“I have your accommodations for the remainder of the year all set. You’ll be staying at a hotel, and I’ll make sure you have everything you need. Rest assured, though, that you won’t be alone or forgotten. You and I have many things to accomplish before the start of term in January. We’ll get all your required exams taken care of starting later this afternoon and into tomorrow. We’ll also get you fitted for your clothes along with picking up all the supplies from your list. During the last week of December, I’ll arrange for your visit to the spa.”
“What are the required exams?”
“There are medical, dental, hearing, and vision exams, as well as meeting with one of the academy’s psychologists.”
“That info wasn’t in the packet.”
“No. We would have gone over that information once we received your acceptance and commitment. Even though things are happening a little later than expected, we still have plenty of time.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll get the medical exam taken care of this afternoon. Considering what you’ve been through during the past day or so, I want one of our doctors to look at you right away.”
“Can I be rejected? Can any of the doctors reject me? Because I don’t have anywhere to go. I’m supposed to have my final exams next week at the community college.”
“I will reach out to the community college and will get your final exams arranged.”
“Okay, thank you. I want to at least finish my classes.”
“I respect that. I’ll get it handled for you.”
“Do you need the school contact info or a list of my classes?”
“Don’t worry, I have the info.” Ryder stared at me with unsure eyes. “Relax, Ryder. Everything will be all right. Remember what I said about you needing to learn to trust me?” He nodded. “I won’t lead you astray.” I looked him in the eye and kept my gaze on him for a few long moments before adding, “I promise.”
“Okay.”
I would earn Ryder’s trust by following through on what I promised him. Trust would come in time, and I was confident I’d have his by the start of the new year.
Once we landed, I led Ryder down the steps and off the jet. We walked down the aisle that led to the inside of the private terminal of the airport. I was sure Ryder noticed the thirty- to forty-degree difference between Los Angeles and New York. As soon as we stepped inside and out of the elements, I turned to look at him. His cheeks were bright red, and his hands were jammed into his pockets.
“Cold?”
He laughed a little and smiled.
“It was a bit of a shock stepping off the plane into the frigid temps.”
“Come on, my driver is just over there.” I gestured toward the sliding glass doors that led outside.
As soon as we stepped outside, I spotted Oscar standing beside the black Bentley. When he saw me, he opened the rear passenger door on the same side as the sidewalk.
“Afternoon, Mr. Christos.”
“Good afternoon, Oscar. This is my Omnia student, Ryder.”
Oscar held his hand out toward Ryder, and Ryder shook it.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ryder. You have the best mentor in Mr. Christos.”
“Nice to meet you, Oscar.”
I nudged Ryder toward the back seat of the car. “Get in. The car is warm.” Ryder climbed in and closed the door gently. Oscar and I walked around the back of the Bentley to the driver’s side.
“It’s not even that cold today,” Oscar joked quietly.
“California boy,” I said as Oscar opened the rear door. I got inside and immediately turned to look at Ryder as Oscar closed the door. Ryder was holding his hands over the vent where the heat was gently blowing from. “Welcome to New York,” I said and smiled at him.
“Is the destination still the same, Mr. Christos?” Oscar asked as he pulled away from the curb.
