hard on the bed, oblivious to Zak wincing, as he got right in the comic’s face.
“You are like a brother to me. I’ve seen you down and out and as low as someone can go. I’ve caught your act in two-bit clubs that reeked of stale beer and sex in the back booths. Listened when no one else was listening. Because you have talent. Because you are special.
“I’ve believed in you. Cheered you on. Celebrated all those small victories with you. And now that you’re on the cusp of hitting the big time, I refuse to sit by and watch you drink away such a terrific opportunity. You’re a star, Zak, burning brighter and faster than most, but you’re going to burn the fuck out if you don’t get some help.”
Rhett leaned back and studied Zak. “I’m here to see you get it, whether you like it or not.”
The floodgates opened and everyone in the room joined in. They all took a turn praising Zak, chastising him, bolstering him, and letting him know how much he meant to them.
Cassie held her breath, hoping their words reached the comedian.
Zak started to cry.
Dr. Eckert motioned for things to wrap up and everyone offered Zak a hug and an encouraging word before they left.
Rhett leaned down and told his friend, “The minute you are released, Dr. Eckert can be here to escort you to Twin Hills. I’ll come along, too, if you’d like.”
Zak frowned. “What if Santa doesn’t know my forwarding address? I assume I’ll be a guest in this lovely facility for a while.”
“Hell, Zak, you’re Jewish. I didn’t really know you believed in Santa,” Rhett joked.
Zak smiled sheepishly. “Hey, anything for a few free presents.” He grew quiet. “Guess I haven’t been too good this year, huh? Better not tell the old fart where I am. I don’t think I’d really want a lump or two of coal in the old stocking.”
Rhett hugged his friend. “Do whatever it takes to get back to being who you really are.”
Zak glanced up at Cassie. “I guess I still need to look for another assistant?”
She nodded. “Unless you want me to see if Jolene wants the job.”
Zak moaned. “Not what I need. Someone who talks dirtier than I do. No, thanks, Cassie. I’ll work on that one down the road.”
“Bye, Zak,” Cassie told him. “We’re all pulling for you.”
She and Rhett left, Dr. Eckert staying behind. Cassie felt sure the psychiatrist would go over some details with Zak to better prepare him for what awaited him during his stint in rehab.
Rhett took her hand as they headed to the elevators. “We only have three days until Christmas.”
“That’s what the calendar says.”
He smiled. “Then I say let’s go do a little shopping.”
CHAPTER 24
Christmas Day had come and gone, but now in the early hours of its aftermath, Rhett couldn’t sleep. He glanced at Cassie lying next to him, her long, copper hair tumbled across the pillow. Nothing like great sex before falling asleep. He loved gazing at her, especially now as she slumbered. She always seemed constantly in motion but in sleep she was serene and peaceful as the faint moonlight reflected across the bed.
Rhett sighed and pillowed his hands beneath his head. The day had gone extremely well with all his relatives. Plenty of food. The kids happy with their presents. Carreen looked as if she finally felt well for the first time in months. She’d finished her last chemo treatment and her prognosis was upgraded to excellent. He knew she’d turned the corner, with only two radiation treatments left.
Carreen pulled him aside, commenting on how happy he seemed with Cassie. Rhett couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as he assured his big sister that Cassie was The One.
He stretched his arms above his head and cracked his knuckles for good measure. What really kept him awake was the script outline Cassie had shown him before they’d left for his mom’s house earlier today.
It was on spec, not associated with any major studio yet. Rhett liked it. A lot. He and Cassie talked more about it once they got home and Rhett relished the idea of developing his own property from its infancy. He made an outrageous salary per picture as it was, more than he could ever spend in his lifetime. Why not use his own money like Mel Gibson had years ago for The Passion of the Christ? No one in town had wanted to touch the religious subject with