Just a short chapter. Thanks for all the reviews.
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Deacon was driving home from a writing session with some friends when all of a sudden he wasn't sure where he was going anymore. He looked around at the stores lining the streets, but nothing seemed familiar. "How did I get here?" he asked himself.
He pulled over to a gas station and walked up to the guy pumping gas. "Hey man, I'm kind of lost, can you tell me where we are?"
"You're on 11th Ave., and Broadway. Where you trying to go?"
Deacon thought for a second. "Um, home."
The gas attendant laughed. "I figured, but where's home?"
Deacon scratched his head for a moment then panicked realizing he wasn't sure what address to give the man. "Huh, I'm actually not so sure."
"Are you okay man? Is there someone you could call?"
"Yeah, I can call my girlfriend." Deacon looked around for his phone, but he couldn't seem to find it. Confused, he sat down on the back bumper of his truck to collect his thoughts.
The attendant realized something was off with Deacon and made an effort to help him out. "Do you know her number, I can call her for you?"
"No, but her name is Rayna Jaymes."
The attendant arched an eye-brow. "Your girlfriend is Rayna Jaymes? The singer? Are you sure about that buddy? Maybe you've had a little too much to drink?"
"No, I haven't been drinking. I don't drink." Deacon said a little too forcefully for the attendant's liking.
The attendant held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, I believe you, but you have to realize you're sounding a bit silly right now. Why don't I call the police and maybe they can help you find your way home?"
##
A half-hour later Deacon was sitting in the lobby of the police station when Rayna ran in. "Oh my god, thank god." She leaned down next to Deacon throwing her arms around him. "When the cops called I didn't know what to think. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, I've just been having some memory issues that's all." Rayna brushed Deacon's hair away from his face and kissed his forehead. Then she reached for his hand.
The cop who had picked Deacon up at the gas station walked over to them. "You'll have to pick up his truck. He left it at the gas station where I found him. All he remembered when I arrived was that you were his girlfriend which seemed kind of ludicrous, but when I looked at his I.D. and realized he was Deacon Claybourne it made sense."
"Thanks so much officer. We'll worry about your truck later babe. We have to get you to the doctor."
"I'm fine Ray."
"Are you kidding me? You are not fine Deacon. We are going to the doctor right now."
Deacon knew that arguing with her wasn't going to help the situation, and as much as he didn't want to go back to the doctor he knew she was right. He had been scared. He really didn't know where he was, and he'd been living in Nashville for almost 30 years. There wasn't any back alley or boulevard that he didn't know in that town.
"Alright, let's go."
##
Dr. Riley walked into the room and found Deacon sitting in a chair with Rayna sitting next to him rubbing his hand in a loving manner.
"So Deacon, I hear we had some trouble today?"
"Yeah, doc. Guess I got a little confused."
"So we ran your blood work and it looks like you've had a release of ammonia into your brain."
Rayna tensed and squeezed Deacon's hand a little tighter.
"That doesn't sound good."
"It's not, but it can be somewhat managed with medications, however, you still might have some flare ups meaning unfortunately Deacon you really should never be left alone."
"Doc that's impossible. I'm not a child, and I don't have anyone who can be with me 24/7. We're busy people. I can't ask that of my family."
"Well maybe you can hire someone then, but I'm serious about this Deacon. At least this time there was someone there to help you, but next time you might not be so lucky."
"I'll be with him. He won't leave my sight."
"Ray, that's crazy. You're running a record label…touring, you can't watch me 24/7."
"Just hush up and let me worry about that okay?"
"Rayna…" Deacon started.
"Let's just hear the doctor out alright."
Deacon nodded his head.
"I also have the test results back from you and Maddie. Unfortunately, neither one of you were matches." The doctor watched as both of their faces fell. This was one of the worst parts of the job.
"Well, guess it's time to call Beverly then. Of course if she gives me a piece of liver she's going to hold it over me for the rest of our lives. Almost not worth it."
"She'll just love that." Rayna agreed.
"Does she have to come down here for the testing, or can she do that in Mississippi?"
"Her local hospital is fine. In the meantime, here is your prescription Deacon. Try to be careful."
"I will doc."
##
Later at home Deacon sat up in bed as Rayna took off her make-up and brushed her teeth. "You know, I would love it if you were helping me out on my label. I really need someone who could be an artist liaison, and no one knows how to handle a temperamental diva like you do."
"That's cause I've had a lot of practice." Deacon walked up behind Rayna wrapping her up in his arms and nuzzling her neck.
She swatted at him for a second before sinking back into him. "I am not that big of a diva. I was talking more like when you were on Juliette's tour."
Deacon laughed. "She did have quite a diva dip towards the end there, but you've had your days. Especially when you were younger." Deacon caught Rayna's eyes in the mirror. Are you sure you'd want that Ray? I don't want you to find me some vanity job just cause you feel like you can't leave me alone. There are other ways."
"Nonsense, I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think you'd be amazing at it. You can make sure the artists are happy, help them choose set lists, deal with producers, etc."
"You might get sick of me having me around all the time."
Rayna reached around so she was fondling him through his boxers. "Never. There is never a time I don't want you near me Deacon Claybourne." She gave him a little squeeze and felt him twitch. "Or better yet, inside of me."
Deacon lifted her up carrying her to the bed as the two of them forgot all about the harrowing day that lay behind them.