by E. K. Blair
Zach scoots away, obviously scared he’s about to be in the line of fire from my fists of fury.
“Hell no, woman, I was kidding...kinda. Seriously though, Dane owns like, well, lots of shit. Why don’t you ask him for a job?”
I just stare at Zach, willing him to help me reason with this lovable jackass.
“Saw, she can’t ask her man for a job. That’s not cool. Can’t you get her one on the DL?”
“Where exactly do you work, Sawyer?” I remember I’ve aired this question before and apparently never got an answer.
“You don’t know?”
“No.”
“I work for Dane. I bounce at The Kickback, or take care of whatever else he tells me to.”
“So could you get me a secret job at The Kickback?”
“Laney, you’re not 21. You can’t work at a bar,” Zach points out.
Sawyer snaps his fingers; he has a brilliant plan, goodie. “I could probably get you one at MK. You could do wardrobe or something.”
MK...why does that ring a bell? Sawyer sees me stewing over it. “It’s Dane’s studio. You could help the photographers with the sets or costumes or whatever. Want me to check it out?”
MK—Michael Kendrick. Of course. And that’s why Tate had said he took me to “the studio,” cause he owns it. And I’d chewed Dane about it. My lunch is now a mouthful of crow.
“No, no don’t say anything. It’s okay, I’ll find something.” I stand to throw my lunch away and get to class. “I’ll see you two later. Not a word, guys, please.” I give them both a pointed look and mime locking my lips. Zach crosses his heart and Sawyer nods, so I know my secret’s safe.
*****
“Hey, stranger!” Bennett shrieks as I walk into our room later than evening, sweaty from ball practice.
“Hey yourself, Red. How are you?” I laugh and start gathering some clean clothes, heading to the bathroom. “Come talk to me while I shower, I feel like we never talk anymore.”
Bennett sits on the counter while I let the warm water wash away the day, catching me up on her life.
“Where’s Mr. Wonderful tonight?” I ask. I can’t remember the last time I saw Bennett without Tate no more than five minutes away from her side.
“He’s with Dane tonight, not sure what they had to do. He’ll be here after, probably around 11,” the pout in her voice audible.
“Oh that’s right, Dane told me he’d be out. I forgot it was with Tate. So ok, you wanna go out with the girls tonight? Avery and Kirby asked me to do something, probably assuming you’d be with Tate, but you know we’d love for you to come. Until he’s done, anyway,” I giggle. I know I’m old news the minute he punches his timecard, which I completely understand.
“I wish I could, but you wouldn’t believe how behind I am on homework. It’s like I can’t get anything done when Tate’s in the room.”
“Actually, I would believe it. I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” I tease her. “Will you hand me a towel?” I step out and start to dry off, hearing my phone going off in the living room. “Crap, Bennett, that’s Avery. Will you go grab it?”
She runs out and I can hear her talking as I come out. She’s relaying back and forth for me so I can get dressed in dark jeans, my red and black 00 flag football jersey, tied in the back, and white Keds.
“Just tell her I’ll meet her somewhere. Find out where, I need about 20 minutes to dry my hair and I’ll be good to go.”
“She said how about The Kickback?” Bennett yells over the blow dryer.
I debate internally for just a second, surprised to find I am in fact in the mood for The K, then smile, shooting her a thumbs up from under my hair. Taking a quick final look in the mirror, I decide to leave my hair down and invite Bennett one more time before I head out the door minutes later. She declines, so after stuffing my phone and ID in my pockets, I bounce into The K all by myself! This is new for me, brave, and it feels good!
My eyes quickly find Kirby’s waving hand from a table across the room and I make my way through the bearable crowd to her. “Hey, catch!”
“Look at you, Sporty Spice! I’m glad you came out!” “Where’s Avery?” I shout over the music.
“At the bar with Zach. You want something?” My brows crinkle, Zach? Love him, but I thought this was girls’ night?
“Sure.” I whip the one five dollar bill I brought out of my pocket. “I’ll take whatever that will buy me.”
Kirby grins mischievously. “Laney, we don’t have to pay for drinks. That bartender look familiar?”
I turn and look, well after the people blocking my view move, and see Sawyer behind the bar. Smiling to myself, I shake my head. We can’t sit here and drink for free off Dane’s dime. Not that I’d drink enough to make a dent, but still. “Just one free drink for me, something light. I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick, will you tell them?”
“I got you, girl, go.”
The line for the bathroom is minimal, so I’m on my way back to the table just minutes later when my phone vibrates in my back pocket.
Evan: You’re not old enough to be in a bar naughty girl.
I look around the room wildly, seeking him out.
How did he know I was here?
Laney: Where r u?
Evan: Behind u
So slow I’m almost still, I turn around and meet the bluest eyes I’ve ever loved. A breathtaking smile breaks across his face, drawing me in like a vacuum. I collapse into his arms, wrapping mine around his waist. Evan is here, with me, not my imagination. “What are you doing here? How’d you know where to find me?” I rest my chin on his chest and gaze up at him.
“Your roommate told me. She’s a nosy, but nice, girl.” He kisses my forehead, leaving his lips on my skin.
“How are you here? What about football?”
“Off week, no game. So here I am, with my girl.” His arms squeeze tighter around me. “Can we get out of here, juvenile delinquent? I’d love to be able to hear you.”
Giggling, I move away, taking him by the hand to come with me to tell Kirby I’m leaving. Zach’s eyes bore into me as we approach the table, but Kirby and Avery are all smiles, taking Evan in head to foot. Yeah, he’s hot, I don’t blame them. “Guys, this is Evan. Evan, this is Avery, our pitcher. Kirby, her twin and our catcher. And this,” I give Zach a pleading look to be nice, “is Zach Reece, one of my good friends.”
“Nice to meet you, man.” Evan puts out his hand and Zach shakes it.
“You too, heard a lot about you.”
Evan looks down to me, smiling. “All good I hope.” “All good,” Zach answers good-naturedly. I shoot him a smile in thanks.
“Nice to meet you both as well, ladies,” Evan says to the twins. “How’s my lil baller here doing?” Evan pulls me tighter into his side, arm around my waist.
“She’s amazing, we’re lucky to have her,” Kirby answers with a gleam as Zach throws his arm around the back of her chair.
I clear my throat. “Guys, I’m gonna go. I haven’t seen Evan in a while and it’s loud in here. I’ll talk to all y’all later, okay?”
The three of them nod, but Zach’s eyes are worried. I know he simply cares about me and knows what the back and forth does to me, especially since things have been going so wonderfully with Dane. Evan and I turn to head out when I hear someone yell my name. Turning to see who is beckoning me, Sawyer is already striding toward us.
“Hey, Gidge, who’s this?” Sawyer’s glare is intimidating and I put my hand on his chest defensively.
“Sawyer Beckett, this is Evan Allen, from home.”
Sawyer’s eyes soften as the name registers and he gradually reaches out a hand to Evan. “So you’re Evan, the man, the myth, the legend. Nice to meet ya.” Sawyer uses his free hand to slap Evan on the shoulder. “You understand, just watching out for my girl. Wasn’t about to let some dude I didn’t know walk out the door with her.”
“No, man, it’s cool. I appreciate you looking out for her,
” Evan answers kindly.
“Okay,” I interrupt them, “we’re gonna go, Saw. Thanks for having my back.” I lean in and stand on my tiptoes to lay a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
He turns his face quickly to catch my ear. “I won’t lie if he asks, Laney.”
I meet his eyes and pull Evan towards the door. “I would never expect you to. Neither will I.”
Evan wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me tight against his side as we walk to his truck. “It’s so great to see you, princess.” He lowers his head to kiss the top of mine.
“You too, Ev. I can’t believe you’re here, and you tracked me down.” I nudge his shoulder teasingly with mine.
Both settled in the truck cab now, he wastes no time and leans over to me, elbows resting on the console. “Laney, baby, I’ve missed you so much. Can I please have some sugar?” His voice is shaky, his eyes pained. I can fix that pain I see, but at what cost? I know that all I have to do is tell him everything’s okay and the shadows in his eyes will disappear instantly, but a pair of brown eyes plague the back of my mind, stopping me from doing so.
Heart in my throat, I push any guilt or confusion out of my thoughts and scoot towards him, my hands cupping his soft, handsome cheeks. Right now, I need to try and heal the best friend I have ever had, in some way. I look right in his crystal blue eyes so he can see what’s important, that which will never change, you are the most amazing person I have ever had in my life and I cherish you.
I drop chaste kisses on his cheeks and nose, a quick peck on his lips, and lean back, giving him my warmest smile. “How long do you get to stay?”
“As long as I’m back for class on Monday, I’m all yours till then.” He starts his truck, grinning over at me. “Where to?”
Uh...good question. “I guess my dorm,” I say with a shrug. “Let me just text Bennett and let her know we’re coming.” I do just that, silently praying she gets it and intercepts Tate. Something tells me it would get real awkward real fast if he and Evan meet...in my room...before I even tell Dane about my surprise guest.
Shit—I don’t even know where Dane is right now. What if he’s there waiting for me? Oh God, Bennett, check your phone! The trip is way too short and we pull up in front of my dorm with still no response from Bennett. We’re going in blind.
Evan parks and hurries around the front of the truck to open my door, taking my hand to help me down. “Is it okay if I go in?” he asks anxiously.
A squeeze to his hand. “It’s a co-ed dorm, silly.
They won’t know you don’t just live there.”
We’re about ten steps from the front door when my roommate comes barreling towards us. I catch her just as she’s about to plow into me head first, and up close, I can see she’s a mess. Her body is shaking, tears rolling down her face and her lip is quivering.
“Bennett, what’s wrong?!” I shake her by the shoulders but she doesn’t answer. Suddenly holding her becomes a strain, she’s like dead weight, and thankfully Evan reacts quickly and reaches out to grab her seconds before she would’ve hit the cold pavement.
“Bennett, answer me! What the hell is wrong?” I’m screaming now, scared out of my wits. My phone starts ringing, and I’m really hoping its Tate, telling me they had a silly fight and he’s on his way to get her. “Evan, you got her?” He nods, so I let go and dig out my phone.
“Hello?”
“Laney, its Zach. Listen, Sawyer just got a call and we’re headed out now. Where are you right now?”
“In front of the dorm, why?”
“I need you to get Bennett, Laney. Can you go get Bennett?” His words are staccato, like he’s talking to a three year old.
“I’m here with Bennett now and she’s wigging out. What’s going on?” The irritation at all the mysterious hysteria is starting to show in my voice.
“It’s Tate. He’s been in a wreck, Laney. I need you to get Bennett and head to Mercy, okay? Can you do that?”
“Is he okay?” My voice now a whisper, I have to fight for the nerve to ask my next question. “And D- Dane? Was he—was he with him?”
Somehow I’m able to register Evan’s hand taking mine. Looking up, I see he’s literally carrying Bennett with one arm and leading me to the parking lot with the other. “Zach—” I struggle to find the words again. “Zach, was he with him?”
He exhales loudly. “I don’t know, sweetie. I haven’t heard about him, just Tate. Sounds bad, Laney, can you get there? Do I need to come get you girls?”
I glance around me aimlessly; does he need to come get us? “No, no. I’m in Evan’s truck. Bennett’s—” I look, Bennett’s in the backseat. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Evan takes my phone so I let my head fall against the window.
“Laney! Laney, snap out of it!”
I come to and see Evan’s eyes filled with worry. I don’t know how long it’s been, but we seem to be at the hospital already.
“Help your friend, Laney, she needs you. Be my strong girl, come on.” He guides me out of the truck, one arm never leaving me as he manages to get Bennett out as well.
“Here man, let me help you.” I turn when I hear the voice, it’s Zach.
“Zach! Zach, how are they? How’s Tate? Dane?” I’m shaking him, grabbing his t-shirt in my fists.
“Listen to me, Laney,” he whispers in my ear, pulling me into his chest in one firm movement. “Dane is absolutely fine, he wasn’t hurt. But Tate was, so pull your shit together right now, for Bennett. Do you hear me?” He jolts me, squeezing me harder. “Do you hear me?”
“Yes.” I suck up my tears and runny nose. “Yes, I hear you.” I pull from his grasp, turning behind me and grabbing Bennett’s hand. “Bennett, I’m here.” I take a final swipe at my face, drying the tears with my sleeve. “I got you, Bennett. You ready to go inside?”
Her green eyes are lifeless, dead, no recognition.
She’s a zombie on her feet, in shock.
“Zach?” I reach behind me and blindly find his shirt, pulling him forward. “Lean on Zach, Bennett. He’s gonna take you in and I’m gonna be right beside you.” I give Zach a nod, urging him to get her moving.
Turning to find Evan, I grab his hand. “Thank you, Ev, for being here, for helping.”
“Of course, princess.” He hugs me. “Of course. Let’s go check on your friend.” He kisses my hair before we head in.
Sawyer, Kirby, and Avery are huddled together in the corner, the girls comforting Sawyer as his head hangs between his knees. I can see his huge shoulders shudder from here and find myself crying again at the sight of his pain. I run to him, dropping to my knees. I lift his head to look at me, offering him a weak smile. I had my lapse on the way over, now I’ve got to be strong for these wonderful people who’ve grown so dear to me.
“Saw, I’m here buddy. Gidget’s here, Saw, it’s gonna be alright.” His navy, watery eyes are rimmed in red but soften when my voice registers, and all at once I’m buried in his embrace. I murmur words of assurance to him, stroking his short hair until he finally calms enough to sit, keeping me in his lap.
“Have we heard anything?” I look to Kirby and Avery as I ask, both of them shaking their heads. “Sawyer, Kirby’s gonna sit with you, okay?” I give her a look and she moves to us. “Just while I check on things, okay?” He doesn’t answer but loosens his grip on me, Kirby slipping in his lap seamlessly with my retreat.
The woman at the window can’t seem to be bothered by me and I’m milliseconds away from ripping her through the damn window when Evan comes up behind me. He rubs my shoulder as he calmly asks her, “Ma’am, I know you’re busy, but could you give these worried people any news on their friend? His name is Tate—” He looks to me.
“Kendrick,” I growl at her.
“Tate Kendrick. He was in a car wreck and any news would be much appreciated.” He flashes his signature Evan smile and her features instantly relax.
She stands and says she’ll go see what she can find o
ut, so we step back to the group and let them know.
Evan offers to go get everyone coffee from the cafeteria and I move to hold Bennett’s head in my arms. It’s only been a little while but it seems like eternity, and I still haven’t seen Dane. Zach told me he was fine and it’s the only thing keeping me in this chair right now. Bennett has yet to speak and Sawyer’s a mess, so I turn to Zach beside me. “Has anyone called their parents? Where are they?”
Zach’s expression is as confused as I feel as he gets up to ask Sawyer. “Do you and Dane ever talk?” At first I think I’m hallucinating it was so quiet, but no, Bennett did in fact just speak.
“What?” I lean closer to hear her better.
“How do you not know? Do you and Dane not talk?” She rises up out of my arms, her voice gaining volume. “Or do you only talk about you? There’s bigger shit than your boy problems, Laney! How self-absorbed are you?”
I open my mouth to speak, not sure of what to say, but am beat to it.
“That’s enough, Bennett!”
My head whips around, spotting Dane behind us. I leap up, almost flying, wrapping my arms around him. Slowly, his arms move around me too, his body gradually relaxing against mine. “How’s Tate? How are you?” I lean back and look up at him, stroking my hands down his arms. Sawyer and Bennett have crowded around, clinging for his next words.
He blows out a deep breath. “He’s in surgery now. He has some internal bleeding, they think his spleen. Lots of cracked ribs, concussion, banged up, but they’re hopeful.” Both hands move over his face, back through his hair, finally resting at his sides. “Thank you all for being here.” His voice cracks, his cheeks hollow, and I hug him to me once again, one hand rubbing his back.
His head soon lifts from my shoulder, his face rubbing mine. “Can I get a coffee?” he asks no one in particular.
“Here ya go, man.”
I don’t turn around right away, but rather peer up to gauge Dane’s reaction.
He moves from me, extending a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. Dane Kendrick.”
“Evan Allen. Sorry about your brother,” Evan offers sincerely with his shake.