Zack felt the frustration in every cell of his body. The producers had told them that when they landed in New York their lives would get crazy. “You thought you were busy here?” one of the assistants had told the group headed to Manhattan. “Wait till you reach the city. You won’t have time to turn around.”
He could feel Zoey looking at him every minute or so. Zack ignored her. He had another call to make: to his father. Other than a few texts he hadn’t checked in with his family. His dad answered on the first ring. “Son! Congratulations! We’re all so proud of you.”
Zack pictured himself Tebowing in the minutes after getting his red ticket. How would he explain that to his parents when the show aired? He squeezed his eyes shut. “Thanks, Dad. It’s crazy out here. I can only imagine New York.”
“You’ll be fine. You know who you are.” Joy rang in his father’s tone, the kind he had always had for Zack and his efforts.
“Did you and Mom talk to the guy at the bank?”
“Listen.” His dad’s voice fell. “Please. Don’t worry about that now. Just focus on singing for God.”
“I have to think about it.” Zack laughed a little. “Saving the farm . . . that’s one of the reasons I’m here. You know that.”
“We’ll figure it out. If we have to sell it, then the Lord has a different plan.”
“I don’t want to sell it.” He gritted his teeth. “I want to raise my kids there, Dad.” He stopped himself. This wasn’t the place. “Talk to the guy at the bank. Get the loan. Tell him we’ll pay him back as soon as we can.”
After they hung up, Zack pictured Reese, working at the stable, her long dark hair pulled back while she helped one of the kids. He missed her so much.
For now, though, he needed to live out the verses. Pray constantly, watch for pitfalls, and thank God with every step. That way he could make the most of every opportunity. He looked at Zoey again.
As he finished praying, he felt someone watching him. He scanned the boarding area and saw Chandra Olson sitting in a row twenty feet from the contestants. Their eyes met and Chandra gave a slight nod. Then she smiled and looked back down at her phone. There was something deep in her eyes. It had been there yesterday during his audition and it was there again now. Like she wanted to talk. She was the only one who knew what it was like to go through the audition process. Maybe she would be helpful in the days ahead. He wanted to talk to her.
But he’d rather talk to Reese.
He remained consumed with the thought until they boarded, constantly checking to see if she had texted him or if he’d somehow missed her call. He even checked Twitter, in case she had chosen to talk to him that way. But there was nothing. He waited until the last possible moment, and then he did what he was asked without talking to Reese. He turned off his phone.
When he turned it on again he would be in New York.
chapter
10
The hot piercing sun sliced through the wooden siding of the barn at the Lowell Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Ten in the morning and already temperatures were well past ninety degrees. Reese’s attention was taken entirely by six-year-old Toby, the little boy in the saddle. Which meant for the first time all week she was thinking about someone other than Zack.
Twenty minutes later, the lesson ended. For the first time since Toby arrived she checked her phone. Zack had been in New York for a week and they’d only talked once. His reason remained the same. Too busy. Always too busy. Reese tried to understand. What choice did she have?
Now, though, there were three texts from Zack. The first only told her hello and that he was thinking about her, praying for her. She smiled and clicked on the next one. It was much longer.
Baby, I know this is crazy but I’m leaving New York on a flight in two hours. I’m headed to the airport now. A film crew connected with some people at church got the okay to come tonight and film me leading worship. See? Crazy, right? Talk about last-minute.
Reese closed her eyes and imagined his arms around her. He was coming home! He’d be here today! She felt like she was dreaming.
Anyway, we’re going to my parents’ house first. They know I’m coming—but just for an hour. The producers know about the farm being broke. Long story. My parents and Grandpa Dan are okay with it. Then we’ll go straight to church. I can only stay for worship and the interviews. We have a ten o’clock flight out tonight. Just wanted you to know. I love you. Can’t wait to see you—even for a few minutes.
Reese moved around the barn to the back where she could be alone. Then she clicked Zack’s number and waited while it rang. He answered it immediately. “Yes! I caught you!”
“This is amazing!” She closed her eyes and leaned against the barn wall. “I can’t believe you’re coming home!”
“I know. I’m flying out on their private jet. A few other contestants, too.”
“So you can’t stay overnight?” She hated the thought of him leaving so quickly.
“No. They’ll take off from Kentucky around ten and head to Nashville for the crew who’s going there. Every minute is planned. Seriously.”
“It’s fine.” Her tone was soft, the sun on her shoulders. It was the most tender moment between them in too long. “I wish you could’ve seen Toby today. He’s doing great.”
“What about AJ?”
“She hasn’t been by. She’s still sick.”
“I’m worried about her.” Zack sounded tired. “My parents are dealing with a lot.”
“They are. I’m sorry.” She moved to a more shaded area. The signal between them was breaking up. She wiped the back of her hand over her forehead. “Zack . . . are you there?”
“I am. I can hear you now.”
She held the phone a little tighter. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. So much. I can’t wait to see you. We need to catch up. I . . . I haven’t had any time.” His words cut out again.
“Zack?” She moved again. “What’d you say?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
The sound of his voice made its way through, soothing the anxious places in her heart and calming her doubts. “I’m proud of you. Really.”
“Thank you.” Relief flooded his tone. “Baby, I gotta go. I’ll text you when I land.”
“Should I be at your parents’ house?” She held on, waiting for his answer. Instead three beeps sounded. She checked the screen. Call failed. She breathed in slowly and smiled. Communication was bad, but it would get better. Today or a month from now. Nothing would change Zack Dylan. She knew that in the core of her being. If they couldn’t talk much now, so be it. One day soon Zack would tell her every detail, all the moments she’d missed. But today she was off work at three in the afternoon. If there was one moment she wasn’t going to miss,
