“And you lost?”
I wish.“Unfortunately, there were no winners in this fight.”
“But you’re alive.” Cade smiles wide, ever the optimist. “You cheated death. Again. You better be careful, Fitzpatrick. I hear that the third time’s a charm.”
His smile fades while I shake my head.
I hate to say it but, “I’ve heard that too.” Only I’m not sure I could handle a third. My body might survive it, but I’d lose my mind in the process.
We fall quiet for a beat until Cade slaps me on the back and turns to face the parking lot. “Are you ready to blow this joint?”
“What?”
“I’m busting you out. Hand me your bag. We’re going home.”
I stare down at the bag in my hand, before laughing under my breath. “I’m not going home, Cade. I can’t.”
“Why? Because you fucked up years ago, running away instead of facing your problems, leaving behind everyone that ever cared about you?”
“Yep,” I say honestly, his words barely causing a sting. “That about sums it up.”
“Fucker.” He smirks like I’m joking. “Get in the truck. If you’re lucky, I’ll show you where my sister lives.”
My eyes widen at the mention of Blair. “Why would—”
“Woah.” Cade throws a hand up between us. “I’m going to stop you before you lie to my face. I’ve forgiven you for running away. I’ve forgiven you for not even bothering to pick up a phone to check in. But I willnotforgive lying anymore. God knows you did it enough when we were kids.”
Damn. Okay. I nod and opt for silence over lying again. But he doesn’t let me off the hook.
“Anyway, Blair told me she went home sick after you woke up. I think the two of you should talk. You’re both mourning the same loss; maybe you can heal each other.”
“It’s been years.”
“Exactly. And it’s safe to say that since you haven’t been back, you’re still not over it. Neither is Blair.”
“I’m not going home.”And I’m not talking to you about your sister.
“Yeah. You are. Get in my fucking truck before I make you.”
I stare at him unmoving, taking in his slim build compared to my muscular form, a body that’s been forged by hours in the gym, working myself to perfection. He can’t make me.
Not anymore.
He may have been stronger when we were teens, but he gave up on football when he started college. He’s no match for me now.
“I’m not going home,” I repeat, louder this time, standing my ground. “This isn’t even home anymore.”
Cade’s eyes widen before his expression turns cold. “It’s not home anymore? So what? Is San Francisco home? Because from what I’ve been seeing in the media and on that TV show, thatisn’t home for you either. Seems to me like you’re pushing your teammates away like you did with us. Which I guess means you’re homeless.”
Fuck. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it that way, but he’s right. I don’t have roots, just footprints. I exist wherever I happen to be. But I kind of like it that way. Never making a home means I never have anything to wreck. Anything to lose.
Cade stares at me in challenge, his gaze boring into mine until he seemingly finds what he’s looking for. “Get in the damn truck, Zane.” He shakes his head as he turns to walk away. “I’m not leaving here without you.”Conversation over.
Fuck my life.
CHAPTER THREE
Zane
