Page 4 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
I cough roughly and clear my throat. “Yes. Yes, I’m here.”
“Are you aware of Wyatt’s current condition?”
“Umm. Only what online gossip is saying.”
Erika sighs into the receiver. “Wyatt’s suffered a blow to the head. He took some time to regain consciousness, but we’re grateful to say he’s doing much better in his recovery.”
My heart pounds with adrenaline. “Oh, thank goodness. I’m so relieved.” I sink in my seat. “But, why are you telling me this?”
“There’s been some setbacks,” Erika says hesitantly. “Wyatt is suffering short-term memory loss. He doesn’t remember me, or my team. In his mind, he never left Victoria Falls or starred in his season of Talent Quest.”
My mouth falls open. “You’re kidding.”
“Josie, he wants to see you.”
I stammer a few sounds as my heart leaps into my throat. I swallow hard and exhale swiftly. “He does?”
“We can arrange a flight for you, first thing in the morning,” Erika says. “Can you get to the airport by eight a.m.? We’ll have the Circle 8 Learjet ready and waiting for you.”
I choke on the words, “Like, a private plane?”
“Yes, Josie. It’s important that you come. We want him released from the clinic, but the medical team is hesitant. We’re hoping a blast from the past can help kickstart his memory.”
“I’d do anything to help him, but...”
“But, what? Tell me anything you need and I’ll make it happen to get you here.”
“Well, I have school, and my parents can’t just pack up and leave.”
“You’ll come without them.”
I puff out an air of nervousness. “They won’t like that.”
“Where are they?” Erika asks in a rush. “I’ll speak to them now and get them to sign-off.”
Sign-off? Why does that word make this sound like a business proposal?
“Umm, okay,” I say with a tremble in my voice. “I’ll go downstairs and find them.”
“Very well.”
I lower the phone and slink out of my bedroom. An unsettling surge of adrenaline bolts through me, and my head wobbles from side to side as I descend the stairs.
“Mom?” I call out, the tremble in my tone worsening. “Mom?”
Mom backs out of the living room. “What’s wrong?”
I lift the phone in my clammy hand. “Umm, there’s a woman on the phone...”
Mom makes her way over, unnerved by my demeanor. “Yes?”
“Umm. She works with Wyatt.”
“Wyatt?” Mom’s brow furrows. “Wyatt as in Hayes?”
I gulp, slowly nodding.
“Hello? Hello?” Erika’s voice calls through the phone.
