Dial Drunk - Post Malone

53

Austin sticks his hand under his pillow when the vibrations from his alarm on his phone wake him. He rolls onto his back and stretches out his body, yawning wide then checks his phone. He has only one text and it's from Levi. Funny how after only a year away from LA all those party people have forgotten he even existed and have stopped calling or texting him. He is fine with that. He has Grassy, who lives with him of course. Dre, Cecilia and Max have moved into Salt Lake City. He has Stella, Jeremy and their newborn, Lacey, who live in LA but call him often. He has Levi's parents who have made it a habit to phone him every Sunday and sign crap at him for at least an hour - he loves that they do that. He has his mother who he talks to often and who has visited him in Utah several times - their relationship is strong. Jack has become more of a friend than just an assistant, he is a great guy. Josh and Becky have become close friends and they give great advice and Lyla has become like a little sister or at least she annoys him like a little sister and he has become protective over her. Then there is of course Levi. They have not progressed into a relationship, but they are not just friends either. They are something more. They call and text every day, saying I love you and being present for every high and every low.

It hasn't been easy, there are moments where Austin feels weak and has to fight his urges - but he fights, he fights hard and has not lost yet but it's getting easier. Levi battles too, trust is a hurdle she is trying to jump over. It's hard for her because she had trusted Austin so deeply and he had shattered it so badly, but he is understanding of that and is patient. He does everything he can to help gain her trust again, she will get there, he knows she will.

He stretches again and checks his message from Levi smiling when he sees it's a compilation video of random people rolling their eyes.

I love you too.
Have a good day, baby.

He texts back then climbs out of bed and makes it. He likes making his bed. He showers, dresses then makes his way down to the kitchen, enjoying the quiet that always surrounds the house. It's one of his favourite things - he can go days without hearing a pin drop. He turns the TV on in the kitchen and puts it on mute, it has become a habit since he started learning to lip-read. Then smiles when Grassy turns around and hands him a fresh cup of coffee. "I am not going to be around today. You are on your own," Grassy signs. Austin pulls a face and takes a sip of his coffee before grunting. Grassy has a life of his own but Austin just likes him around, he is his comfort blanket, his best friend and brother.

"Don't be a grumpy pants. You don't need me around you any more, look at you all sober and shit. Mr I have my life back on track."

Austin laughs and shakes his head, taking another sip of his coffee. "Maybe so, and maybe I don't need you around, but I will always want you around, Grassy," he signs then smiles when Dre walks in and also gets a fresh cup of coffee from Grassy. It's Grassy's birthday next week and Austin has bought him a ranch with a horse and everything - the man is going to lose his mind. He is obsessed with becoming a cowboy. "When are you going to ask Levi to come up here? That's all that's missing from this picture now," Grassy signs. "Soon. I need to start writing album number five and so I am going to suggest she come up here and stay here while writing...we will see what happens from there..." Austin signs, smiling at the thought. "Aaaah, young love - it's a sweet sweet thing. Do you want tacos tonight? I am gonna make tacos," Grassy signs plopping his Stetson on his head. "Sounds good to me," Austin signs.

"Howdy Partner!" Grassy signs and gallops out on his imaginary horse. "Whenever I have a bad day or bad news, or even if I am feeling a little grumpy. I find Grassy, that man has never failed to put a smile on my face," Dre signs. "Same, he is the best. A pure soul," Austin signs taking his trucker cap and plopping it on his head then picking up his guitar. "Ready for a full day at work?" Austin signs. "Yup. Also, I always feel deaf when I walk into your house - it's so quiet and I automatically start signing instead of talking," Dre signs. "It's Levi's world," Austin signs shutting the front door behind them as they leave the house and walk down to the new studio Austin had just built. It's big with a reception desk and two recording studios, one for him and one for Levi. There is a conference room in there too and a nap room for Grassy.