ZOE’S POV
I wasn’t expecting Austin’s call. Not with everything that was happening. So when he asked if we could have lunch I almost said no because I wasn’t free at the time. But there was something in his voice, tired and low like someone clutching at air just to stay upright. So I agreed to it.
We met at a quiet place near the hospital somewhere that didn’t buzz too loudly with life or laughter. He was already there by the time I arrived. He sat by the window grasping his glass of water like it was the only thing holding him together.
“Hey” I said sitting down opposite him.
He looked up and gave me a faint, polite smile but not real. “Hey. Thanks for coming.”
“I was kind of surprised you called,” I admitted putting my bag down. “For a second I thought something had happened.”
“N
