He drove in silence, not even bothering to turn on the radio. In his head, he replayed his fight with John over and over again. He’d never felt more betrayed in his life. The worst part was how vividly he could picture the hurt on John’s face when John accused him of wanting to run. It pained him to admit it, but John was right. Zack had never fully committed to him, and just when he’d thought about doing so . . .

Zack dissolved into a fresh fit of tears and had to pull over until it subsided. He finally turned on the radio and forced himself to sing along to keep from thinking about John, at least until he made it home.

He covered Marilyn with trembling hands and trudged into his apartment. Ziggy was waiting for him when he opened the door.

“Hey, boy,” Zack said weakly. “If ever I’ve needed some puppy kisses, it’s now.”

Ziggy waited for him to flop onto the couch and dutifully licked his face. Zack started crying again, but it was hard to tell when his cheeks were already wet from Ziggy’s tongue. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there, wallowing in abject misery, but by the time he was finished, his eyes were swollen and raw.

He considered calling one of his friends but thought better of it. Kira would be sympathetic, which he couldn’t tolerate right now. Alexa would be murderous—better, but he didn’t need to get himself any more worked up. And Lee had about as much relationship experience as Zack.

He sighed and scratched Ziggy behind the ears. “You’re the only one who understands me, baby boy.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized he was wrong. There was one person who not only knew him but had always been in healthy, stable relationships. If anyone could set Zack straight, it was her.

Zack pulled out his phone and found his sister in his contacts. The line rang four times before Bianca finally answered.

“Zack?” she said groggily. “Zack, what’s wrong? Do you know what time it is?”

Zack faltered. Actually, he didn’t. He glanced into the kitchen. His stove clock read 10:13 p.m. He scoffed. “It’s early.”

A loud groan came from the other end of the line. “Maybe for people who are used to being up until three in the morning, but I’m already in bed.” He heard her shift. “This had better be good. Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s not important,” Zack lied, feeling guilty. “I was just calling to catch up. I guess I didn’t notice the time. Sorry for waking you.”

“Zack,” Bianca said in her best Mom voice, “I’ve known you for every minute of your twenty-one years of life. Do you really think I can’t tell when you’re lying to me?”