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“Peyton, you can keep saying the words over and over, but it won’t change the fact that you’ve been through something life changing.”
Lily peeked around the door looking sheepish. “Aunt Hailee’s here. And they… uh… Xander is with them.”
My entire body froze at the mention of his name.
“He’s here?” I breathed the words.
“Yeah. Do you want to go back upstairs and—”
“Lily.” Her mom shook her head.
“Sorry. I didn’t want you to be blindsided.” She glanced at me, chewing her bottom lip.
“It’s fine.”
So Xander was here.
It wasn’t like he’d saved my life or anything.
When I’d waded into the river that night, I hadn’t ever anticipated that I would need rescuing. So when my friend’s uncle had pulled me out and stayed with me until the EMTs arrived, I thought I was dreaming.
Xander Chase was an enigma. Solitary and brooding, he was a man of few words. He’d recently started helping Lily’s dad out with the football team at our high school. But he wasn’t like the other coaches. There was darkness in his eyes. A shadow hanging over him like thunder clouds on a stormy day.
I knew because I’d sat and watched him enough times with Lily while she ogled Kaiden from the bleachers.
“I should probably head inside and go see to our guests. If you girls need anything just holler.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, staring out at the yard still.
Lily took her mom’s seat, lacing her arm through mine and laying her head on my shoulder. “I’ve been thinking, and I think you’re right. Going back to school will be good for you.”
“I think so.” It would keep my mind off everything, hopefully.
“And after the holidays I’ll be able to drive us.”
My eyes snapped to hers. “You’re finally going to take driver’s ed?”
“Yep.” A huge smile spread over her face. “I think it’s time.”
“Wow, Lily. That’s huge.” I hugged her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you. You’ve always believed in me, Peyton, even when I didn’t. You’re one of my best friends.”
“Jeez, Lil, don’t get all emosh on me, you’ll make me cry.” And God only knew I’d done enough of that over the last week. In fact, I was pretty sure I was all cried out.
“Kaiden is going to give me a few lessons in the school parking lot when it’s empty.”
“You’ll ace it,” I said, my heart so full for her, and yet, so empty at the same time.
“You know, if you saved your wages from Cindy’s you could save for a car. My parents don’t want your—”
“I know you mean well, Lil. But I need to do this. I need to contribute.” I wasn’t her parents’ responsibility, and I didn’t ever want to be a burden. Helping with the groceries and the bills was the least I could do.
The rumble of voices filtered out of the kitchen window and I glanced over my shoulder, watching Lily’s Aunt Hailee and Uncle Cameron laughing and joking with her parents. The second Xander appeared, my body froze, my heart racing inside my chest.
Every day since being discharged from the hospital, I’d hoped to see him. But he never stopped by and now he was standing right there, and all I could think was what did you say to the man who saved you?
Nothing.
