for Wrecker, sounding proud.
“The coffeehouse of L.A.,” the fourth man said, speaking up for the first time. “Everyone goes there.”
Roman focused on the guy. He was so damn big that Roman had thought he was probably only a guard. Roman realized he was being rude. “I’m sorry. I’m Roman,” Roman said, introducing himself again. “My mind is kind of all over the place right now. Sorry I didn’t introduce myself sooner. Between getting hit by a truck, watching Brett suffer while they cut him from the car, and not really sleeping since, I’m barely functioning at this point.”
The huge dude nodded. “It’s cool. I’m Declan. My husband is one of Brett’s clients. He wanted to be here, but he ended up sick after the wedding and he didn’t want to bring any germs to Brett’s room. He made me come so I can tell him every detail. Plus, I have to keep Jessie safe.”
There was a lot to unpack there and Roman had questions, but they were standing outside Brett’s room. Roman realized he should probably warn Brett he was about to be besieged. “Just let me pop in and make sure he’s decent or whatever.”
Everyone nodded and it hit Roman. No one questioned his right to be the one in charge of Brett’s care. Even though each of them probably had more right to watch over Brett than he did, they accepted Roman as the most important person in Brett’s life. That was every bit as sad as it was moving. It was as if Brett had no one who considered themselves close enough to take care of him. That was okay. Roman wanted the job.
He opened the door and peeked in before stepping all the way inside. He smiled at the first sight of Brett. It looked as if the nurse had taken good care of him while Roman had been gone. His bed had been lowered again and blankets piled on top of him. His head turned Roman’s way as Roman slipped inside the room.
“Hey. That was a quick trip.” Brett’s voice still sounded rough.
Roman set his overnight bag aside. “I was in a hurry to get back to your gorgeous face.” Brett snorted. Roman didn’t let that slow him. “You have some visitors waiting in the hall. Is it okay if they come in?”
Brett eyed his mound of covers, as if checking to make sure his body was still intact. “Yeah. That’s fine.”
Roman glanced behind him. “You’re cool to come in.” He grabbed the bag he had brought and moved deeper into the room, making room for everyone. Roman made his way to the corner of the room and unpacked Brett’s laptop while they visited. He checked Brett’s list and found the password Brett had given him to unlock the device. In a matter of minutes, he was logged in to Brett’s computer. He worked his way down the list of rescheduling Brett needed. Roman emailed each client, introducing himself and explaining why Brett couldn’t do any upcoming shows. With that out of the way, he checked Brett’s social media accounts. Roman tuned out everything as he responded to well-wishers and updated his fans on his condition. He didn’t hesitate blocking accounts that said spiteful things. Roman lost track of time as he did what he did best. He charmed people, skating the thin line of keeping Brett’s personal business quiet while keeping people entertained.
“It was nice meeting you, Roman,” Jessie said, interrupting him and making him realize how long he had been lost in working.
“You too.” Roman nodded along as everyone said their goodbyes and wished Brett well. The moment they were alone, Roman set the computer aside and moved to check on Brett. He was barely awake. Roman readjusted his covers and pillows before refilling his water. He turned down the lights.
“Do you need anything?” Brett asked, sounding half asleep.
Roman kissed his cheek. “Yeah. I need you to rest. I have everything else under control.”
“Okay.”
At Brett’s barely whispered response, Roman moved back to the computer. He couldn’t believe, as injured as Brett was, he still asked about Roman’s comfort. While Roman might not have much to offer, he would make sure Brett was cared for in every way. He deserved that. Brett needed someone to keep his brand going while he recovered. That was something Roman could do. Roman wouldn’t fail him.
Four
Brett made a valiant effort to take back his independence once released from the hospital. Unfortunately, the pain, the meds, having one working