“What?” A laugh bursts out of me.
“Sorry I made that sound like a spur-of-the-moment decision, but Reed and I were already planning to fly there, and he just handed me a note to say D’Angelo’s organizing a jet. I showed Reed your text before I called, and he took off running. Now I know why.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“We know. But we’re doing it. I’m not sure how long it will take, but we’ll hopefully be there early tomorrow morning.”
A sigh escapes me as my heart fills with gratitude. “Thank you. He may never admit it, but I’m sure Zane will appreciate the support. He needs it.”
“Areyouokay?” Hayley questions, throwing me a curve ball. I hadn’t exactly stopped to ask myself that. “I know you’re worried about Zane, but we’re not just coming for him. You’re one of us now.”
“A girl gone wild?”
“Whoops.” Hayley giggles. “We forgot to change the name. That’s left over from a girls’ night we had a few weeks back. I assure you it was very tame. The group name was used ironically.”
“Shame.” I bite back a smile until reality hits, and it falls from my face. Now is not the time for jokes.
“We are going to be great friends. No doubt.”
My chest warms and I have a feeling she’s right. I already feel comfortable around her. “Thank you, Hayley.”
“You’re wel—Okay.” She calls out to someone that isn’t me before saying my name again. “I have to go. Daddy D came through with the goods.”
“Daddy who?”
“Never mind.” She giggles again. “We’re on our way, okay? If you need us before we arrive, please call me. I’ll have my phone with me at all times.”
“Thank you. See you soon.”
She hangs up and it finally hits me who she meant—Paige’s dad… Daddy D—something tells me the group name wasn’t ironic at all.
“Good news?” Dad asks when I turn his way, and my face falls.
“Shit. No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be smiling while all this is going on.”
“Why? I’m pretty sure Zane’s in there wishing he could make you happy.”
“I’m sure he’s not.”
“Princess. From what I’ve heard, the man lives to make you happy.”
“What?” I snort, despite knowing that’s potentially true. It’s just weird talking to my dad about it. “Who told you that?”
“He did. While you were being questioned by the police.”
“Bullshit. There was no time for a heartfelt conversation.”
“It wasn’t a conversation. He said ‘I’m sorry for dragging Blair into my mess.Again. It may not look like it but I promise I live to make her happier.’” Dad curses under his breath. “Damn. Sorry, I was wrong. He said he lives to make youhappier. Not just happy.”
“Not just happy?”
“Well, I’m taking it to mean happier than anyone could be. Not happier than you are. He’s always been an all or nothing kind of guy.”
My stomach flutters, because that sounds exactly like something Zane would say but… “How come you never spoke this fondly of him while he was gone?”
“We did. You just didn’t want to listen. I promise I had no idea about Ron and Fiona’s attitude toward him. Had I known, I would have paid him a visit and told him he had a family to come home to. You’re not the only one that’s cared for him since he was a kid. He’s always had us and Cade. And he still does. Provided he doesn’t hurt my little princess.”
“I’m not little or a princess. I can take care of myself.”
