“Sadie will be well and truly getting used to grumpy mornings since she’s just moved into Zane’s homestead,” Bailey adds with a flashing smile. I fire daggers at her again and smile nervously at my parents as they both stare at me wide-eyed.
“It’s all temporary,” I say quickly, adding, “He’s at the other end of the house, plus he’s never there. Zane’s mom, Sylvia, suggested it until the staff accommodation gets the heating and windows fixed.” I know I’m babbling, and I’ll kill Bailey later for blurting that out.
“Well, honey, we’re just glad you’re happy, aren’t we, Elliott?”
Dad hugs me again. “We sure are.”
“Sorry,” Bailey whispers to me when we have a moment alone to get our things out of the car. “You know, sometimes these things just fly out of my mouth.”
“Don’t they ever!” I whisper back. But I’m not mad at her, I mean, I am staying there after all. I just don’t want my parents to worry about me, it isn’t good for Dad’s heart. Though Mom looks like she couldn’t be happier, and after telling Dad more about the Lawless farm over dinner, he seems to be warming up to the idea too.
We spend the next couple of days helping them pack up the car, and gearing up for the trip back. We’re going to go to Silver Pines with them, and head back later in the afternoon before dark.
That night, Zane sends me a video of Mindy. She’s playing with her ball. A few stills later, he’s teasing her with a stuffed mouse on a string, dragging it across the rug as she chases it. I stare at it, hardly daring to believe that Zane the grump could be this playful. The video is captioned:Missing Mommy, but Zane’s got this.
So, he has a sense of humor, who knew?
Before I can blink, we’re heading back to Alpine Falls after helping Mom and Dad unpack their car, settle Harry in and wave goodbye until after the weekend; they plan on making the trip over to us. Zane said they could take one of the rooms at the Lodge because there were a couple of last-minute cancelations. They were so ecstatic it made my eyes sting.
When I get back to Zane’s, I find Mindy curled up on the couch, the fire roaring, but no Zane. When I get to the kitchen, I see a Post-it note stuck to the kettle; the first place he knew I’d go when I got in.
It reads:Gone to stables, had a problem with Zeus. Didn’t want to text while you were driving.
Oh, my god. I immediately pick up the phone and dial his number. “Zane?” I say. “Is everything okay?”
His voice sounds tired when he answers. “I’ve just had the vet and my sister here, they said he has a case of the strangles.”
“Oh, god, what’s that?” I pace the living room, afraid of what he’s going to say. I know how much he loves his horses, but Zeus is his main guy.
“It’s a common bacterial infection. He had some coughing and a fever yesterday. I got him checked out because he wasn’t his usual self. He’s gonna be okay with a short dose of medicine and some rest.”
“I’ll come to you,” I say.
“You don’t have to do?—”
“Stay put. I’ll drive slow, it’s not far.”
The stables are literally half a mile. I run around the house bundling a couple of warm blankets, pillows, and make a thermos of coffee. Knowing Zane, he won’t leave Zeus’s side tonight. The barn will be freezing, but at least he’ll be close. I wonder if he’s eaten?
Judging by how clean the kitchen is, it doesn’t look like it. I make a couple of sandwiches and throw them in the truck, too.
I kiss Mindy on the head, telling her I’ll be back soon, and set off.
I take the road ultra slow, knowing how dangerous these tracks are, especially at night in the dark when stray animals can be on the road. When I get to the stables, I see the lights on. I grab my armful of things, leaving the pillows behind, and rush toward the open doors. Zane, his dad and Grandpa are inside, talking in low voices. Zane’s face looks… different. Sullen. Ashen. Like he hasn’t slept a wink in days.
“Hey, Z, Frank, Mr. Lawless,” I say quietly. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”
They turn to face me. “Hello, Sadie,” Frank says, tipping his hat.
Grandpa Gary does the same. “Nice to see you again so soon.”
I motion to my armful of things. “I brought some coffee and blankets in case you want to stay with him.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” Gary says with a small smile. “Isn’t it, Zane?”
Zane nods, his words barely audible. “Appreciate it.”
“How’s Zeus?” I ask, afraid of what they’ll say even though Zane told me he was going to be okay.
