Chapter Text
All things considered, Jack didn’t see Dennis very often. Dennis had a full time job—school.
Jack paid all the bills a few days early, and had started giving Dennis a small allowance of $250, sent on the first of each month. Dennis had worried, just a little, about his meagre savings and maintaining them while at med school, when he was so busy he couldn’t even think about having a job.
Jack also got a copy of his credit card, and gave it to Dennis. Just for groceries or emergencies.
Dennis had tried to fight him on it. He’d fought the allowance, too. Jack understood why—Dennis was a grown man, capable of handling himself, making his own decisions, and, if he wanted, he could suffer food insecurity. It was just unfortunate that, regarding the last bit, Dennis’ feelings didn’t really matter; not when Jack had a say. And money.
He didn’t see many charges on the card. He assumed Dennis used his allowance for most of his purchases, probably doing the responsible thing and squaring a portion of the money away each month, and stretching out the rest. He didn’t really ask about it, and Dennis didn’t tend to bring it up, so it became a relatively normal fact of life for them. Jack paid rent, all the other bills, and sent Dennis his allowance, content to know that the kid could actually devote his free time to studying and school, rather than worrying about a 4:00-10:00 shift. Jack would’ve killed for that when he was in med school.
Jenn didn’t ask about Dennis much. Jack considered that it was possibly an object permanence thing. Jenn was often the type to be very literal about out of sight, out of mind. It wasn’t a bad thing, per se, but it was just how she operated. Jenn’s life was built out of socialization. Events with coworkers, going out with friends, dinners, dates, bars, recreational sports. If someone wanted to see her, all they had to do was reach out. But, it was them who had to do the reaching.
Jack was mostly positive that Dennis wasn’t often reaching for Jenn. So, Jenn didn’t reach back. Really, it was almost like Dennis hadn’t ever come to Pittsburgh in the first place. A thousand miles or a twenty minute drive—it didn’t seem to change much for Jenn.
Neither of them seemed to mind, though.
So Jack chose not to mind, either.
Time rocked on. Dennis had midterms, and he stress-texted Jack the entire time, often way too late in the evening.
Dennis - 02:56
I think I’m actually going to die
Dennis - 02:56
Couldn’t I just treat all my patients the way monks did? Do a prayer, a dance, beat them in the face with flowers, and bloodlet them????
Dennis - 02:56
I HATE IMMUNOLOGYYYYYY :(((((((((((((
Jack - 03:41
You are up way too late
Dennis - 3:42
I’m at Trinity’s apartment rn. We are Hopped Up on monsters
Jack - 03:42
How is she doing?
Dennis - 03:43
Good! She’s not studying cause she’s agonizing over her situationship
Jack - 03:43
I’m going to pretend I know what that word means. I gotta get back to work, kiddo. Be productive, and sleep soon
Dennis - 03:43
No promises <3 byee!!
Dennis had friends at college, which Jack was pleased with. Trinity was one. She was a year older than him, and they met through a batch of mutual connections before synthesizing into Frankenstein-esque twins, connected by their hipbones, entirely inseparable. Seeing them individually, it was hard to imagine them as a pair, but when he’d formally met her with Dennis in tow, the way they bounced off of each other reminded him very much of how he was with Robby. Trinity was sharp, mean, and snarky, and Jack adored her.
The credit card really was just for groceries and emergencies. Walmart trips, maybe some food when Dennis’ allowance had run out.
It also counted if Dennis ever asked nicely.
Dennis - 01:34
HiiiI!!!!!111!
Dennis - 01:34
We’rer at the bard
Dennis - 01:34
Bars!@3
Dennis - 01:35
Jaaaackkk you wanna payf ror my drins sooo badddd
Jack - 01:37
Wow. I’ve suddenly been possessed with the urge to allow you to pay for your tab with my card. Curious.
Jack - 01:37
Don’t go too wild.
Dennis - 01:41
This is trin ur new name is moneybags LAMAOOO
Jack - 01:42
Hi Trinity. Let me know how much your guys’ Uber costs.
Dennis - 01:42
Ty moneybags
Dennis - 01:44
Thankyuo jacj!!
Dennis had a few other friends, too. Melissa, for one, who was significantly more studious and less interested in partying. Not to say that partying was bad, but if Dennis was doing homework with anyone, Jack often preferred it to be Melissa. Or, “Mel”, which she preferred.
Dennis didn’t seem to have any male friends. He socialized with Trinity and Mel, and the people they knew—more girls—and seemed content with that. It didn't really matter. Just something Jack noticed.
November crawled by. When Thanksgiving was close, Dennis seemed to get relatively quiet. Days passed without any texts, but obviously, school continued to be busy, taking up Dennis’ time and energy. Jack didn’t push, or probe. Sometimes kids need their space.
Jack was scheduled on Thanksgiving day. He and Jenn had pseud0-Thanksgiving plans the following weekend, a night out with a few of her friends, dinner and drinks. Dennis texted him the Thursday before, at a surprisingly reasonable time.
Dennis - 23:30
Hey jack
Jack was at work. He got back to Dennis soon after, when he’d run to the bathroom and habitually checked his phone. He stood, leaning against the tile of the restroom, having just dried his hands, and typed a response.
Jack - 23:49
Hey kiddo. What’s up?
Dennis - 23:50
Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?
Jack - 23:51
I work on Thanksgiving. Your mom and I are doing dinner the following Saturday. Why?
Dennis - 23:51
I’m doing friendsgiving with a few people the Tuesday before, at 2:00pm. If you’re not busy, you could come along
Jack frowned softly at the message.
Jack - 23:51
Would it not be a little weird for your stepdad to attend your friendsgiving? I wouldn’t wanna crash your party.
Dennis - 23:52
I dunno. It’s just Trin, Mel, and Samira. They all like you.
Jack - 23:52
I know they do.
Jack wasn’t sure what to say.
Jack - 23:53
Let me think about it? You know I’ll always spend time with you. Sometimes it is important to have time with your friends, though. Developmentally. I don’t even know what I’d talk about with that many young people, haha
The text was read. Dennis didn’t type. Jack exhaled softly, and tucked his phone back into his pocket, returning to the ED.
His phone buzzed again later, bridging into the more ridiculous times he’d anticipate a message from Dennis. He was taking a moment to chart, and was thankfully able to respond immediately. At least, he planned to, before he read the message.
And read it again.
And again.
Dennis - 01:01
No big deal then, dw about it (: have a good shift
Jeez. Had he fucked up? He might’ve fucked up. He bit the inside of his cheek, and reread it one more time.
Jack - 01:03
Do you want me there? I can go.
Dennis - 01:03
don’t worry about it, its ok (:
Jack huffed. He stood from his computer, and glanced over to Lena, pointing towards the ambulance bay. She shot him a thumbs-up, and Jack hurried outside, the automatic doors swishing as he passed through, slowing to a stop when he was outside. He tapped Dennis’ contact, and the ‘call’ button, bringing his phone to his ear.
It rang, and rang, and rang, before suddenly cutting off.
“What?” Jack muttered to himself, lowering his phone to scrutinize the screen. His Wi-Fi was fine—had Dennis hung up on him?
He called him again. It rang, and rang, and rang, and rang, and rang. Right before the last dial trilled, the line picked up.
And Trinity answered.
“Hey,” She said, completely blasé, bored.
Jack balked, but gathered himself. “Hey, Trinity. I need to talk to Dennis.”
“He doesn’t wanna talk right now.”
Jack shut his eyes firmly for a moment, and opened them slowly. Ducks in a row. Military formation. Left, left, left-right-left. “I understand that,” he levelled, “but I need to talk to him.”
“You can text him later.” There was rustling on the other end of the line, a muffled noise that sounded, just a little, like Dennis speaking. Jack leaned against the wall of the hospital, and crossed his arm over his chest.
“I know I can, but I’d like to speak to him now. Could you please hand him the phone?”
“Meh,” he could hear Trinity’s shrug, envision her carefully plain face. “I’m good, there. He’s good, too.”
Jack sighed. “Alright. Please tell him, though, that I was stupid, and I’d love to go to his friendsgiving. Could you do that for me, Trinity?”
Silence passed for a moment. More rustling. Then, it was Dennis, and Jack exhaled a sigh of relief. Dennis’ voice was a little thick, slightly warbled. Jack frowned, hating that he made Dennis upset by accident.
“You aren’t stupid,” Dennis opened with.
“I’ve been known to be stupid before,” Jack countered teasingly, but still soft. “Hey, kiddo, I’m sorry. I’ll come to friendsgiving.”
“But you’re only coming ‘cause of this,” Dennis’ pout was overwhelmingly clear, even over the phone. “If you don’t want to, then don’t. It’s not a big deal.”
“It is a big deal,” Jack murmured. “If it matters to you, it matters to me.” One of the ducks in Jack’s head quacked, and a lightbulb lit up. “And, y’know what? I have an idea.”
Dennis sniffled. “What?”
“You guys do your friendsgiving. You can get drunk, play games, and talk without having to worry about being on company behavior around me,” Jack sat up slightly, and cleared his throat. “Then, since I’m off on Wednesday, I’ll treat you four to Capital Grille.”
There was a muffled, but clear enough, exclamation of moneybags! from Trinity, and Jack tried to hold back his laugh.
A beat passed. Dennis sniffled again, and there was rustling, laughter from Trinity.
“I’ve never been to Capital Grille,” Dennis muttered, still a little pouty, but not as upset as before.
“That’s ‘cause it’s ridiculous money,” Jack snorted. “But it’ll be a celebration for finishing your first semester, basically. I’m sure Trinity would like the cocktails they have.”
“—would, Mr. Warbucks,” Trinity’s voice cut in.
Jack couldn’t help his grin, but softened at Dennis’ pervasive silence. He bit at the inside of his cheek, and exhaled slowly. “Dens?”
“You suck,” Dennis grumbled. “That’s a great idea. Let’s do it.”
Trinity whooped audibly. Jack chuckled.
“I am sorry, though,” he tacked on. “I didn’t mean to make you upset.”
“‘S okay,” Dennis hummed. “I’m just, I’m on my period, so, my feelings are a little big.”
“Drink some water,” Jack’s voice lilted into a slight coax. “Three or four ibuprofen if you’re crampy. I’m gonna get back to work, but I’ll see you on Wednesday, okay?”
“Okay,” Dennis sighed. “Trinity says bye, too.”
“Bye to you both,” Jack grinned. “Later.”
“Later, Jack.”
The line clicked, the phone call ending. Jack tucked it back into his pocket, and hurried back into the ED.
~:~
Jenn got caught up at work in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Holiday payroll was always a little confusing, with overtime, callouts, and whatnot. He bumped into her during shift change, only because she’d run downstairs specifically to say hi to him, before she returned to her office. They wouldn’t see each other the rest of the night, which wasn’t abnormal, but it was sweet that she came by to see him.
“Hey,” Jenn smiled sweetly as she met him at the Hub desk.
“Hey, you,” he grinned down at her. She raised on her toes to peck his lips, lowering quickly down to the floor. Neither of them were big on PDA. “Shift okay?”
“Fine,” she shrugged, tucking her hands into the pockets of her cardigan, a fuzzy, deep grey. “My intern, Matt, is doing a bit better. He’s finally gotten the hang of how math on spreadsheets works.”
“Hasn’t he been here a few months?” Jack raised his eyebrow. Jenn snorted a soft laugh.
“Exactly. But, progress is progress, so I can’t complain.” She rocked on her feet slightly, and her heels were probably killing her feet.
“You should take your shoes off when you get back to your office,” Jack leaned back against the Hub.
“Maybe,” she murmured, and looked up at him, eyes sweet with mirth. “Only a few days ‘til Thanksgiving. Are you excited about all the people that are gonna fry their turkeys?”
Jack groaned, and Jenn laughed lightly. “Don’t remind me,” he rolled his eyes. “It’ll be catastrophic. I feel like I see a PSA about it every year, yet every year, I get five too-proud fathers burned to shit in the waiting room.”
“Stupid is as stupid does,” Jenn nodded solemnly, still smiling. She tilted her head to the side, the stray hairs that had slipped from her hairclip brushing over her cheeks. “We’ve been so busy, that I haven’t seen you at all, Jackie. I don’t even know about your Thanksgiving plans, besides us over the weekend. You gonna see Robby at all?”
Jack nibbled at the inside of his cheek. “Taking Kiddo and Co. out for dinner on Wednesday. Treating the whole friend group at Capital Grille.”
“Wow,” Jenn’s eyes widened appreciatively. “Very fancy. I doubt Miriam has ever eaten somewhere that nice before.”
“It’s an end of semester thing,” Jack shrugged. “The whole group deserves it. Good grades all around.”
“Who are her friends again?” Jenn adjusted the cardigan, pulling it tighter around herself.
“Trinity, Mel, and Samira,” Jack confirmed, crossing his arms over his chest. He glanced down to his watch, and it was ticking towards 6:00. He’d need to track Robby down soon and do turnover. Jenn nodded slowly, and pulled her phone out of her pocket, confirming the time simultaneously.
“Gotta get to work, huh?” She asked.
“It’s about that time,” Jack confirmed. He leaned down to peck her lips again, and her face was pinked, just barely, when he pulled away. “See you tomorrow morning, sweetpea. Get some sleep.”
“See you then,” she turned slowly, grinning, before walking fully off towards the elevators. A beat passed, and a warm presence appeared by his side.
“So domestic,” Robby’s gravelly voice split the space, teasing.
“Shaddup,” Jack huffed. “Don’t be jelly. I’d never share a woman so wonderful.”
Robby held his hands up in mock-surrender. “Not even my type, brother.”
“Better not be,” Jack moved to stand fully, and not lean on the Hub desk. “Alright, turn me over. Rotisserie me, Robby.”
“Ew,” Robby’s eyebrows quirked. “Not the phrase. But, over in North we’ve got–”
Robby ran through the patients. Jack tried to pay attention, but his phone was beginning to buzz insistently in his left-side cargo pocket. Dennis’ friendsgiving was today, and should’ve started in the late afternoon. Knowing Trinity, though, it had probably turned into a multiple hour affair. She’d probably finagle everyone into a bar crawl. Jack could anticipate being lovingly manipulated into paying for a few tabs or Uber’s.
Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt. Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt.
“South 20 is waiting on head CT, but her affect has apparently been gradually changing throughout the day, according to Langdon,” Robby tapped through the iPad, gesturing to the notes Langdon had taken. “Not sure if that’s just a byproduct of being in the hospital, or a side effect of what’s happening with their head. Keeping an eye on it.
“Yeah, for sure,” Jack nodded.
Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt. Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt. Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt.
“That’s about it,” Robby nodded, turning the iPad off.
Jack blinked. “Cool. You gonna work on getting out of here?”
“I think I’ll check on that Peds patient one more time,” Robby tucked his hands into his pocket. Jack didn’t have a clue who Robby was referring to, but nodded along.
“Good idea.”
Robby’s eyebrow quirked, a wry grin curling the edges of his lips “Jack.”
Jack frowned at him. “What?”
Robby leaned down, voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “There is no Peds patient.”
Jack shoved him lightly. Robby laughed, standing up straight, tucking the iPad under his arm.
“You’re an asshole,” Jack grumbled, reaching out to steal the iPad from Robby, tapping at the screen to reopen the diagnostics.
“And you’re distracted,” Robby countered easily. “I might be old, but I’m not so old I can’t hear your phone going nuclear. Who even texts that much? You got an Amber Alert that everyone else is missing out on?”
“It’s just Dennis,” Jack rolled his eyes, quickly scrolling through the patient list. He’d have to actually go through it.
“Ah,” Robby nodded, and the tilt of his grin immediately showed he was thinking of some horrible, witty comment. “And how is your sugar-son doing?”
Jack blinked. Processed it. Hollered at his internal ducks to get in their formation, dammit. His eyes raised to meet Robby’s, and he scowled. “Excuse me?”
Robby shrugged, faux-casual. “Nothin’. How’s Dennis?”
“No, no-no-no,” Jack shook his head. He scoffed, a little disbelieving, a curl of something hot and embarrassed settling in his chest. “No, Robby. What the hell do you mean by that? ‘Sugar-son’? What?”
Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt.
Both of them heard the buzz. Robby’s grin turned positively evil. “I think you know what I mean,” Robby hummed, victorious as Jack felt a heat crawl up his neck. “Even actual parents don’t pay for their kids like that. But I bet you’ll fork over however much he’s asking for right now, huh?”
Jack frowned at Robby.
Robby’s head tilted to the side, eyes flickering down to Jack’s eternally-vibrating pocket. His gaze jumped back up, locking onto Jack’s as he took a half-step away. “The only twenty-two year olds that have allowances are sugar babies.” He raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing again at Jack’s visual astonishment. “I kid, I kid. I’m gonna get out of here. Later, Jack.”
Robby turned-tail towards the locker area.
Jack glared at the floor.
Bzzt-bzbzbz-bzzzt.
He sighed. He felt hot, overly warm, and he couldn’t really identify why. Robby was just being an ass. Jack had more money than he knew what to do with, most days. Spending it was fine, especially if it meant Dennis didn’t have to work, so he could focus on school. The tabs, Ubers, and treats were just—they were just that. They were treats. Parents treated their kids.
And, yeah, he wasn’t really Dennis’ dad. Dennis wasn’t really his kid. But. Just.
Jack set the iPad on the Hub counter, and pulled his phone from his pocket. There was a slew of text messages from Dennis. The first four were little collections of photos. A spread of food, a spread of the food from another angle, quite a few pictures of the girls sitting around Trinity’s kitchen table—Jack had introduced her to Habitat for Humanity, and lugged that table in his truck for her—Mel smiling shyly, looking somewhere beyond the camera, Samira’s hair up and smile wide, Trinity giving the camera the middle finger. And Dennis, of course, in a candid picture with him laughing, looking to the side towards someone else.
He exhaled slowly, and read the three messages that actually contained words.
Dennis - 18:15
Everyone says hi! Hope work is good jack :))
Dennis - 18:19
Have you seen the movie “seven”? The brad pitt one? Trinity keeps comparing you to brad pitt in that movie specifically??? Idk what it is
Dennis - 18:20
But she’s also SO drunk lolll so really how credible is she rn
Robby’s words rung through Jack’s head. He leaned against the counter, and typed a response.
Jack - 18:22
Hi to you all. Hope you’re having good, responsible, safe and sane fun. I have seen Seven, and I think Trinity might need a psych consult. Nobody is quite like Brad Pitt, especially not me. Was lunch good?
Dennis didn’t text back for a while. Jack got to work. He confirmed that there wasn’t a Peds patient. He caught up with some of the new MS4’s, delegated half to Triage, elbow-bumped Shen, and rolled through. His phone buzzed during a ladder-fall case. He ignored it, tended to the patient until they were stable, but likely paralyzed for the rest of their life.
He took a few breaths outside of the room. Washed his hands. Rubbed at his face. Texted Dennis back.
Dennis - 19:03
Sorry!! We played cards against humanity and i got distracted. Food was really good! Ty for the cream corn casserole recipe
Jack - 19:24
Of course, it was my Grammy’s. Not a lot beats appalachia cooking. Have fun, kiddo
Dennis hearted the message. Jack washed his hands again. He got back to work.
~:~
He had a reservation at Capital Grille at 6:30 for five. He got to Dennis’ apartment in his truck at 6:00, as it was a twenty minute drive. He knew that Dennis and the girls were all upstairs, getting ready as a group, even though it was just dinner. He knew they liked the excuse to dress up, though. He was in a nice button-down and slacks, and his sole pair of loafers that he only ever pulled out for special occasions.
Jack - 18:01
Here, kiddo.
Dennis - 18:02
I’m yelling at everyone to get their bs together
Dennis - 18:02
Forgive me forever? <333???
Jack - 18:02
No need to forgive. I am, however, lighting a mild fire under your ass.
Dennis - 18:02
Sir yes sir!!
Jack swiped away from the messages, and tapped onto his solitaire app. He played for a few minutes, glancing at the clock intermittently. He sent another message.
Jack - 18:05
The flames are being stoked.
Dennis - 18:05
Pls we’re headed downnnn sorry sorry sorry
Jack laughed to himself, and lowered his phone, eyes on the exit door of the complex. Dennis and the girls poured out, all dressed in varied colors, scrambling in their gaggle over to Jack’s truck. He unlocked the doors as Dennis rounded the front, tugging open the passenger-side door, while the three girls got in on the drivers side, shuffling across the backseat.
“You guys all look very nice,” Jack affirmed, glancing over them in the rearview mirror. Trinity was in a short-sleeved black ribbed top with a cropped blazer on top, paired with what looked like a knee-length skirt. Mel, who’d ended up in the middle seat, wore a white blouse and deep blue pants. Samira was in a deep red-purple dress, paired with a warm-looking shawl pulled over her shoulders.
“Thanks, Jack,” Dennis looked over, cheeks likely flushed from the mild exertion of getting them all down the elevator. He was in a button-down, olive-green, and a pair of slacks. He also had his converse on.
“Thanks, Dr. Abbot,” Mel spoke up from her middle-seat, a little clipped but overly sweet, how she always was. Samira quickly echoed the sentiment as she buckled in.
“We love you, moneybags,” Trinity intoned teasingly, grinning as she scooted to the side, allowing Mel to buckle as well.
“Hi to you, too, Trinity. And just Jack is fine, girls.” Jack rolled his eyes. “Is everyone buckled?”
“Oh!” Dennis exclaimed softly, tugging the seatbelt across himself, latching it into place. “Now I am.”
“I’m buckled,” Samira nodded, and the other girls confirmed quickly too.
“Alrighty,” Jack nodded, and adjusted the car into reverse, tapping on the dashboard screen to look at the directions. “Right on time. Let’s ske-diddle, or whatever.”
The girls chatted among themselves during the drive, while Dennis pulled out his phone, legs crossed as he scrolled.
“No, I’m just saying that Dr. Haddad has really obvious favorites,” Samira complained from her spot. “I won’t be the wolf that cried sexism, but I swear he gives special attention to all of the boys in class. It annoys me.”
“I never had him,” Trinity mused. “I did pathology with Dr. Hwang, and she was wonderful. If she asked, I’d kiss her.”
Jack tried not to snort. He’d met Dr. Melati Hwang a couple of times. He knew her professionally. He’d have to email her about this.
“She’s married, unfortunately,” Jack glanced in the rearview mirror, eyes briefly meeting Trinity’s.
Trinity groaned, slumping against the seat while Mel giggled. “I know!” Trinity exclaimed. “The world can’t ever let me win. Could I even seduce her?”
“Well, considering the way that would put her job on the line,” Mel reasoned, rubbing her knuckles together. “Probably not.”
“Ignoring all the confounding factors, though,” Samira jumped in, “could Trinity do it? Like, does Trinity have the skill of seduction?”
Dennis sat up in his seat, and set his phone on the center console. He adjusted, turning slightly to look over the back of the chair. “I don’t think she could do it.”
Trinity gasped, scandalized. “How dare you?”
Dennis shook his head. “You’d go up there, try to pull the moves, but she’d give you the wrong look and you’d explode. It’d be tragic, and we’d all cry at your funeral. I’d deliver a beautiful eulogy, and we could get Jack to stand far away under an umbrella, ‘cause it’d be raining, and he’d wear sunglasses and look really mysterious.”
Mel raised her eyebrows. “A rumor would spread that it was an inside job!”
“Someone would post Jack on the YikYak,” Samira tacked on. “He’d be all over the school Snapchat story. Like, ‘did this guy vaporize Trinity Santos? Did Dr. Hwang hire him?!’”
Trinity shushed them. “You’re all wrong. I’d pull the moves, she’d say that I’m everything she’s ever wanted, and then we’d make beautiful, intimate, lesbian love on the floor of her office.”
The car burst into laughter. Jack chuckled, taking a right turn further into the downtown area. The energy settled slightly after, the girls sitting back in their seats, Dennis readjusting to sit normally, back on his phone. Jack hummed along to the music, and they pulled up to Capital Grille. Jack expertly parallel-parked, squeezing between two vehicles with perfect precision, and they all hopped out.
“Wow, Dr. Abbot,” Mel’s eyes flickered over the parking job. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think your truck fell out of the sky.”
Jack snorted, and patted her shoulder gently as they walked inside. “Jack is fine, kiddo. And thank you.”
They were right on time, and Jack gave his name at the host stand. The inside of the restaurant was lit a dim, comfortable orange, with deep mahogany accents around, paired with cream whites and gold. It looked and felt expensive, and he could tell that the kids were taking it all in, murmuring among themselves. Dennis sidled up by Jack as they waited for their host to gather what was needed, bumping their elbows together.
“Hi,” Dennis glanced up at Jack.
“Hey, you,” Jack looked down at him. “What’s up?”
“Nothin’,” Dennis shrugged. “This is nice. Thank you.”
“We haven’t even gotten to our table yet,” Jack grinned softly. “But you’re welcome.” He raised his hand to gently rub at Dennis’ back, swishing quickly between the younger man’s shoulderblades, fingers brushing lightly along the seam of a binder, before retracting.
“Come with me,” The host turned to the group, a variety of menus in their hands.
“Girls?” Jack glanced over his shoulder towards Trinity, Mel, and Samira, who were absorbed in something on Trinity’s phone.. He nodded at them, and they quickly followed. The walk through the restaurant felt luxurious, all the dim lighting and dark wood truly giving an air of a high credit score. Jack trailed in the caboose, corralling the kids to keep up. They were directed to a corner booth, with broad, plush, dark-brown leather, and a large, circular table. They shuffled in, with Trinity at one open end, then Samira, Mel in the middle, Dennis, and Jack at the other open end.
Their server arrived a moment later, and Jack was squinting very hard at the menu. It was dark as hell in the restaurant, and he was considering getting his phone out and turning the flashlight on. He couldn’t see shit.
“Hello, everyone,” the server arrived at the table, wearing a crisp white, long-sleeved button down with black pants, paired with a standard server apron. He was tall and lithe, with dark hair and darker eyes that scanned over the table. “My name is Carter, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you all anything to drink besides water?”
“Um,” Trinity spoke up, eyes flickering over a smaller menu, which Jack identified as the wine list. Her eyes jumped up, over the table, meeting Jack’s, and gestured with it. Jack nodded, and Trinity grinned. “Yes,” she drawled, “how much for a glass of the 2022 Merlot?”
“We only sell by the bottle, I’m afraid,” Carter tilted his head forward in a polite apology. Trinity’s lips flattened into a small frown.
“The bottle then, please,” Jack interjected. “Should be about four glasses, right?”
“Correct, sir,” Carter nodded.
“Perfect,” Jack replied. “One glass for each of these four, then.”
“Of course, sir,” Carter pulled out his notepad from his apron, quickly writing it down, eyes raising back to Jack once he was finished. “Anything else? Have we considered appetizers, or would we like more time with the menu?”
“More time, please,” Jack answered, smiling politely. He really needed more time, specifically time with a flashlight.
“Of course,” Carter put his notepad away. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.” He whisked away, and Trinity leaned into her hand, sighing dreamily.
“Moneybags,” she fluttered her eyelashes at him. Samira snorted, and smacked Trinity’s arm.
“Thank you, Jack,” Mel effused.
“You’re the best,” Dennis nudged his arm against Jack’s. Even in the dim light, Dennis’ cheeks looked flushed with red. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be having a sip from your glass,” Jack teased Dennis. “I like Merlot.” He adjusted, and brought the menu close to his face, huffing at how the shadow cast over it, obscuring the words even more. “Can you guys even see what’s on here? I’m considering plugging in some floodlights.”
“It is not that dark,” Dennis looked at Jack in disbelief. “Can you really not read it?”
“Kiddo, it’s Times New Roman size two. Can you read it?”
“I can,” Trinity shrugged. “But I’m also young and spry.”
“No merlot for you,” Jack set his menu down on the table, where it caught some of the light from the overhead chandelier, but not quite enough to make the font no longer blurry. “I’m drinking the entire bottle by myself.”
“An evil boomer, hoarding the wealth,” Trinity shook her head disapprovingly. “So cruel.”
“I’m Gen X, thank you,” Jack objected.
“You could always ask for it in Braille?” Samira offered lightly, even though her voice was clearly colored with a joke.
“We could get a sign language interpreter,” Dennis added, mouth curled into a smile.
“I know the ASL alphabet!” Mel helpfully offered.
“My god,” Jack groaned, laughing. “Dens, just order for me. I’m a lost cause.”
“Hmm,” Dennis hummed, glancing over the menu with a ridiculous amount of ease. “Well, how hungry are you?”
“A decent amount,” Jack leaned towards Dennis’, their shoulders brushing. “I could go for maybe a solid steak.”
“I see,” Dennis flipped further in the menu. The girls had gotten quiet, surveying the food options. “Maybe the New York strip with courvoisier cream? Sounds fancy.”
“Very fancy,” Jack agreed softly. “I trust you. I’ll go with that.”
Dennis shivered. Jack moved away, and glanced around the area they were in. It didn’t feel too breezy. “Are you cold?”
“A little,” Dennis shrugged. “Um. Could we get appetizers?”
“Ooh, yes!” Samira piped in from her spot. “Um, if it’s not too much, could we get the prosciutto mozzarella tomato things?”
“I thought those looked good, too,” Mel agreed quickly.
“Yeah, sounds good,” Jack nodded.
Carter came by a moment later, with a sommelier tagging along. Waters were passed out, and a small show was made of pouring the wine. The Merlot was a deep, enticing red, and Trinity made a happy sound as her glass was handed over. Carter took their orders, and after he left, Trinity closed in on the wine, swirling the liquid in its glass, smelling it appreciatively, before taking a sip.
“You love me, Jack,” she proclaimed. “I’m in your Will. I’m positive of it.”
Dennis took a sip of the wine. “This is yummy,” Dennis remarked softly, before squinting. “Ough, aftertaste.”
Jack laughed. “If you’re in my Will, Trinity, it’s for one Monopoly dollar.” He adjusted in his seat. “I’m going to run to the restroom. Don’t blow up the place, okay?”
The kids chattered back their okay!’s, and Jack slid from the booth, quickly identifying a restroom sign, and beelining down the hallway. He entered the restroom, did his business, washed his hands, and as he dried them, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He patted his hands fully dry, and pulled it out, smiling at a message from Jenn.
Sweetpea - 18:55
Got a little jealous of your fancy dinner, so I’m at The Eagle with Rachael. How’s the grille, honey?
Jack - 18:55
Tell her I say hi! All good right now. Kids are enjoying a Merlot and we’ve just ordered our meals. Everyone dressed to the nines.
Sweetpea - 18:55
Rachael says hi back! Have so much fun, love you.
Jack - 18:56
You too. Love you more.
Jack tucked the phone back in his pocket, and left the bathroom, meandering back through the restaurant. The booth was tucked into a corner that wasn’t directly visible from the bathroom, and he approached casually, breathing in the smells—crab, wine, steak—salivating slightly.
The kids were speaking animatedly in the booth. He could hear as he approached, nearly around the corner, almost back into their sightline. He paused when he heard Trinity speak, laughing loudly.
“He’s so daddy,” her voice was curved slightly, bent in a way that sounded like she was taking a sip from her wine glass. “It’s a little ridiculous. I’ve never seen someone who daddy’s as effortlessly as he does.”
The table chuckled. Jack rolled his eyes—typical Trinity.
Mel spoke. “The competency is a major factor to consider,” she sounded matter-of-fact, the studious girl that Dennis spoke so highly of so often. “Human nature means appealing to those you know can provide, and he’s very providing. Honestly,” Mel continued, and Jack leaned against the wall slightly, curious.
“Of course, it’d normally be inappropriate,” Mel supposed, and Jack’s eyebrows knitted together. “But, considering the age you were when he became your stepfather, it isn’t too bad.”
What?
“I think the hot part is that he’s your stepdad, Dennis,” Samira giggled. “It’s taboo.”
What?
He heard Dennis laugh. Light, relaxed, airy, like this was nothing. “Don’t even remind me,” Dennis’ groaned, as if this was old news, casual. “I feel really bad about it sometimes. Like, when he calls me ‘kiddo’?”
“Killshot,” Trinity flattened. There were a few light laughs.
“Dead!” Dennis exclaimed, a smile clear in his voice. “Or ‘Dens’. When he really acts like my dad, that’s the worst, because it’s him being normal, and I’m just a major perv, finding it all attractive.”
Jack walked back to the bathroom.
He stood in a stall for a moment. He got out of the stall. He leaned against the wall, face in his hands, and tried to breathe. He washed his hands. He washed them again. He dried them with too many paper towels.
He buried his face in his hands.
Fuck.
Fuck.
The ducks were scattered. There wasn’t even a whistle to blow at them. He’d lost his voice. They were quacking at him and flying away with his sanity.
Fuck.
They all knew. All of them knew. Trinity knew. Samira knew. Mel knew.
And they were all fine with it?
Fuck.
What does a person even do in this situation? Who do they call? How do they act? How do they do anything?
Jack went back into a stall. He scrubbed at his face. He didn’t know. He didn’t know anything. He’s an attending physician, a doctor, a veteran, a divorcee, forty-three years old, and he didn’t know.
Dinner hadn’t even started yet. They’d only just ordered, and everything here was high-class. He had to go back. He had to sit through it, have conversations, make jokes, be charming and charitable and–
And do it all sitting next to Dennis.
“Oh my fucking god,” Jack whispered to himself.
He left the bathroom. He approached the booth, and cleared his throat loudly as he rounded the corner. Their conversations silenced, and Dennis scooted over an inch, completely normal, average, unaffected as Jack got back in his seat. The appetizer was set out, and all of them had small serving plates, little portions of it on each.
“Sorry about being gone for a sec,” he glanced up at the table, flashing them a shy smile. “There was a line.”
“Sure,” Trinity teased. “Dig in, moneybags.”
“Ooh, yum,” Jack swallowed firmly, and got a portion of the appetizer onto his own serving plate. He took a bite, and it was delicious, but his entire body felt acidic and staticky, like he’d just stuck his finger in twelve electric sockets. “This is pretty good.”
“I think so too,” Dennis mused, eating some more from his plate. “Good call, ‘Mira.” He adjusted sideways, just a little, and his knee knocked into Jack’s under the table. The amount of willpower it took not to flinch, run away, and keep running until he was in the ocean would’ve earned him a second Purple Heart.
Jesus. How long?
Dennis had only been in Pittsburgh since late August. He’d only known Trinity, Mel, and Samira for two months. And they knew?
Had it started recently? Was it proximity? Was it the money? Was it- was it just Jack? Should he have not played ‘parent’ so much? Maybe it was just Dennis’ identity, and Jack being accepting when Jenn wasn’t. But Dennis had accepting people; he had his brothers, and all of his friends. Should he have not been so touchy? Should he have held Dennis further away? But how could he have known?
The kids were content to converse among themselves, and for that, Jack was grateful. He stayed in his seat, and listened with half an ear, ignoring how his skin burned underneath his slacks each time Dennis bumped into him by accident. Their food arrived. Jack got his steak, Dennis got salmon, Mel got a salad, Samira got chicken breast, and Trinity had a ribeye. They ate in silence for a few minutes, savoring the food.
Jack felt like he was on autopilot. The kids kept talking, about school, about work, about friends-of-friends, homework assignments, and miscellaneous drama. They laughed, giggled, chortled, and, with his permission, bought another bottle of wine. Pinot Noir, this time.
They finished dinner. Jack paid for it with his card, and tipped Carter 30%. He walked everyone out of the restaurant, his hands in his pockets, dazed. They got in the car, and while Trinity howled, laughing about something Samira had said, Dennis cast Jack a curious, hesitant look. Jack stuck the key in the ignition, the air began to blow, and the music started. Jack bit the inside of his cheek, and glanced in the rearview.
“Everyone buckled?”
There was the sound of buckling, and then they were off, headed back towards Dennis’ apartment. “You should all drink some water and hang out for an hour,” he spoke, eyes on the road. “Sober up before you drive home. Don’t wanna see you all in my emergency department.”
The girls chimed back that they would. Dennis crossed his legs, and tucked his phone between his thighs. He leaned against the center console.
“Jack?”
“Yeah, k-” Jack blinked. “Yeah?”
He could see Dennis frown slightly in his periphery. “You okay?”
Jack nodded. “I’m fine. Just something not sitting in my stomach very well. Don’t worry.”
Dennis hummed, but got his phone back out.
He dropped them off at Dennis’ apartment, and waved his goodbye. The kids went inside, and Jack was alone in his truck, listening to some random song, while the air blew right in his eyes.
He drove home.