Page 59 of Sex On A Plate

“Talk to you later.”

“Love you, Son.”

“Love you, too.”

When in Hollywood for the signing, I got back to the hotel (from the actual book signing) about 2 am. Jess and I were exhausted and we both fell asleep immediately.

My cell phone rang at 4 am.

I lifted it from the nightstand and stared at the caller ID.

It was my sister.

4 am in Hollywood was 2 am in Texas. I knew a 2 am call wasn’t going to be a good thing.

With some reluctance, I answered. “Hello.”

“Scott?”

“Yeah.”

“He died, Scott,” she said.

Motionless, I stared at the ceiling.

“Are you there?” she asked.

My mind wanted to respond, but my tongue was too fat to speak.

Jess woke up. “Who is it?”

I looked at her and shook my head. I didn’t know what to say. It really didn’t matter. I couldn’t have spoken anyway. I lifted my phone and pointed the screen at her.

She glanced at my sister’s avatar and then took another quick look at my face. I was illuminated by the poolside lighting, which was right outside our window.

She began to cry. “Is he going to be okay?” she whispered.

I pulled her against me and rested her head against my chest. She and my father were extremely close. I shook my head.

She bawled.

“Scott,” my sister said. “Are you there?”

I nodded. “Uh huh.”

“He’d want you to go to that Vegas signing,” she said. “You know that, right?”

“But…”

“Those people are expecting you,” she explained. “You told them you’d be there. They bought tickets. Dad would throw a fit if you broke your word.”

I mentally recalled my father’s words of wisdom regarding promises.

All a man has is his word. Make sure yours counts for something.

“Can I call you back?” I asked, my voice cracking as I spoke.

“Yeah,” she replied. “Matt’s there with Mom. I’m leaving in a few minutes to head in that direction.”