Page 89 of I Need You Tonight
“Oh God!” That was why Mason had driven all the way from L.A. when Zack had been worried about me. Mason believed he owed my brother for saving his life.
“As far as we know, he only started gambling again while we were in Atlantic City,” Nolan said. “His father’s death and what happened with his family at the funeral must have caused the relapse. And he started drinking more, especially after…” He let the final words hang.
“After what?”
Nolan sighed, long and heavy. “After you left. What with everything else, he didn’t handle it so well. We suspected he was also getting high.”
“How? Where the hell was he getting drugs from?” Oh, who was I kidding? He was in a rock band. Drugs were common, even if I had never witnessed anyone use or deal them while I was on tour with them.
“Wish I knew. If something happens to Mason, I’ll personally kill the guy he got the drugs from. All we know is that he stayed on the bus when the rest of the band went out after the show. He said he was tired and just wanted to sleep or play a video game. Jared and I returned early and found him unconscious, a half-empty bottle of whiskey next to him. We don’t even know what drug he was using.”
I closed my eyes, Nolan’s words pulling me under, making it hard to breathe. “Do you think he tried to commit suicide again?” The sob I’d been barely holding back finally broke free.
“I really don’t know. But we found out today that we’ll be headlining our own tour soon.”
Even though he couldn’t see me, I smiled, although it was weak at best. “Congratulations! You guys deserve it. It was about time your label finally realized it.”
“So it doesn’t make sense that Mason would try to kill himself,” Nolan continued, without acknowledging what I had said. “He wanted this as much as the rest of us did.”
“Then it was probably an accidental overdose,” I said, praying it was true. Praying he would be all right. Praying that if there really was a God, he wouldn’t be offended that I hadn’t believed in him, and would still listen to my prayers for Mason.
“You’re probably right. Look, I should go now. I just wanted you to know before it explodes on social media.”
I would have offered to help them, but this afternoon I’d received a call from their label letting me know that my services were no longer required. They had hired a more qualified candidate. He was taking over the contest I’d been running on the band’s behalf. To say it hadn’t stung would be like saying a great white shark didn’t bite.
“I can be on the next plane out.” I needed to be there for him, to make sure he fought for what was important—his life.
“It’s best that you don’t. It’s not like the doctors will let you see him anyway. And he wouldn’t want you to see him this way.”
If I had thought the call from the label had hurt, that was nothing compared to Nolan’s words. I sucked in a sharp breath. It did nothing to dull the pain. “Will you keep me updated on his condition?” I asked.
“Are you…are you sure you want that?”
I could feel my face crumple. “I still love him, and I miss him so much it hurts.” I covered my mouth with my hand, working hard at regaining some sort of control over my emotions, as futile as the effort was. I took a deep breath and lowered my hand. “I need to know he’s going to be okay.”
“All right. As soon as I find out anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. We ended the call, and for the longest time I stood leaning against the wall, staring at my phone. Eventually Heidi came out of the restaurant looking for me.
“What happened?” she asked, voice soft.
I told her everything, then burst into tears. She hugged me and held me tight. Still hugging me, she sent someone a text. A moment later that someone left the restaurant, along with my date for the night.
They drove me home in silence, with me staring out the side window, tears dampening my cheeks, willing Nolan or Jared to phone me with an update—and at the same time willing them not to. I wasn’t sure if I could handle any more bad news about Mason.
When we arrived at my house, I apologized for ending the evening so soon, then bailed. Simon didn’t say anything, not that there was much he could say. And in the end, I didn’t care if I never heard from him again. I would gladly remain single for the rest of my life if it meant Mason would be all right.
Heidi walked me to the door. “I’m staying with you tonight.”
I attempted to smile, but my facial muscles refused to obey. “I’d rather be alone, thanks.”
Heidi frowned. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’d feel better if I was here with you.”
This time I did smile. “I know, but it’s not like I’m going to do anything stupid. I’m just tired. I’ll probably go to bed anyway.”
She looked like she was about to argue, but something on my face must have caused her to change her mind. “Promise me you’ll call me as soon as you hear anything.”
I nodded and let her hug me again.
