Page 80 of Taste of Surrender

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We arrived just as the sun rose, which cast a golden hue over the tranquil waves. The facility’s Spanish-style architecture, with its terracotta roofs and lush, landscaped gardens, looked more like a vacation resort than a medical facility.

“Man, this place is beautiful,” Silas said from the back seat as Jesse pulled to a stop in front of the two-story mansion. “It’s hard to believe I’m here for rehab.”

“Yeah, it is,” I replied. “But it’s also the best place for you to get better.”

“Yeah, man. We’ve got your back. Just focus on getting well, okay?” Jesse said.

Silas nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know. Thanks, guys. For everything. And I’m sorry about the tour.”

Elliott turned in the front passenger seat to face Silas. “You and your health are more important than any tour,” he said.

We’d canceled the tour for the next thirty days and hoped we could at least do our Boston shows and the final one in New York City. I was okay with putting the tour on pause because, like Elliott said, Silas was more important. Plus, Jasper had agreed to stay with me in LA since he didn’t have a job or anything to go to in Boston. His sous chef, Garrett, did return to Boston, though.

“Absolutely,” I added. “We’ll be here for you, no matter what. The fans will understand.”

Silas smiled weakly. “I appreciate it, really. I’ll see you guys on the other side.”

We helped him with his bags and exchanged a few more words of encouragement. I had thoughts of spending the next thirty days in a similarly cozy location. It wouldn’t be rehab, but I pictured me and Jasper in a place overlooking the water in Hawaii or something.

“Remember, we’re just a phone call away.” Elliott clapped Silas on the shoulder. “Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us.”

“Will do.”

We each gave him bro hugs and then watched as he was escorted inside by the staff. As we drove away, the silence in the car was heavy, as we were all probably letting the situation sink in.

Elliott broke the quietness. “You think he’ll be okay?”

“I hope so.” Jesse blew out a breath. “He’s got a tough road ahead, but he’s strong. He can do this.”

I nodded. “And we’ll be here if he needs us.”

We knew it would be a long thirty days for him, but we were ready to support him every step of the way.

“Pack your bag,”I said as I entered my condo.

“What? Why?” Jasper looked up from the TV show he was watching.

“The setting of that rehab place was beautiful, and it got me thinking some time away might be good.”

I really wanted to get out of LA for a while.

“Oh.” Jasper’s shoulders slumped.

“No, no, babe. I mean us. Let’s get out of LA.” I pulled him off the sofa.

His eyes brightened. “Really?”

“Hell, yes. Where do you want to go? I’ll book our flights and everything. Hell, maybe even a private jet if I need to.”

He looked past me as though he was thinking. “How about Cabo? I’ve always wanted to see those beaches and the Arch.”

“Cabo it is,” I said, grabbing my phone to make the arrangements. “But first, we need to pack.”

Jasper nodded, already heading to the bedroom to start gathering his things. “This is going to be amazing. Just you, me, and the Mexican coast.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “And no LA drama for a while. Just you and me in paradise.”

The next hour was spent packing and making the last-minute arrangements. As I booked the private jet, I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was exactly what we needed—a break from everything, a chance to recharge and find some peace. Just him and me being out in the open as a couple.