Page 75 of Out of the Blue

“You made the right decision. I want you here with me.”

He strokes my hair. “I’m not ready for more. With him, I mean.”

I nod. “I get it. Let’s take it one day at a time. Speaking of which, he mentioned the surgery is going to be done in the City. What’s the timeline?”

“I’m not sure, but they want to get us out there tonight, and do the transplant like tomorrow or the next day.”

I reach over and give him a kiss. “I really am happy you’re getting this surgery.”

“Oh, and one more thing. Thanks for organizing everyone to get tested.”

I blow on my fingernails, then rub them on my shirt. “It’s what I do.”

The doctor chooses this moment to enter the room. “We’re getting the helicopter ready for your transport, Mr. Washington. You’ll be leaving in about thirty minutes.”

“Thanks for everything.”

“Just doing my job.” She steps toward the door.

He calls out, “One more thing.” His doctor turns back around. “Can Cordelia ride with me in the helicopter?”

Goosebumps erupt on my arms. He wants me to go with him?

The doctor glances between him and me. “Sure. There’s room on the chopper.” She leaves the room.

“Do you really want me to fly out with you? Not Dwight? Or your aunt?”

“I want the love of my life with me.”

Can’t argue with his logic. “Let me arrange for someone to grab our stuff from the hotel. I’ll be back soon.” I kiss his forehead and rush back to the waiting room.

Hunte’s gone, presumably to get ready for their trip back home. TLR, on the other hand, is still here. When I approach, they all stand. “He’s in good spirits. You can visit with him until the helicopter leaves in about thirty minutes.” I pause. “I’ll be flying out with him.”

Auntie Gloria disappears toward his room, and I replay our conversation. I’m grateful not to be shut out of his life. Beyond thrilled he’s taking Braxton’s kidney and, hopefully, will be able to lead a normal life afterward. Whatever “normal” means. No matter what, he’ll still be with us.

His best friend is off to the side, holding up a nearby wall, and I approach him. “Dwight.” He turns to face me. I fish out two keycards. “Would you be able to get my stuff from my room? And Trent’s things from his?” I extend my hand.

“Sure thing.” He takes the cards. “Thank you for what you’ve done to help my boy. And I’m happy you’ll be flying out on the chopper. You’re so good for him.” He kisses my cheek.

My hand flies to where his lips just left. It’s like I belong with them. Swallowing, I continue, “He made the decision all on his own. He wants to stay on this earth and make the band a huge success.”

Dwight raps a beat on his leg. “With such a marketing genius on our side, I have no doubt.”

I smile at Trent’s brother. My cell phone dings and I step away, feeling as if I could conquer the world. “Hey, Rita.”

“Cordelia. Goodness. How’s it going up there?”

I sink into a chair and fill her in about the upcoming kidney transplant. “Guess we need to rearrange the tour.”

After a moment, Rita admits, “This is a lot to take in. Braxton is a match, huh? Isn’t it weird for non-relatives to be donors?”

“Well, it’s not too unusual. But Trent did get lucky.” Never going to reveal the truth underlying my statement.

“Very lucky.” Shuffling papers comes through my receiver. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll let Mr. Griffith know and we’ll take care of the disruption to the tour. I’m sure Mr. Hewitt will be back in touch about the marketing details.”

Relief bubbles. “Thank you, Rita. I think they’ll need a few months off.”

“Gotcha. I’ll take care of it. Guess I’ll be seeing you back in the office next week.”

---