Page 73 of Out of the Blue

“I’m relieved.” She offers both of us a wide smile.

When she doesn’t make any other statements, Braxton prompts, “So, what do we do now?”

“Oh. I’ll get Doctor Patel in here so she can discuss your next steps.” She leaves us with a whoosh of her ponytail.

I lick my lips. “I don’t want you to read anything into my decision, okay?”

He grimaces. “Can you give me a chance?”

My entire body tightens as my fight-or-flight mechanism is tripped. I look out the window. “Now’s not the time.”

All I want is to reach out and hold onto Cordy for support. But I pushed her away, and I’m sure she doesn’t want anything to do with me. So much for our promise to be patient with this relationship stuff.

We wait in awkward silence until Doctor Patel comes in and gives us an explanation of what to expect. Braxton raises some good points. He ends with, “Please don’t feel upset by this question, but how many kidney transplants have you performed?”

“I’ve assisted on two. During my residency.”

He nods. “Do you think we might be better served if the operation were performed in a more metropolitan hospital, say in New York City?”

I never would’ve thought to ask this question, but now Braxton brings it up, he makes a good point. I add, “That is, if you even think I would be able to make the trip.”

Doctor Patel shifts her weight from foot to foot. “I understand your concern and was going to suggest this move. To answer your question Mr. Washington, I do think you can make the trip via helicopter. But I would do it quickly. Fly out tonight, if possible. I can arrange for the surgery to be performed by a friend I have in New York City who has a lot of experience with transplants.”

Braxton looks at me, his hazel eyes an exact match to mine. Without words, the decision is made.

Chapter 22 - Cordelia

Isaw Doctor Patel enter the room a while ago. Sara asked Braxton to go into Trent’s room thirty minutes ago. I’m in the waiting room with the members of TLR and Hunte, as well as Trent’s aunt. Around me, everyone chatters about Braxton being Trent’s father. They call him Brax.

Comparisons are made between his and Trent’s guitar playing. And their similar tenor singing voices.

Obvious differences—like the fact Trent’s half-Black—are brought up. Not in a disparaging way, but rather as a statement of fact.

Trent’s bandmates seem to be on board with this new development. Braxton’s bandmates already have concluded it’s pretty cool as well.

Me? I remember the last words Trent hurled at me, with such venom. I’d rather have Big Rolls kick me out of my home and job again than to be accused like Trent did in his room. That he jumped to the conclusion I told Braxton the truth, without any proof, sears my soul.

The fact remains, though. I’m still here. Why?Because you dropped a big hint to Braxton last night.And because I promised Trent I’d be patient if something goes sideways. How much more sideways could they get?

I shut my eyes. Yes, I may have said something stupid to Braxton, but I didn’t give away Trent’s truth. No, I kept his secret. My ire ramps up in equal measure with my guilt.

As I stew, Braxton rejoins us. “So, I have some news.”

Together with everyone in the waiting area, I stand and give my full attention to the leader of Hunte. He whispers something to Sara, who nods. Then he straightens.

“My son,” he clears his throat and begins again. “My son has agreed to let me give him my kidney. His time is running short, and this hospital isn’t the best place to do the transplant. I’m going to arrange for helicopters to take us over to the best hospital around, in New York City. Trent will go in one chopper, with a ream of medical professionals, while Sara and I will fly out in the other.”

His announcement is met with many sighs of relief. Everyone hugs each other. Me? All I hear is Braxton claiming Trent as his own. And they’re flying to the City tonight. These decisions were made without me. The one person on earth Trent entrusted with the truth beforeheblurted it out to Braxton. My anger outpaces all reason.

I absent myself from the festivities and storm toward Trent’s room. On death’s door or not, I want to give the jerk a big piece of my mind.

When I enter the room, he’s all alone. Perfect. “Heard you’re accepting your father’s kidney.”

Tortured hazel eyes meet mine. “You’re here.”

I stomp over to his side, fists on my hips. My nostrils flare. “How dare you?”

He struggles to push himself upright. I stand, not moving a finger to help. He can do it all by himself. He collapses down into the pillows. Or not. “I’m sorry, Cordy. I was wrong. I know you’d never betray me.”

---