There’s a press release from Rob saying that the band has not broken up but is merely taking a much-deserved break while the Slade brothers recuperate. There’s even a press release from Jessi stating she wishes Colt well and hopes he recovers quickly, but it was all my fault that he started with drugs in the first place.
I roll my eyes and stop reading.
Joseph walks in and tuts when he sees me on the laptop. “I thought we’d agreed you’d stay away from the trash?” He softly closes the laptop.
“Yeah, I should’ve listened to you and avoided it. I miss him, you know? I wish I had some way of talking to Colt to make sure he’s doing okay.”
“I know it sucks, but hewillcall when he can.” He smiles and changes the subject. “But for now, I need some people to try out our menu. People who aren’t biased like you. Know anyone you want to invite over for dinner?”
I pick up my cell and dial Anna’s number.
“Dee, hey,” Anna says chirpily.
“Hey, how are you?”
“The same as yesterday. Relaxing at home on the sofa with my husband and spending as much time in the bedroom with him as possible. It’s so much better when you don’t have to be quiet because people are in the next damn room. I simply love life,” she replies with a giggle.
I know they struggle with band life, so I am glad they are having some normality.
“So, Madam A has re-surfaced then?” I ask with a chuckle.
She laughs and exhales. “Oh, yes. Well, she never really leaves, but she’s definitely more available to Johnny now, and he loves it,” she replies. “So spill, have you heard from Colt yet?”
“No, and I’m depressed. I miss his voice and want to know he’s okay.”
She sighs. “Yeah, I get it. I want to know how he is too. And Hux. Hopefully, they’ll let them call soon.”
“So, anyway, enough of the sad sack shit. What are you and Johnny doing for dinner tonight? Joseph and Danny want to trial their menu on a couple of willing participants. If you’re game?”
“As long as I don’t have to cook, we’ll be there. What time?”
“Well, you can come whenever you like, but food will start around sixish,” I say, and I hear her squeal. I laugh at her excitement.
“Johnny, stop! I’m on the phone,” I hear her mumble and then realize the squeal wasn’t from excitement.
“Sorry about that. Okay, we’ll be there soon. Even though I talk to you daily, it’s not the same as being with you.”
“Honestly, I can’t wait.”
Joseph is preparing the food when I enter the kitchen. “Anna and Johnny are coming. Now, please, be nice.”
“I was nice until she started on you, then my protective best friendness kicked in.”
“Best friendness?” I question, and he shrugs. “Well, you guys are my besties, so it would be great if you could get along for my sake?”
“Princess, as long as she treats you right, we’ll get along just fine. Plus, her husband is hot, and I like to look at him,” Joseph replies, raising his eyebrows insinuatingly.
I slap him on the arm and chuckle.
***
Probably no more than an hour passed, and Anna and Johnny arrived.
We’ve been in the dining area drinking tea and generally chatting about everything and nothing while Joseph and Danny cook up a storm in the kitchen. We’re busy discussing the importance of Boozeline when my phone rings. Pulling it from my pocket, my heart leaps into my throat when I see Colt’s picture lighting the screen.
“Dee, you okay?” Anna asks.
“Yeah, it’s Colt. I’ll put it on speaker so we can all talk to him.” They nod, and I answer the call by pressing the speaker button.
