Page 46 of Fake Dating in Half Moon Bay

“Yeah. About that. Derrick and Jacob called just after I dropped you off. Tyson called them and they got him to the hospital. I’m sorry I ditched our date.”

“Apology accepted.” It seemed like she was always accepting his apology for something. She pushed the negative thought aside. He did seem to be trying to focus on her. Today’s tickets were proof of that. She decided to find the positive and make the best of the day.

♥♥♥

The concert was amazing. Both warmup bands were talented, and Heather purchased their CDs during the short break before the main act. The stadium was rocking. She was holding their beer as they stood in line for burgers when Zander pulled his phone out.

“Derrick, what’s up?”

Heather rolled her eyes. Hadn’t he told his brother they were on a date out of town? It was a miracle he managed to call during intermission.

He made several sounds of agreement and a few grunts. “Okay. I’ll head back. See you soon.” He hung up.

“I beg your pardon?” Heather glared at him.

“Tyson’s being airlifted to a hospital in Seattle. There’s a bleed in his knee and they can’t figure out why. He needs immediate surgery. We have to go. We need to get to the airport and find a flight to Seattle.”

Heather counted to ten. Emergency surgery was a big deal, she understood that. But what good did leaving in the middle of the concert do? He couldn’t help his brother at this point. He had two other brothers to take care of his mother.

“I think you mean you have to go,” she snapped. “I’m not leaving. I came all this way to see a concert and I’m going to see it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s my brother. He needs surgery.” Zander’s voice rose and the people around them turned to stare.

“I don’t care. Rushing back won’t help. He’s taking a damned helicopter to the hospital. He’ll be in surgery before you get there anyway. Leaving doesn’t make sense. We’re supposed to be on a date.”

Some woman shouted, “You tell him, girl.”

She glared at the woman.

“Come on, Heather. Don’t be unreasonable.”

“Think it through, Zander. He’ll be out of surgery before you arrive. What’s the rush? Why can’t we finish our date?”

“He’s my brother! That’s it. I’m done,” Zander shouted. “I’m done with your stupid rules. Family comes first. Always.”

She slammed the plastic cups of beer into his chest. “Go. I’ll find my own way home. Screw you and your entire family, Zander Bellamie. Screw you.”

The crowd cheered as she stomped away.

Chapter 21

Heather flew into the washroom and collapsed against a stall wall. Tears streaked down her cheeks, and she sobbed.

“Are you okay in there?” someone asked.

She hiccupped. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t sound fine,” the woman said softly.

“True.” She laughed wryly. “I’m not. But I will be.”

“Okay. If you’re sure.”

Clicking heels marked the woman’s departure. Rio Del Bravo opened their part of the concert with their latest number one single and the crowd roared. Heather straightened her spine and wiped her tears. She’d driven over an hour to see this band and no stupid man was going to stop her. She pushed out of the stall, washed her hands, and rinsed her face with cold water.

The music was deafening as she left the restroom and made her way to her seat. She stood at the top of the stairs looking down, taking in the crowd, and the band’s antics. Thousands of people held up their phones, some videoing, some with flashlights on pointed upward, mimicking lighters at 80s concerts. It was incredible. Their joy and energy flooded through her.

“Excuse me,” a women said. Someone pushed against her back. She stepped to the side and looked at the people behind her.

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