“Who are you?” Kira exclaimed once she’d gotten past the shock. Blayne watched as Kira looked Ethan up and down, as if seeing him for the first time.
“I’m Ethan Bond—”
“He’s Ethan Bond,” Jamie said with a look of awe. Ethan nodded to Jamie, who continued. “He’s only like one of the most famous people in the world. Where have you three been? What’s with the blond hair?”
Ethan shrugged and put on one of his dazzling smiles. “That’s me. As for the blond hair, I was trying not to be recognized.”
“Good luck with that,” Jamie said, trying to fully sit up.
Blayne saw the wince flash across Jamie’s face. Knowing Jamie was still in pain caused a pang of anger in Blane’s heart.
“Still confused,” Kira said, tilting her head at Blayne, looking for some explanation. Blayne shot her back a look of absolute befuddlement.
“He’s the E in ZERO. God, you guys are old,” Jamie said, before returning his attention to Ethan. “Why are you here?”
“I’m staying with Blayne for a few days.”
“You’re friends with Blayne?” Jamie questioned in absolute wonderment.
“We’ve known each other for a long time.” Ethan then looked at Kira, who was narrowing her gaze on Ethan. “I told Blayne I was in the entertainment business. I never told him exactly what I did in the business.”
“We’re so going to have this conversation later,” Kira said flatly.
“Are you and Blayne dating?” Jamie asked excitedly.
Blayne caught the look of panic that flashed over Ethan’s face. “We’re just friends, Jamie,” Blayne cut in. “As Ethan said, ‘We’ve known each other for a long time.’”
“I knew I recognized your name,” Madeline said, entering the conversation. “How I missed it is beyond me. Jamie dragged me to one of your concerts at the Toyota Center last year.”
“I wish I could say I remembered even being here in Houston, but that tour was such a blur. We did something like sixty cities in ninety days before crossing the pond and doing another thirty around Europe.”
Ethan bounced from the shy boy next door to the confident, internationally recognized performing artist he was.And he’s staying at my apartment. And I’ve probably seen more of him than any of his fans will ever see. His Peeping Tom experience from earlier that afternoon flooded into his memory, bringing a grin to Blayne’s face.
“Do you mind?” Ethan gestured, pointing to the corner of Jamie’s bed. Jamie nodded. Blayne could tell the teen was still star-struck and surprised one of his musical idols was in his hospital room about to sit on his bed. “How are you doing? Need anything?” Ethan’s tone was smooth. Blayne wondered how many of these types of hospital visits Ethan made over the years.
“Kinda crappy,” Jamie admitted. “Feel like I was run over by a Mack truck. Honestly, I’m wondering what meds the doctors gave me, because this is one fucking awesome dream.”
“Language,” Madeline chided her son.
“Yes, Mom,” Jamie said, winking at Ethan conspiratorially. Ethan winked right back.
“Well, we wanted to check up on you,” Ethan said. “I’m sure we’ll see you again soon once you’re feeling up to it. Okay?”
“Promise?” Jamie asked.
“I promise. And who knows? Maybe before you’re out of here, I’ll figure out a way to get Ric, Zach and Orr here, too. The four of us can sign your cast.”
A look of absolute excitement rushed over Jamie’s face, beyond anything Blayne had ever seen on the boy. Somehow, in one sentence, Ethan had done more to raise Jamie’s spirits than anyone else in Houston could have.
“Good night, everyone,” Ethan said. He shook Madeline’s hand, who Blayne thought looked a bit tongue-tied. Ethan looked at Jamie and said, “I would give you a hug, but I don’t want to hurt you any more than you already are.”
“I’m fine—”
“No, you’re not,” Ethan said gently. “And that’s okay. I’ll owe you a hug once you’re back on your feet. Okay?”
Jamie nodded. Blayne said his round of goodbyes, then grasped Jamie’s hand when he was sure he wouldn’t hurt the poor kid.
Kira followed them out into the hall before they headed home. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” she said, looking at Blayne. Kira brought Blayne in for a hug, then extended her hand to Ethan. Ethan shook Kira’s hand, and she pulled him closer to her. She pointed to her eyes, then pointed at Ethan, letting him know she was watching him. She then smiled and brought him in for a quick embrace.
