“Hayls,” Reed playfully scolds her.
“What?” She lifts her hands innocently, suppressing her laughter.
“She’s right, Reed. I have to apologize to a few people back home too. Including you.”
“Nah, you’re in the green when it comes to us. Hayley and I will never be able to repay you for coming back to help that night.”
I internally cringe. I don’t want this to become a thing. “How about we call it even and never mention it again?”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yep.”
“Then consider it done.”
“Like it never happened,” Hayley adds, and it takes me a beat to process it all.
That was easy and I almost feel like I’ve been let off the hook despite doing the right thing.
If only the rest of the world could forget it and move on like Reed and Hayley can.
I excuse myself to see Keeley and jump when the door flies open as I’m reaching for the handle.
Keeley gasps when we almost bump into each other, and her cheeks flush a soft shade of pink as she lowers her phone. “Zane? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry.” I cringe as her gaze darts back over her shoulder before she hastily closes the door. “I just wanted to say thanks.”
“Thanks? What for?” I stare at her deadpan and she laughs. “You’re such an idiot, Zane. After all this time, you still don’t get it. Weallcare. We’re a family. And nothing you do is going to change that.”
“I bet—”
“Nothing,” she repeats sternly, her eyes boring into mine, imploring me to understand.
I nod, my chest tight. “Thank you. I promise, I’m starting to see it.”
“Good. The next few weeks are going to be trying for you and the team, but we’re going to get through it. Together. One day at a time. And by the end, everyone is going to love you. More than they already do. You know people crave a redemption story.”
The word “story” triggers a jolt to my heart, and my eyes once again seek out Blair. I have no idea where we go from here, but whatever happens, I need to make sure her story has a happy ending. That one day this will all be a memory and she can finally move on.
“Thanks, Keeley. If you ever need anything, I’d love to return the favor.”
“Don’t like being in debt, huh?”
“Definitely not.”
She laughs as we join the rest of the group, and when the conversation moves to the team, I tune them out, my thoughtswith Blair as she crosses the street, my chest tight with trepidation.
I’m desperate to speak to her, but at the same time, I’m terrified.
Emotion gets caught in my dry throat and it stings as I swallow, a burning question playing on my mind.
How much more pain can she endure?
How much more can any of them take?
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Blair
