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Jagger couldn’t even wrap his mind around the fact that he was so choked up. If only he could hug Mercedes one more time. If only he could believe that her prayers would help him. If only every person he loved didn’t die. At least Hays and Shawn were healthy, and Belinda had been protected the other night. He should probably say a prayer of gratitude but didn’t know how to get it out.
“You … pray.”
Jagger refused to open his eyes. “I … Dang you, Mercedes. You ask too much of me.” He shook his head and waited, but nobody rescued him. “I’ll try, okay? I’ll try. But only for you.”
“Thanks. And for … Belinda.”
He managed a soft laugh, but his eyes burned. “You are manipulative and beautiful and an angel and I don’t want to live in this world without you.” How he managed to say all of that without sobbing, he’d never know. He couldn’t open his eyes and look at Hays or he’d break down. He heard a soft sob from his friend’s direction.
“You’ll … be okay. I’ll … watch over … you both.”
Jagger could even hear Shawn sniffle in the background. He was going to lose it.
“Love … you … Jag.”
“I love you.” His voice broke then, and the tears he’d been fighting leaked out.
“Love … you … Hays.”
“I love you more,” Hays said back, his own voice thick.
“I don’t … think … that’s possible.”
Hays laughed and sobbed at the same time. Jagger’s eyes popped open. He’d never seen Hays cry. Hays had seen him cry when he’d gotten the news about his mom dying. He edged to the side and put his arm around his friend’s shoulder. It was easier than looking at him.
“Bye,” Mercedes whispered.
“Bye,” they both echoed.
How Jagger hated that word.
He released his grip on Hays but didn’t move, standing side by side as if to face this pain head-on and together.
They heard rapid footsteps, then Shawn cleared his throat. “This sucks so bad,” he muttered.
“Shawn, don’t come here,” Jagger said. “Stay with her.”
“Seriously,” Hays agreed. “Mercedes and Franz need you. Send Garrett and we’ll film the closing scene or whatever you call it.”
“Who cares about this stupid show anyway?” Jagger bit out. “We could’ve spent the last three weeks of leave being together.” But he wouldn’t have had this time with Belinda.
“Mercedes is obsessed with the show. It’s her legacy,” Shawn said. “I know it seems stupid to us, but can you please give it a hundred percent … for her?”
At least Shawn hadn’t said in her memory. She was hanging on. Would they be able to see her again? One last hug? Jagger doubted it.
“We can.” Hays nodded.
“Of course.” Jagger was even more conflicted, though. He was naturally competitive—of course he always wanted to win—but did he want to defeat Belinda and her incredibly charitable cause? Not for a second. “Can you send two pilots?” Jagger asked. “Then we can film the finale tonight and turn the plane around and head home. See Mercedes before …”
He couldn’t say it.
“All right. I’ll call Julie right now.”
“Thanks,” Jagger said.
“I’ll be praying for you, Mercedes, her dad, and Julie,” Hays said.
“Thanks.”
