Getting on the train. See you in eight stops.
I’ll be there.
As I expected, the ride was uneventful. The hardest part had been going into the station. I hadn’t been able to understand why at first, but my therapist had explained that those were places where I’d feel more vulnerable. It made sense.
As promised, Tony was waiting for me on the other side of the turnstiles. He hugged me tightly. I kissed his cheek and said, “Let’s go get me moved.”
When we got to my apartment, I was surprised to see not only Marco and Michael, but also Dante and Hunter. I gave them all hugs, especially Hunter and Dante, since they’d essentially helped save my life.
Marco, in his usual gruff manner, said, “All right, hugfest is over. Let’s get Greg moved out of here.”
The other men rolled their eyes. “Yes, Chief,” they said in unison.
Everything I owned was packed in clearly labeled bins or boxes. I was leaving the furniture except for the mattress, which they were bringing out to the curb for pickup. Whoever sublet the apartment would want their own mattress anyway.
I should have known the former military men would be exceptionally efficient about moving. They had a system, and everything went out the door in a certain order from which they did not deviate. I gave up trying to help carry things. Instead, I went through the apartment to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything.
I was checking the bedroom closet when Tony came in. “Hey, babe, could you come out to the living room?”
The tone of his voice was strange. “Sure.”
The living room was empty except for the furniture—and my keyboard. “Fuck,” I whispered.
I’d barely touched it since the day I’d been kidnapped. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was working on it with my therapist because there was no way I’d be able to be a working musician and not use an electronic keyboard. I’d only gotten as far as resting my fingers on the keys with the instrument turned off.
I had no problem at all playing an acoustic piano, except I didn’t own one. So when I wanted to practice, I had to go to Juilliard, which got expensive since, up until today, I’d been taking taxis to get there.
“Do you want to just leave it here?” Tony asked.
I shook my head. “No. I have to be able to use it. It’s one of my therapy goals.”
“Okay,” he replied. “Where’s the case?”
“In the closet by the door. I’ll get it.”
I pulled the padded vinyl case out of the bottom of the closet and brought it to Tony, who took it from me without a wordand packed up the keyboard. I collapsed the metal stand, and we handed both to Marco when he came back to get more boxes.
“Is that everything?” he asked.
“I think so,” I replied. “I’m going to do a final walk-through to make sure.” He nodded, took the keyboard and stand, and headed back downstairs.
I went through all the rooms one more time. There was nothing left I wanted to take with me. “That’s it. It’s time to go.”
“Greg?” Mrs. Harrison’s voice came from the open doorway. “You’re moving out?”
I went over to her with Tony in tow. “Yes,” I said regretfully. “But it’s a good thing.” I pulled Tony forward. “This is my boyfriend Tony. I’m moving into his place.”
Tony held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison.”
“Nice to meet you too, young man.” She turned her attention back to me. “Are you going to sublet your apartment?”
“I am. Do you know someone who wants to rent it?”
She nodded. “My niece has been looking for a place.”
“That’s great.” I handed her my phone. “Put your number in my phone, and I’ll text you. Then you can give my number to your niece.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Greg. I’m sorry you’re leaving. I’ll miss your music.”
