Change of plans. Georgina’s not staying at my house for a week anymore. I asked her this morning to stay for the entire summer, and she said yes.”
He’s quiet for a moment. And then, “Wow. That’s quite a ‘purely professional relationship’ you’re having with her, Reed.”
I smile to myself. “Just do some research for me on cute little convertibles, would you? Tell me what you recommend.”
“I already know exactly what I recommend: lay off the blow, Reed.”
“I’m not high, Owen. At least, not on coke. Georgina doesn’t own a car. Not even a shitty one. Who the hell doesn’t own a car in LA? She needs one.”
“You don’t think maybe any car would be too extravagant a gift that makes you look like a madman? It’s still really early days, Reed.”
My spirit falls. I say nothing.
“You gave her a Peloton on day one. Maybe that’s enough for now?”
My heart is thundering. He’s right. I’ve let myself get swept away. I’m moving way too fast and I need to slow down. “A Pilates machine, then. She said she taught spin and Pilates classes. I don’t know anything about Pilates. Isn’t there a machine for that?”
“Yes, it’s called a reformer. But, Reed. I’m not kidding this time. Do I need to call Promises and see if they’ve got a bed for you? Are you back on the blow?”
“I don’t need rehab, Owen. I’m fine. I’m just... “
In a flash, my mind wanders to Georgie. In rapid-fire succession, I see her happy dance again. And then her floating naked in my moonlit pool. I see her standing naked underneath my bedroom window. And the look on her face when that orgasm in the sex swing shattered her. And, finally, I see the beautiful look of contrition on her face when she apologized to me this morning. The look that grabbed my heart in its iron fist.
And it suddenly occurs to me...
Holy shit.
Georgina isn’t the one who’s the junkie here. She’s the drug!
“Reed?” Owen says. “You’re just... what?”
I scrub my palm over my stubble. “Fucked.” I shake it off. “Moving on. No car. Look into Pilates machines for me, okay? Now, tell me about the party. You’ve got everything cooking?”
Owen rattles off a brief update. He tells me invitations went out an hour ago. And that everyone who’s not on tour knows it’s mandatory they come. He says, “And I got your note about us having a stage filled with musical instruments, in addition to a DJ—so musicians can hop up there in random combinations and jam together. Great idea.”
I thank him and give him my notes for Watch Party’s upcoming album, which I finished listening to this morning while making breakfast, and we end the call.
After disconnecting with Owen, I get a text from Henn, telling me he just heard about the party on Saturday. But rather than text him back, I decide to call him, since I’ve got a few minutes before I have to head out to my meeting with Leonard.
“Hello, brother,” Henn says. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much. I’m busy conquering the world. You?”
“Oh, I’m just, you know, living the thug life. Hannah had a big project due at work and the nanny called in sick, so I’m trying to bang out some code for a client while Hazel is taking her morning nap. She’s in her crib right now, sleeping butts-up coconut.”
I chuckle. “I’m afraid to ask.”
“That’s what Hannah calls it when Hazel’s sleeping with her bottom straight in the air. She smashes her cheek into the mattress and curls her little legs up underneath her, and points her butt straight up. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Send me a pic.”
“Reed, Hazel is my baby.”
I laugh. “I want to see.”
“Are you drunk?”
“I’m just in a good mood. Now, send me a fucking photo of your baby doing butts up coconut before I beat your scrawny ass. My time is valuable, man. I don’t beg.”
He laughs.
My phone pings.
“I sent it.”
“Aw. You’re right. That is adorable.”
“I can’t get enough. I’ve got like nine hundred photos of the same basic shot on my phone.” He chuckles happily. “But, surely, you didn’t call to hear me gush about Hazel. I’m guessing you’re calling about your party? I RSVP’d right before you called. It’s perfect timing. Hannah’s mom and my parents were already coming into town for the weekend for Hazel’s birthday party on Sunday, so we’ve got overnight babysitting. Same with Josh and Kat.”
“Oh, you’ve talked to Josh? He’s coming, for sure?”
“Yeah, he texted