The anger returned in a flash. “You are so full of shit.”
“No, it’s just…” I raised my hand to try and calm him, but his nostrils were already flaring. “Elliot, don’t get pissed okay. I needed to spend some time with Dani, that’s all.”
“What are you not telling me?”
“There’s…I can’t, okay. I promised her.”
The dead silence that followed was like an ax blade slicing through our friendship. Elliot already had trust issues and I was killing him with this. I hated myself for it, but I couldn’t break Dani’s confidence.
Elliot stepped towards me, pointing at his chest. “I have been your best friend for nearly a decade.” He held up his hand. “I’ve put up with all your shit and your crazy girlfriends, but never have you put one of them before me. I’m the closest thing you have to a brother and you’re not willing to trust me?”
“I do trust you. Of course I do. I just…I made a promise.”
“Screw you. You’re lying to me.” He shook his head, his jaw clenching tight. “And you know what kills me the most? You’re doing it for a freaking girl you’ve known less than three months. I’m really glad our friendship means that much to you. That’s awesome. Really great.” His sarcasm felt like razor blades.
“Don’t be like that, man. You just need to give me some time.”
“Whatever, go make out with your next conquest, but don’t expect me to clean up the pieces this time. You’re digging your own grave and I’m not pulling you out of this one. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He walked away, his checkered shirt flapping as he stormed out the door.
“Elliot. Come on, man!” I spread my hands wide and tried to call him back, but it was pointless. With a sigh, I turned towards the locker room.
Elliot was not the kind of friend you let down or lied to. He was loyal like a freaking dog, but he expected loyalty in return and I’d let him down big time.
I closed my eyes and blew out a sigh. This day was not going to be easy.
As I pulled on my shirt, I noticed my phone flashing.
Find out anything?
Uncle Alex was on a mission. I pursed my lips, wondering if I should reply or just ignore him. Maybe it was time to drop this. But how could I? If this all got exposed then Dani would be free and I could start telling Elliot everything again. I wanted to let him in. He was my best friend.
With a quick sniff, I texted back.
L.A. That’s all I’ve got so far. I’ll keep you posted.
*****
Dani was waiting for me outside the locker room. She looked gorgeous, making my grin a natural one. I hoped there was no lingering guilt on the edges.
“You okay?” She wrapped her arm around my waist and laid her damp hair on my shoulder.
“Yep.”
“Is Elliot okay?”
“Not so much.”
I opened the door for her. She put her hands in her pockets and walked through. “Is he mad with me?”
“No, me. I kind of forgot we were supposed to hang out yesterday.”
“Oh no.” Dani bit her bottom lip.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to him this weekend.”
“I feel bad, though. It was my fault.”
“Hey.” I pulled her hand from her pocket and threaded my fingers through hers. “It wasn’t your fault at all.” Pulling her to a stop, I made her look at me. “Yesterday was important. We both needed it.”
“I know.” Her smile was coy. “As terrifying as it was for me, it was also one of the best days of my life.”
“Me too.”
“I’m just sorry if it causes friction with you and your friends. I don’t want to do anything to ruin what you have.”
“You won’t. We’ve been friends for a long time and as hard as it is for me not to tell them stuff, they’ll just have to live with it.”
She looked nervous as she nodded.
“I told you I wouldn’t tell them…and I won’t.”
“Thank you,” she mouthed and I could see just how much it meant to her.
Guilt singed me again as I thought about my words to Uncle Alex last night, but I comforted myself with the fact she’d never find out…well, at least not until I could present her with all the facts and sell her the idea that the asshole who stole her life was going down for his crimes.
“Want to come over for dinner tonight?”
“Yes.” She grinned.
“Good, cause my mom won’t stop asking when you’re coming back again.”
“You’re a lucky guy, Zach. You have a great life.”
“I know it.” I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles. “And it just got better too.” I cupped the back of her head and gently kissed her, sucking her lower lip before pulling away. Her smile was euphoric and warmed me to my core.
She was worth this.
It would be hard keeping secrets from my family and friends, especially Elliot, but he’d come around.
I’d take him out this weekend, we’d have some guy time and things would be back to normal.
Everything would be okay.
Chapter 29
ZACH
May 2014