Rollercoaster (The Circle Series - Part 3)

Chapter 21

"Wait...Jules made YOU my sitter?!" Jon's speech had improved since his stroke and with pig-headedness, was determined to talk as naturally as he could.

"Obviously she thinks you'll listen to me," David chuckled, tossing his keys onto the coffee table and slung his leather jacket over an armchair. "I tell ya...those women work their asses off. I'm impressed."

Two weeks after Jon arrived back home from the hospital, Julie had begged David to watch after him while she and Leesha were working hard. He agreed hesitantly since he and Jon had been on such shaky ground. Even now he was careful to sit far enough from Jon to avoid getting beaten with his walking cane.

David made himself comfy on the plush sofa, kicking off his shoes and silence fell between the men. Only the distant ticking of Jon's grandfather clock echoed through the home.

"I don't need a fucking babysitter," Jon grumbled under his breath.

"Yeah she said you would complain about it," David rolled his eyes, sending a quick text to Gabby. "Gab's got a comedy showcase tonight in Brooklyn..."

"Lord above," Jon said, "You releasing another one to torture poor souls with your brand of comedy?" He had a flash of their early days where the combination of David and Richie together would have them all in stitches. He wasn't sure if it staved off the repetitiveness of the road or contributed to the lunacy of it all.

David shrugged. "She inherited my sense of humor and took it further. People love her. Did you need a drink or anything? What time did you need your pills?"

"I'm not an invalid," he groused, even though technically he was but the Bongiovi stubbornness shone through.

"Christ, Jon...just answer the question, will ya? I'm here to help."

"I hate this, okay?!" Jon sniped, "I hate having to rely on people to fetch and carry for me, I hate that I can't go for a run of a morning and I hate that Jules is treating my like spun glass!" He tossed his cane across the room in frustration.

David blinked rapidly. "Fine...whatever..." He took out a small bottle and cylinder from his pocket, carefully filling it with the amber liquid. He popped the cap back on the bottle and tucked it away, placing the silver vape pen between his lips and inhaled. His exhale was shaky and he grabbed his bottle of water, taking a long sip from it.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing with that in my house?"

"With what?" David asked hesitantly.

"That shit," he replied, pointing to David's hand.

"It's not recreational. Just drop it." The blonde stood and slowly walked to the kitchen to refill his bottle, noticing that Julie had set out Jon's medications. He grabbed the pills and a can of Coke for Jon and stopped beside his chair, holding out the items with a soft smile. "Jules, set them on the table."

With a sigh, Jon accepted the pills and the drink, putting them on the coffee table, and said, "So why? What are you not telling me?"

David sunk back into the sofa and took another pull from the vape pen, his hand shaking slightly. "Just been feeling off lately. Probably another stomach bug that won't fuck off."

"Did my warning not sink in?"

"All you did was tell Leesh to get me to a doctor. I've been too busy to piddle around, bend over and spread my ass cheeks. Got another musical in rehearsals. You know how my schedule can get."

"Make the goddamn time," Jon said, "Trust me on this one...please?! Now...why are you smoking that shit again??"

David groaned and took another pull, feeling the drug kicking in. "My appetite's nearly gone and the nausea has gotten worse, man. A lot worse but smoking has helped with needing to eat as well as helping the pain in my stomach for a short time.