***
“I do.” The doctor sighed. “That is why I feel you both have to deal with the issue head-on. You told me you’ve talked about what happened between you too. If you really did, and understand each other as you claim, then why don’t you feel comfortable going to where it all began? Why does the mere thought of going back there put so much fear into you? Have you asked yourself that?”
“I just want to forget,” Shane said tightly.
“Hmmm. Looks like you’re not the only one who wants to forget. Didn’t you say Chris had never been to that house since that incident?” The doctor asked.
“That’s what he said,” Shane answered.
“And are you trying to tell me that if you never set foot into that house again, that incident will forever be erased? Why can’t you face your fear and deal with it once and for all?
Real healing is where you see something or a place that’s supposed to bring so much pain, but feel no pain. You cannot forget, Shane. But you mustn’t be terrified at the mere thought of that house. When you kill a snake, it’s always better to cut off its head. It will be difficult initially. But with the two of you together, you can do it.
“Damn, I’m terrified,” Shane muttered to himself but the doctor heard him.
“I know. But both of you will feel a whole lot better if you do it.”
Shane sighed. Despite his anger and disappointment in Chris, he was willing to do whatever it would take to get his Chris back. He’d read somewhere a long time ago that when it came to matters of the heart, fuck egos. Well, yes, his ego was definitely bruised, but he was determined to fight for what he wanted.
“I’ll do it,” Shane said quietly.
“Great.” Dr. Murray couldn’t mask the approval and excitement in his voice. “I’m glad you’ve agreed to. All the best Shane.”
“Thanks. I’ll need it.” Shane muttered.
“And Shane?”
“Yes, doc?”
“You don’t have much time.” That sentence was so loaded Shane gasped. The doctor obviously knew what he was talking about.
“I think I just run out.” Shane groaned.
“Nothing is impossible. Perseverance conquers all, son. Get in touch when you get back.”
“I will. Thanks, doctor.”
***
Shane called Kyle next. “Shane. Coming?” Kyle asked immediately he picked up. The guys were at Dean’s house.
“Not today, Kyle,” Shane said apologetically. “May I speak with Aaron, please? I don’t have his number.”
“Sure,” Kyle responded. “Baby, Shane wants to talk to you.” Shane heard Kyle call out.
“Shane, what’s up?” Aaron’s voice came on the line.
“Hey, Aaron. I need a huge favour from you, man.”
“Shoot.”
“I’m planning on taking Chris to Florida tonight. I need you to go talk to him…convince him to go with me. Can you do that for me, Aaron?”
“Sure. I’ll do my best. Did he say no to you?” Aaron asked curiously.
“I haven’t asked him at all. I don’t think he even wants to see me. He’s staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.” Shane sighed. “There’s a lot I have to do before we fly out. Please go talk to him for me.”
“I’ll do that, Shane,” Aaron said softly, hating the defeat he detected in Shane’s voice.
“Good. I have to talk to Cole too. Then Michael. I…”
“Relax Shane. I’m putting you on speaker.” Aaron said softly. “Tell everyone what you want them to do and we’ll do it. Alright?”
“Alright,” Shane responded, feeling his eyes sting with tears. Fuck, this was not the time for tears, he chastised himself and took deep breaths.
“Shane?” It was Cole’s voice. “Talk to us buddy. What do you need?”
“Hey, guys.” Shane greeted, smiling at their responses. “Cole, you are Chris’ lawyer right?”
“Yes. My firm handles his stuff.” Cole responded.
“Good. We’re going out of town for two weeks. Can you handle things in his absence?”
“That can be done. I think his highly capable team can manage two weeks without him.” He chuckled. “I’ll make sure things are taken care of. In fact, I’m going to let Tyron handle that.”
“Tyron?” Shane sounded surprised.
“Oh, not soldier boy.” Cole chuckled. “A colleague in the office. He virtually does everything with Chris.”
“Cool, thanks, Cole. Michael?”
“Talk to me,” Michael said.
“I might need your help at the hotel. It’s likely that Chris will be drunk and…”
“I’m on it,” Michael responded.
“Thanks, guys. I’m on my way to Chris’ to pack a few things for hi…”
“You sure you guys will be wearing anything?” Dean drawled, drawing chuckles from the guys.
“We will, Dean,” Shane murmured. With what had transpired between him and Chris that day, they were definitely going to be covered up, Shane thought bitterly.
“Listen, Shane.” Damon’s voice came through. “Dean and I will meet you at Chris’.”
“Okay, I’ll meet you there in two hours,” Shane responded.
“The rest of us will be at the hotel,” Matt added. “Too bad Tristan is not in town. He would have teased the idiot out of whatever foul mood he’s in.”
“I really appreciate this, guys. Thanks.” Shane said and hung up.
Shane went home to pack a few things. Then he called his pilot and asked him to get his helicopter ready. Shane called his firm in Florida and instructed them to send a car they could use during their two-week stay in Florida, to Chris’ vacation home. Then he called his trusted deputy and gave him all the necessary instructions. Ben lived to work and was damned good at it too, which is why Shane overpaid him to keep him from going anywhere else.
Shane told the man that for the next two weeks, his cell phone was going to be off so he could call Shane’s lawyer, who was also a trusted friend, to handle things where necessary. Then he called his mother and Lizzie and told them about his trip, promising to later send each the landline for the Donovan residence in Florida, to be used in case of emergency. Shane then spoke to Adele and promised to call her every day. After ensuring that everything was in order, he set off for Chris’ home.