“But you didn’t even try,” Dr. Cathen said.
“It wouldn’t have been the right choice for me,” Tommy said. “I was already looking for a quick fix. It would have been another mess down the road.”
“I don’t think you’re in any place to be making those decisions,” Thomas Foster stated.
“Neither are you, since I haven’t seen you in like four years. And the only time I hear from you is when you’re divorcing mom and want to power grab my money?” Tommy shook his head. “Not a chance.”
“You don’t get a say in this, Tommy. Your Power of Attorney is not even here,” his father said as if it were a gotcha moment.
“Actually, I am,” Ru said. “Katie handed the PoA back to me this week since I’m home from tour and taking over as Tommy’s main support. She’s still on backup. But I’m your go-to from this day forward.”
“You’re a child. I hardly think you’re the best person to be making those decisions for Tommy.”
“I consult with Tommy’s doctors,” Ru stated, “and Tommy, to decide his care.As it should be.” Ru added the last hotly. “Anything else you can send directly to my attorneys.”
“If he were well enough to be making his own decisions, he wouldn’t be making such poor ones.”
“Like getting the care I need?” Tommy asked.
“Leaving Vocal Growth, throwing away your career, being here. The poor decisions you have made are endless.”
“VG was over. It had been running on fumes for over a year before it broke up. The last album tanked and I was not going to become someone’s backup dancer,” Tommy stated.
“But you’ll dance for him,” Thomas Foster pointed at Ru. “Humiliate yourself by being backup for the guy shamed into leaving the group?”
“Ru doesn’t need them anyway. His first self-released single outsold any of VG’s old songs. His album hit the top of the charts in seven countries. I think Ru is doing fine.” Tommy folded his arms across his chest. “I’m not going back to that. Life on the road, wild parties, endless spotlights. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m switching to acting, musicals and the like.”
“Throwing away your career. Was the media right before? You’redatingthis boy?” His father motioned to Ru. “Or is it the other one? A long list of boys now that this one has come out.”
“As if. Is that the only way people get stuff in your world?” What other one? Dane? Bas? Adam? Did his dad think it was a big gay orgy for semi-rational teens or something? “I’m straight, not that any of this has to do with my sexuality. I drank myself into oblivion. I took meds to help with stress. I made dumb decisions in the past. But I’m getting better. I’m where I need to be to heal.” Tommy recalled really starting to drink during their first tour. He’d been way too young, but no one cared. He was rich and famous. But he’d had the taste for it long before that. Sips from his dad’s beer by the time he was six and stealing from the liquor cabinet to share with his friends when he was twelve. Everyone had wondered how he had AFLD at twenty-one, but that was why. Almost a decade of drinking. He had been stupid, adding the benzo to the top of what was already an out-of-control addiction.
“What about your relationship with Patrick O’Rourk?” Dr. Cathen asked.
“Who is Patrick?” Tommy asked, confused.
“We do not deadname people here, Dr. Cathen,” Dr. Brigham said tightly. “I think this interview is over. Ms. O’Rourk’s relationship to Mr. Foster has nothing to do with you, or Mr. Foster’s father.”
“Mr. O’Rourk is sick and in need of help. How does that help Tommy recover?” Thomas Foster demanded.
“Ms. O’Rourk’s mental health is none of your business. You have in front of you all the data that we have provided to the court of Mr. Foster’s mental and physical state. He is aware and contributing to his recovery, part of the decision-making process, and will soon be able to make all those decisions himself. I think any court will find this entire thing very comprehensive.” Dr. Brigham handed over the files. “These are your copies. We’ve already delivered copies to the court highlighting the findings of each of the doctors and specialists indicating his obvious improvements.”
She stood and so did Tommy and Ru. Tommy was eager to get out of there. Though his mind still whirled. He followed everyone out as if in a daze, hearing his father muttering angrily to the other doctor, but not paying attention. He was happy to be free of the meeting space.
Dr. Brigham stopped him. “You okay? We have your therapist on standby.”
Tommy breathed a minute. “Can I have a few minutes? Like maybe to think, sort, and all that?” He waved at his head. Sometimes the voices needed time to fade. And there was a lot of noise in his head right now.
“Of course.” She gave him a warm smile. “You’re doing amazing, Tommy. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It often takes months for anyone to even begin the process. You threw yourself in from day one, wanting to learn and get better. I hope you know how proud we all are of you.”
He smiled. “Thanks. I have a lot in my head.” He turned and headed back toward his room, Ru at his side.
“You okay?” Ru asked after they finally reached Tommy’s space.
“I think so?” He thought for a few minutes. “Patrick?” Patrick was Paige? Had he known that?
Ru frowned. “Please don’t call her that.”
It was a weird mix of chaos in his head. Patrick was Paige. Paige was a boy? No. Everything about Paige was a girl. “Did I know that?”
