Page 66 of Fame And Secrets
“I’ll explain later. I’m booked on the next one, but it keeps getting delayed for mechanical reasons. I’m trying, man, but the only other flight is booked solid. I can’t get on it. Trust me, I’ve tried everything…even using my name, and you know I hate that shit.”
“Jesus, Julian!” The calmness in his tone gave way to panic. “That means no one’s coming? It’s just me.”
“Is Faith still not answering her phone?” I glanced sideways at Zane, his eyes narrowing as he listened.
“No, and trust me, I’ve called her. I’ve called Mom, Chloe, Ty…hell, I even called Kristina.”
“Oh Christ.” Kicking a booted toe out, I slammed it into the chair in front of me, causing it to skid backward and tip against the wall. “You told Kristina?”
“Calm down, bro. It doesn’t matter anyway. Mom and Chloe won’t make it in time. And because of the security you put in place, Ty and Kristina aren’t even allowed on the floor, much less in the room. It’s okay, though. I’m doing all right. I mean, I think I am.”
“You think?” I gripped the counter as Zane stood, the look in his eyes telling me he wouldn’t hesitate to punch me again. “This isn’t a summer job you can fake, Ry. This is my wife and kid!”
A whooshing sound sucked through the line as if Ryker walked through automatic glass doors. “Don’t you think I know that? I’m doing the best I can.”
I leaned my elbows onto the counter and dropped my head between them. “I’m sorry. I just—I’m doing everything to get there.”
“Good. I’m going back in there and telling her I talked to you. She’s scared, and at times possessed by some sort of demon, but she’s okay. She just really needs you.”
I paced in circles as Ryker spoke, suddenly coming to a complete stop. “Tell her I love her, and I’m on my way.”
“Yeah, got it. Call me when you land.” I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye before he disconnected the call.
In the next few hours, I’ll be a father.
I lightened my grip on my phone and punched numbers again. She answered, and before I could say a word, she broke in with a rushed tone. “Phoebe’s in labor!”
“No shit.” I didn’t hesitate. “I know you talked to Ryker. I need you to go to the hospital and tell them your name is Chloe Michaels. Tell them you’re her sister.”
“Or, you could listen to me, because I’m the manager here.”
“Fine.”
“Risa and I have been calling and working flights nonstop since we texted. The only solution is a flight out of Portland International in three hours. I can book you and Zane on it, but you have to haul ass.”
My voice amplified. “To Portland?”
“It’s your only option, Julian.”
I glanced over at Zane and sighed with resolve. “Fine, we’ll get a rental and leave now. Book the flights. And, Kristina, do what I said and go to the hospital.”
“Are you crazy, Julian?” Her voice rose with condescension.
“No, I’m not crazy. Get in the fucking car or get a new client.” Pulling the phone away, I quickly cursed and lifted it back to my mouth. “Thank you.” Shoving it into my pocket, I grabbed my carry-on and my guitar case. My lowered eyes connected with Zane’s.
“You got a plan?” Zane never minced words.
Turning to my left, I glanced up at the dark sky. “Nope.”
He nodded. “Good plan.”
***
Sitting in the Portland airport, the ring of my phone made me jump out of the chair. I’d been fidgeting with my hat, my growing beard…anything to keep in motion. Zane drove like Mario Andretti the whole way, and my nerves were shot. The fans had been relentless. One after the other asked for a picture, an autograph, and everything in between. Ever since, I’d pulled the bill of my hat over my eyes and dropped my head into my palms, praying no one else recognized us. I couldn’t handle anymore tonight.
I glanced at the caller ID as I raced to answer it. “How is she?”
“You need to pay someone off and get here now. I’m being serious. I can’t lie to her for much longer about where you are.”