CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 33
Kari heard Ian’s conversation because he kept his bedroom doors open. She pretended not to watch him as he stood by the bed, talking with the old man, who clearly did not give Ian what he thought he needed. When he cut the connection and remained where he was, she used her own phone to call Indrid.
“I’m a little early, I know,” she said when her friend picked up.
“Now is fine. How are you, dear?”
“Sitting in the living room of my suite. So high up, all I can see are evening shades of blue.”
“What a lovely impression. But it doesn’t answer my question. How are you?”
“Coping. For the moment. Thanks to Ian.” She called out, “It’s Indrid.” Back on the phone, she added, “No telling about tomorrow, though.”
“Let’s see. I know there is something happening tomorrow. What was it . . . ?”
Kari slid over a touch and patted the sofa next to her. As Ian settled, she told Indrid, “You’re making fun of me.”
“Only a trifle. And only with love. Now tell me. What happens tomorrow?”
“Just Ian’s big concert. I may have an interview. We haven’t received the revamped schedule yet. And the gala.” She dragged out the last word, gala. Added a touch of genuine dread.
“You know what I just heard?”
“What?”
“How you put the young man’s event first.”
“Did I? I wasn’t listening to myself.”
“I wish you were close enough to hug.”
“You just did. Here’s Ian.” She passed him the phone. “Want me to leave?”
“Don’t you dare.” He turned on the speaker and placed the phone on the coffee table. “Indrid, can you hear me?”
She asked a second time, “How are you, dear?”
“Worried. About everything. Right now, though, my biggest concern is one of my bandmates.” Swiftly, Ian recounted the situation with Connor. Kept rubbing his forehead, dragging hair back from his face.
When he went quiet, Indrid asked, “How are you handling it?”
They both listened as Ian described his tactic at the restaurant, a quick and intense run-through of the first song.
Indrid responded, “That sounds like an excellent plan.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Ian. You are drawing them together, helping them to focus on the crucial moment. May I make one suggestion?”
“Absolutely. It’s why I called.”
“Connor needs a friend. Someone who can help him face his own wall. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Kari felt him shudder. Ian replied, “All too well.”
“He may not see it as that. Whether you tell him or not depends on the moment. Trust your instinct.” A pause. Then, “I find it remarkable how all three of you seem to be facing the same crisis moment just now.”
“Remarkable is not the word I would use,” Ian said.
“Remarkable and beautiful both,” Indrid replied.
“I thought . . .” Ian straightened. “All this time I’ve been worried he’s angry because I’ve usurped his position as bandleader.”
“That may be what he sees as well. If so, being open about your own struggle may help clarify things for him.”
He nodded slowly, gaze resting on the phone. “Can I ask you about something else?”
“Of course.”
“Coming here feels like a terrible mistake. It was so hard to escape this world. And it cost me so much. Now I’m diving right back in.”
“I’m not sure that’s actually what frightens you. Or rather, it doesn’t frighten you as much as something else. Shall I tell you what that other thing might be?”
“I suppose . . .”
“Who you are now is not the same young man who struggled so hard and finally broke free. What frightens you is coming face-to-face with the man you are no longer.”
Ian slid off the sofa. Knelt on the floor. Planted his elbows on the coffee table. Placed his face in his hands. Stared at the phone.
“These few days at such a crucial juncture have brought considerable changes. That is what I heard most in our time together. That you are changing, and rapidly. Which is why I am so confident about your situation now. And why I trust you to do the right thing. With your friend Connor. And with my dear Kari. And to confront yourself, young man, with honesty.”
“I don’t—” Ian was halted by the ringing of his phone in the other room. “Excuse me. I should probably answer that.”
Kari watched him enter the bedroom, lifted the phone, said, “Thank you, Indrid. So much.”
“I cannot tell you how glad I am you two have found each other,” she replied.
Indrid might have said something more, but Kari’s ability to hear was abruptly ended by Ian returning to the doorway, his phone in one hand, and saying, “It’s Connor.”