754 V2 ch226 (1/2)

The only sound was the car, speeding down the highway.

”It's okay if you don't want to talk about it.” Wayne finally said something. ”But Jake deserves to know too. Turn your phone on and give him a call.”

I couldn't lift my head. ”I can't.”

”You can't?”

I gulped. ”I have to wait until I know. I have to see that woman first.” I tilted my head to look at him. ”I'm staying the night here. Visiting hours start at 9am.”

”We'll stay with you.” He said, surprising me. ”But you really need to turn on your phone and let the people who care about you, know that you're okay.” He made brief eye contact. ”You're going to be okay.”

I sighed. I really should send a text to Jake and Rose. Just so they know I won't be back tonight. I didn't accomplish anything today.

Wayne drove back the way we came, pulling into a small 24hr diner. We waited for Zeke to park beside us before getting out. I followed them in the diner, where a waitress sat us at a table for four. When we placed our order, I just picked something randomly, not feeling like eating. The waitress left soon after.

I could feel Wayne's stare. ”What?”

”Your phone?” He said. ”Just send a couple texts out. I'm sure your agent, Coach, and GM all need to know where you're at too.”

I let out a heavy sigh and pulled my phone out. Turning it on, it started to buzz with my missed notifications. They were just piling up now. I went to Jake's name first and thought about what to send.

Me: Couldn't see her tonight. I'll know more tomorrow.

Surprisingly, Jake messaged back almost immediately.

Jake: Do you really have to see her? I know you don't want to.

I bit my bottom lip, unsure of what to say. That I was suspicious of my Uncle's claims? I didn't know what to believe anymore? I wasn't even sure that she would tell me the truth, but sitting in jail, she didn't have much reason to lie.

Me: I have to.

Jake: Don't go. Come back. Things will go back to normal eventually.

I gulped. I'm not sure if I can stand it if things went back to 'normal'. What was normal? A lifelong lie? I put my phone down, unwilling to reply.

”Zeke, do you want to stay the night with us or drive the car back?” Wayne asked his eldest son.

I looked at him, confused. ”You're staying?”

Wayne nodded. ”If you are, then so am I. I can't just leave you here alone. I wouldn't let Jake face that woman, and honestly, I don't think it's a good idea for you to see her either.”

”I have to.” I repeated what I had sent in my text. There was an undeniable need to see her for answers. Uncle Jack... I shook my head. ”I'll be fine on my own.”

”I'll stay.” Zeke spoke up. ”Should I call and let Mom know?”

Wayne nodded. ”Yes. Tell her I'll call her after we eat and check into a hotel for the night.”