Page 79 of Out of the Blue

His disjointed rambling ends, and he looks at me. “You’re gorgeous. My son chose well.”

“Braxton—”

“Brax. Call me Brax. Please.” His tenor ends on an upswing, as if it were a question. Or a plea.

How do I feel about using his nickname when Trent can’t stand the thought of him? I lick my lips. “Brax,” the word tingles on my tongue. “You’re too kind. But, thank you.” His eyelids cover his amber eyes, which I recognize as my signal to go. Rising, I say, “I’m going to leave you to get your rest. I can’t express how happy I am this all worked out.”

Should I kiss him? Is that weird? If he were a stranger, what would I do? I lean forward and give him a peck on his cheek.

“Please tell Trent I’ll be by soon.”

I raise my coffee toward the man in the bed.

Chapter 24 - Trent

“You’re looking much better.”

“Thanks, Auntie. I’m feeling stronger. If only I didn’t have this cast.” I tap the plaster, which now sports the signatures of my bandmates, their wives, Hunte, and various medical personnel. Cordy’s and Auntie Gloria’s wishes are on here as well.

“The doctor told me you’re going to be sprung over the course of the next couple of days.”

“I know. I can’t wait.”

“I wish I could stay with you, but I have to be getting back home. I took time off, but I need to get back to my job and my family. I’m so proud of how well you’re recovering. I’m sure Lorinda’s watching over you.”

Pain lances at her mention of my mother, but it’s not as strong as it has been. Maybe I’m going soft in my recovery. “I’m going to miss you,” I reply honestly.

She strokes my cheek. “We’re family. I’m not leaving you alone ever again.” She holds up her cell phone. “You’re in here forever.”

I smile and she moves around to snap a selfie of both of us. She shows me our photo and I give her the thumbs up. “I’m so happy you’re back in my life. No more extended breaks between calls.”

She grabs my hand. “I agree. And your Cordelia will definitely keep us in touch.”

At her mention of my girlfriend, my spirits soar. She’s been with me every step of the way. “I’m lucky to have her.”

“And don’t you forget that.” She winks. “Okay, I’m going back up to New Hampshire. But I’ll be burning up your phone line.”

“Please do, Auntie.”

With a kiss, she disappears. Five minutes later, Cordy sails into my room. Under her button-down, she sports a t-shirt saying, “Social Media Is My Superpower.” Damn straight.

“Give me some sugar,” I beg.

She strides over and kisses my lips. Grabbing her shoulders, I drag her tighter and extend my tongue. At her gasp, I slide it inside her mouth and tangle with hers. She feels freaking amazing. If only I wasn’t connected to all these wires. And my leg wasn’t in this stupid cast.

She pulls back when beeping goes off around us. “Oops,” I chuckle.

In under a minute, a nurse rushes in. With a frown, she checks the machines. My girlfriend, sporting red cheeks, spins on her heels and plays with some shit on the side table. The nurse glances at me. “Everything okay in here?”

“Yeah. All good.”

She shakes her head. “Must’ve been some sort of malfunction. I’ll leave you be.” She walks out of my room.

Cordy cracks up. “Oh my God! You’re so bad.”

“That’s why you love me.”

She tucks her hair behind her ear. “Well, yeah.”

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