Hurt flashes in his eyes. “You didn’t trust us enough to tell us the truth?”
I rub a hand over my face, too exhausted to have this conversation. All I want right now is to see Zac with my own eyes and know that he’s okay.
“It had nothing to do with you. Things are… complicated with my dad, and things happened with Hannah before—” I cut off, realising I’m about to lie to one of my close mates.
Zac and I didn’t become official until a month ago, but we were hooking up before my fake dating plot with Hannah.
I sigh. “Sorry for lying to you. I promise I’ll explain when…” My voice cracks, and I hang my head.
When we know Zac’s going to be okay.
The unspoken words hang between us.
“He’s going to be fine.” Jasper’s voice is rough.
“Yeah.”
Heslumps back in his chair, and we just sit there, silently waiting.
Exhaustion finally claims me, and I fall asleep with the uncomfortable hospital chair digging into my shoulders.
“Noah.”
I jolt awake, bolting to my feet when I see Zac’s parents standing with a doctor.
“Is he okay?” I demand, my voice still thick with sleep.
Hannah, Jasper, and the guys move closer. They’re still here.
The doctor glances at Adam, who nods. “He’s stable. We’re keeping him sedated to give his brain time to heal from the trauma.”
I swallow. “Can I see him?”
She looks around the room before answering. “We’ll need to limit it to immediate family for now.”
My chest tightens, but Isabelle grips my wrist. “He’s family.”
Tears sting my eyes, and I whisper, “Thank you.”
She squeezes my arm, offering me a sad smile.
“Right,” the doctor says. “Well, for tonight, he can have two visitors at a time, for no longer than ten minutes. I’ll leave it up to you. The nurse will take you through when you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” Adam says, shaking her hand. “We appreciate everything you’ve done for our son.”
“Of course.” She disappears back through the doors to the ICU.
Adam turns to face our teammates, and I realise Theo’s parents, Jade, Milly, and Jonathon are no longer here, but Theo’s hovering with the guys.
“We appreciate all of you for hanging around,” he says. “I know it will mean a lot to Zac. You should all head home and get some rest. We’ll keep you updated.”
Hannah’s the first to move, wrapping her arms around my waist. I squeeze her tight. “Text me when you get home, so I know you got home safe.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Yep.”
She hugs both of Zac’s parents before waving at the guys and leaving.
