“Damn right I would have stopped him! He’s supposed to be here, talking strategy and fighting with us. He’s supposed to be making sure his child and her mother are okay,” Zach's voice rises.
“That’s exactly what he’s doing, Zach. He’s protecting them.”
He blows out an annoyed breath. “And you’re there too? Hanging out with your ex, like you’re old buddies now. Great. Just fucking great.”
“Someone needs to have his back,” Honey says matter-of-factly. “He can’t do this alone.”
“So you’re going to put yourself in danger for a guy who cheated on you?” Zach’s free hand clenches into a fist.
“No. I’m doing it for Tiff and Ella.”
“That’s even worse because it means you’re doing it for me.”
Zach knocks the back of his head against the wall and closes his eyes. “Look, I get you want to help, but this is your father we’re talking about. He doesn’t play fair. If he finds out you’re working against him—”
“He’ll what?” Honey challenges. “Disown me? Cut me off? Does it matter anymore? I already know exactly what they thinkof me, and I’m tired of pretending I care. I have nothing left to lose.”
“You have me,” Zach says, and his voice cracks. “You have me, Honey. Doesn't that count for something?”
The silence stretches, and I hold my breath.
“That’s exactly why I have to do this,” Honey says quietly. “We aren’t together, but Tiff and Ella still matter to me.” She exhales. “Look, I’ve not done anything of value in my entire life. Let me do this. Let me at least make a difference in your cousin’s life.”
Zach's shoulders slump, and he slides down the wall to sit on the floor, sitting holding his phone up.
“I should be there,” Zach says suddenly. “Let me fly out. I can be there by—”
“No.” Honey's voice is firm. “You need to stay with Tiff and Ella. Jamie needs you to protect them while we do this.”
“Fine,” Zach grits out, finally opening his eyes. “Please be safe, Honey. You’re the strongest person I know, but I don’t want them to break you.”
“I’m not the strongest,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “That’s Tiff. She’s been through more shit than I could ever think up.”
“Okay, second strongest.” He laughs, but his face doesn’t show any happiness. Just resigned sadness. “Can I at least pick you up from the airport?”
“Uh, actually, Chris already offered. They’re coming back from a game around the same time. He said I could catch a ride with the hockey team.”
Zach’s entire body goes rigid. “You talked to him first?”
“It wasn’t like that,” Honey says quickly. “I was studying with him when Thatcher called. I didn’t plan it.”
Zach exhales through his nose. “That’s convenient.”
“Zach,” she warns. “He’s just a friend.”
“Don’t treat me like an idiot, Honey. Everyone with eyes can see he wants more than friendship.”
Honey exhales slowly. “That’s his problem, not mine.”
“Except it is,” he says finally. “Because every time someone wants more from you, you’re the one who runs from it.”
“That’s not what this is,” Honey says.
“Then what is it?” He pushes off the wall. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re choosing the hardest option every time. You’re putting yourself last. Again.”
She doesn’t answer.
Zach exhales sharply, frustration edging into his voice.