Page 58 of Harmony

“But you don’t remember…”

“I know I don’t. But I swear. I never would have.”

I hear truth in his words. He’s not lying. Not to me. Not when he knows what’s at stake. What he almost fucked up.

“I believe you, buddy.”

“I know. And you know I’d never lie to you.”

“I know you wouldn’t. Do you need rehab?”

“I’ll be okay. I’ll force it. I want to join the rest of you guys in Paris. I swear to God, I’ll make it happen.”

“You doing okay?”

“Detox is a bitch, but I’ve been through worse. There was fentanyl in my system, but I’m on methadone for a few days to help get me back to normal. I refused it at first, but then I figured why not take all the help I can get? I can do it, Jess. I’ve walked through fire and survived. I can do this.”

I believe him. I believe him with all my heart. Because in truth? This is nothing compared to other stuff Dragon has been through.

“Yeah, you can, man. I’m in your corner. Always.”

“I know you are, Jesse. I’m just so sorry I ever started talking to those women. You had the right idea to get the fuck out of there.”

Yeah, I did. But only because I had eyes only for Brianna. If not for Brianna? It could have been me in there with Dragon getting drugged.

Fuck.

Maybe I owe Brianna for this one.

Cage and I had decided to fuck our way across Europe. And if not for my aching desire for Brianna Steel, I’d have been with Dragon and…

God, I can’t go there.

We were able to replace a drummer, but they couldn’t have replaced me.

Brianna…

God…I’ve been blaming her for distracting me.

But if she hadn’t…

Fuck…

I owe her everything.

I text her quickly.

You still up?

Yeah.

Can you come to my room?

It’s almost nine o’clock, Jesse. I’m exhausted from the train ride.

I know. But I have to talk to you. It’s important.

The three dots linger for longer than makes me comfortable, until?—