Then, a thought began to tug at the back of Zach’s mind. An annoying and incessant thought.
“Hey, Joy?”
“Yes?”
“Do you mind doing me a favor? I know Danielle declined, but do you mind bringing her over a key? I’m not looking for tenants right this moment. I want to give her some time to think about it.”
“You want me to bring over a key to Ms. Danaher?”
Was he being ridiculous? Probably. But he knew what he was supposed to do. Even if Danielle tried to shut him out her life, he wasn’t going to let her. He’d fight until he had nothing left. It’s what Isaac would want him to do. It’s what a good guy would do.
“Yes, please.”
She sighed. It was full of everything she probably wanted say but wouldn’t. For some reason, the wordidiotkept flashing in his mind. And he probably was an idiot. But he couldn’t walk away. He cared too much.
“Alright. And if she says no?”
Zach let out his breath. That was more than likely the reaction she was going to have. But he was going to fight her. Er—he was going to have Joy fight her.
“Just let her know that I want her to think about it. If she still feels the same in a week, I’ll take it back and leave her alone for good.”
Joy clicked her tongue and then sighed. “Okay.”
Zach thanked her and then hung up. Just as he set the phone down on his counter, a knock sounded on the door.
Confused, he walked over and pressed the intercom camera next to it. Jonathan was standing on the other side with a suitcase parked next to him. Needing some guy time, Zach opened the door.
“Hey, man,” he said, extending his hand and pulling Jonathan into a bro-hug.
“Hey,” Jonathan said as he pounded Zach’s back.
They parted and Zach led Jonathan into his kitchen where he grabbed out two beers and handed one over. They opened them and each took a long drink.
“How was Pittsburgh?” Zach asked. It’d been a while since he’d seen his best friend. Jonathan had needed to go back home to meet with his coach.
Jonathan shrugged. “Same old, same old. You know how it is. There’s always talk of trading.”
Zach almost choked on his beer. He coughed a few times as he glanced over at Jonathan who was missing his cheery disposition.
“You?”
Jonathan took another long pull of his beer and shrugged. “Who knows? In this career, things can change in the drop of a hat.” Jonathan pushed his hands through his hair as he gave Zach a fake smile.
Great. Things were going amazing for both of them.
Jonathan straightened as he drummed the countertop in front of him. “Let’s go do something. I can’t sit around and do nothing.”
Zach nodded as he set his beer down and glanced around. “What do you want to do?”
“I’m thinking we should make an appearance at the Blue Devil tonight. What do you think?”
“Now? It’s six.”
Jonathan shrugged. “We can do dinner first and then head over. I just need a break from it all, you know?”
Zach knew exactly what Jonathan was talking about. He was ready for a distraction. Anything to take his mind off of Danielle. “I’m game,” he said, waving his hand as he headed toward his bedroom to change.
“Hey, before I forget, can I stay the next few weeks? I’m headed to Honey Grove from here and I don’t really want to get a hotel room for the time being.”
