Page 83 of Timeless: Encore

“I can’t seem to stop crying. Or eating. I hate myself for it. I hide. Zane’s the one whose band imploded. He’s the one who has the family drama. Up until recently, he’s the one whose wife won’t give him a baby because, well … my selfishness. My Zaney is the one who should be sobbing, and he’s spending all his time comforting me.”

I’m not losing my shit. Not like before. It’s just … therapy brings up so many confusing feelings. Emotions. Just when I feel I’ve worked through something, I’m punched in the gut with a wave of—gah. Stuff that’s hard to process.

I thought I’d put it behind me.

Talking about shit over and over again doesn’t solve everything like the magic Xanax pills used to—but I can’t, and won’t, ever go down that road again. I’ll never allow Mia to find me like…God.

Never. Again.

It’s just that since we’ve been back and out of our Arizona bubble, I’ve felt a bit down. Zane assures me it’s normal, but still …

Ronni’s kind. “Why do women always take on so much?”

“Says the woman who brought down the slimiest men in Hollywood. Not once, but twice.” I drum my fingers on the counter. She’s so strong. Incredible. I would love to be like her.

“Ah, well. Maybe so, but I’d argue all of us LTZ women are overachievers. We’re badasses.” Ronni shakes out her hair and gives me a pout to make me laugh. Then she gets serious. “If you want my advice, maybe don’t put too much strain on yourself. We’re all behind you, so try to enjoy your downtime. Gus will reopen when you’re ready. I’ll go back to work when I’m ready. So will Alex. And Zoey. I do hope the guys can get their own shit together, though.”

God, it feels wonderful to have such a friend. Someone I can trust. “What do you think they’re talking about?”

Ronni shrugs and checks her phone, which just lit up. “I’m just glad they’re talking. Their future essentially hinges on seeing Ty tomorrow.”

Isn’t that the truth?

“Jeez, Fee. Zane’s going to be home soon, he left an hour ago. I should probably get going.”

We gather up the twins, who are sound asleep on the couch with Mia. She promptly falls back asleep. I walk Ronni to the door. “You guys should get here a little earlier than Jace and Alex. If you can, that is.” I lean in the doorway holding Tristan while Ronni loads Torin in the car seat.

“Sure. We’ll leave early.” Ronni buckles Tristan in next to his brother. “By the way, thank you for tonight.”

I can’t help but smile. “I’m glad you guys moved to the area.”

“Me too.” She waves from the driver’s seat. “I love having a BFF.”

I’m floored. It’s official.

For the first time in my life, I have a bestie.

Chapter twenty-eight

ZANE

The Same Evening - Connor's House

ThelasttimeConnor,Jace, and I were together, we were at Gus.

The morning after, well …

Only three short months ago, but it might as well be a lifetime.

Two years ago, we were contemplating taking a year off. Ty was back together with Zoey. Connor and Ronni were secretly married and pregnant. Alex and Jace faced a paternity scandal. Fee and I were fighting for custody of Mia.

Up until that point, our bond was unbreakable. Despite our challenges. No matter what, we had each other’s backs. We were each other’s family.

When we all settled down, I knew we’d have new priorities and life events. It never occurred to me we’d find ourselves at odds. Never. When the guys made rumblings about taking a break, I didn’t need it but I never thought LTZ would find ourselves here. Never.

Nearly two years have gone by.

Uncertainty gnaws at my insides. What if tonight is the end?

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