Page 107 of Green Light

“I’m sorry.” I reached out to squeeze his arm. “Do you need to take some more time? We don’t mind.”

“No, it’s okay,” he said hurriedly. “Honestly, being here is a distraction. I need that right now.”

“Okay, well, the offer’s there if you ever change your mind.” After her accident, he’d taken some time off to help her rehabilitate. But even with access to the best physiotherapists, there was only so much they could do to help her regain movement in her legs.

We’d paid Dylan his full wage while he was off, ensuring he knew we’d do that for as long as needed. Our hearts broke for him when Sadie woke from the coma to the news she’d never walk again.

Silas continued bobbing along in front of us, like a cork in a bottle of champagne ready to be popped. “He does know where we’re going, right?”

Dylan blinked. “He does. It’s just up ahead and on the right. I came here earlier to get the NDAs signed.”

That was thoughtful. “Thanks, Dylan.”

He nodded again, stepping back like he was trying to fade into the shadows. Ahead of us, I saw Rhys clock his friend’s movement, his face tightening.

As promised, I spotted a sign in the distance:Escape Rocks.

Catching up to Silas, I gestured at the frontage. “Escape Rocks. Lemme guess, it’s all cave-themed.”

He slid his hand into mine, and I instantly felt at home. “No, muppet. It’s rock-themed…as in rock music.”

I perked up. “Okay, that’s pretty cool.”

Silas poked his tongue out at me. “To think you doubted me.”

A small gasp from behind us had us halting. Rhys stared at his phone screen, his mouth open in shock.

Oh god, it was just like with Dylan. “What is it? Who’s hurt?”

“What?” Rhys jolted. “Nothing. Sorry.”

His gaze slid behind us before widening. “Shit, Dyl.”

Dylan was slumped against the wall, his shaking hands covering his face. “No-no-no-no-no.”

Silas and I jogged over, arriving just as Rhys dropped to his knees. I put an arm across Silas’s chest to stop him from getting closer. We’d both seen Luca through more than one anxiety attack. The last thing Dylan needed was us crowding him.

“Dylan, listen to my voice.” Rhys spoke firmly but kindly. “Everyone is fine. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

A broken sob came from behind Dylan’s hands. Silas cocked his head to the side with a grim frown, and we drew back several paces to give them some privacy.

After a few minutes, Rhys was helping Dylan to his feet and brushing off his trousers. Pity settled in my stomach at the bright splotches on Dylan’s cheekbones.

“Sorry about that,” he said as he joined us, his voice quavering.

“Don’t apologise,” I said firmly. “You’ve done nothing to be sorry for.”

“Kai’s right,” Silas added. “And we’re going to insist you go home and take a few days, Dylan. Spend time watching Netflix and eating shitty food. Whatever it is you do to relax, that’s all we need you to do.”

He nodded miserably. “I think you’re right. I’m a liability at the moment.”

“Oi,” Rhys barked, his hand wringing around Dylan’s bicep. “You arenota liability. Don’t talk about yourself that way.”

Irritation flared in Dylan’s eyes, more emotion than I’d seen from him in months. “Listen, you can’t just—”

I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling like this was turning into a moment Si and I shouldn’t be part of. “Why don’t you both take off? We can do this another day.”

“No!”

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