I cry against my brother's chest, feeling so many emotions flood me at once. And then he pulls away to look at me.
“Have Mom and Dad take you to the hospital. I’m right behind you.”
23
Zachariah
“Ican’t believe it’s seventy degrees out today,” Dad says as he lowers his phone.
We’re all seated around the kitchen table finishing up breakfast; the back door opened up so the breeze can filter through. And he’s right, it’s usually raining by now or maybe even producing a little bit of snow but it’s bright and sunny and you wouldn't even know it’s that soon, it's going to be fall in full swing.
Early Octobers are one of my favorites, because the shift in the color of the leaves mixed with the drizzle of rain is so peaceful. But nothing compares to spring in full bloom.
I stuff the last piece of waffle in my mouth before checking my phone.
“Maybe I’ll take the bike out today,” Bray says as he chugs orange juice straight from the bottle.
“What time is Zach going to be here?” My mom turns to me as she picks up my dad's plate.
“Any minute now,” I tell, trying to hide my eagerness. But it's useless. I have been waiting for this moment.
Zach was released from the hospital last week, but he’d been instructed to relax and rest for the last seven days. I’ve been to visit him a few times. Sometimes with Ry or sometimes with his parents. The last time, about a week ago, was with Bray.
Bray and I never really talked more about the whole situation outside of what was said at the football game. But things between him and I have seemed to go somewhat back to normal, so I didn’t want to bring it up. But when he had asked me if I wanted to go with him to visit Zach before he was released, I didn’t hesitate.
The drive was quiet and when we got there, it was a little awkward. I wasn’t sure if they had talked about anything or what, it’s not something Zach and I ever talked about when I visited because I didn’t want to cause any stress. So I had waited out in the waiting room and after about twenty minutes, Brayden came out and told me he’d be waiting in the car.
I went in, talked to Zach and told him about school and stuff as always, then gave him a kiss and left.
I got in the car and Brayden immediately said, “If he hurts you, even a little, promise me you’ll tell me.” He wasn’t even looking at me, but I nodded at him and agreed.
“I love you, Cade,” he’d said, finally turning to me. “I want you to be happy. If Zach makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.”
“So, you’re okay with it? You’re not mad?” I had turned to look at him and I could see the hesitance on his face, but ultimately it softened and he smiled at me.
“I was mad that you two snuck behind my back. I was mad that you both essentially lied to me about being together and didn't just come forward. But I’m not mad that you found someone who loves you, Cadester. And that you love him back.” He reached for my hand. “Honestly, I’m happy it’s Zach and not someone who I know has greater potential to hurt you. So, yeah, I’m okay with it. I’m sorry it took me a minute to really come around to the full idea of it all.”
I felt tears sting the corners of my eyes and as I let up a small smile, one slipped free.
“Thank you,” I had whispered, and then he took me home.
That was a much needed moment between Bray and I, and I can only hope and imagine that he and Zach talked it out as well. Which is why I refuse to contain my excitement knowing that I get to see him for the first time in about a week.
He was only in the hospital for about five days just to make sure he didn’t have a major concussion and that there was no internal damage. Zach’s been doing much better and, thankfully, he’s in one piece. Minus the fractured rib and sprained ankle. But nothing major debilitated him, which was so good to find out because the way he had landed and stilled, frightened a lot of people.
My phone dings and I waste zero seconds checking it.
Out front, Sunshine.
I jump up from the table and put my dishes away before turning to my mom, kissing her on the cheek.
“Please, be careful,” she says to me and I raise my brows at the worry in her tone. But I don’t think much of it before taking off for the front door. I slide my shoes on and swing the door open, expecting to see Zach’s jeep. But my heartrate spikes with adrenaline when I see Zach . . . standing next to his bike.
“Zach?” I take the steps down from the porch and he smiles at me, two helmets in his hands.
“Ready to ride with me, little one?” His voice is husky, and his hair a little messy. But his smile is immaculate and the way he looks at me makes my skin feel like it’s under a flame.
“My mom would kill me,” I tell him but he pulls out the most handsome smirk he can find.
