Page 58 of Call Out
I clearly can’t compete with two broken souls, burned to their ashes and resurrected side by side. Zoe gifted him with something I can never replace. Freedom and survival. It shrouds them both in an impenetrable cloak. He’s her savior, and she’s his constant.
I’m staring into the headlights, frozen. A landslide of realization crushes my pitiful dreams. I should jump into my car and leave them behind. Run away with my broken heart and nurse it back together on my own. I always end up alone. Everyone I’ve ever cared for has left me. The only mature way to deal with this pain is to face up to it. Stand tall and hold my head high. It will be the same as waving goodbye to another foster family or watching a coffin descend at a loved one’s funeral.
Clutching my stomach, I inhale slowly and let the breath flow free from my burning lungs. Why did he ask me to meet him at seven o’clock if he was going to be here with her? It doesn’t add up.
Together they stumble out into the open. He cups her cheek while she gazes up at him like he’s her entire world. Our relationship won't survive unfaithfulness.
I march towards them, running countless words over in my mind.
“Are you coming with me?” Zoe mutters. I pause after her question, waiting for his answer.
“Zoe...” He presses his fingers to her throat.
My blood runs like lava, and the stars drop from the sky. Darkness creeps over the earth. I stare at the two people who may as well be strangers.
My veins hiss.
My hands go numb.
My chest explodes.
Hell, my entire soul hurts with his deception. I’ve known loss before now, when the only person who meant a damn thing to me was taken away overnight. From kissing Nonna goodnight with love and affection, to kissing her goodbye with heartache and anguish.
But this––this is like losing the most important piece of myself. Like cutting out a beating heart, slicing it from vital veins and holding it up for the world to laugh at.
A horrendous, mortifying whimper rips from my throat. Danny immediately looks up. “Viv?” His stare blazes. Zoe stays silent, gripping his jacket, unprepared to let him go without a fight. “You’re here.”
I lift my finger and jab the air in her direction. “Why the hell did you send me those flowers?” I grit out. “And set up this date when she’s the one you can’t stay away from?”
His back visibly stiffens. Zoe’s knees buckle, and she tugs his shirt tighter. “Wait?” He frowns, gazing down at the pitiful woman blinking slowly in his embrace. “I didn’t send you flowers. I got your text message to meet me here at six-forty-five.” Danny clenches his jaw and bares his teeth. “You bitch.” He staggers backwards, watching Zoe careen to her knees. “I told you to stop fucking around, Zoe. There was a time when I thought you’d given me freedom—handing over that damn phone to the police freed me from a cell, but you’ve kept me a prisoner with your manipulation and fucking games ever since. I won’t let you fuck this up.She’smy freedom.”
He storms towards me and secures my wrists with firm hands. “Viv.” His jaw clenches, and his eyes turn feral. I hardly recognize him as he sinks into desperation. “Don’t let her come between us. We can build a life in the rubble of my past. We can be more than I ever dreamed possible, but please, I’m begging you, don’t see this as anything more than what it is. She’s off her head again. I’m being a medic. Nothing else.”
Zoe folds over, dry retching. “Danny, I feel siiiick,” she slurs. “I can’t feel my face.”
“Viv, say something.” His grip tightens. Those pleas focus on my mouth, waiting for my response.
“She needs medical attention. Help her.” Without another word, I shrug out of his hands and back up.
He clutches the hair on top of his head and growls. “Fuck.” Then he glances back over his shoulder where Zoe groans on her hands and knees. Danny pulls out his phone and taps the numbers 911. “I need an ambulance. Possible overdose. Valium or Diazepam, quantity unknown. Female. Mid-twenties. Alcohol consumption. McClintocks. My name is Danny Rocco. I’m the off-duty paramedic at the scene.”
Heartache reverts to wrath. She played me. The gullible Vivian Swann was mistaken for a fool. I should have kicked Zoe out of Blossom Grove. Danny warned me to stay away from her.
Lying bitch.
We stare at each other for a silent second, shock and frustration swirling in his eyes.
“Danny?” Zoe snivels. “Can you help me? Our cab will be here soon.”
His head snaps around. “An ambulance is coming for you; I’m going home with Viv. You knew this was the end, Zoe. I loveher.” He points right at me. “She’s my priority.”
He loves me.
“You loveme. I know you do.” Zoe clambers to unsteady feet. A light breeze agitates her loose curls. “I’m lost without you, Danny. You’ve always been there for me. We take care of each other. No one can replace what we have. I’m… sorry… I’ve made a mistake. This time I really need,” she stammers.
His eyes shut, and he presses his fingers to his lids. I watch his lungs expand like his chest is in flames. Sirens whine. Prickles rush down my spine. I want to hug him and tell him the woman begging for attention needs professional help. That it is not his duty to run after her anymore. That she’s manipulating his remorse and abusing his kind heartedness.
“Viv, go home,” he says sharply, flicking up his lashes and dragging a palm over his face. His expression tightens to fierce. “I can’t leave her in this state. You don’t need to see this.”
