CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Blair
Ipace the function room of the diner across from the police station, my anger growing with each heavy-footed step. What the hell are they doing? It’s been hours and no one will tell me what’s going on. All I know is that he’s being questioned and that they have the right to hold him overnight.
My body aches from how tightly I’m wound, and it pisses me off that I can’t do anything to help him.
His own fucking father.
As if Zane doesn’t have enough to worry about, now he’s facing an assault charge.
I’m not sure how much time passes while I drive myself insane, but when Ron walks out of the station, looking smug, it takes everything in my power not to get myself thrown in jail with Zane.
I open the door of the diner as Fiona follows behind him, and when our eyes lock, she at least has the decency to show remorse. But it’s too little too late.
Stepping forward, I’m ready to give them a piece of my mind when someone grabs my hand, and I spin to find Dad hovering behind me.
“Leave it,” he warns, his voice low so only I can hear him, waiting until they’re in their car before he says anything else.
“Your mom’s on her way. She finally got in touch with our lawyer friend who suggested a criminal attorney from Orlando.”
“Orlando? Do you think he needs an attorney?”
“I don’t know. I hope not. But I’m not taking any chances.”
“Have you spoken to him?”
“I have. He’s calling the station to get more information. I’m waiting to hear back. But I promise, we’ll do everything we can to help Zane.”
My world stills for a beat before my chest expands and I leap forward, letting Dad engulf me in his arms, allowing myself to break. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this, Dad.” I sniff through the tears. “But God, I’m glad you’re here.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d be, Princess. I wish I could do more.”
My phone buzzes at the same time Dad’s rings, and he excuses himself apologetically, stepping away. I consider ignoring my message, but if it’s Cade, he’ll just keep bugging me.
Unknown added you to the group “Girls gone wild.”
What the hell?
Unknown: Hey Blair, this is Hayley. Hayley Jackman. I hope you don’t mind that I got your number from Jenna. We just wanted to check in on you and Zane
Unknown: Hi Blair, it’s Paige. Dad’s been trying to call Zane, but he’s not answering
Unknown: Amelia’s on the chat too, as well as Lainey and Summer who you haven’t met, but she’s Lucy’s sister-in-law so I’m sure you’ll meet soon
Unknown: Hi Blair. This is Amelia
Unknown: Hi. It’s nice to meet you. Sort of. (Smile face)
I add in everyone’s contact information, assuming the last number is Lainey’s since she’s the only one not to text, then I take a deep breath and fill them in on what’s going on.
Blair: Hi everyone. And nice to meet you, Summer. Thanks for reaching out. It’s been a hell of a few days. I’m not sure how much Jenna’s told you, but Zane’s not in a good place. He was arrested a couple of hours ago and I’m still waiting to hear what the hell is going on
I press send and physically deflate, my body sinking as I blow out a breath. It’s possible I should have kept that information to myself, but I get the feeling they all care and want to be Zane’s friend, even if he’s reluctant.
My phone rings as I’m lifting it to check, and when I see that it’s Hayley, I grimace. I must have worried her.
“Hello?”
“Zane was arrested? Because of Landon? Because of us?” Her questions hit me like rapid fire and guilt takes over me.
“No. Shit. He got in a fight with his dad. It’s a long story. But I’m sure the stuff with Landon doesn’t help his case. Like this arrest doesn’t help with that case either. I don’t know what’s happening and I’m going insane.”
“Oh, Blair. I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” I smile at the sincerity in her voice. I never really made close girlfriends after Sierra, and now I have Jenna and maybe the wives.
“God,” Hayley huffs under her breath. “He doesn’t deserve this and neither do you.”
“We’ll be okay, but I appreciate you all thinking of us. I just wish I had better news to share.”
“What can we do?” Her voice lifts suddenly as though she’s shifted into action mode.
“Short of making this all go away, I don’t know.”
“Okay. We’re on our way.”
“What?” A laugh bursts out of me.
“Sorry I made that sound like a spur-of-the-moment decision, but Reed and I were already planning to fly there, and he just handed me a note to say D’Angelo’s organizing a jet. I showed Reed your text before I called, and he took off running. Now I know why.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“We know. But we’re doing it. I’m not sure how long it will take, but we’ll hopefully be there early tomorrow morning.”
A sigh escapes me as my heart fills with gratitude. “Thank you. He may never admit it, but I’m sure Zane will appreciate the support. He needs it.”
“Are you okay?” Hayley questions, throwing me a curve ball. I hadn’t exactly stopped to ask myself that. “I know you’re worried about Zane, but we’re not just coming for him. You’re one of us now.”
“A girl gone wild?”
“Whoops.” Hayley giggles. “We forgot to change the name. That’s left over from a girls’ night we had a few weeks back. I assure you it was very tame. The group name was used ironically.”
“Shame.” I bite back a smile until reality hits, and it falls from my face. Now is not the time for jokes.
“We are going to be great friends. No doubt.”
My chest warms and I have a feeling she’s right. I already feel comfortable around her. “Thank you, Hayley.”
“You’re wel— Okay.” She calls out to someone that isn’t me before saying my name again. “I have to go. Daddy D came through with the goods.”
“Daddy who?”
“Never mind.” She giggles again. “We’re on our way, okay? If you need us before we arrive, please call me. I’ll have my phone with me at all times.”
“Thank you. See you soon.”
She hangs up and it finally hits me who she meant—Paige’s dad… Daddy D—something tells me the group name wasn’t ironic at all.
“Good news?” Dad asks when I turn his way, and my face falls.
“Shit. No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be smiling while all this is going on.”
“Why? I’m pretty sure Zane’s in there wishing he could make you happy.”
“I’m sure he’s not.”
“Princess. From what I’ve heard, the man lives to make you happy.”
“What?” I snort, despite knowing that’s potentially true. It’s just weird talking to my dad about it. “Who told you that?”
“He did. While you were being questioned by the police.”
“Bullshit. There was no time for a heartfelt conversation.”
“It wasn’t a conversation. He said ‘I’m sorry for dragging Blair into my mess. Again. It may not look like it but I promise I live to make her happier.’” Dad curses under his breath. “Damn. Sorry, I was wrong. He said he lives to make you happier. Not just happy.”
“Not just happy?”
“Well, I’m taking it to mean happier than anyone could be. Not happier than you are. He’s always been an all or nothing kind of guy.”
My stomach flutters, because that sounds exactly like something Zane would say but… “How come you never spoke this fondly of him while he was gone?”
“We did. You just didn’t want to listen.
I promise I had no idea about Ron and Fiona’s attitude toward him.
Had I known, I would have paid him a visit and told him he had a family to come home to.
You’re not the only one that’s cared for him since he was a kid.
He’s always had us and Cade. And he still does.
Provided he doesn’t hurt my little princess. ”
“I’m not little or a princess. I can take care of myself.”
“I know. That statement has always been true. Which is why it killed me so much to see you struggling after Zane left. It’s like your determination and strength left with him.
But after seeing you fight for him earlier, almost assaulting a police officer in the process, I’m thinking you got it back. ”
My face scrunches as I blush with embarrassment. “Not my finest moment but that guy was an ass—”
“Officer, hello.” Dad speaks louder than necessary to cut off my rant. “Any news?”
I turn to find the only officer who seems to carry the sympathy gene and relax when she smiles.
But it’s short-lived.
“This can’t be happening. How could his parents do that? His own flesh and blood?” My pacing picks up again, but this time, it’s accompanied with blind rage.
“I don’t know, sweetie,” Dad tries to calm me. “I could never fathom it, but I’ve also never lost a child.”
“A child. Not two. They lost one and now they’re fucking up the life of the other. I’m going over there.” I spin on my heels and beeline for the door, but Dad’s faster.
“As much as I admire your spirit, that’s not going to help.
We have a lawyer on the way, and we need to be here when he arrives.
Zane’s going to need our support for his hearing tomorrow.
Trespassing and assault charges are not small misdemeanors.
And I have a feeling that Ron has witnesses on his side, because someone had to have called the police. ”
“Well, Zane has me. I was there for it all. Ron provoked him. He pushed me. He was taunting Zane, practically begging him to hit him. Doesn’t that count for anything?”
“It does, but you’re also his girlfriend.”
“No, I’m not. We haven’t spoken in years, Dad. I just happened to be walking past and—”
“Don’t,” he scolds me, suppressing his smile. “I didn’t raise my daughter to be a liar. Even if it would help immensely.”
“I know.” I huff out a breath. “Pity you weren’t more dishonorable."
“Sorry, kid.” He chuckles.
I smile until my mom pushes through the glass doors, her expression panicked, her eyes searching the space…
for me. She catches my gaze and opens her arms, waiting for me to run into her hold.
And like I’ve reverted back to the five-year-old me who just fell off her bike, I rush forward, tears in my eyes.
“Oh, Blair. I’m so sorry.”
“I can’t help him, Mom. There’s nothing I can do.”
“The best thing to do is to be there for him. All of us. It’s our time to step up and be his family. He deserves to be loved.”
She squeezes me tightly and pulls back, her expression sympathetic as my tears start to fall, my body shuddering from the heartache mixed with love. She’s right. We’re his family. It’s time he found out that he has one.