Right Girl by Lauren Crossley Page B

into hospital or anything.”
    “Is
it that serious?”
    The
thought of this innocent little girl being ill is alarming. I’ve no idea how
Zack is managing to stay so calm when he knows something might be wrong with
her. I’m also feeling guilty, haunted by the knowledge that I left him because
of her. I’ve spent the past two years pretending that she doesn’t exist and now
she’s poorly. I feel terrible but don’t know how to express any of my shame or
how sorry I am for what I did.
    “I
don’t know yet.” He sighs, rubbing the centre of his forehead. “Rachel has a
tendency to worry and she can be a bit overprotective at times. I really need
to head back and check on her though.”
    “That’s
fine.” I assure him, wanting to convince him it’s the right thing to do.
    “I
want you to come with me but I know it’s not the right time yet. There’s things
I need to sort out and I know you feel the same.”
    “I do need to talk to Ian.” I groan, dreading the thought of that
conversation. “I don’t want to lie to him anymore.”
    “I
want to be here when you tell him, I don’t want you to deal with this on your
own.”
    “I have to do this by myself and you need to be with Amber. I can do this,
Zack. I promise you.”
    “What
if he hurts you? What if he gets angry with you and I’m not here?” He
challenges me, striding across the bedroom towards my wardrobe. “You’re coming
with me, Sam. I’m not leaving you alone.
    I
scramble off the bed, positioning myself right in front of him. I can see how
uneasy he is about leaving me to deal with this by myself but also know he has
to be there for his daughter.
    “You
can’t protect me from everyone and everything.” I remind him, taking hold of
his hand.
    “Can’t
I?”
    “It’s
just not possible and besides… Ian is a good man. He would never hurt me.”
    “Are
you sure about that?”
    “Yes!
Now please go and get ready so you can see your daughter.”
    Zack
is ready to leave in an hour, still complaining about having to head back and
reluctant about leaving me behind.
    “I
really don’t want to do this.” He groans, leaning against his car while pulling
me towards him. “It doesn’t feel right you staying here by yourself.”
    “I’ll
phone Audrey.” I promise him, smiling weakly. “She might even come by and see
me if I tell her what’s happened.”
    “Audrey
knew where you were?” He snaps, pushing me away from him roughly. “She’s been
lying to me all this time?!”
    “Please
don’t blame her.” I implore him, gazing up at him in earnest. “I asked her to
lie for me.”
    “I
begged her…” He murmurs, shaking his head in disbelief. “I almost got down on
my knees and begged her to tell me where you were.”
    “I’m
so sorry.”
    I
can feel my eyes fill with tears, overwhelmed by the amount of guilt I’m
plagued by.
    “Don’t...”
He whispers, forcing me to look up at him once more. “No more apologies, ok? I
don’t want us to focus on the past anymore.”
    “Alright,
I’ll try not to.”
    “Ok,
I really have to go.” He grumbles, frowning deeply. “I still have my idiot
brother to pick up and my parents.”
    “How
is Aaron?” I ask, smiling at the thought of Zack’s mischievous brother still
wreaking havoc. “Has he settled down yet?”
    “Settle
down?” Zack scoffs. “His longest relationship lasted about a week.”
    “He
hasn’t changed much then?”
    “Change
isn’t possible for someone as stupid as my brother.”
    “You
love him really.” I laugh, slapping him on the arm playfully.
    “Only
out of duty.”
    “Please
let me know how she is.” I prompt him, hoping everything will be ok.
    “I
will.” He promises me, pausing before he gets in the car. “I gave you my new number,
didn’t I?”
    “You
did.” I confirm. “I’m going to put it straight in my phone once you’ve left.”
     “I
might even make it back here tonight if she improves.”
    “Don’t
rush back. I’ll be