“Dad…” I sniff back the tears threatening to fall.Where the hell is he?“Something’s happened. Zane’s missing. He’s here somewhere in Jacksonville but I’ve been driving around for an hour and I have no idea where he could be.”
“You’re here?”
“Yes. And so’s Zane. But he’s in a bad place. His teammate died. The one who was in a coma.”
“Fuck. I mean,dammit. Sorry, love.”
I smile at his outburst. My dad never curses around me unless he’s watching football. And even then, he apologizes atthe beginning of the game, covering himself in case anything untoward flies out of his mouth.
“I think this moment calls for cursing. You’re forgiven.”
“When did he find out?”
“I don’t know. He won’t answer my calls or texts. It’s been two days. Kayla called me from the hospital to tell me the news. But I was already worried. I know something’s wrong. I feel it in my gut. Iknowhim.”
Mom and Dad knew Zane and I were close, but we never once had a conversation about it. I’m sure they had an idea that we were more than just friends—at least after Zane left, and I completely fell apart—but it always went unspoken. Even now it feels strange speaking this aloud.
“He wouldn’t disappear on me unless something was wrong, Dad. Not again. Trust me.”
“I believe you. Hang on.”
There’s a rustling sound before I hear muffled voices and then silence. “I’m back.”
“What were you doing?”
“Kissing your mom.”
“Why?”
“Because I always kiss her goodbye and I’m leaving to help you find Zane. Have you tried the beaches? Or what about the place the two of you had your first kiss? Locations with happy memories. If he’s in a dark place, he might seek solace in that.”
“What?”
“Come on, Princess. Your mom and I are old but we’re not stupid. We also have eyes. I’m pretty sure Zane’s only truly loved two people in his life. Sure, he loved his mom and dad like anyone does. But he loved two others with that I’d-walk-through-fire kind of love. Sierra andyou. Since it’s not something he feels often, he was never good at hiding it.”
“Oh, God.” My face heats but I don’t think it’s from the embarrassment I’m feeling over my dad knowing my secret. I’m burning up because of the fire igniting in my chest, the flames threatening to destroy me from the inside. “I have to find him, Dad.”
“We will.”
“I’ve tried the beaches, but you could try— Wait.” I slam on my brakes, my eyes wide as I focus on the broken figure hunched over on the front porch. “I found him.” Relief fills my lungs and I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself. “He’s here.”
“Where are you?”
“His childhood home. I’ve got to go, Dad. I love you.”
“Wait, Blair.”
“I’ll call you soon.”
After pulling up to the curb, I rush out of my rental and through the front gate of Zane’s run-down family home, only slowing when I’m a few yards in front of him. My heart breaks as I watch him.
If I didn’t know him like the back of my hand, I would have driven past. He’s a shadow of his former self, shattered and weak.
Actually, he’s the man I remember from the hospital when Sierra died. The ghost. And I’m terrified I’m going to lose him again.
“Zane.” My voice cracks when his name escapes my lips, and while it’s barely above a whisper, his head snaps up, his distraught expression worse than I feared.
“Oh, Zane.” I race forward, falling to my knees in front of him, wrapping him in my arms, desperate to keep him safe. “I’m here. You’re okay.”
