“This is absolute amazing,” Lucinda had to experience the platform herself and then nodded at Luke, “Your lucky residents don’t have to buy a winter coat anymore…”
“The streets won’t be this warm,” Luke smiled. “This was just a little demonstration for the best visual effect. But it will keep the snow and ice off the street, so residents don’t have to slide around in winter.”
“It’s brilliant,” Lucinda concluded, back on the ground. “I want that on my driveway.”
“Me too,” John agreed immediately, “Saves me a lot of snow shoveling.”
Even the town council was visibly impressed and after accepting their compliments, Luke directed them to the manufacturer, who was already surrounded by many interested ears.
“We haven’t even started building and this project is already paying off.”
Dave McTaylor shook Luke’s hand and almost hugged him, but then stepped back and watched his husband – a few feet away – talking to Tristan. Things were tricky enough, lately. He didn’t want to pour oil on the fire. The guy next in line wasn’t that reserved, though.
“You guys did an amazing job,” Kevin Broyd extended his hand and when Luke took it with a huge smile, Kevin pulled him closer to give Luke a soft kiss on the cheek. “And I’m glad I played a small part in it.”
“Small part?” Luke shook his head, “You’ve arranged all the necessary permits, Kevin. You and your father played a big part in it. Without the both of you, we wouldn’t even be here right now.”
The man in the wheelchair grinned, clearly feeling proud, as did his father behind him.
“It’s a shame our working together was cut short. I enjoyed it immensely, Luke.”
“Same here,” Luke assured him and then smiled at Gary Morgan next to Kevin. “And our short cooperation didn’t leave you empty handed…”
Kevin looked at Gary too and both men smiled at each other.
“You’re right about that. I tried really hard to fight it, but the attraction was just too strong.”
“You look great together,” Luke meant every word of that.
It was very obvious that both men were truly committed and in love. Even without the ex-of-Reid factor, Luke was glad Gary found a new love to concentrate on.
His eyes wandered to Dave and he felt sorry for his contractor. For some reason Waylon wasn’t capable of celebrating Dave’s success. He kept his distance – literally – and hadn’t shown any sign of pride or admiration for his husband.
The couple moving to Luke made him forget about Dave and Waylon, though. Another wheelchair, but this time it was empty. Lily was standing beside it.
“This is me, giving you a standing ovation…” she said, but after collecting a hug from her son, she sat down in the chair.
“Thanks for that,” Luke kissed his mother on the hair, “I’m glad you could make it.”
“Me too,” Lily was all pride, “you were so powerful up there. You owned the stage.”
“And not just the presentation…this whole project is mind blowing,” Damian stated, also looking very proud. “I’m so glad even more Grimaldi money is finally used for something good and worthwhile. You’re already doing great with the foundation, but this project…it’s amazing. I’m sure you will inspire a lot of architects and builders.”
“I agree. I’ve been an architect for many years, but nothing inspired me more than this project,” Dave brought himself into the conversation and after Luke introduced them, Damian revealed some ideas of his own.
“After seeing this…it makes me want to get involved too.” He put his hand on Lily’s shoulder, “Maybe we can start our own project.”
When Luke saw his mother’s eyes light up, he realized this was what she needed. A new challenge. So he backed his father up.
“Sounds like a good plan to me. But don’t steal my contractor away from me. I need him here and he’s working on some buildings at home…”
They all laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of stealing anything from you, my son,” Damian gave Luke a charming grin, “but I’m sure Mr. McTaylor can combine finishing your projects and thinking about a new one.”
“I’m sure I can,” Dave nodded, but then realized something significant. “I’ll have to discuss it with my husband, though. Waylon is already complaining about my work load.”
That made Lily frown. “You’d think he would be thrilled things are going so well for you…with this economy that’s not something to take for granted.”
“I fully agree,” Dave nodded. “And this is not just my job, it’s my passion. Especially after Luke introduced me to all those new environmental techniques. I really made a study of it and it’s amazing what people are inventing, these days. There are new developments almost weekly. It’s great to figure out ways to implement them.”
“Your passion is very evident,” Lily smiled and Damian looked at Dave with even more interest.
“I hope you can work this out with your husband, because I really feel you’re the right man for the job… even though I’m not even sure what project we’re talking about.”
“I’m sure we’ll think up something,” Lily sounded all fired up and Luke enjoyed seeing that enthusiasm again. This idea might be the best medicine for her yet.
Before he could express this thoughts, he was distracted by the worried look on Dave’s face. He followed the man’s direction of view and saw how Waylon was talking on the phone. Apparently a heated discussion, because the man started to talk louder and his hand was making puzzling movements in the air.
But then Luke noticed something even more worrying and while Dave was making his way to his husband, Luke was scanning the crowd.
Then he heard Dave voicing the question Luke was asking himself too:
“Where is Tristan? Waylon! Where is Tristan?”
Then life altered speed. From normal to slow motion. The distinctive shrieking sound of a car hitting their brakes. A soft thud. Screams. It all felt like a blur. The Universe was holding its breath.
