Me again.

Cold Water

My phone rang.

Hello, Becca Robbins. I said. Becca this is Lisa. The voice said. Lisa who? I asked. Lisa Dolan. She said. Sean has passed away. Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Would you mind coming over to my house? She asked. Sure no problem It might be a couple days. I said. 

Two days later I booked a flight to New Jersey. So many memories flooded my mind as I pulled up to the house that felt like my childhood home. I knocked on the door. Jess opened the door. Im so Glad your here. She said pulling me into a hug. I walked into the house and sat with her and Ethan on the couch. Hey Fish face. He said pulling me into a hug. Still hate me huh? I asked. No I love you, love to hate you. He chuckled. How are things? I asked. The law firm is going great. Making bank. He added. We are expecting a little one in August. He said holding Jess hand. Wow Jess I didnt even know. I said. Yeah we havent told anyone. She added. How's uh. I paused. Grayson? Ethan interrupted. Hes, well spiraling for the most part. Always smoking and drinking. Jess added. Oh, I didn't know that. I said. Just then the man of the hour walked through the door. We locked eyes for the first time in almost 6 years. Hi Grayson. I said. He didnt say one word or even acknowledge me. He turned to his brother. Where is mom? He asked. Funeral home. She will be back soon. Ethan said. Silence filled the air. I was wondering what Grayson was thinking or feeling. I havent seen his face in person is so many years. He still looks remotely the same his jawline is a little more defined his hair now jet black and the tattoos that cover his arms. Grayson walked up the stairs of his childhood home as Ethan followed. He's changed. I said. You have no Idea Bec. Jess said. What do you mean? I asked. His whole personality is different hes not the Grayson we grew up with. She said. I nodded. Why? I asked. We have no idea one day Ethan came home and told me everything Grayson even gave up his half of the law firm to Ethan and told him he was done with it. Ever since then hes been acting. She said. Wow. I said. Just then the door opened and Lisa walked in. She hugged Jess. Is that Rebbecca Robbins? She said smiling. Yeah that would be me. I said as she pulled me into a hug. The boys are upstairs. Jess said. Would you like to come to mine and Ethan's house for dinner? She asked me. You know I would really love some home cooked food. Fast food and Road dinners get pretty boring. I said. I know just what to make you and we have some catching  up to do. She added. I pulled her into a hug. Part of me feels so great to be home and part of me feels so uneasy being here again. I've only been her once in the last 3 years and that was for a concert. I said. Trust me Im glad that your here and even if Ethan doesnt say it. Hes missed you too. I know he does. I said.  How is Ethan handling things? I asked. Hes handling things the best he can. Jess said. Well I mean that is expected. I added. The boys came back down stairs. I followed Ethan and Jess to their car. We pulled up to a nice house in the suburbs. This looks like a nice neighborhood. I said. Yeah well I can't wait to be out of it to many people. Jess said. We are building just outside oof city limits. Ethan added. I grabbed my phone out of the back seat just as a grey dodge charger pulled up. To no surprise it was Grayson. I followed Jess into the house as she showed me around. Ethan's grilling. She said. Good. Has he gotten better at it though? I chuckled. Hes pretty good. Just don't tell him that. She said laughing. We walked into the back yard. Grayson was sitting in a chair on the deck drinking a beer. Your not going to drink and drive are you? I asked. He puckered his lip and turned his face in my direction then laughed and turned away. Okay then. I said walking back inside. You know he hasnt said one word to me? I said. Get used to it. Jess replied. Grayson was so mysterious it intrigued me. I grabbed myself a beer popped a lime in it and walked outside. So whats with all the tattoos ? I asked. Grayson turned his face. Therapy. He said quiet. I nodded my head. For something specific? I asked. Built up over years. He said shily. Alright then. I said back. Jess walked outside to Join us. So Gray you head back about your audition yet? She asked. I got a call back. Hey thats good bro. Ethan said. Why are yall all of a sudden so interested in me we never talk this much. Grayson said. Just trying to make conversation. Ethan said. Jess Ethan Grayson and me all sat around the fire. So what have you been up to. Ethan asked me. Not much really just Music. I said. And that hot guy your dating. Jess said smugly. Ethan and Grayson both turned in her direction. Hot guy? Ethan asked. Graysons eyes were fixed on Jess. Who's this hot guy? Ethan asked. Grayson now turned and looked in my direction. Well his name is Scotty. I chuckled We've been together for about a year and a half. I said. Grayson sorta shook his head. How did you two meet? Ethan asked. We met in person a few years back at a talk show. Hes really great. I bet he is. Grayson said standing up and walking out. I looked at Jess and Ethan. Ethan stood up and walked after his brother. I finished eating my grilled chicken. I think Im gonna call a cab. I said. No no let me drive you home. Jess said. I grabbed my bag and walked to her car. Graysons charger was still in the driveway. Ethan was sitting in the passenger seat. I waved bye. So when do you have to go back to Nashville. Not until Sunday but Scotty is flying in two days. I said. I cant wait to meet him. Jess said. Speaking of. I said as my phone rang. I answered the face time call. Hey babe. I said. Hey sweetheart how are you? Just waiting to see you. I said. Well I  board at 8 should be there by 2. I cant wait. This is My cousin Jess. I said. Hi. She waved. I cant wait to see you. I have a surprise coming out at midnight. New song? Possibly. We pulled up to the hotel. Hey babe im at the hotel I will call you back when I get inside. I said. Okay Honey I love you. We walked inside the hotel I opened my room door. Surprise! Scotty yelled holding flowers. I covered my mouth. Baby! I yelled jumping into his arms. I couldnt wait any longer to see my girl. He said. I jumped down and he hugged Jess. We are having a little get together tomorrow night at my house if you would like to come. Jess said. Well that sounds nice im sure we can make it. He said. Jess walked out. I was so happy to have scotty here.