Page 130 of Fire

My mom always gets extra emotional when there’s bad news…or she’s tipsy. Unfortunately for me, it’s the former. After I visited with Dr. Deshmukh yesterday, I didn’t feel right about keeping the news from my family, especially my parents. So I decided to call and tell them today. My dad was pragmatic as usual, asking the logical questions while also making plans for my future as a musician.

My mom, however, was a basket of emotions. She burst into tears and told me how devastated she felt for me. That’s when Zara stepped in and tried to smooth things over, explaining the kind of treatment I would be undergoing and how it might help. That improved things, but I can still tell she’s upset.

I don’t blame her, though. It’s not like I exactly took the news well either.

I don’t know how long Zara held me in that exam room while I cried. No, not just cried. Fucking sobbed.

Pretty sure it won’t be the last time, either.

“No need to shout,” I laugh. “She’s just in the other room.”

“Okay. Well, I just wanted to make sure she knew. I’m so glad you two found each other, and I’m so grateful to her for everything.”

“I know, Mom,” I say as I turn toward the desk where Zara’s laptop rests. She’s been on it doing nonstop research. I practically had to drag her off it to go get ready for tonight’s concert. “Me too.”

Dr. Deshmukh gave us a treatment plan that included a recommendation for a movement specialist. Most people would just pick the one closest to their home, right? Not my girlfriend. She’s currently in the process of making another spreadsheet to compare and contrast all the movement specialists that were recommended to determine the best one, location be damned.

A small smile crosses my lips. “I’ve got to go,” I tell my parents. “I’ll call you soon.”

“Okay.” It’s my dad who responds this time. “I’ll have Saul reach out to Seether and inform them of your decision. He’ll also send replies to the rest of the bands.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, knowing I’m doing the right thing. I was hesitant to accept the offer even before I knew about the diagnosis. Now, I’m even more sure. With my future so uncertain, I know now is not the time to make any major life changes with my career.

I finally end the call and let out an exhausted sigh. It was a long, emotional conversation.

“You okay?” Zara asks as she emerges from the bedroom, looking hot as fuck. She’s fully embraced the rocker look sincethat night in LA when Elena helped her dress up. For tonight’s concert, she’s wearing a tight leather skirt and a cropped NYC shirt I bought her today when we went to Times Square.

“I am now,” I say, eyeing her up and down. “You look incredible.”

She grins. “Not sure this is appropriate attire for a doctor, but I decided I don’t care. I’m a rock doc. I can dress however I want.”

“That’s the spirit,” I say, then fall silent.

She notices the change in tone almost immediately. “What?” she says, crossing the room in seconds. “What is it? Did your parents say something? Are you worried about playing tonight?”

I hold her waist to steady her. “No.” I shake my head. “Nothing like that.”

“Then what?—”

“Evans is coming back.” I watch her eyes go wide. She knows what this means. “I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Cash gave me a heads-up.”

“What did your dad say?”

I just shake my head. “Not a damn word. That’s what’s bothering me. Saul hasn’t said anything either. I thought that after I told my dad about my diagnosis, he’d finally mention it. Not as big of a blow when they’ll probably just ask me to leave the second I tell them anyway, you know?”

“You think Asher would really do that?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “I don’t think so, but it puts them in a tricky spot. I’m unreliable and Evans?—”

“Is just coming back from extended time off.”

“This whole thing is confusing as fuck.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek. “Well, there’s only one way to solve it.”

I slide my hand up her bare thigh. “Stay here and see what kind of panties are hiding under that skirt?”

She grins and playfully smacks my hand. “Nope, sorry. But I might show you later, after you go talk to Asher.”