The last month had been easier than most. Once he was released from the hospital, he was homebound for a full week. His blood count had been low and with his immune system compromised from the drugs, he had to be careful of his environment. One infection and he would’ve had to return to the hospital, for God knows how long. He followed the rules, and played all his cards right. He took the last month to build his strength. Even began to feel good enough to run on the treadmill. His appetite had returned as well. What pleasured him most was that he had finally been able to make love to his beautiful Cara. Granted, it hadn’t happened until last night, but he didn’t care. He missed the intimacy they had shared and was happy to have that part of their relationship back.
In two weeks his PET scan was scheduled, and by the way things were going Jake was certain the results would be in his favor. He felt too good, almost like himself. He ran his hand along the top of his head. His hair started to grow back, and it felt like fuzz beneath his palm. He smiled and leaned down to press his lips to Cara’s.
“You ready to see what kind of shindig your sister threw?” Cara asked against his lips.
Jake pulled back slowly, and chuckled. Knowing Sam, she probably had covered everything. He wouldn’t be surprised if she sent each of the biker guys home with party favors.
“Yeah I’m ready. Let’s check it out.” He grabbed hold of her hand and with his other hand he pulled open the door to Rudy’s. The moment his foot stepped into the bar, applause erupted. Jake wasn’t one to be shy or embarrassed, nope not him. He grinned and bowed, as if he was a rock star they all had paid top dollar to see perform. He felt Cara drop his hand and take a step back, before joining the crowd and applauding him.
He looked around the bar, much as he had the parking lot. His family was crowded around a table in front of a makeshift stage that had been brought in. Usually when bands performed at Rudy’s they set up where the dart board was. Not tonight, tonight they were front and center on a stage. The pool table was covered and it now was a portable tattoo station, courtesy of Riverdale Ink and Jake’s right hand Pete. Pete had done a hell of a job keeping his business afloat while Jake had been in the hospital.
Jake glanced at Cara and motioned toward their beloved pool table. He frowned at her like someone had killed his pet and she laughed, her cheeks flushing as she too remembered their rendezvous. He wasn’t kidding when he told her he’d never look at the table the same, and judging by the expression on her face, neither would she.
The applause died and the crowd shuffled around him. The friends he hadn’t seen in years hugged him and told him how proud they were of him. They called him an inspiration. Jake Lanza, an inspiration, go figure he mused. He and Cara finally made their way towards the rest of his clan. Luke was sitting with Ava on his lap. He was leaning into a woman with unmistakable hair the color of black cherries. Jake’s grin was off the radar he assumed as he elbowed his brother.
“Well now if it isn’t my favorite niece!” He leaned down and scooped her up into his arms. He hadn’t remembered the last time he was able to hold her in his arms like this. He squeezed her tight and her giggles shot straight through his heart.
“Uncle Jake put me down!” She said between her little bouts of laughter. Jake showered kisses on top of her head and looked down at Luke and Leah who were holding hands.
“Miss Black Cherries, it’s always a pleasure to see you.” Jake smiled sweetly as he placed Ava down on her feet.
Leah rolled her eyes but smiled, she was becoming used to Jake’s relentless teasing. “Jake, it’s good to see you too.”
“Yes, I suppose it is. Now remember that the next time you see my handsome face at the doctor’s office.” He wiggled his eyebrows, unashamed that they weren’t as prominent as they once were.
“I’ll never let you wait again. I promise.” She winked at him and Luke leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“He’s going to hold you to that.” Luke said and then looked back at Jake, who nodded in agreement with him.
Jake turned his attention to his parents, and let out a laugh when he saw his father. He had a green suit on. He was probably a good four feet higher than the ideal height of a leprechaun, but standing there dressed liked that, he sure as hell resembled one. Jake couldn’t control his laughter, and tried to cover his mouth.
“Joe, what are you wearing?” Cara asked politely, as she hid her face behind Jake’s shoulder to mask her humor.
Joe looked down at his suit then back at them. “What? I’m raising awareness! Green is the color.” He nudged his wife. “Tell them green is the color.”
“Lime green, honey.” She shook her head at him. “What you have on---“
“Joe, my man I love you. But you look like a Saint Paddy’s day parade float.” Nick said as he took a swig of his beer. Jake figured he was probably a little drunk, because Nick rarely got disagreed with his father. In fact he probably took Joe’s side more than he or Luke ever did.
Joe mumbled a slew of curses, before grabbing Nick’s beer out of his hand and taking a healthy gulp himself. “To hell with you kids. You wouldn’t know style if it bit you in the ass. Back in my day a suit like this got you to the center of the dance floor at Studio 54.”