By my side

Ivy looked at him like he was insane.

"Go out instead of you? How? What do I do?" She asked and he held her arm.

"Can I go out this way? With all the reporters? Who says I wouldn't have another panic attack? Who says I wouldn't mess this up. I need a little more time, at least until my heart rate slows." He said and she put a hand to her forehead.

"Are you aware of what you're saying? Like, what do I say when I get out there?" She asked and he pointed to his briefcase which she took.

"Open it." He said and her fingers worked quickly, trying to open it.

"Can we all just wait a minute. Maybe Mr Grayson is trying to take his time." They heard the host say from outside.

"Check for something that looks like an ear pod, fast." He said and Ivy held up a blue ear pod.

"Here." She said handing it to him.

"Put that in your ear not give it to me. While you're out there, you only need to repeat after me. I'll be right here telling you what to do so just listen to me, and this laptop, ju