Page 90 of Hidden Plays
“Damn, this is nice.” He padded into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. “Do you need some coffee?”
“Yes, please.” I stepped toward him, hugged him from behind and kissed him under his earlobe. He was the most adorable thing I’d ever seen. “We need salsa.” I grabbed a jar of salsa from the refrigerator and added it to the table.
He poured creamer into the coffees and stepped to the dinette. “JJ, this looks delicious.” He sat in a chair.
“Thank you.” I dropped in next to him and poured salsa onto my plate. I didn’t want to put it on top and make my bread soggy. “How are you doing today?”
“I’m better.” His brows furrowed. “I think I had nightmares about Noel though.” Shaking his head with a huff, he said, “I can’t get the look on his face out of my head when he called you a fuckboy.” He focused on me. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
I choked back a laugh. “It’s not the first time I’ve been called a fuckboy.” I cut into my food and ate a bite, the cheese melty and butter soaked into the toasted bread. Yeah, this was what we needed.
“But you’re not a fuckboy. You don’t enjoy hooking up.” He ate a bite of egg and bread and moaned softly. “Oh, fuck, JJ, I didn’t know you could cook.”
“I can when I want to. Just don’t like to and Eli enjoys it more.” I drank some coffee. “So today, I was thinking I’d call my dad to get started on intervention specialists for your parents and maybe watch some football?” I peered at him. Would hewant to return to the hospital? “Or we can see how your brother’s doing?” His parents might need a break.
He rocked once, pressing his lips together. “I’ll call Mom later, and we’ll play it by ear.” He poured some juice and drank it. “I’d love to watch a game, though.”
“Sounds good. I’ll call my dad after breakfast to get the ball rolling, and you can call your mom when you feel up to it.” I ate another bite of food, this time with salsa. “Today it’s all about you, babe.”
He squeezed my forearm, resting next to my plate. “Thank you, JJ. This means so much to me.”
“I know.” I gave him a cheeky smile. “It’s what boyfriends do for each other.” Leaning across the table, I kissed him. “Now, eat up.”
I cleanedthe dishes while Holden relaxed on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Today was his day, so I’d chased him out of the kitchen when he’d tried to help. Was I over the top? I didn’t care. He needed me, and I’d be there for him in every way.
When the dishes were done, I slipped my phone from the pocket of my jeans and called Dad while stepping into the main room.
After one ring, Dad said, “Hi, Jordan. I was wondering when you’d call.”
“Yeah?” I glanced at Holden and fell in beside him. “Do you know why I’m calling, then?” I’d almost lost my shit when Dad acknowledged the space between us. Would things be different now?
“I have a feeling you’re looking for recommendations for a good rehab center?” He asked. “I called the hospital this morning to get an update on Noel’s condition.” His voice lowered. “He’s been argumentative with the staff. He needshelp, and so does his family, Jordan. I’ll do everything in my power to provide them with any information I can.”
“Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to me.” I glanced at Holden, frowning and fixated on me.
“I’ve made some calls as a referring physician after speaking with the staff and have a list of providers ready who can take him. Do you want me to email them to you?”
Damn, Dad was on this. I should have known. He was as driven in his job as I was with football. “Yes, email them to me, and we’ll get them to Holden’s parents.”
Holden squeezed my thigh and snuggled into my side, resting his head on my shoulder. “Tell him thank you from me.”
“I heard.” Dad chuckled as I set the phone on speaker.
“You’re on speaker now, Dad.” No point in being the messenger. I kissed Holden’s head.
“It’s no problem, Holden. Your parents have a challenge ahead of them, but with the help of a professional, you’ll all overcome it.”
“I read there are only three outcomes for an addict—incarceration, sobriety or death.” Holden’s breath hitched.
“I’d say that’s about right. Recovery will be a long road, but remember, addiction is a disease, like any other. It can be treated, Holden. There is hope.”
Holden sniffled and wiped his eyes. “Thank you, Dr. Matthews. I’m so grateful for everything.”
“It’s my pleasure, son. Take care of yourself, and make sure you take care of your mother,” Dad said.
“Yes, I’ll call her soon.” Holden lifted his head. “We might need to spend some time at the hospital today.”
I nodded. “Anything you need, babe.” Shifting my attention to the phone, I said, “Email me the list and I’ll forward it on.” Warmth spread across my heart. My dad came through for me, and it brought me closer to him than I’d been in years. “Thank you, Dad. Love you.”
