I heard the hiss of her breath as she sucked another in. I didn’t want to push, but I couldn’t help if I didn’t know. Physically no one had touched her, I knew that much. On the other hand, I had no clue what caused this reaction.
“Here, Zoe. Take a sip of this?” Kenz asked, handing Zoe a paper cup of water.
Zoe accepted the cup before her eyes darted back to mine, seeking approval. At least she trusted me enough to help her with her decision. “It’s fine, Zoe. Just some water. Just take a small sip.”
Cautiously she did just that before coughing loudly. When the spluttering subsided, she looked down and saw her hand still wrapped in mine. “I’m sorry,” she whispered sheepishly.
“You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about. I promise.”
“Okay.”
“And no one has to know this happened. I won’t tell anyone. And either will Mackenzie. Right, Kenz?”
“Absolutely.”
“Th-thank you. I don’t know what happened.”
“What do you remember, Zoe?” Kenz prodded softly.
I looked over at her and noticed how uncomfortable she was. I’d known Mackenzie since we were barely teenagers and I’d never seen her be scared before. Maybe that’s why we were such good friends. When I was weak, she was strong. She wasn’t used to dealing with stuff like this yet she was impressing me with how well she was handling it. Generally, I hid my crazy from her. Not because I worried how she’d react, but more because I’d be embarrassed by the pathetic excuse for my own life. She didn’t need to see that. No one did. Now though, watching Kenz cope and deal with Zoe’s breakdown was inspiring me not to hide anymore.
“I finished up and tried to call Derek.”
Okay, that didn’t seem like any big deal. From what I’d witnessed, Derek would never hurt her. In fact, he gave off the very distinct impression that he’d go out of his way to hurt anyone who did. There was definitely more to the story.
“What’d he say?”
“He didn’t.”
“He didn’t what, Zoe?” I was lost.
“He didn’t answer. I kept trying and every time it went to voicemail. I texted him and he didn’t reply. Now I’m stuck. And you guys wanna to go home. And I’m holding you up. I’m stuck.”
“What do you mean, you’re stuck?” Mackenzie asked softly, crouching down so she was with us.
“I…can’t…leave…not, not without…him.”
Her eyes flooded with tears and my already strained and concerned heart shattered for her. Since I’d opened the gym doors I’d seen women of all types come through and hide from their abusive partners, others tried to hide from their own demons. Never had I seen someone so afraid to step out the front door. With that painful reality check, things started to make sense. Why Derek enrolled her. Why he was so protective. Why he dropped her off. She couldn’t be alone. Something or someone had made her afraid of her own shadow. What a fucking mess.
I didn’t know what to do or what to say. How the fuck do I make this better? But just when I thought I was completely out of ideas, Mackenzie came to my rescue.
“Zoe, do you trust us? I mean, do you trust Mia and me not to hurt you?”
Glancing between us, Zoe’s eyes darted back and forth before she squeaked, “Yes.”
“Okay. Good. Now my car is parked across the road. What if we gave you a lift home? Would that be okay?”
Great fucking idea, Mackenzie. You deserve a bonus! Well, if bonuses fit in the budget. “We’ll be with you the whole time.”
“I…can’t…”
Fuck! I was sure she’d take up the offer. “Can you tell me why not, Zoe?”
“I…I don’t want to be a nuisance.”
I couldn’t hold back the sigh of relief as it fell from my lips. “You’re not a nuisance, Zoe. Never think that. You’re a friend. And that’s what people do for their friends. Right, Kenz?”
“Right!” She smiled widely and bounced to her feet. I could have hugged her. Mackenzie was nailing this.
