the room door. He leaned against the wall outside Caleb’s room. “Thanks for that, Ray. I was floundering in there.”

  “No problem. I know the doctor on Caleb’s case pretty well. I’ll talk to him, make sure everything’s good.”

  He blew out a heavy breath. “I hate to see him that way. Looking so pale and young. We were pretty little when my dad left.”

  “They’re lucky they have you,” Ray said. “Want to get some coffee in the cafeteria? It’s pretty bad, I’ll warn you.”

  “Good idea. I can make my calls there.” Nick straightened from the wall. The whole family thing had Nick re-thinking his reluctance to meet Ray’s family. “Ray, about Saturday.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’ll come and meet your family.”

  * * * *

  Nick had decided to drive himself to Ray’s parents’ house. He could have just gone with Ray, but something made him decide he was better off meeting at the house. Uneasiness had filled him ever since he’d awakened that morning. He couldn’t explain the apprehension. Sure, he was nervous, but that shouldn’t cause his stomach to be in knots.

  Of course, he’d almost decided meeting Ray was a mistake. The Pinto had been shuddering and coughing the entire way to the Carmichaels’ home. At least he made it. He parked the car on the street and glanced at the house.

  The good thing was that Ray’s parents didn’t live in Bel Air like Ray did. They lived in a somewhat modest Culver City neighborhood. Their two-story house looked recently painted and had a homey feel to it. Front lawn was neatly manicured, too.

  Exhaling deeply, Nick got out of the Pinto and locked it. He was supposed to have been here by four, but his nerves caused him to delay leaving for so long it was now closer to five. He winced. Ray had even finally called to find out what happened to him. He didn’t like being late and the guilt of it hung over him.

  He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans and headed up the driveway. At least Caleb was out of the hospital and being tended to by the loyal Becca. That eased his mind considerably.

  Nick hadn’t known how to dress for the evening. In his experience, gatherings at people’s homes were pretty casual, so he’d opted for the jeans and a burgundy long sleeved sweater. Fortunately, he’d thought to shave his usual stubble. He stopped before the big wooden door and, taking a deep breath, rapped on it.

  Just as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door, it occurred to him he should have brought something with him. Wine or something.

  Nick, you’re an idiot sometimes.

  A young African American girl of about eleven peered out at him. She wore a pretty pink dress. Her brows scrunched up, she said, “Sorry, you’re not supposed to solicit here.” She pointed to a No Solicitation sign.

  “No, I’m—” Nick started to explain just as the girl went to close the door in his face. He put his foot in the way.

  “Mom!” she screamed, trying to push him out with the door. “There’s some psycho at the door trying to get in!”

  “What? Caroline, what’s going on?” A woman’s voice came from inside.

  “No, wait,” Nick protested. “I’m expected.”

  That stopped the girl, Caroline, Nick supposed. She stared at him, the door still poised to close. “By who?”

  “Ray. Ray Carmichael.”

  Just then a pretty ebony skinned woman appeared behind the girl. She frowned at him. “You’re Nick
?”

  Nick nodded.

  “I’m Ray’s sister, Gina, and this is my daughter, Caroline.” She stepped aside to let him in. “I’m sorry, Ray didn’t mention you were a white man.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Nick said, stepping inside, wondering why Ray didn’t think to warn his family the man he was seeing was white. Already he could tell he was way underdressed. Gina wore an elegant ivory pantsuit.

  He glanced around the front hall. It was striking and elegant with mauve and tan colors. Very polished. Nothing like his crappy apartment.

  “Hey, it’s about time you got here,” Ray called, coming into the hall. He put his arm around Nick’s shoulder and drew him in close for a very quick peck on the lips.

  Taking in Ray’s gray dress slacks and white and gray pin-striped dress shirt, Nick winced. He felt like he was in some sort of period drama where people dressed for dinner or something. “Um, sorry I’m late and sorry I’m a bit underdressed.”

  Ray smiled. “I’m just glad you’re here. Come on into the living room and meet everyone. You’ve already met Gina and my niece.”

  Nick followed him into the next room feeling somewhat like a grease monkey. Someday he would grow a brain.

  The sea of faces waiting for him in the living room swam before his eyes. His gut roiled.

  You can do this, Nick.

  If he ever wanted a relationship with someone, he would have to meet the family. He knew that. But did he have to meet the whole fucking family at once? Well, there was one familiar person there. He recognized the displeased face of Ray’s brother, Devon, among the crowd.

  Shit. Why hadn’t he thought of Devon and his case against the police for the beating? Now that he thought of it, he shouldn’t even be here. It was probably a huge mistake. Even if Ray’s family didn’t chase him from the house with pitchforks, it was a big conflict of interest. He closed his eyes for a moment, his stomach sinking and his heart racing frantically in his chest. Probably dating Ray was, too, now that he thought of it . Oh, fuck. He was in trouble. He’d better say something to Captain Kent when he got into work on Monday.

  Ray closed a hand over Nick’s arm and drew him toward an older couple. The man wore a suit, for crying out loud. He very much suspected the couple was Ray’s parents.

  “This is my father and mother, Randolph and Amelia Carmichael. They’ve been married forty years. This is Nick Sorenson.”

  Nick stuck his hand out and Randolph Carmichael took it.

  “You’re late, young man,” Ray’s father said. “You were supposed to have been here an hour ago.”

  “Dad,” Ray protested.

  Ray’s father ignored him. “Are you generally late?”

  “N-no, sir. I’m very sorry.” Nick felt the heat radiating from his cheeks. Damn. He turned to Ray’s mother. “Ma’am. Happy Anniversary.”

  “Thank you,” she said somewhat primly. “Tell me, Nick, how did you meet my boy?”

  Nick’s heart stuttered and he glanced at Ray for assistance, but Ray seemed to be having a private word with his father. He licked his lips. “We met at my work.”

  “What is it you do?”

  “I’ll tell you what he does, Mama.” Devon pushed through to where Nick stood with his mother. “This man is a cop.”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh?”

  All conversation in the room died. Everyone turned in their direction. Maybe he imagined it, but Nick could feel overwhelming hostility in the room. Aimed at him.

  “You’re not one of the men who beat my boy, are you?” Mrs. Carmichael demanded.

  “No, ma’am.”

  Devon smirked. He was holding a glass of what looked like whiskey. “No, Mama. He’s one of the ones who are covering up for those men. Ask him how the investigation into my beating is going. Ask him if they are disciplining the cops that nearly killed me.”

  “Devon, no.” Ray grabbed his brother’s arm, anger all over his face. “Stop this. I invited Nick here. He’s a guest.”

  “Why did you? What the hell is wrong with you? Are you so desperate for a man, Ray, you resort to someone like him?” Devon sneered. “A skinny, skanky little white boy. A white cop.”

  “Shut up,” Ray said.

  Devon laughed. “Or is that all part of the master plan, Ray? Are you fucking him so he’ll make sure things go our way? Why bother? Cops are all the same. They stick together, Ray. He’s probably laughing behind your back.”

  The ugly words and accusations swirled around Nick’s head. This is why he didn’t do families. Families were cruel and vicious. He backed up a step. Two steps. He was aware that Ray was speaking, maybe someone else was, too, but he’d ceased to listen to them. He had to get out of there. Had to leave. Get away.

  Nick turned and hurried from the living room and for the front door. He couldn’t breathe. He wrenched open the door and ran outside, trying to catch his breath. He bent at the waist, heaving great gasps of air.

  “Nick!”

  He shook his head and hurried the rest of the way to his car. He unlocked it and opened the door. Ray followed him to the street. Fear and sadness filled Ray’s dark eyes.

  “Nick, please. Don’t go. I’m sorry. Devon’s an ass. I swear he won’t bother you again.”

  “I can’t go back in there, Ray. Everyone looking at me. Judging me,” Nick said. “I wish I could.” He got into his car and started it.

  “Nick,” Ray pleaded.

  He shook his head, swallowed down misery, and drove away, watching Ray in the rearview mirror looking as defeated as he felt. The lump in his throat threatened to choke him. He should have listened to his instincts. Families meant only heartache and pain and disappointment.

  Nick had driven only about five miles when the Pinto lurched suddenly, coughed, and started spewing smoke. He pulled over and the vehicle died on the side of the street.

  “Great, just great.”

  He punched the steering wheel, then took out his cell phone and glanced around the area. Not the greatest location and it was definitely getting dark. He didn’t want to be here for long. He had his gun, but he didn’t much like the idea of needing it. In his years in the force he’d only ever had to fire it on the firing range. Biting his lip, he pressed the number he’d most recently programmed into his phone. Probably making yet another mistake.

  “Nick? Nick? Where are you?” Ray’s voice came on the line immediately.

  “My car broke down. I can call the auto club or even someone from the force.”

  “Where are you? I’ll come get you.”

  Nick sighed. “No, I don’t want you to have to leave your parents’ party.”

  “I’m leaving anyway, Nick. I was coming after you. I’m already in the car. Where are you?”

  Nick told him the area.

  “Stay put, I’ll be there soon.”

  Nick got out of the car and stood by it, keeping his eyes peeled on the area around him. It wasn’t the worse neighborhood, but it could be problematic. He hated to think of Ray leaving the party because of him. He’d never meant to cause any issues.

  Ray pulled up behind him, got out, and hurried toward him. To his surprise, Ray pulled him into his arms and gave him a big bear hug. “I’m sorry.”

  Nick hugged him back, heaviness in his chest. “It’s not your fault my car broke down,” Nick said, in a lame attempt at levity. He tightened the hug, loving the warm feel of him.

  Ray pulled back and studied him. “Come home with me. I’ll fix us a nice dinner and you can spend the night. Please?”

  “Your family—”

  “I love my family,. You know I do. But right now I’m really pissed.”

  “I didn’t want that to happen.”

  “I know.” Ray nodded. “We’ll get past this. We’ve gotten past a lot before. Right now, I want to be with you. Please?”

  Nick smiled and took Ray’s hand. “I’d like nothing better than to go home with you.” He glanced back at the Pinto. “I can’t just leave it.”

>   “I’ve called the tow truck. Should be here soon.” Ray closed his hand over Nick’s. “Why the Pinto, Nick? Really?”

  He leaned against Ray’s car. “You’ll think it’s stupid.”

  “No, I won’t. Try me.”

  Nick pushed back the emotion. “When my dad left us all those years ago, the only thing he left behind, besides us, of course, was that Pinto.” He shrugged. “I know it’s crazy. He didn’t love us. But it’s the only thing I have of his, you know? So, I can’t get rid of it. I can’t.”

  “You don’t have to,” Ray assured him. “And I don’t think it’s stupid. But, I do think you need a safe, reliable car. Keep the Pinto. Just don’t use it as your main car.”

  Nick nodded, smiling. “I know you’re right.” The tow truck pulled down the street toward them. “Thanks, Ray, for everything.”

  Chapter 7

  Mid-morning on Sunday, Nick slipped out of Ray’s house and onto his backyard deck. The air was crisp and fresh. He inhaled. He was definitely not looking forward to the hot weather coming up. He leaned against the railing. He really liked this place. It had a comforting feeling. Sort of like Ray. For some reason, Nick felt safe and secure whenever Ray was around. Kind of strange considering Nick was a police officer. He was the protective one. Or supposed to be, anyway. Maybe it had something to do with Ray being a doctor. He didn’t know.

  They’d had a good night. A really good night. After the terrible scene at Ray’s parents’ house, he was shocked how well things went. Ray cooked fish, they’d cuddled by the fireplace, and had great sex. Slept some, woke up and had more great sex.

  Ray had been on the phone practically all morning. When Nick had finally left him to his conversation, Ray had been on the phone with his campaign manager. It was easy to sometimes forget Ray wanted to be a politician. He shuddered. He absolutely hated the idea of such a thing. But it certainly showed how far the gay community had come if a gay man could be an elected politician. Not that Ray had been elected yet.

  The sliding glass door to the house slid open and Nick turned to see Ray coming outside. He was frowning.

  “Something wrong?”

  “I can’t find out anything about my brother’s case. Damn cops are stalling again.”