Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(87)

on me, Kirby slipping in his lap seamlessly with my retreat.

The woman at the window can’t seem to be bothered by me and I’m milliseconds away from ripping her through the damn window when

Evan comes up behind me. He rubs my shoulder as he calmly asks her, “Ma’am, I know you’re busy, but could you give these worried

people any news on their friend? His name is Tate—” He looks to me.

“Kendrick,” I growl at her.

“Tate Kendrick. He was in a car wreck and any news would be much appreciated.” He flashes his signature Evan smile and her

features instantly relax.

She stands and says she’ll go see what she can find out, so we step back to the group and let them know.

Evan offers to go get everyone coffee from the cafeteria and I move to hold Bennett’s head in my arms. It’s only been a little

while but it seems like eternity, and I still haven’t seen Dane. Zach told me he was fine and it’s the only thing keeping me in

this chair right now. Bennett has yet to speak and Sawyer’s a mess, so I turn to Zach beside me. “Has anyone called their

parents? Where are they?”

Zach’s expression is as confused as I feel as he gets up to ask Sawyer. “Do you and Dane ever talk?” At first I think I’m

hallucinating it was so quiet, but no, Bennett did in fact just speak.

“What?” I lean closer to hear her better.

“How do you not know? Do you and Dane not talk?” She rises up out of my arms, her voice gaining volume. “Or do you only talk

about you? There’s bigger shit than your boy problems, Laney! How self-absorbed are you?”

I open my mouth to speak, not sure of what to say, but am beat to it.

“That’s enough, Bennett!”

My head whips around, spotting Dane behind us. I leap up, almost flying, wrapping my arms around him. Slowly, his arms move around

me too, his body gradually relaxing against mine. “How’s Tate? How are you?” I lean back and look up at him, stroking my hands

down his arms. Sawyer and Bennett have crowded around, clinging for his next words.

He blows out a deep breath. “He’s in surgery now. He has some internal bleeding, they think his spleen. Lots of cracked ribs,

concussion, banged up, but they’re hopeful.” Both hands move over his face, back through his hair, finally resting at his sides.

“Thank you all for being here.” His voice cracks, his cheeks hollow, and I hug him to me once again, one hand rubbing his back.

His head soon lifts from my shoulder, his face rubbing mine. “Can I get a coffee?” he asks no one in particular.

“Here ya go, man.”

I don’t turn around right away, but rather peer up to gauge Dane’s reaction.

He moves from me, extending a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. Dane Kendrick.”

“Evan Allen. Sorry about your brother,” Evan offers sincerely with his shake.

Dane is either completely out of it, which would be understandable, or he has the best poker face in the world. Nothing in his

expression or body language changes as he meets Evan. My eyes flick nervously between the two of them, the right words evading me.

“How long will he be in surgery?” Bennett squeaks, her voice once again meek and frightened.

“I’m not sure.” Dane sighs heavily, moving to slump in a chair.

Zach, always clutch, steps forward. “It’s late, and it might be a while, so I’m going to take the twins home and grab some food

for everyone. I’ll be back later.” He turns to Evan. “You’re welcome to stay in my room, man; I know it’s a long drive. Unless

you’re leaving now, Laney?”

Bennett latches onto my hand fiercely, her eyes pleading with me to stay, which I had planned to do anyway. “No, I’m staying

here,” I say, squeezing Bennett’s hand and smiling Dane’s way. “Evan, can I talk to you?” I gesture with my head, moving us

away for some privacy. “Evan, I can’t leave. These people are my friends and they need me. I’m so sorry you came all this way, I

hope you understand.”

He lifts my hand with his, placing a soft kiss on my knuckles. “I do understand, Laney; don’t worry a thing about it. I don’t

really want to drive back tonight, though. Should I stay with that Zach guy?”

“Stay in my room. I’ll be here, so take my bed.” I grab him my key out of my purse and walk back, handing it to him. “If

anything changes, I’ll text you.”

His expression tightens slightly and he chews the inside of his cheek before finally asking, “Laney, are you staying for Bennett

or for Dane?”

“Both,” I answer solemnly, honestly, without hesitation.

He nods. “Thought so.”

Zach, and only Zach, turns and waves, a look of understanding on his face, as he walks out with Evan and the twins.





Chapter Thirty-Seven


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PLAYLIST

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Laney

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