“I do my best. It’s comedy central over here. And you are on pain meds, so you’re an easy audience.”
“I’m totally not,” I tell him. “I’m really, really grumpy. Like a grizzly bear. Tell him, Hallie.”
“He is. Grumpiest man in town.”
For some reason, I laugh. Then I growl.
She laughs. “Greyson, I think I should film you.”
“Film me?” I ask. “Because you want to look at my chiseled jawline when I’m not around?”
She laughs again.
The orderly does too. “I think you might be our headliner at the Waterford Regional Comedy Club.”
“Nahhh,” I say, my tongue feeling weird when I speak. “I’m not funny. But you know who has talent? Dustin. That guy can sing.”
“Dustin Reed?”
“Yeah!” I shout. “Do you know him?”
“I saw him perform at the Fork & Fiddle a few months back.”
“Dude can sing,” I say.
Hallie laughs again.
“You think I’m funny,” I tell her. “But I’m not as perfect as you are, Hallie. You’re perfect. And beautiful. And I love you so much it hurts sometimes. But it doesn’t hurt too bad. Don’t worry about me.”
The orderly looks at Hallie. “Truth serum. That’s what the meds are to some people. If you want to dig into his secrets, now’s your chance.”
“I’m good,” Hallie says, smiling warmly at me.
She smells so sweet when she leans close to me and says, “I’m madly in love with you, Greyson.”
“That’s dangerous,” I warn her. “Very dangerous.”
“I’ll take my chances,” she says. A tear forms in her eye and I wipe it.
“Well, here we are. Elevator banks.” The orderly says, “Going up.”
“Up! Up! Up!” I shout.
Hallie and the orderly laugh.
“You guys keep laughing at me.”
“Because you’re funny,” Hallie says, smoothing my hair out of my face.
“You can do that again,” I tell her. “I like when you touch my hair.”
“Keep it PG, folks,” the orderly says, pushing me into the elevator.
“It’s PG,” I tell the orderly. “She’s got a daughter. Mia’s the best player on my team. I’m so proud of her.”
Hallie’s smile widens. I need to stop talking. But more words come.
“I think I love her too.”
