Chapter 64 FAVOR

Chapter 64 FAVOR
RACHEL
I didn't get the chance to answer before my phone rang again. If I was being honest, it felt like a lifesaver because I had absolutely no idea what I was supposed to tell Jay.
He didn't look away. Quietly, he watched me glance at my screen.
Mr. David.
My stomach dropped instantly.
“Something wrong?” Jay asked.
I looked up at him. “Um...” My eyes drifted to Tiara standing outside the gate. “Can you wait here for a minute? I need to talk to T first, then I'll come back.”
He frowned slightly before giving a small shrug. “Cool.”
I stepped out into the cold night, shut the car door behind me, and walked toward Tiara. She was so focused on her phone that she didn't notice me until I stopped in front of her.
Her head lifted immediately. “Hey.” The single word sounded exhausted.
I'd never seen Tiara like this. Usually, she yelled at whatever annoyed her. Or threatened to kick the ass of whoever offended her. But crying… Looking worried… Looking completely drained… That had never been her. Maybe that was why I'd always admired her. She was usually the stronger one between us.
And now… Maybe it was my turn. Even though my own life felt like it was falling apart, I wanted to be whatever strength she needed right now.
“Come here.” I opened my arms.
She sniffed quietly, the signs of earlier tears still obvious, before slowly walking into the hug. Her face buried itself against my neck while her arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders, clinging to me like I was the only thing keeping her together.
“You're going to be okay,” I whispered.
After a few seconds, she slowly pulled away and looked me straight in the eyes. “Tell me one reason Noah's been ignoring my calls, Rach.”
I forced a small smile. “I don't know, T.” I shook my head. “But we both know he'd never ignore you on purpose.”
“Then why can't I reach him?”
I sighed. “I know you're worried about Noah right now, but you've got something else to deal with too.” I turned my phone around and showed her the screen. “See? Your dad's been calling me.”
She barely looked at it before meeting my eyes again. “You know what to do.” Her jaw tightened. “Tell him you don't know where I am.”
I sighed again, letting my hand fall to my side. “You know your dad. He's never going to believe that.”
“What do you expect me to do?” she shot back. “I don't want him knowing where I am, and I definitely don't want to go back to that house.” She let out a shaky laugh. “And when I thought my boyfriend was my only way out, he suddenly decided to disappear. God knows what's going on with him.” Her eyes met mine. “And now my best friend is trying to send me back.”
“I'm not, T.” The words barely left my mouth before tears filled her eyes again.
The guilt hit me instantly. There was no point defending myself.
I exhaled. “Okay... I'm sorry.”
She didn't answer. She just stood there as the tears finally spilled over.
“Hey.” I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her again. “I'm sorry, alright? I shouldn't have said that.”
It didn't last a second before she pulled away so suddenly that it startled me.
“Jay?” Her brows knitted together as she hurriedly wiped her tears away with both hands.
I turned around. Jay was standing a few steps behind us.
I frowned. I could've sworn I'd told him to stay in the car.
“How...” Her gaze shifted between the two of us. “You came with Rachel?”
“Actually, he drove me home,” I explained quickly, waving a hand as if to brush away any misunderstanding. “How about we go inside first?”
She didn't respond. But the look she gave both of us told me she had plenty of questions. The only thing stopping her from asking them was everything else weighing on her tonight.
Without another word, I headed toward the house. The two of them followed behind me.

THANE
My phone started vibrating on the table. I'd dropped it there earlier, but I couldn't bring myself to move. It felt like something was pinning me to the chair.
When it rang a second time, Nina picked it up and walked over.
As much as I hated the fact that she was still in my room, still reminding me of everything she'd done, I didn't have the energy to get angry again.
“It's Noah,” she said quietly, holding the phone out to me.
I kept staring ahead without looking at her. “Thane.” Her voice softened. “Take the phone.”
I exhaled sharply, turned my head, and took it without meeting her eyes.
Sliding my thumb across the screen, I answered. “Yeah?”
“Look, dude... I kind of need a favor.”
I licked my lips. “Sorry, bud. You'll have to call me tomorrow. I'm not in the mood.”
“I'm in deep shit right now, and T's been trying to reach me.” He sighed heavily. “I can't talk to her right now, Thane. I need you to help me.”
The way he sounded, I could already picture him neck-deep in another disaster. Normally, I'd have asked questions. Tonight… I honestly didn't have the strength.
“I don't care what kind of shit you're in,” I said flatly. “Figure it out yourself. I've got enough of my own to deal with.” I started to pull the phone away. “Later.”
“It's Tiara's dad.” The words stopped me cold. “That man got me bad, Thane.”
My stomach tightened. I swallowed. “Hold on.” My voice came out lower this time. I pushed myself out of the chair, ignored the worried look Nina was giving me, walked into my bedroom, and quietly shut the door behind me. “What the hell do you mean?”
“I don't know.” He let out a frustrated breath. “I just found out he's the mystery guy behind my dad's bail.”
I frowned.
“You should've seen my face.” Another bitter laugh escaped him. “I'm still trying to process it. I had no idea that the sneaky old snake had also gone behind my back and paid our rent through my dad.” His breathing grew heavier. “You know what that means, Thane?”
I didn’t say anything.
“He wants me the hell away from his daughter.”
“I warned you about your old man. How the hell does he even know Tiara's dad?”
“I honestly don't know either.” Noah let out a tired breath this time. “The thing I'm worried about is T. I saw her text saying she's at your place.”
I settled on the edge of my bed. “I don't think she'll find anyone at home. Rachel's probably still at the hospital, and I'm not home either.”
“Wait... something happened to Rachel?”
“No. I'll explain later.” I pushed myself to my feet and walked over to my wardrobe, pulling out a clean shirt and sweatpants. “I'll call her and let you know what's going on.”
“Alright.” He sounded relieved. “Thanks, man.”
“You're welcome.” I ended the call and immediately dialed Tiara's number.
It rang twice. No answer. I slipped the phone into my pocket, grabbed the bedroom door, and stepped back into the living room.
Nina was still standing exactly where I'd left her. As I walked past, I started buttoning my shirt.
“Are you going somewhere?”
I crossed to the table and picked up my car keys. “Yeah.” I glanced at her briefly. “Right after I call you a cab.”
“I already told you I don't want a cab.”
“Fine.” I shrugged. “Take the bus. Walk if you have to. Just don't stay in my house tonight.”
She let out a quiet sigh before shaking her head. “It's fine.” Her voice had lost the fight from earlier. “If you're heading out anyway, just drop me off somewhere on your way.”
That worked for me. I didn't argue. I headed for the front door, and a moment later we stepped out into the night.
I pressed the unlock button. The headlights flashed, and the car came to life with a familiar chirp.