Page 23 of Changed Plan

8

Zane

After a Nap

Ifshewakesupand sees me sitting across the room, watching her sleep, she’ll bolt out of the bed, and probably the room, but I can’t look away.

She’s not really in the bed, just on top of it. My own energy is flagging. I only slept a few hours last night, and I could really use a few more.

I step out of my shoes and quietly walk to the other side of the bed, lift the covers and climb in between the soft sheets. Having her next to me, even separated by layers of blankets, is comforting.

My entire body exhales. All is not right with the world, but the conditions are right enough in this room to shut out everything else for a little while . . .

***

Our eyes flicker open at virtually the same time. We both jolt at the sight of each other, which for her, makes sense, but I knew she was in this bed when I crawled into it. And yet, I’m shocked, too. She looks around, clearly trying to determine where she is.

“It’s okay,” I assure her. “You just took a nap.”

“Looks like we both took a nap.”

“Yeah. Sorry, I needed a little more sleep, too.”

“You don’t have to apologize. It’s your room.”

“For what it’s worth, I slept better with you in it.”

My phone buzzes, but when I roll over to reach for it, I realize it’s still on the desk. I’ve promised my family I won’t turn it off, and I’ll answer all their calls. I jog over and get to it right before it rolls to voicemail. When I see Izzie’s name on the screen, I snatch it up.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” she says. “Were you working?”

“Earlier. I actually just woke up from a nap. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I just wish you were here.”

“I promise I’ll be there as soon as I can get a flight. How is she doing?”

“The same. No energy. She’s sleeping a lot.”

“Her body needs the rest. I talked to her this morning, and she said the pain meds are doing their job. Do you think she’s telling the truth?”

“I think so. I’m supposed to go the beach in a little while with some friends. Do you think that’s still okay?”

“Yes. I think it’s more than okay. It’s important. It’s what she’d tell you, too.” I swallow hard, wishing it didn’t even cross her mind to feel guilty about going to the beach with friends, but at the same time, understanding why it does. “Just be safe, okay?”

“I will. You, too. But also, hurry up.”

“I promise. Love you.”

“Love you, too, loser.”

I hold the phone in my hand for a moment and just breathe.

“Was that your sister?”

Shit. I’d zoned out and forgotten Darby was even here. I turn to find her sitting up with her back against the headboard, staring at me. “How’d you know that?”

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