Thanks to the Monkey
By
Author's note Post Virus. I'm off canon in the fact that Johnny never had a ranch as far as I know. I don't think he even had bought the house at this time. This is the first story in a series, although it will stand alone. Thanks to Sheri for the Beta. Also thanks to my oldest daughter for reading it even though she is clueless about E. :-) Thanks to the Monkey
After all of their company had left their hospital room, Kel and Johnny grew serious. They couldn't help but think of how close they came to joining Tim Duntley.
“Kind of makes you think, huh, Doc? In a way, you helped save both of our lives. Dr. Early told me that even after you had a temp of over 104 you thought of using Jenny 's immunity.”
Modestly, Kel answered, “Thanks, it was just a lucky call. I know that Joe would have thought of it in time. Clearly, I wasn't thinking like a Doctor at the time though; I was proposing using Jenny 's immunities. Thank goodness her choreographer was already over the virus.”
“Indeed! I don't think I've ever seen Dixie so worried before. She really cares for you.”
“I haven't ever seen her that worried, either, although it was for you as much as it was for me,” Kel replied. Changing the subject he continued, “You know, Johnny , I think when we get out of here we should go celebrate. What would you think of having a couple of porterhouse steaks for dinner?”
”That sounds terrific, Doc! You could come over to my ranch and we could barbecue them if you would like. I'd love to show you my horses.”
Kel smiled at the idea. “I'd like that, Johnny . Just one thing though, I'd like you to call me Kel when I'm off duty.”
“Thanks, I'd like that Kel,” Johnny responded. Sliding back down in the bed he continued, “I don't know about you, but I think I could go back to sleep again now. It's amazing how much that virus took out of me. ”
“You're not kidding!” He too, settled back to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Five days later, Kel pulled his car into Johnny 's driveway. It had been another 48 hours after their conversation before Dr. Early saw fit to release the two men from the hospital. They had both gone home and slept for the next couple of days. Now, both were well on the way to recovery and ready to have the dinner they discussed.
Johnny came out as Kel drove in. “Glad you could make it, Kel,” he said. Seeing the bags Kel was lifting out of the car, he grabbed one and added, “Bring everything into the kitchen.” He held the door open, showing Kel into the kitchen.
“I'm impressed Johnny ! I didn't expect anything like this. I thought you had bought this place as a repo.” He looked around, continuing to examine the neatly repaired and tidy home.
“I did. I've spent most of my days off working on it though. Lots of sweat equity has gone into it…it feels good seeing the changes I'm making. Wait until you see the rest!” Johnny was clearly excited to be able to show his ranch off.
They put the cold food in Johnny 's refrigerator then Johnny showed Kel around. As they approached the barn they were greeted by a meow from the corral fence. A huge fluffy tabby and white cat clearly expected attention.
“This is General Beauregard - Bo for short,” Johnny introduced the cat to Kel as he stroked it. “He's a Norwegian Forest Cat. Obviously he loves attention.”
“He's a big cat Johnny !” Kel exclaimed as he too, reached over to pet Bo . The cat purred and soaked up the extra attention.
“When I took over the place I knew I'd need rodent control. I got him from a rescue group. His previous owner loved him dearly but they lived in a tiny apartment. It was hard, but they decided to give him up to a home that could provide this big guy with the room he needed.”
“I would have expected you would have a dog instead of a cat.”
“I actually love both, Kel, but with my schedule, keeping a dog wouldn't be easy. Cats and even horses are fine when I'm gone 24 hours at a time. Dogs want to be with you all the time. It just doesn't seem fair to be gone so much and have a dog. I have a neighbor that comes in and cares for the horses. In return I help him out with repairs. It's a pretty good arrangement.”
“I guess that makes sense. I'm glad you have neighbors that help you out.”
Heading into the barn they were greeted by nickers from Johnny 's two horses. A beautiful buckskin mare demanded Johnny 's attention first.
He laughed and said, “I'm coming darlin'. This is Poka, short for Pocahontas , the Indian princess.” Poka nosed Johnny 's pocket giving him a not so subtle hint. “You think something is there do you sweetheart?”
Receiving a hard nudge in the chest, Johnny laughed, pulled the treat out and gave it to his demanding girl.
Kel laughed seeing the antics between Johnny and the horse. “She's a beauty, Johnny !” Kel said, as he stroked Poka.
Snorting and stomping drew their attention to the stall across the aisle from Poka.
“Hold your horses Star Bright!” Johnny told the impatient horse.
Pulling out a second treat he shared it with the large black horse with a white blanket covering his back and hindquarters. “This is Star Bright. He is registered appaloosa stallion. He got his name from the star on his head.” He rubbed the horse on the neck to its obvious enjoyment.
They headed to the patio behind the house. A small bricked area held Johnny 's barbecue and a picnic table. A nearby grassy area held two folding chairs and a chase lounge. A stepping stone path led to the back door. Johnny lit the barbecue and they settled onto the chairs, waiting for the grill to heat up.
“I feel at loose ends,” Kel told Johnny . “I can't remember a time in my adult life that I've been off work like this. Heck, I hardly ever even take a vacation and when I do, I'm not at home. It seems like the next two days are going to last forever!”
“I know what you mean, Kel. I've felt that way myself, although I'm more used to having several days off at a time with our 24 hour shifts. I've got two more days than you before I go back. Probably just as well with my job I suppose. The next ‘A' shift is tomorrow; that would have been too soon.”
They went in and got the steaks and the rest of the food. Once it was ready they sat at Johnny's picnic table, silently enjoying the companionship as they ate. After they finished eating, Johnny went inside and brought out two beers.
Thinking back on their shared experience, Johnny spoke again, “I'd really prefer not to be ‘Romeo'. I wish I had someone as special to me as Joanne is to Roy.”
“Me too,” Kel agreed. “Roy is very lucky. I envy him at times myself. I'm sure when the time is right you'll find her Johnny.”
“From my viewpoint, it looks like you may have found her, Kel. I'm not going to stick my nose in any further, but that's just what I see sitting here.”
Kel nodded, knowing Johnny was referring to Dixie. He didn't elaborate; he knew Johnny didn't expect him to. Not to mention, if he was honest with himself, he wasn't exactly sure what to say.”
After lingering another hour; casual talk alternating with companionable silence, Kel took his leave, thanking Johnny for the good evening he said, “Thanks Johnny, I can't remember the last time I've spent an evening like this with a friend.”
“It was fun Kel. Thanks for bringing the steaks. I can't remember the last time I had such a good cut! See you at the hospital in four days. No monkey viruses this time!”
Kel drove off and Johnny went out to complete the rest of his chores; both men grateful for the friendship that had come out of a disease from a monkey.