Page 97 of Forever and Ever

“If only exes could stay in the past.”

He gets a strange look on his face, and I’m not sure what that is all about.

“It’s fine though, I’m not letting my mom get to me anymore,” I say, then change the subject. “How’s Merry’s demo looking?”

“Good. She’s got a killer sound, as you heard.”

I nod.

“I’ll pass it along to a few contacts, but I have no doubt she’ll get some bites on it. And I’m not sure if she told you, but I offered to manage her.”

“No shit?” She hadn’t mentioned it, but every time we’re around each other lately it feels like there’s a lot going on.

“Who would have thought I’d be in this business?” Adrian chuckles, and I can’t help but agree.

It’s not like he went to school for it. After eight years in the military, he got out and was working at a bar back home where he connected with Sebastian.

Adrian had to learn the industry as he went. He had no experience. We asked him to be our band manager because we could rely on him and we knew he’d have our backs. One thing led to another and here we are now.

“You’re a force,” I tell him because I’m not sure how we’d do it without him.

“Hopefully the band doesn’t mind me taking on more talent. I know you guys have been it for me up to this point, but I think I need to start branching out a bit.”

I shake my head. “They’ll get it, especially for Merry,” I say, looking at the doorway. “How long has she been in there anyway?”

It feels like she’s been gone a long time now. Too long. Something bad settles in my gut, but Adrian shrugs.

I stand up and walk to the doorway, looking up the staircase.

“Merry,” I yell loud enough that she should be able to hear me from down here, but there’s no response.

“What’s up?” Adrian stands, probably sensing my mood shift.

But I don’t answer his question because I’m too busy heading up the stairs to find her. How long has she been gone now?

Five minutes?

Ten?

“Merry.” I knock when I reach the door to the bathroom. My fist hits the door harder than should be necessary, but she doesn’t respond.

I try the handle, but it’s locked.

“Fuck,” I say, banging on the door again. “Merry, open the door.”

Adrian is right next to me now, looking at me confused.

“Sorry man,” I say, barely giving him a glance before slamming my body into the door to get it open. I’ll pay for this shit later, right now it’s the least of my concerns.

The door frame cracks on the third shove, splitting enough that I can push the door open. I’m rushing inside so fast I barely have time to process Merry lying on the bathroom floor.

“Shit.” I hurry to her side and lift her head to set it in my lap. Her eyes are closed and she’s really pale but breathing. Looking down between her legs I see blood soaking through her jeans and that’s when I start to freak out.

“Adrian,” I say, but when I look up, he’s already got his phone out and is talking to someone on the other end, giving them his address.

“Everything okay?” Eloise comes around the corner before she freezes in place. “Oh my God!”

I remember when I hit rock bottom. It was at the bottom of a pile of coke, a bottle of whiskey, and a baggie of pills. I could feel my life in my hands in that moment, like a substance that was slipping away. I honestly thought that was as bad as things could possibly get.

---