“He didn’t have to listen. He wanted to go just as much.”
“You might be right, but I still should have been there for him. I’m going to be there now.”
“There’s not much you can do. At least not until the hearing.”
“I know.” I pull at the hem of my top and let out a breath. “I’ll feel more at peace knowing I’m close. Can we go back to Lucky’s Diner?”
Dad smiles. “We can. Jackie said we can use their private dining room for as long as we need.”
“Thank you. A few of Zane’s friends and teammates are here, so I’ll let them know to meet us there.”
“Sounds good. It’s nice to know he has a good network supporting him. Cade’s arriving soon too.”
“Ugh. Cade’s been such a bitch about Zane and me. Can you send him back to LA?”
Dad chuckles. “He’s just looking out for his little sister. You have to remember; we all saw the pain you went through when he left. It was hard on us all, but Cade didn’t really handle it as well as he should have. It would break him to see you go through that again.”
“That’s not going to happen. I’ve come to realize that no matter how hard we fight it or, perhaps, how hardIfight it, Zane and I are meant to be. He’s scared, but he’s not going anywhere. I wouldn’t let him if he tried.”
“I believe that.” Dad smiles. “When Zane puts his mind to something, he never gives up. A blessing and a curse. And you…well, you were never meant to be with Nathan. I knew that. But I’d forgotten the energy that follows you when you’re truly happy. And that energy brightens when Zane’s in your life. It always has.”
My breath hitches, but that shouldn’t come as a shock to me. He’s been my person for a long time. We just had to find our way back to each other. We both needed time apart to be stronger together.
And I’m going to make sure he knows that.
It’s after eight before Mom and Dad finally agree to go back to the diner, taking over their private dining room once more. I know we can’t see Zane, but being closer makes it easier to breathe.
When the early morning rush slows, Dad sneaks out to grab coffee, and I’m so stuck in my head, it takes me a few minutes to realize Mom’s quieter than usual.
“Are you okay?”
“Me?” Her eyes widen as she shakes her head. “I’m fine. It’s you and Zane I’m worried about.”
“I’m okay. But I’m not sure I can say the same about Zane.”
“It’s breaking my heart.” She clutches her chest, her voice soft. “The hardest truth to swallow is that Ron and Fiona could do this to him. You and Cade could do just about anything, and I’d still love and protect you with all my heart.”
“Even if you thought I’d killed him?”
“Even then.” Her response is quick, clear, and full of conviction, and I have to agree with her, because I’ve been thinking the same thing.
“I can’t believe I never saw it,” she continues, her tone harsh as though she’s scolding herself.
“I didn’t see it either.”
“Yes, but they were our closest friends. At least, I thought they were. You barely saw them after Sierra and Zane were gone.”
I swallow a lump in my throat, my chest tight with guilt. “There’s something I have to tell you.”
Mom’s gaze shoots to mine, and the love reflected back at me confirms she’s nothing like Zane’s parents and never will be.
Sucking my lips into my mouth, I fight back tears of regret. “I feel like such an idiot, Mom.”
Mom rushes forward, pulling me into my arms as she whispers reassuringly without even knowing what I’m about to say. “Whatever it is, we’ll get through it. Okay?”
I nod before finally telling her what’s been going on. “I’ve actually been in touch with Ron and Fiona since Sierra died. They’ve been keeping in contact, hoping I’ll help them feel better, I guess.” My gaze drops to the floor, and I take a deep breath before glancing up and continuing on. “It tore me apart every time we spoke, but I kept quiet about it because no one else knew Sierra like I did, except Zane. They told me he stopped speaking to them after he left. They never told me they blamed him. Theylied. All this time they made me believe he was an asshole, and it was them.”
“Oh, Blair. Why didn’t you tell us? We could have helped. That’s a lot for you to take on. What did they expect you to do?”
