“You know, there’s always professional help to help you to get there. Eli started going to therapy around a year ago, and I bet Ollie sees someone, too,” Rose says.
I nod as I remember one night earlier this year when we were celebrating Eli’s company’s latest acquisition with the guys. Eli mentioned about going to therapy the following day, and Ollie commented how at his last session, his therapist said something about healthy boundaries that really made him think about the choices he was making. But we never talked about it again. I wish we had.
Rose rubs my back, taking my silence as uneasiness. “I know therapy might sound like a bad word for you, Jax, but I think you truly need it.”
“Well, do you have any recommendations for a therapist?”
I don’t know who’s more surprised, her or me. Rose looks at me with wide eyes. “I expected you to be completely against the idea.”
“This isn’t the first time someone close to me has suggested it. Uncle Joey told me to get professional help for years. I never listened to him, and now that he’s gone, I wish I did. So, I guess it’s better late than never.”
“Oh, Jax, I’m so flipping proud of you! Look at you being the man I know you are deep inside,” my friend says and tries to hug me.
I playfully push her away first. “I haven’t even had my first session, and you act like I climbed Mount Everest. Chill.”
“You don’t get it! I know it’s scary to admit that you need help, but I promise you that you won’t regret it once you start therapy.”
I smile at her and take her in my arms. “I trust you, Rose Gold.”
“I’m glad that’s settled, then. Now, we have to plan your grand gesture.”
“Please speak English.”
Rose’s eyes fill with warmth as she smiles. “Oh, Jax, you’ll understand soon enough. But now, let’s get to work.”
We spend the next hour planning how I would express my love for Soph. And even if I say so myself, I’m excited about what I, well,we, have planned.
To make sure everything goes as smoothly as expected, I call the one person whose help I need the most on Tuesday. We have discussed Soph and how I could help her financially before, but since things have changed, I need to give him a rundown.
“Please tell me you’re not canceling our dinner next week,” my cousin’s voice greets me.
“No way, Angel, I still want to see you. But things have changed a bit.”
“I know.”
That throws me off guard. “How do you know?”
“Your homeboys have been keeping an eye out on you since the crash. Eli texted us earlier today saying that you aren’t doing too well.”
“So, what, you all have been talking behind my back? Why does everyone think they can meddle in my life?”
Angel chuckles. “Relax, you make it sound way worse than it is. The truth is we care about you and Soph, separately and together. We also want you to live the best life possible. Especially after every shitty thing you have experienced.”
Well,shit.I definitely got the wrong idea there for a moment. “I—um, thanks. I appreciate that.”
“So, now that’s out of the way, tell me about your new plans.”
“I’m going to send you a few videos. I want you to take a moment to listen to those and then tell me if she could fit your record label’s vibes. Let me know what you think.”
Angel hums. “You know, I can’t promise you anything just because she’s a woman my cousin is dating.”
“I do get that, so give her a chance like you would if she was one of the hundreds who send you their tapes.”
My cousin agrees and says his goodbyes. Ten minutes later, I’m added to a group chat called ‘The Jax Watch.’
Angel:Holy shit, guys, why did nobody tell me Soph can actually sing?? I’m a fucking record label owner looking for fresh talent, and you idiot had someone like her working as your receptionist. Jax, what the fuck??
I chuckle as I slowly read the message and reply with speech-to-text.
