Let the Music Say I Do-5
705 Words
The minute I got home from Lem’s, I stashed my equipment in the music room and collapsed on the couch, too tired to even make it upstairs. I awoke at eight o’clock the next morning needing to piss, and with a major kink in my spine.
When I checked my phone after I brushed my teeth and showered, there were at least ten texts from Joey which I deleted. He had some nerve trying to talk to me. I was serious this time. I wouldn’t be doing anything for him, ever again. He was poison and careless with the feelings of others. My heart couldn’t take it anymore, and I needed to stop torturing myself. He would never change.
I was making pancakes in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. “Just a second!” I yelled as I flipped one and took the pan off the burner briefly so I could get the door. I opened it to see Joey standing on my doorstep. Unbelievable. “Go away.”
I slammed the door in his face and went back to my pancakes. Of course, he didn’t leave. I heard the door open and close, then his footsteps on the floor as he followed me back to the kitchen.
“Didn’t you get my texts?”
Like I was supposed to care. “Deleted them. You need to leave my house, this instant.”
“No, wait! Please, just listen, would you?”
I didn’t respond. My pancakes were done so I placed them on a plate, poured maple syrup over the stack and added butter. Perfect. Still ignoring Joey, I grabbed a knife and fork and sat at my kitchen table to enjoy breakfast with some coffee.
“I…look…can I sit down?”
I kept on eating. Joey sighed and pulled out a chair, uninvited.
“I found Grady.”
I said nothing.
“I was pissed that he was being such a turd, and I went over to his apartment. I kept knocking on his door, but there was no answer. Before I could kick it in, a neighbor opened her door and told me…” His hesitation caused me to look up.
In spite of myself, I asked, “Told you what?”
“He’s in the hospital with minor injuries. Salem Memorial. Driver left the scene.”
Now that got my attention. My fork clattered on the plate. “How? What the f**k happened?”
“He was hit in a crosswalk in front of his apartment building. Car ran the light.”
Goddamn.
“You said minor injuries. What does that mean?” My first thought went to Grady’s hands and his music. Please, let his hands be okay. Music is his life.
“Bruising on his ribs and left hip, but nothing broken. According to the doctors, he’ll be sore for a while.”
Thank God it wasn’t worse.
I set my plate aside. “Did you talk to him?”
Joey looked sheepish. “Well…he was sleeping when I saw him, so…”
“Coward.”
“Maybe.”
I got up, put the plate of pancakes in a large Ziploc bag, and stuck the whole thing in the refrigerator. I put my half-empty coffee cup in the sink. “I’m going to see him. Show yourself out.” I left Joey in the kitchen and ran upstairs.
“But what—”
I was out of earshot so I didn’t catch the rest of what he said. I didn’t really care, anyway. I changed into jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a battered pair of Converse sneakers. I added a bright blue wool scarf and ran back downstairs. Joey was nowhere to be seen. Good.
I grabbed my keys and wallet before locking the front door behind me. Unfortunately, Joey was still around, leaning against my car.
“I told you to go, Joey.”
“I want to go to the hospital with you.”
“Where’s your car?” I asked as I stood there, hands akimbo. I didn’t have all day to argue.
“I took a cab.” Joey ran a hand through his hair. “Look, please just take me with you. I want to be there.”
I was skeptical. “Since when are you interested in someone other than yourself?” There had to be another angle here, somewhere.
“Look, don’t judge me right now, okay? Your self-righteous opinions can wait for an hour or two.”
“That’s rich, coming from you.” I unlocked the car and got in. Joey sat in the passenger seat.
“Just drive already,” he ordered.
“Who died and made you Nero? Chill out, man.” I started the car and drove us to the hospital. “And, so you know, I’m only tolerating your presence because of Grady. You owe him an apology, at the very least.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Joey cross his arms on his chest and turn to stare out the window.
- Writer
