OUR RECORDING SESSION WAS SEMI-SUCCESSFUL. We didn’t get three tracks done, but we got two, so that’s progress. Dax and Tristan left ten minutes ago, and Heath and I are reclined on the theater chairs in the media room.
“Your songs are awesome,” I say to Heath.
“Thanks. I wasn’t sure if you guys were going to like them. The lyrics are a little more subdued than what you’re used to, but I think the bass and lead guitar bring them to the level our fans are used to.”
“I think ‘Blind Fury’ is going to be a chart-topper,” I say.
“You think?”
“Yeah, it has a chorus that just builds so powerfully. I think it may be one of our best songs yet. Just don’t tell Alex.” I smile, and he raises his beer to his lips.
“How’re things?” he asks.
It’s odd talking to Heath like this. Ever since everything went down with Sadie, he and I have this unusual bond. I’ve never really opened up to any of the guys like I have with Heath. He knows so much about my family and even my birth father. He knows more than anyone, including Sam.
“Sam’s going back to work,” I say and hang my head. “I’m not ready for her to leave.”
“You knew this day was coming, right? She couldn’t stay here forever. In fact, she should have left a month ago when Kai had his last check-up at the doctor. Remember the doctor said that all of the effects of his drug exposure have pretty much disappeared?”
He’s right. Sam and I both knew then it was only a matter of time. She said she was going to find me a nanny, and even she’s been dragging her feet. Kai no longer needs a live-in nurse. He just needs a father.
And a mother.
“I wonder how Kai is going to do without her here,” I say, and my heart pulls.
“Dude, what are you going to do without her?”
“I don’t know.” I want to have all of the answers, but I don’t. I can’t picture this house without her in it. I just know that I need her here with us. With me.
Heath sits up straight in his chair and leans forward. “Are you in love with her?”
His words take me by surprise. “What?” What kind of question is that?
“You heard me, but your expression tells me. You’re in love with her,” he states and smirks, proud of himself.
I don’t answer because I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of being right. I’ve never been in love with anyone. Ever. How do I know what I’m feeling is love? Maybe it’s just super lust. But my heart tells me otherwise. It’s been hurting since the day I realized this arrangement was going to end.
“Whatever,” I say and ignore his obvious gloating.
“Answer me this: when was the last time you got laid?” His question surprises me, but I know he already knows the answer to that too.
“I don’t remember,” I admit, because it really has been that long.
“The night before you found out about Kai,” Heath answers for me, and I nod in agreement.
“Why does it matter to you?” I ask, annoyed. “Besides, I’ve had a lot to deal with here, don’t you think?”
He shrugs and places his empty beer on the table. “Glad we got to chat, dude, but I gotta go. Same time next week?”
I stand up with him and we walk toward the stairs. “Yeah, maybe sooner if Dax can make it on Wednesday. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Keep your chin up, lover boy. Sam doesn’t live too far from here so you can see her whenever you want.” He walks out, and I lock the door behind him.