Page 76 of Out of the Blue

“Yeah.” With the tour on hold, I’ll be returning to the office. My back slumps into the chair. “I’ll be there.”

When I disconnect, a Google Alert notification beeps. I tap on the screen and yet another story fromFirst Rumorspops up, this one about Trent and his accident. Of course, the headline is as trashy as possible. “Lead Singer of TLR Wipes Out.” I skim the article and exhale when it discusses his accident and need for a new kidney. Since I had already put most of this intel out on social media, I’m relieved. Nothing new. Nothing about Braxton.

I wonder what Apex will think about this story? Seeing as the tour’s been put on hiatus, none of the article will be news to them. Since Trent did make the tabloid, though, guess I better do some sort of response. Without bothering to run it by Mr. Hewitt, I click on their Facebook page and write a quick update about Trent’s condition. I even mention the fact he found a kidney donor—omitting Braxton’s identity. I end the post with a plea for prayers and ask for privacy. There. That should do it.

When I return to the waiting room, Auntie Gloria guides me toward the chairs. “I already told Trent this, but I asked him to cut his father some slack.”

“Bet he loved that.”

She leans toward me. “He inherited his mother’s arrogance.”

“She was cocky, too?”

“You could say that.” She huffs a laugh, her whole face transforming. “I know he’s going to be just fine. His mother is looking down on him, and you’re at his side. There’s no way anything will go wrong.” She pulls me in for another hug. “I’ll see you in New York City soon.”

“Cordelia Hernandez. It’s time to go.”

Dr. Patel says my name, and I squeeze Trent’s aunt once more, wave at TLR, and rush over to Trent’s room with their good wishes ringing in my ears. I watch as he’s transferred to a gurney together with all of the machines. A squad of at least five people surrounds him. Together, we escort him into the hallway and over to a special elevator that brings us up to the roof where a helicopter waits.

The blades whir and I take a deep breath. I’ve never been in one of these before. The group pushes ahead, and Trent’s brought inside. Dr. Patel waves me over and helps me onto the chopper. I go to the open seat next to him, strap my seatbelt, and put on a noise-canceling headset.

Dr. Patel explains, “I’m his attending physician, so I’m going to monitor him during the trip. We gave him a sedative to ease his transport.”

“Thanks.” I grab Trent’s hand. “We both really appreciate it.”

I turn my attention to my boyfriend. His lids are half open. “Cordy. I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

“Me, too.”

He squeezes my hand. “I kinda hoped our first time up in the air would’ve included a much more fun interlude.”

Leave it to him to think of something sexual at such a time. “I’m sure we’ll have our chance soon enough.”

The helicopter lifts off the roof and I lean back into my seat. We hover not high off the ground and take off toward the south.

He dons a serious face, although I can tell the meds are starting to do their job. “Dwight ripped me a new one.”

I’m sure he did. “He was hurt.”

His head bounces on the pillow, and Dr. Patel admonishes Trent to remain quiet. He gives me his full, glassy-eyed attention. “Kinda got that. Promised never to hold anything back from him again.”

“Good idea.”

Trent’s now wearing a full-fledged goofy grin. Pretty soon, he drifts off and I’m left alone with my thoughts.

His father is a perfect match.

His surgery has to be a success. He needs to create more music for the world to hear.

We need many more years together.

My anger over his earlier behavior simmers on low. I need to let this slide. Like how I let the incident with the restaurant mix-up go. He’s different from how all the other men in my life have been.

Isn’t he?

Chapter 23 - Cordelia

The next days roll by. We arrived at the hospital and Trent was put into a private room. We talked about our past, the tour’s being put on hiatus plus press coverage about it, and the hopeful future for TLR. We discussed our relationship, which seems to be on a better footing now than ever. He truly is rewriting everything I know about men.

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