Josh tried to call Sabrina several times over the next two weeks, but only got her voice mail. He left messages and hoped to soon get a reply, even if it was just to say she’d been busy lately. Josh hadn’t expected to miss her so much, but a lot of things happened over his visit that he didn’t expect.
Josh did his best to concentrate on the appearances and performances David and Brian scheduled for him, but his heart wasn’t in them. His heart was 500 miles away. He constantly reminded himself that Sabrina needed a friend, not a boyfriend, but that didn’t stop his longing for her.
Sabrina woke up early as usual one morning and got dressed for her run. On impulse, she grabbed her discman. She turned on the radio and started down the familiar path when she heard Aaliyah’s song again. “Wonderin’ if you’re the same and who’s been with you. Is your heart still mine? I wanna cry sometimes, I miss you…” The song seemed to haunt her; she heard it all the time. Sabrina doubted that she would’ve noticed it as much if it didn’t hit so close to home. ‘Is your heart still mine?’ she wondered. Josh mentioned briefly that he’d dated a few women, but nothing ever resulted in a relationship. Even if Josh had feelings for her, how could she ask him to get back together when she’s the one who broke up with him? Josh had called a few times, asking her to call him. She felt badly for not returning his calls, but she honestly didn’t know what to tell him.
Sabrina’s phone vibrated against her hip. Her heart stopped. Sabrina programmed her phone to vibrate when Chelsea’s cell or the hospital phone dialed her number. “Hello.” “Bri, you need to get here right away.” “What is it, Chels?” “Just get here.” Click.
After wrapping up a radio interview and planning a CD signing tour, David treated Josh to lunch. “Josh, I know it’s been difficult for you to concentrate on work with everything that’s going on right now, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.” “Don’t thank me too soon. I want to visit Bri for awhile.” “Josh…” “David, I have to.”
Josh’s phone interrupted them. “Josh…” Sabrina sobbed on the other end. “Bri, what’s wrong?” “It’s CJ.” “I’ll get the first flight out.” Josh hung up and stood. “Josh, if you go, you’ll lose your spots on Letterman and Oprah. I’ll support your decision whatever it is, but are you willing to give up those opportunities?” “David, I’d give up everything for her.” Josh turned and left. David smiled. ‘I’ll be dammed. He loves her…he really loves her.’
When Josh’s plane landed, he took a cab straight to the hospital. He was too nervous to call Sabrina. He couldn’t bear to hear her voice if it was bad news. He ran past the admittance desk and up to CJ’s room. He could see Chelsea and Sabrina hugging in front of CJ’s empty bed. His heart caught in his throat. “Bri?” Sabrina looked up and ran into his arms. “Josh, he’s awake! Early this morning, he squeezed Chelsea’s hand. Then he moved his hands and feet and before we knew it, CJ opened his eyes.” Josh hugged her tightly. ‘I love you so much.’ He thought. “So, where is he?” “The doctors are running tests, I guess to check for brain damage or something.” Chelsea said. Josh hugged her. “I can’t imagine what this was like for you. It must’ve been like walking through hell.” “Barefoot.” She said. “It’s good to see you again, Josh.” Chelsea walked past him. “But it’s even better to see you awake, CJ.” She kissed his lips gently. “Hey baby.” CJ looked around with wide eyes. “Bri.” Sabrina smiled, too overcome to speak. “Opera Boy? What are you doing here?” “Just making sure you’re ok.” The doctor cleared her throat behind them. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but CJ needs some rest.” “Like being in a coma for two months wasn’t enough?” he said. “You’ll need your strength to get through your physical therapy in time for your wedding.” “I’ll make sure he gets his rest doctor.” “Josh, take care of Bri for me, all right?” “ You bet.” Sabrina kissed his cheek as the doctor wheeled CJ into his room. Chelsea followed and shut the door.
Sabrina and Josh looked at each other for a moment. Neither knew what to say to the other. “I tried to call you back, but your phone was off. I’m sorry you came all the way here.” “Don’t be. I should’ve known that you didn’t need me.” Is that really why he turned off his phone, because he didn’t want Sabrina to tell him not to come? “Of course I need you. I’m in…I mean, CJ asked you to take care of me, right?” Josh smiled. Sabrina inwardly sighed, relieved. She almost told Josh she loved him. “Are you hungry? I’ll buy you lunch.” Josh smiled again. “Sure.” They decided on a little soul food diner that just opened. Sabrina excused herself and went to the restroom. There were many emotions swirling inside of her. Relief and gratitude, love and longing; it was too much to handle all at once. As she washed her hands, she splashed some cold water on her face. Sabrina promised herself she wouldn’t dwell on her feelings for Josh. She had to concentrate on CJ. It really wouldn’t be that difficult if she set her mind to it.
When she came out of the bathroom, Sabrina’s heart leapt into her throat. Josh was sitting at their booth. He stared out the window, a pensive look on his face. He rested his thumb and forefingers on his chin, deep in thought. The sun shone on his face and hair, giving off an ethereal glow. He was beautiful.
They didn’t talk much as they ate; there was too much going on inside them. They were halfway to Sabrina and CJ’s house when Josh gently took her hand, which was resting on the gearshift. “Are you OK, Bri?” “Yeah. Why?” “Otis is playing on the radio and you haven’t even noticed.” Sabrina listened for a moment and smiled. As the song faded, Josh looked at Sabrina. The lyrics went through his head, tugging at his heart. ‘These arms of mine, they are lonely, lonely and feeling blue. These arms of mine, they are yearning. Yearning from wanting you. And if you would let them hold you, how grateful I would be.’ Sabrina turned him onto Otis’ music, but he never thought any of his songs would apply to him.
