Page 40 of Left in the Dark

But I continue trying. “I’m done being a victim. I deserve better. And so do you.” Then I spin around and grab my beach bag that contains my burner phone, as well as the new phone my father gave me, reiterating that he’s tracking everything I do.

I head out the door, too disappointed in her to spare her another glance.

She’ll never leave him.

You can’t save her, and you need to stop trying.

Two hours later,I’m lying on my back, soaking up the sun. Callie is lying on the blanket beside me.

“Jesus, it’s hot.” She rolls onto her stomach, reaching for her bottle of water.

I reach up and wipe the sweat from my brow before I roll onto my stomach. “We could go for a dip in the lake.”

“Nah, the water’s too cold.”

“Wuss.” I throw the lid of my water bottle at her before taking a long drink.

She laughs, tossing it back at me. “Have you thought more about my offer? Nothing is holding you here, Laney.”

I sigh, my gaze dropping to a random spot on the blanket I’m lying on. I told her about the argument with my mom the second she pulled out of my driveway. She was sympathetic yet fully agreed that my mom would never leave him.

While driving to the lake, Callie told me about her cousin who lives in Cape May. She has a two-bedroom condo rental and mentioned the hotel she manages desperately needs lifeguards for the pool. Callie and I were lifeguards when we were sixteen and seventeen, so we have experience.

I bite my lip, rolling over and sitting up. Staring at the lake with unseeing eyes, I whisper, “I should leave. I can’t protect her, and it’s hurting me to keep trying.”

Callie rolls and sits up, putting her hand on my arm. “You’re right. Sometimes, you have to save yourself.”

“So why am I scared to leave?”

“It’s a habit, Delaney. Although you can’t protect her, you’re afraid if you leave, your dad will take it out on her. But you can’t stay here forever. What’s going to happen to her when you go to college?”

I flip my sunglasses on top of my head, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I signed and mailed my acceptance letter to the University of Delaware. Callie already mailed hers the week after graduation.“I feel like it’s more than that, though.”

“You need closure with Zayne.” She nudges me and points to the dock in the distance. A lone figure stands there. Even across the distance separating us, I recognize Zayne’s tall, muscular build. “He’s been looking in this direction since we arrived.” She gives me a pointed look. “Go talk to him.”

I stare in his direction, my body trembling despite the sun's warmth. “I don’t know if I can. I’m s-scared.”

“You can. You’re a strong badass who doesn’t give herself enough credit.” She nudges me with her elbow. “Go.”

I sit there a few minutes longer, unmoving.

She sighs and gets up, pulling her cover-up over her swimsuit. “I’m going to get another water from the concession stand. When I return, I expect you to be gone.” She snatches her wallet from the blanket and takes off, her long ponytail bouncing behind her.

My attention returns to Zayne. He stares at me, cocking his head.

“Alright, fucker. Let’s have it out again.” I mumble as I get up from the blanket. I pull my cover-up over my suit and stuff my feet into my flip-flops. Then I march toward him, anger coursing through me.

He doesn’t seem affected as he watches me, resting on his elbows with his hands dangling over the edge of the dock. He doesn’t move until I step onto the dock.

He slowly straightens, a smirk curling his lips. “Bout time you joined me.”

I freeze, momentarily stunned by his words. Crossing my arms over my chest, I march closer, my brows arched. “How the hell was I supposed to know you wanted me to join you?”

He smirks. “You didn’t check your phone, did you?” Those piercing dark eyes bore into mine. “Burner phone, huh?”

I bristle. “There’s a lot you don’t know.”

“So you said at graduation.”

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