“You know what I mean.”
“Sure.” I let out a soft chuckle before finally joining the chat.
Reed: It’s great to have you in the group, Zane. I always knew this day would come
Zane: Thanks
Luke: You better get ready for Reed. You’ll never escape him now
Zane: I don’t think this group is for me. I’m out
Hayley snorts so hard, it makes me chuckle.
“Wow.” I shake my head.
“What? That was funny.”
Luke: You know, Zane… If you hadn’t slept with his GF, you and East could have been great friends. You’re more alike than you realize
“Huh. I always thought Zane was more like Luke, but maybe he’s a mix,” Hayley points out.
“Or maybe he’s his own person?” I wink and Hayley laughs again.
“Yeah, yeah. You always had faith in him, didn’t you?”
“Not always. But I wish I had, and I wish he wasn’t caught up in our mess.”
Hayley ponders that for a second before shaking her head. “I don’t. Things might have ended differently if he hadn’t come back.”
“Maybe so, but I can’t get his defeated look out of my mind. When we first saw him sitting on the steps. I’m guessing he already has a lot going on in his life, and now he has Landon’s uncertainty to deal with.”
“It was an accident.”
“I know. But it doesn’t stopmefrom feeling guilty. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking.”
Hayley frowns again before grabbing my phone and tossing it onto my bag. Linking our fingers, she drags me into the living room and directs me to sit on the couch. “I feel guilty too, but we can’t let it get to us. And neither can Zane. I’m glad he’s been added to your group chat, but even if he wasn’t, I know you’ll be there for him.”
“I’ll certainly try. And so will the guys. All in their own ways.”
“Are you going to change the group chat name?” Hayley raises her eyebrow with the hint of a smile.
“Nah. Not yet. But Easton adding him to the group was pretty much the same thing. It’s Zane’s support group now.”
“I really hope he’s okay.” Hayley curls into me, a soft sigh passing through her lips.
“Me too. Just like I hopeyou’reokay.” I readjust my position so I can wrap an arm around her.
“Me?” She glances up at me. “I was the only onenothospitalised.”
“I don’t mean physically.”
“I’m good.” She stares at me pointedly. “I promise. And I’ve got you.”
“You do have me. Always.”
“Always.” She bites back a grin. “That’s a big commitment.”
“I’m a big commitment kind of guy. None of this half-assed bullshit.”
