Chapter 28
*Howie's point-of-view*
I set in the hospital cafe' picky at my sandwich slowly. I have to admit it' looks better than any food item that has been placed in front of AJ. I sighed sipping my iced tea. I became distracted as my cell sounded. Great! The way things have been going it's probably more bad news. "Hello?"
"Howie, it's Kevin!"
"Kevin, why in the hell would you be calling?" I laughed. Don't we see enough of each other through the year?"
"I've got great news! We won!"
"We won?"
"Yes! We are now officially with 'The Firm'!"
"You're kidding?"
"Nope. It's final Lou Pearlman and the Wrights have nothing on us now!"
"That's great! Do the others know?"
"I got a hold of Brian and he relaying the message to Nick ,now, all we need you to do is tell AJ and his mother." He paused. "How's the kid doin' anyway?"
"Pretty good. He's not exactly feeling tip-top, but he's being released tomorrow and we'll be recording in Florida apparently once everything is finalized."
"Things are looking up. Give him my best."
I leaned against the back of the plastic chair. "And what about you?"
Kevin gave a slight chuckle."Me?"
"Yeah. You seemed pretty out of it last I saw you."
"I'm okay thanks to my family and Kristin. You?"
I stroked my brow gently. "Still in denial. I mean, I know she's gone...but...Well, I'm sure you know what I mean."
He breathed deeply. "Yeah...yeah, I do."
"So, I guess we'll all be meeting up the day after tomorrow in Tampa?"
"Guess so. To start recording 'The Perfect Fan'."
I nodded. "It's a great song, I hope we do it justice."
"Don't worry, Howie. It'll all be fine. I mean that in more ways than one."
"When we get there I wanna' tell you guys about the foundation I'm starting with my family in honor of my sister."
"We'd all be glad to hear about it."
"Thanks, Kev. I'm gonna' give AJ the good news."
"Okay, see you in a few days. Take care."
"You too."
I stood emptying my tray and making my way back to AJ's ward. I hurried through the hall excited to tell him the new word on our management 'The Firm'. The only reason AJ even allowed to rest and be taken care as long as he had was due to them. If only they could've been with us during Brian's ailment. "AJ!" I exclaimed entering his small room.
"What's up, D?"
"Great news! We got 'The Firm'!"
"We did? We won?"
"Uh-huh. Kevin just called."
"Wow! That's fantastic. That's what we all really needed to hear right now."
Ms.McLean joined us. "Hello, boys."
"Mom!" AJ smiled. "We won. We're with 'The Firm.'!"
"Yes!" she breathed hugging him tightly. "Things will be much better now, you'll see."
He returned her hug. "I believe you, Mama."
She also took me into her arms. "Congratulations, Howie."
"Thank you."
AJ faced her. "Mom, I really want you to hear the song we're recording in Florida. It's called 'The Perfect Fan' and..."
AJ's words became mumbled as I had a new idea. I quickly made a note to make a rough copy of the song to give to Caroline's children.
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