Page 77 of Out of the Blue

The transplant was delayed by one day so more tests could be run. Finally, the big day arrived yesterday, and both he and Braxton were rolled into surgery. I’ll never forget his last words to me. “I love you so much. You’re my person.”

I’m his person. Yeah. I think my whole life is being rewritten with my first ever happy ending.

Surgery took a long time. Auntie Gloria and the bands were here, and we waited together. Drank crappy coffee. Stared out into the New York City skyline. Ignored the rest of the world until we received word that Braxton came through with flying colors. A collective sigh of relief went up with the piece of good news.

Then more waiting. More coffee. More butterflies. Finally, Doctor Tuck came out and told us Trent’s transplant went well and he was in recovery. I’ve never felt such all-encompassing relief.

And the hugs from his aunt and all the members of TLR, plus their wives, were pretty good too. Like I belonged.

I crashed on the chair next to Trent last night, guarding him. From what, I don’t know. I only knew I couldn’t leave his side. He woke up a few times since the surgery ended but hasn’t regained his wits about him yet. Although some of the stuff he’s spouted has been damn funny.

It’s now two o’clock in the afternoon, and I’m watching some stupid show on TV, wishing he’d wake up for good. I want to hear he’s going to be okay from him, rather than from the medical team recording his vitals. I’ve been surviving on hospital coffee, vending machine snacks, and cat naps in this chair.

His head thrashes on the pillows. “Mom!”

I rush over to his side and lay my hands on his shoulders. “It’s okay.”

The door opens and Auntie Gloria comes in. “Did I hear him yell out?”

Before I can respond, he repeats, “Mom!”

We both sigh. She stops next to me. “Why don’t you go take a break? I’ll stay with him for now.”

My eyes trail over to my boyfriend, who seems to have settled. “Thank you. I’ll get a coffee. Want one?”

She shakes her head. I kiss his cheek and trudge out of his room, rubbing the kinks out of my muscles. I step into the hallway and rest my head against his door. “Please wake up.”

Pushing away, I trek toward the elevators to get some coffee from the cafeteria rather than the vending machine on the floor. Maybe they’ll have flan. When I pass the waiting room, someone says my name. Pausing, I turn and a bunch of TLR’s roadies and crew come over.

Various versions of “How’s he doing?” accost my tired ears.

“He’s still asleep, but the doctors say he’s doing as well as can be expected.” I parrot the medical jargon. Trying to stifle a yawn, I fail and it overcomes my weary bones.

While I try to unscramble my brain, Marvin says, “That’s great,” and slaps Hector on the back. The other guys high-five each other. I need coffee. The elevator is so close.

“Hey, we heard a rumor and maybe you can help us out,” Hector says.

I yawn again and motion for him to continue. I’m ready for this idle chitchat to be over.

“Is it true Braxton Hunte is Trent’s father?”

Geez. News really does travel fast. “Yeah.”

The roadies exchange glances, and a faint bell trips in my brain. “Just keep it between us, okay?”

“Sure thing,” Marvin replies for the group.

“Great. Now, if you don’t have any other questions for me, I’m going to grab some coffee and get back to Trent. I’ll let him know you’re here and send your best wishes.”

Hector nods. “Thanks. Appreciate it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see him today.”

I wave and leave the group for the cafeteria. Steaming Styrofoam cup in hand, and a brownie already in my tummy since they didn’t have flan, I return to the elevator bank. A bunch of nurses surround me, talking among themselves. “Have you seen him yet?”

One of them giggles. Hardly professional behavior. “No, but Kellie was assigned to him overnight. Said he’s better looking, even in a hospital bed, than in his photos.”

My ears prick. Are they talking about—Braxton?

Another nurse chimes in. “I saw Hunte perform at Madison Square Garden a month ago. He was fantastic. And he’s on my floor today.” She does a little happy dance.

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