“Until the…divorce.” My heart pitter-patters at the thought of taking off the rings. Once again, I remind myself that Zane might never come back to me, and I try to fight against the sinking feeling that continues to grip my lungs.
“I’m told that today is your appointment at the hospital for a follow-up.”
My head jerks to Zach. How does he know?
“Zane asked Hope if she could accompany you, until…”
Until I stop being an inconsiderate dimwit.
Ignoring my appointments, my health, would mean disrespecting everything and everyone who was hurt by my lies.
I shake my head, hiding my embarrassed face, and murmur, “I wasn’t planning to miss it today or in the future. You can tell…”
Zane’s name remains buried in my chest, and I don’t try to force it.
Zach looks at me for a second longer, then he slowly nods. “But I’m here today.” His lips slowly curl up. “Give me the pleasure of escorting a beautiful lady to the hospital.”
I can’t hold back my smile at his cheesy words. “How are you and…Zane brothers? He’s so hesitant and careful.” Heat burns my cheeks as I realize how Zach could be interpreting my words. “I mean—”
“It’s okay, Vi.” A ghost of a smile touches his lips, and then softly, he adds, “A man is hesitant only in two cases—if the girl isn’t his or if it’s new to him and he doesn’t want to hurt her.”
My breath sticks in my throat.
Is Zach trying to tell me something?
But he looks away the next moment, staring at his wristwatch. “You should get ready, or we’ll be late.” He picks up another tart and then grins at me. “Meanwhile, I’ll help myself to another piece.”
36
ZANE
I glance at my phone once more.
11:59.
The digital display mocks me. It feels as if time is standing still. I’m looking at the same digits for the third time. I close my eyes, and finally the fucking alarm rings.
I shut it off and dial Zach.
“What took you so long?” He chuckles.
“Sh-shut up. How’s sh-she?” There’s a pulsing in my temple, pounding in sync with my throbbing heartbeat.
“Calm down, Zane. She’s good. Dr. Allen is very pleased with her progress.”
Zach’s words slowly bring my heartbeat to normal.
“Did sh-she ask—”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” he interrupts and reminds me, “Don’t forget we’re meeting at Rendezvous tonight.”
“And wh-what is this about?” Zander group texted Zach and me last night that he’d like to go out for drinks. He didn’t say more, but I don’t have to be a genius to guess that my brothers want to check up on me.
“Just some brotherly bonding between us like old times.” Zach chuckles.
Is it my imagination or do I sense a whisper of strain behind his lighthearted remark?
“I’ll see you th-there.”