The Winner

Couldn't Drag Me Away

"Nate, you need to make a decision." Trisha shuts her laptop and stares at me. Paul pays no attention to us now, being tired and wanting to go home and sleep.

"I can't believe we're having this conversation." I rub my forehead and look away as Trisha takes my hand.

"This is your career. Your life." She looks around the studio. "It's time to live your life. Move forward. Go on tour. I'm ready to meet with Richard and start the booking process. The band is ready. Everyone is ready. Sweetie, the album is out. It's doing well. You need to promote it now and get the ball rolling."

"You don't think I know this?" I loosen my tie and unbutton the top button of my shirt.

"You did great tonight, by the way."

I survived my first Charity Event since my heart attack. It was a great night, and we raised over $750,000 for the Heart Foundation I started in memory of my dad. I'm also extremely relieved the event was a dry event. No liquor involved, and nobody seemed to mind.

"Thanks, love. It felt good. Not wearing the suit and tie, but the night itself."

"I'm sure it did feel good! See, Nate. Don't lose yourself. You know who you are and what makes you happy." She squeezes my hand.

"I can't leave her behind." I let go of Trisha's hand and stand up, ready to go home for the night. "Bad enough, she's sad I'm sleeping at home tonight. We ended up fighting about it, a huge blowout, and I left. I feel awful leaving her there like that." I frown.

Trisha stands up, almost the same height as me in those damn heels she's wearing to match her gown. She grabs my tie and pulls me in closer.

"Nate. You can't stall your own life for her recovery. Things are gonna happen. She may get through detox. She may not and need the Ativan again. No one knows. You need to move forward with your own life." Trisha kisses my cheek. "It's time. You can still be there for her, but she's in good hands in the suite with plenty of care."

It IS time. Tonight made me happy. Back in the limelight. Doing something good and gaining positive media attention for a change. I know what my life is, and I need to get back to doing the things that I love. At the same time, I feel guilty knowing Julia is still in the hospital. Still needing a good amount of treatment to get back on her feet.

"C'mon Playboy. Let's go home. These heels are killing me." Trisha drags me out of the studio by my tie.

"Bout time." Paul stands up, relieved to be heading out and ending the night.

*****

Dr. Donovan comes into the suite, looking stressed and exhausted.

"Shouldn't you be home or something?" I whisper in the dark and turn on the small bedside lamp.

"I'm just gonna hang here for a little bit if that's ok. Get some paperwork done." I watch Jeremy drop his backpack and briefcase by the door and lay down on the couch in defeat. He takes his glasses off and puts his arm over his eyes.

"Are you good?" I ask. He spent most of the day here while I got sick, attempting day 3 of yet another detox, then left before dinner. I'm surprised he's back. And also surprised to see him in athletic shorts, T-shirt, and sneakers.

"Yeah. I won't stay long." He mumbles.

"Stay as long as you want. This room is triple the size of a normal room with plenty of places to lounge." I sit up and look around the suite. Nevermind the two beds put together and James's bed, there's two recliners, the couch, two big oversized fabric chairs, and more chairs at the table.