Road Doc
Chapter 16
“Wassssup lil’ bro?” Brian said, slapping Nick firmly on the back.
“Not much, just makin’ this little card thing for the doc” Nick said, his tongue sticking out a bit as he concentrated on the drawing he was working on.
“She’s sick...dude, how funny is that?” Brian asked, peering over his shoulder.
“Not funny at all, man. Beth says she’s really, really sick”
“I didn’t mean it was ‘ha ha’ funny that she’s sick. I meant that it’s ironic...you know...her being a doctor and all. I didn’t think they ever got sick”
“Anyway, I just thought it would be nice to give her something to try to cheer her up” Nick said, handing Brian the small piece of paper. Drawn on it was a characature of Theresa, her with a stethoscope around her neck and holding a gigantic syringe.
“This is good, Nick. She’ll like it.” Brian said, sitting down.
“I hope so” Nick said hopefully.
Brian studied Nick’s face and then busted out laughing.
“Dude....you like her!” he yelled, slapping his leg and falling back into the chair in another fit of laughter.
“Well sure I like her. She’s a really nice lady and she’s...”
“No, you dork! You like her!! You like, wanna make puppies with her like her” Brian fell onto the floor laughing.
“Shut up man. It’s not like that. She’s not my type. Really.”
“Not your type, huh?” Brian managed to say between laughs. “What, you got the hots for Doogie Howser instead?” Again, he laughed hysterically.
“Fuck you, man” Nick said, turning away from Brian.
“Whoa. Man, I was just teasin’. Chill out”
“No. Just leave me alone, okay?” Nick said, trying to control his temper.
“Look, I’m sorry for what I said about Doc Franklin and you” Brian said, trying to apologize.
“No, it’s not that” Nick said.
“What, the Doogie Howser comment? Dude, I was just jokin’ around. I know you don’t do dudes” Brian said, moving closer to Nick.
“Oh really?” Nick said, spinning around.
“Yeah, I mean, you’ve got your girlfriend on tour with you. I know you don’t do that kind of stuff. Jeeze...I was just making a joke. Since when did you get so sensitive?” Brian asked, getting a little perturbed.
“Since I like guys” Nick said flat out.
Brian looked at him and then fell over laughing again. “Dude, that was a good one! You really had me going for a minute there!” He laughed only until he realized Nick wasn’t laughing with him.
“You’re joking, right?” Brian said, suddenly serious.
“No. No, Brian, I’m not joking” Nick said, looking him straight in the eyes.
“So...let me get this straight...ha ha ha...let me get this straight and we’re talking about you being gay. Now THAT is funny.”
Nick didn’t laugh.
“So what about Tiffany? I mean, she is obviously NOT a guy” Brian said.
“She’s just a friend”
“But, I mean, everyone thinks she’s your girlfriend, as in...you know...you’re getting it on type of thing” Brian said, trying to make sense of the bomb that Nick was dropping on him.
“She’s a girl, and she’s my friend. If people want to assume that she’s my girlfriend, then that’s they’re problem...it just makes things easier for me, ya know?”
“So basically, what you’re telling me is that you like guys, that the girl that everyone thinks is your girlfriend is really just a front? That isn’t right man.” Brian began to rub his temples.
Nick was silent for awhile, trying to decide just what to say to his best friend. He thought that out of everyone he knew, his best friend would be the most understanding, but he was having doubts.
“Look, I haven’t told anyone about this...well....other than Doc Theresa....I just....I don’t know. I guess I thought you should know...you know?”
“No....I DON’T know Nick” Brian confessed. “I don’t understand this.”
“What’s not to understand? I like guys. That doesn’t change who I am, or anything. At least it shouldn’t”
Brian stared at his friend. They had basically grown up together. They had spent most of their time inseparable and Brian loved him like a brother. This news of Nick being gay...well, it went against every single thing that Brian believed in.
Brian got up and stood looking at Nick. Nick stood up too and walked to Brian with his arms outstretched in want of a hug. Just as Nick got to him, Brian turned and without saying a word, walked away.
17