Free It Had to Be Fate (An It Had to Be Novel Book 3) by Tamra Baumann Page A

had probably just been eradicated. If only he could tell her the truth.
    One of the reporters called out, “Records show Zane is out on bail. If he’s so sorry, why isn’t he here to apologize in person?”
    Kip began packing up his papers. “Mr. Steele is in an undisclosed location at this time, to write music and reflect on recent events.”
    Another reporter said, “‘Undisclosed location’ sounds an awful lot like rehab. Is that where Zane is? Is that how you got the charges dropped? In return for a stint in rehab?”
    Before Kip could answer, Casey picked up the remote and switched off the TV. “That’s enough of that. Finish up your dinner, guys. Grandma is on her way.” Casey laid kisses on the top of the boys’ heads. “Be good for her, please. I’ll be back early. Goodbye.”
    After the boys mumbled their goodbyes around their food, Casey tossed the remote on the counter. Mr. Steele, I’d like a word, please.” Without waiting for his reply, she walked out the back door.
    He didn’t like the sound of the clipped “Mr. Steele” in her voice.
    Zane slowly stood, unable to make eye contact with the kids. He hated they’d just seen that—even though he wasn’t the one responsible, they thought he was.
    He found Casey outside, pacing back and forth on the lakeshore, waiting for him. “Sorry about that.”
    She stopped and faced him. “Mandy called you a fugitive earlier. Are you supposed to be in rehab? Because I want nothing to do with any illegal schemes—”
    “No!” He held out his hands in defense. “I’m not supposed to be anywhere. I’m here until this blows over, that’s all.” He wanted to tell her the truth so badly. But if she told Ryan, he’d probably have no choice but to let the cops in LA know that the man in rehab, and who’d falsified a driver’s license, was Nick.
    She shook her head and started up the hill. “Well, you just proved my earlier lifestyle differences point. And I think now you can see why I’m not thrilled to have you around my kids.”
    Ouch.
    He caught up with her. “It’s really not what it appears to be, Casey. You can’t believe everything you see on the news. And as you saw, all the charges were dropped.”
    She glanced his way. “With enough money, I suspect celebrities like you can make a lot of things go away.”
    She was right. It was futile to argue his point without proof. Now he could only hope that Nick behaved himself and stayed hidden so Zane would have the chance to gain back her trust. Why he had such a compelling need to show her he wasn’t the man she thought he was eluded him. But it had become his new mission in life.
    When they approached the bar, he picked up his pace and opened the door for her, letting the aroma of greasy sliders and beer wash over him. It reminded him of all the little dives he’d played before he hit it big.
    She stopped and crossed her arms. “I’m meeting my sister so . . .”
    He wasn’t welcome. That came through loud and clear. “Got it. Have a fun evening. Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight.” She disappeared inside, so he let the door swing closed and headed back to the guesthouse. Looked like he was going to work on a Friday night after all.
    For the first time in his life, the thought of songwriting held no appeal.
    When he walked into the guesthouse, Mandy was there, messing with the equipment. Maybe it’d be a good time to have that talk.
    He stuffed his hands into his front pockets. “Hey.”
    “I knew you’d be back.” She looked up and smiled. “I was just pulling up what we were working on before you had to leave.”
    He flopped onto the couch and propped his feet on the coffee table. “I’m really not in the mood to work tonight. I think I’d just like to chill. Alone.”
    “What’s wrong, Zane?”
    “Casey is upset with me about her kids seeing Kip’s news conference. Now I have to figure out a way to convince her I’m not like my brother.”
    “You’re nothing like Nick.