Stephanie Anne Mitchell was Ethan’s best friend since elementary school. They were practically inseparable growing up but ended up going in different directions in college. Thankfully, with the abundance of social media and smartphones, Ethan and Stephanie kept up their friendship over the years.
Ethan hit the call button and waited for Stephanie to pick up the phone.
“Where have you been? Are you okay?” Stephanie asked. “I went by your place, and your doorman said you had packed up and left yesterday. What’s going on?”
“I’m fine.”
“Then why haven’t you answered my phone calls?”
“After passing out, they brought me back to the hotel.”
“Why are you in a hotel? Why aren’t you at the townhouse?”
“Because of the release of the new album today, which I royally fucked up, I might add.”
“It’s not your fault you passed out on national television. I’m sure no one blames you.”
“I’m sure they handled the Hard Rock Café appearance somehow. Hightower and Rawlins are good at covering those things.”
“You still haven’t explained the hotel situation,” Stephanie reminded him.
“Oh, yeah. With the release, press junket and our upcoming trip to start the tour in Seattle, Hightower and Rawlins decided to house us in a hotel for a few days.”
“Your world is so weird to me,” Stephanie said.
“It’s weird to me, too,” Ethan admitted as he lay back down on the hotel room bed and stared up at the ceiling.
“So, what did the doctor say?”
“He figures it was dehydration combined with the intensity of the studio lights.”
“What really happened?”
“Did you hear about Danny?”
“Yes, I did,” her voice suddenly became very somber.
“Well, I was in the RNN studio getting ready for another part of the interview when the piece about his murder showed on the monitor.”
“Oh, dear God!”
“Yep,” Ethan said, trying to keep the emotion out of his voice. “I remember seeing the segment, the world spinning, then waking up as the band and everyone huddled around me.”
“What a horrible way to find out,” Stephanie said. “Not that there is a good way.”
“What about you?” Ethan asked. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m still trying to process. I was so worried about you that I didn’t even have time to think about it. I’m sure it will hit me at some point today, but it hasn’t yet.”
“Have you heard from his family?”
“I talked to his sister. She’s still in shock. They haven’t even made funeral arrangements. Besides, the police aren’t sure when they’ll release the body to the family.”
“Well, if you need me, I’m here for you,” Ethan consoled.
“Likewise. Make sure you answer your phone from now on.”
“Scouts’ honor. I will answer.”
