Page 95 of Game Changer

“I feel like I’m tasting this shit for the first time. It’s beensolong!”

“Would you like a private, quiet moment with your burrito and milk?”

“Second burrito,” AJ corrected him, waving it like a trophy before taking another bite.

Jeremy grinned. “She’ll be happy to hear your appetite is back in full force.”

“Jer, these are incredible. For real.”

“Glad to be of service. Bad Boys?” he asked, flicking to the movie channel.

AJ nodded as he chewed.

Always taking care of me, Lis. Jer too. Even when you’re not here. Thank you. I don’t really want to be alone tonight. I think I got used to the hubbub of the hospital, then you being around and I’m just not quite sure I’m ready for solo life yet. Damn, I miss her.

“You ok?” Jeremy asked across the sofa.

Tell the truth.

AJ sighed, “I thought about lying for a sec, but no. Not really. I’m a bit messed up, Jer, to be quite honest.”

“Good. I’d be freaked the hell out if you weren’t.”

“Really?”

“Dude. You married your second-best friend. You met your future wife online and then got put into a coma by the prick who assaulted the aforementioned future wife. Yeah, I think it would be weird as hell if you weren’t at least a little messed up by all of this.”

AJ instantly felt relief wash over him, “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”

“Hell no. That would make me a terrible best friend, Age. I don’t spend my life trying to make you feel better. I bring the truth,” he added dramatically.

AJ rolled his eyes.

“Seriously, though. It’s ok to need to process. You’ve been through a lot. Don’t fight it.”

“Yes, Doctor Jeremy.”

“You know, I could get used to that title! It’s getting late you know,” he added.

“I know. She should be home soon, though. I’ll just wait ‘til she messages and then head to bed, ok?”

“Deal.”

***

He answered on the first ring.

“YOU should be asleep, mister. Doctor’s orders,” she said.

I don’t want to sleep, I’m afraid I’ll have nightmares of that damned white room.

“YOU should have landed, like, three hours ago or something. Something could have happened. I just wanted to make sure you’re ok!”

And I’m a scaredy cat.

“I’m fine. I landed safely. I’m in the car and heading home for a few days of sleep!”

“Ok, well say hey to your folks for me.”

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