This is a flashback to when Tommy and Jack were interns. Jack is remembering a lot of his life with Tommy while they are trying to find him.
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“Everyone is going to the bar, you coming?” Jack asked as he and Tommy changed into street clothes. “It looks good if you mix it up with the attendings, you know, get on their good side.”
Tommy laughed at his friend. “Is that what they call it? Mixing it up?”
His dimpled grin was his trademark and he flashed it at his best friend. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
“Right, well you have it; I don’t,” Tommy pulled on his shoes.
“Yes you do, but you’re scared to use it.”
“What the hell are we even talking about?”
Jack sat down next to him. “Vanessa will be there.”
Tommy blushed.
“Good for her.”
“What is wrong with you? Why are you so against having a relationship? I didn’t ask you to marry her, just have some fun,” Jack stood up and grabbed his phone. “You’re bringing me down.”
“That’s not possible,” Tommy chuckled and stood up. “I’m just not interested.”
“Why not? Do you need some pointers?” he wiggled his eyebrows.
“Don’t make me sick,” Tommy rolled his eyes. “I’m going home.”
Jack worried for a minute something was going on that Tommy hadn’t told him.
“Hey, you know what? I think I’ll join you. Let’s grab a pizza and see what Julie’s doing tonight.”
“Julie has a late class and then a sorority function of some sort. Besides, I don’t need you to sit with me. I’m fine alone.”
Jack stared at him.
“What? You’re creeping me out,” Tommy said as he brushed past him and out into the hallways of the hospital.
“You need to talk to me. What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on. Please go to your bar thingy and leave me alone. I’m a big boy, Jack. I don’t need a baby sitter.”
“Why do you do that?”
They walked outside in to the cool air and Tommy let an exasperated sigh escape his body.
“Do what? What do I do?”
“Act like you’re destined to be alone. Act like your life is over.”
“So because I don’t act like you do, you think what I do is wrong? There are plenty of people who don’t have to go out and get laid every night and somehow they live a very normal life. Your way isn’t always right.”
Jack could see he struck a nerve.
“True, but at least I have some fun. When was the last time you had any fun?”
“Just leave me alone, okay? I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
They got into the car and Jack drove to a small pizza place.
“I thought I told you to take me home.”
“I chose not to listen. I’m hungry and since we drove together, you’re stuck. Humor me with a slice of pizza.”
Tommy sighed and got out, having to admit he was a little hungry. They got into a booth and Jack ordered before he looked at his friend.
“So seriously, why the funk? I don’t care if you date anyone, but you don’t seem to even want to make friends.”
“Look, I realize our friendship is a little unconventional, but you aren’t my husband. I would like to keep our friendship out of the therapy stage.”
Jack sat back and crossed his arms.
“I see, so is that all I am? Your friend?”
Tommy let his hands smooth over his face and he rubbed his temples.
“I don’t know what you want me to say,” he took a drink of his pop. Jack was about to respond when an elderly couple walked over to them.
“Excuse us, but we couldn’t help but overhear.”
Tommy raised his eyebrows. Was everyone interested in his love life?
“Overhear what?” Jack asked.
“It sounds to me like he’s just not that into you,” the man said to Jack. “It might be best if you moved on.”
“Jesus Christ. I’m not in love with him,” Jack said.
“With that mouth, I should hope not,” the older woman said and sat down next to Tommy who had no choice but to move over. Her husband sat down next to Jack who also slid farther away.
“Look, two handsome young men like you two have the world ahead of you. You’ll find someone who shares your interests and completes you,” the woman said. “Look at Marvin and me, together 56 years, but it wasn’t always easy. Besides, the laws are finally heading in your favor.”
“Evie is right, I had to fight off Scotty before she would even give me the time of day. Sometimes, love is worth the risk.”
“I don’t believe that,” Tommy muttered and Jack sighed.
“Not every relationship ends in tragedy.”
Evie looked at Tommy and patted his hand.
“Did you lose someone you loved?”
Tommy moved his hand and looked at her.
“No.”
“Why do you lie?” Evie asked.
“Yeah, Tommy, why do you lie?” Jack grinned.
“You seem to be an ass,” Marvin said to Jack.
Tommy laughed and looked at Jack.
“Yes, you do.”
“Whatever,” Jack grumbled.
“My parents died.”
“And?” Evie asked.
“And nothing, isn’t that enough?”
“Our parents died, too,” Marvin said.
Tommy sighed. “But you’re older.”
“So that makes it hurt less?”
“No, just forget I said anything.”
Marvin looked at Jack.
“He’s worried you’ll leave him and he won’t get over it.”
“I told you we aren’t together,” Jack said.
Marvin shook his head sympathetically at Jack who rolled his eyes.
“So your plan is to stay single forever? Running away because you’re scared won’t make for a very happy life,” Evie said.
“Thanks for your opinion, but I am perfectly happy. I just wish people would stay out of my business.”
Marvin and Evie smiled at him.
“Point taken, but young man, hiding because of fear is never the answer. Give him a chance, you might find that the life you were living was nothing compared to a life with love.”
Marvin and Evie left and Jack looked at his friend.
“So there’s that,” he said and Tommy smiled.
“Can we just eat our pizza and talk about something else?”
Jack nodded and took a piece of the freshly delivered pie.
“She isn’t wrong, you know. You might actually find someone who can tolerate you.”
Tommy took his own slice and nodded.
“Marvin was right, you’re an ass.”
Jack burped and they both laughed. Tommy knew he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t bear to be left behind again. They all didn’t understand. He just couldn’t do it.
another good one.