“Sorry, it’s the fever talking,” Grant shrugged.
“Rachel sure is in a good mood,” Melissa chuckled.
“All I want to know is what bank Wally had to rob to pay for that bracelet he bought her?” David laughed.
“Well,” Joanna said sarcastically, mocking the stories Wally had told them. “You know…the band has really taken off since they hired their new manager.”
“And we’ve all got the new CDs to prove it!” Melissa laughed.
“The way I see it,” Grant pondered, “if we combine them, one of us can walk away with a really nice coaster set out of the deal. Who’s it gonna be?”
“Ooh, ooh, dibs,” Joanna waved her arm playfully.
“So, I have to know,” Hailey raised her eyebrow. “What do y’all say about me when I leave the room?”
The phone rang. “And on that note, I’ll get it,” Grant volunteered as he stood up.
“Saved by the bell,” David chuckled.
“I think Rachel and Wally must have gotten sidetracked looking for the Pop- Tarts,” Melissa smiled.
“Well,” Joanna shrugged, “the good news is…she’s already pregnant.”
“Oh, Jo…geez,” David shook his head.
“That was Dr. Mason,” Grant said as he returned to the table. “He just wanted to make sure I was still planning on going to my appointment this morning.”
“We will be there,” Nora said, taking the biscuits, only slightly charred, from the oven. “Where is Randy? Has anyone seen Jack?”
“Get a little nervous when they’re both missing in action?” Joanna quipped.
“They’ve actually been playing nice,” Emily smiled.
“I still like to keep my eye on them,” Nora frowned. “David, go find Dad and tell him to come eat before Grant’s appointment. I’m going to go throw my clothes on as soon as I have a bite.”
“Nora, did you hear that Wally’s manager wants me to pose for the cover of his band’s next album?” Jessica announced as she struck a come hither pose in her chair.
“Rachel mentioned it,” Nora nodded as she poured a glass of juice. “Maybe I should talk to the photographer first! I’ve seen album covers these days, Jess…you’re only seventeen years old!”
“Wally promised it would be tasteful,” Jessica smiled.
“Shouldn’t the band be on the cover?” Hailey raised her eyebrow.
“Apparently the marketing team got a good look at Wally’s ugly mug and decided it was in their best interest to go in a different direction,” Grant shrugged.
“All the girls at school are going to be so envious when Jessica’s on the cover,” Emily bubbled with excitement.
“Wally said the single really has gotten a lot of attention at radio stations around the country,” Hailey said as she offered Grant the last bite of her breakfast by holding her fork up to his mouth while she talked.
“It got my attention when you turned it on last night,” Grant curled his lip as he waved off the food. “I’ll have to get the doctor to see if there’s anything he can do for a ruptured eardrum.”
“Grant, nothing to eat or drink until after your appointment,” Nora reminded.
“Would it kill you to say something positive occasionally?” Emily urged Grant. “I know I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Wally’s music, but this isn’t like the other records Wally has recorded in the past. Honestly, Grant…it’s on a whole new level!”
“The album is really good,” Jessica agreed. “You should give it a chance, Grant! Lyrically, I think it’s absolutely soulful…”
“Lyrically?” Grant exclaimed. “Well, that’s good to know because I was under the impression that the first single was just some ridiculous recording of a contest that broke out in the recording studio while Wally and a pal were arguing over who could say ooh ooh baby consecutively for the longest period of time without cracking up, passing out or throwing up.”
Hailey laughed, and even Nora couldn’t resist a smile.
“That’s just the current single,” Jessica insisted. “And, for your information, Hotshot, it is a remix of a very famous song! The other songs are much deeper.”
“Ah,” Grant nodded with a smile and a wink. “So, in other words, you can’t judge an album by its cover!”
“I hate you,” Jessica giggled.
“No you don’t, you love me,” Grant smiled as he leaned back in his chair.
“Well, I would slap you for her,” Hailey grinned, “but you bruise like a peach these days!”
“Speaking of which,” Nora stood. “Go get dressed. It will be time to leave soon. It is about time we get to the bottom of this and find out what is going on with you.”
Grant had only been in the doctor’s office for a grand total of five minutes before Dr. Martin spoke the words that seemed to echo off the walls. “I want to do a couple tests,” he said. He forced a smile that Grant could see right through. “You know, just to rule some things out.”
“Rule what out?” Grant replied.
