Alex went to his bedroom, checked the time, which showed 2 p.m., and got ready to lay down. He set the alarm on his phone for 5p.m. and then closed his eyes. His plan was to stay until Ginger fell asleep, so Alex wanted to rest up.
***beep beep beep***
Three hours later, Alex's phone chimed loudly, telling him to wake up. He rose from the bed and headed into the bathroom. He took a quick shower, dressed, and made himself a Turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich. He poured himself a cup of coffee and then sat down to eat.
Teddy walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge.
"Are you leaving again, uncle?" he asked as he grabbed a red apple from the crisper and bit into it.
"Yes, I'm going to see my friend," Alex said, nodding his head.
"Can't your friend come here?" the blonde youngster asked.
"No, but someday he can," Alex said.
"Why?" Teddy asked, puzzled.
"My friend is in the hospital right now," Alex said.
"Oh," Teddy said, raising a brow. "Tell your friend to get better because I want to meet him," he said.
"I will," Alex promised.
***An hour later***
Alex parked in the visitor's parking lot, shut off the engine, and headed inside. He entered the elevator and pressed the number two. Upon reaching his destination, Alex headed to Ginger's room. He knocked first, then opened the door.
"I'm back," Alex said, grinning.
Good, I've gotten lonely," Ginger said.
"When did your parents leave?" Alex asked.
"An hour ago," Ginger said.
"Have you eaten?" Alex asked, sitting down in a chair.
"Not yet; it's on the way," Ginger said, shaking his head. Alex smiled and patted Ginger on the top of his head.
"Good, as long as you're eating," he said.
Ginger sighed softly and sat up when the door opened. "Here's your dinner, Mr. May," the nurse said as she placed a tray on the table.
"Thank you," Ginger said.
"If you need anything, press the button," she said, leaving. Ginger moved the table to where it sat above his lap and started eating.
"Do you always eat soup at night?" Alex asked.
"Not always, but it helps my breathing," Ginger explained.
Alex leaned in and said, "Such a messy eater," smiling as he wiped soup from Ginger's chin with a napkin. Ginger gulped and blushed hard.
"I'm sorry," Ginger apologized.
"Don't apologize; it's alright," Alex said.
"Um, where did you go earlier?" Ginger asked.
"Back home," Alex replied. "I had to meet a lawyer," he said. Ginger's hazel eyes widened in shock.
"What for?" he asked.
"To get a restraining order out for your ex-boyfriend," Alex answered.
Fear filled Ginger's eyes. "You shouldn't have done that," Ginger said. "It'll anger him," he stated.
"He's a prick; I'm not afraid of him," Alex declared.
"You should be," Ginger said. "He's not a person to anger," he said.
"He hurt you, and I'm not scared of an overbearing ass," Alex said. "I protect those I love," he said.
"Those you love?" Ginger asked, puzzled.
"How many times must I say it?" Alex asked. "I love you," he said. Alex leaned close and softly kissed Ginger on the pink lips.
Ginger pulled away and glanced down at his food. "Um, I'm not sure if I'm ready for this," he said.
"It's my fault; I shouldn't have flat-out kissed you," Alex said. Ginger sighed in frustration.
"I ruined it again," Ginger said. "My self-doubts are acting up," he said.
"If you're uncomfortable, I won't initiate the kiss ever again," Alex stated. Ginger's head snapped up.
"It's not that I'm uncomfortable," Ginger said. "I liked your kiss, but I'm scared," he stated.
"Of what?" Alex asked. "Me?" he asked. Ginger shook his head.
"Of being hurt again," Ginger admitted.
Alex took hold of Ginger's hands and furrowed his brows. "I will never treat you the way your ex did," Alex stated. "You are special to me, and I want to earn your trust," he said. For several seconds, Alex couldn't decipher what Ginger was feeling or thinking. A hint of Lavender scent suddenly filled the room. Alex instantly recognized it and glanced at Ginger.
"Ginger, are you alright?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah," Ginger said, nodding his head. "Why?" he asked.
"You were releasing your pheromones just now," Alex said. The flowery scent disappeared instantly.
"Oh, sorry," Ginger apologized.
Alex noticed Ginger seemed deep in thought. "Hey, what are you thinking so hard about?" Alex asked, grinning.
"My sponsor," Ginger replied. "Well, I miss Mrs. Milano," Ginger said.
"And your drawing?" Alex asked.
"Yeah," Ginger said, sighing sadly. "She'd help me get gigs, and she was kind to me," he said.
"Do you want to resume doing what you enjoy?" Alex asked.
"Yes, but," Ginger said, then lowered his tone.
"But what?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow in interest.
"My reputation might be ruined because of him," Ginger said, looking sad when a vision of Thomas filled his mind.
Alex moved the rolling table and sat down on the bed in front of Ginger. "If you'll let me, once you're released, we can talk to my sister," Alex said. "She works at a company and may be able to help you get a website up to promote your drawings and services," he said.
"You'll do that for me?" Ginger asked.
"It's your dream, isn't it?" Alex asked.
"Yes, but I don't want to impose," Ginger said.
"You are not imposing," Alex said. "I want to help," he said. "Stick with me, and you'll be known worldwide," Alex promised.
The door opened, and Dr. Lee stepped inside. "How's my patient this evening?" the brunette asked.
"I'm feeling better," Ginger said.
"That's good to hear," the doctor said. "If all goes well, you could be released as soon as Monday," he said.
"Good, I'm tired of hospitals," Ginger admitted.
"I'm going to put you on an inhaler that you take daily," Dr. Lee said. "Plus, one to be used for emergencies," he said.
Both Alex and Ginger listened to Dr. Lee's instructions and other important things to know. When the doctor finished speaking, he waited for a response.
"Should Ginger have someone stay in case he has an attack?" Alex asked.
"To be safe rather than sorry, I'd suggest getting a roommate," the doctor advised. "As the weather changes and your anxiety continues, your attacks could worsen," he said.
"Thank you, doctor, for the insight," Alex said. "We'll take that into consideration," he said.
"I better tell my parents," Ginger said once the doctor left.
"You can do that in the morning," Alex said. "You need to rest," he advised.
Ginger sighed and nodded in agreement. "Will you stay with me?" Ginger asked.
"I'll stay until you fall asleep," Alex said. "If you have trouble after I leave, press that button," he said.
"Okay," Ginger said, smiling. "Thanks for everything you've done for me," he said. They talked until Ginger yawned.
"Go ahead and lay down if you're tired," Alex said. "I'll be here until you fall asleep," he said. Ginger yawned once more and propped himself up against the pile of pillows. He closed his eyes and took several relaxing breaths. Soft snores filled the room ten minutes later. Alex rose from the bed, turned around, and kissed Ginger on the forehead. "Good night, my beautiful omega," he said before leaving the room.