Page 82 of Out of the Blue

“I get it. You’re like Daddy.”

Okay, this is getting way too weird for me. I change the subject. “Are you dating anyone?’

She holds up her left hand where a rock the size of Manhattan blinks at me. “I’m engaged too! You may have heard of him. His name is Charles Wainwright, better known as Chase Wright.”

Now that’s a name Idoknow. He’s fucking awesome. I have a connection to Chase Wright? The guys in the band are going to flip. “Really? I love his movies, especially theDoctor Manipul8franchise. Can’t wait for the next one to drop.”

She exchanges glances with her mother. “I’ll be sure to tell him. He wanted to come and meet you today, but he has an audition.”

“For what?” The question is out of my mouth before I think better of it.

“He’s breaking into Broadway. But don’t worry, the next superhero film will be released next year sometime. I was a costume designer for it. That’s where we met.”

I push back against the pillows. “Cool.”

Sara steers the conversation toward more basic stuff, and I learn some interesting tidbits about my siblings.Siblings. I have siblings now. And no matter the circumstances of how we met, they’re kinda cool.

Braxton clears his throat. “I’m starting to fade, and I can see Trent’s tiring as well. But I’d like to address one thing before we head out. You all know this, but I want to put it out there. I’ve been so blessed. My life hasn’t been like most others, for sure, but right here and now, I can honestly say, you all make it so full. I have the love of the best woman in the world.” He blows a kiss to his wife.

His blond head swivels toward his kids. Rather, King and Melody. “You both are so successful professionally and personally, and I couldn’t be prouder. The lives you’re building are filled with so much joy.” His gaze meets mine, and I suck in my breath. “And now I’m adding a third member to this family. I didn’t know you growing up, which King might say was a good thing.”

King guffaws. “Only if he was a fuckup like I was.”

Braxton extends his hand toward his firstborn, who clasps it. Still holding his son’s hand, he continues. “Princess has always been a light for me.” She adds her hand.

Then his attention lands on me. “And I’m looking forward to getting to uncover all the talents of my newly discovered son.”

I stare at their hands. Sara moves and places her hand into the mix.

My heart beats a staccato rhythm. I try to swallow but my mouth is dry.

Can I do this?

Chapter 25 - Trent

I’m still marveling at how my first meeting with my entire family went twenty-four hours later.

About how I tentatively moved my hand out from underneath my blanket.

How my darker-skinned arm extended toward their quadruple white tower.

How my fingers grazed the back of Sara’s hand.

How we locked in place with such a simple gesture.

Then I pulled away, breaking the weird connection.

Sara, Melody, and King gave me good wishes before they left.

Braxton and I stared each other down for a beat. Rather, I dissected him while he tried to shore up a connection. But I wasn’t ready for all that. Too much. Too soon.

Cordy snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Earth to Trent.”

I shake my head a few times. “Huh?”

“I was saying—” She glances up at me to make sure she still has my attention. “Everything’s set for you to return home. Both of our luggage from the tour has been delivered there. That call was from the workers Apex hired, who just finished up.”

“Great.” I pluck at my blanket. “Hope I’m sprung soon.”

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