Chapter 22 I Could Sue You for Slander
The table fell silent.
No one needed Ryan to explain further. Jason was having trouble in bed? At his age?
Chloe looked from one man to the other, fascinated. Ryan hadn’t examined Jason or even checked his pulse. Could he really tell something like that just by looking at him?
Jason went scarlet. Beneath the anger, there was a flash of panic.
“That’s bullshit!”
“There’s a faint, flower-shaped scar on your chin,” Ryan said. “It’s a sign of blossom disease. The sexually transmitted infection.”
Everyone looked. The mark was subtle, but once Ryan pointed it out, they could see it.
Diane’s smile faded. Richard frowned, and Chloe made no attempt to conceal her disgust.
None of them knew much about the condition. They drew their own conclusions about how Jason might have caught it.
“It was an allergic reaction,” he said quickly. “I scratched it, and that’s how it healed. Don’t listen to him.”
Ryan continued, unhurried.
“From the way it’s healed, I’d say it started about two months ago. The condition suppresses testosterone production. It’s treatable, but the treatment requires you to avoid alcohol and sex.”
He paused.
“You didn’t follow the instructions.”
Jason’s expression tightened.
“The shadows around your eyes and the redness suggest you’ve been overdoing things lately. You should have abstained for two months. I’d guess you lasted one before going back to your old habits.”
Ryan held his gaze.
“That compromised the treatment. Haven’t you noticed the problem getting worse?”
“You’re making it up! I’ve been staying up late. That’s why my eyes look like this.” Jason’s voice rose. “Watch your mouth, or I’ll sue you for slander.”
His frantic denial did little to reassure the others. If anything, his expression made Ryan’s accusation more convincing.
Richard intervened.
“You need to take better care of yourself, Jason. Less time in nightclubs, more sleep. Your health matters.”
Jason seized the escape he’d been offered.
“You’re right. I’ll be more careful.”
Richard raised his glass.
“Come on. Let’s have a drink.”
The subject was closed. He was giving Jason a chance to recover what remained of his dignity.
Ryan let it drop. He had no particular grudge against the man. He’d simply had enough of being needled about his competence.
At least no one seemed eager to question his medical skills now.
Andrew shot his son a furious look. They’d come to make a good impression, and Jason had managed to embarrass them both.
Still, he was his son. Andrew had to help.
“Haven’t you been arranging a camping trip, Jason?”
Jason straightened.
“Yes. I almost forgot.” He turned to Chloe. “We’re going to Moonridge Mountain. Camping, grilling, just hanging out. That’s why I came today—to invite you.”
Before she could answer, Richard spoke.
“It’s the weekend tomorrow. Go and enjoy yourself instead of sitting around here.”
“Ryan and I have plans. A movie, some shopping.”
“Bring him,” Richard said. “You’re all about the same age. You can go shopping any weekend.”
Something shifted in Jason’s expression. Then he smiled.
“Come along, Ryan. One of my friends is a veteran, too. You’ll have plenty to talk about.”
Ryan was about to decline when Chloe answered for them both.
“You’re inviting us together? Then we’ll come. A date outdoors sounds nice.”
“The more, the merrier.”
Ryan turned to her.
“I have something to do tomorrow, remember? I told you—”
“It can wait until next week. You said you’d spend the day with me.”
With everyone watching, he could hardly contradict her. Not after declaring that he would do everything he could to make her happy.
“Let me make a call. See if I can rearrange things.”
Chloe ignored his last attempt at escape.
“It’s settled.” She smiled at Jason. “Do we need to bring a tent?”