We haven’t had a chance to talk since he called to tell me that Grayson was coming to get me in Dallas.
“It didn’t seem like something she should do alone,” he replies. “I know you know the feeling.” I do understand.
I don’t want to leave Grayson to go through this alone either, and through this whole situation, Brandon has understood better than anyone in my life the need to stand by the person you love.
It seems he’s never completely buried the love he had for Johanna, the same as I hadn’t with my feelings for Grayson.
I can’t fault him for that.
“They’re going to get through this, right?” I ask, voice soft.
Brandon looks down at his hands.
“I hope so,” he says. “I really fucking hope so.”
Chapter twenty-two
"Save You" - Matthew Perryman Jones
Grayson
Finally, a doctor comes into the waiting room shortly after Joey arrives. Brandon is with her, but I don’t have time to ask why. All of my focus needs to be on the situation in front of me. Mia and Brandon wait behind while Johanna and I go to speak with our mother’s doctor.
“The good news is, we stopped the bleeding,” he tells us once the three of us are alone. “But as I’m sure you know, this incident wasn’t a good sign. She doesn’t have much time left now.”
I wish so badly that my mother hadn’t gotten sick, that things could just go back to the way they were before I found out because I’m not sure how much more I can take. If she had to get sick, I wish Johanna just hadn’t told me. Nothing would’ve had to change.
Fuck this.
I don’t want to do this anymore.
I want to go back to New York, back to the band and our tour. I want to lose myself in the music, get in front of a crowd, and forget any of this is real. I need to convince myself that I have some sort of purpose again.
Amidst my thoughts, my phone buzzes in my pocket and I welcome the distraction.
Eric Anderson
Hey bro. Tony and I have been talking with the other bands on the tour today, and we just want you to know that if you want to postpone the tour, or even cancel it, we’re all fine with it. We can’t imagine what you and Jo are going through. If you need time to figure it all out, please take it. We all love you, bro, and we’re here. Whatever you need.
Without giving it much thought, I quickly pen a response. I already know my answer.
Grayson Harris
No way are we cancelling or postponing anything else. We will be back tonight, and I’m ready to get back on the road. Playing music is the only thing I know how to do right now, and if I don’t do that, I’mgonna go insane. Please tell everyone we’re okay, and we’ll see you all soon.
After I put my phone away, I turn to Johanna.
She looks absolutely devastated.
The doctor had also said we’re able to see Mom now, that she’s conscious again, and of course, Johanna wants to go immediately. I go back to the waiting room to get Mia and Brandon. If I want to introduce Mia to my mother as my girlfriend, I have to do it now.
We let Johanna and Brandon go first as Joey hadn’t gotten to see her since the incident. When it’s our turn, Mom smiles at us as we enter, but I can tell she’s tired and weak.
“Mom,” I say, walking over to her with Mia by my side. “This is my girlfriend, Mia.”
“Hi, Mrs. Harris,” Mia says as she takes one of my mother’s hands. “It’s good to see you again. How are you feeling?”
Mom’s smile gets bigger. “I’m just happy that I got to see my boy. I’m thrilled he found you, and that he’s happy.”
