in a few months before meeting Zack to begin with.
“I think I’ll sell it.” His questioning expression causes me to explain. “It was never really my home, you know. I’ve barely lived there, and my parents have enough room for us to stay, or hotels, I guess. I’m not sure it’s important enough for me to hang on to.”
I love seeing the easy smile that spreads across Zack’s face as I gave him my answer. Me being willing to give up my home, for him, gives him security that I didn’t realize until now he might still need.
“I love you, you know.”
“I love you too.” Really, I want to jump across the table and kiss him passionately, but I don’t think that will go over too well with the other customers so I try to stay in my seat and just let my love for him flow through my expression.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the talk of Tinsel Town.” The voice behind me sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard. Apparently one night without Rachel McAllister is just too damn much to ask for. I refuse to remove my eyes from Zack as she walks up to our table.
Zack spares her a quick angry glare before returning to me. Apology is written all over him. “This is only a table for two, Rachel.”
“Yes, yes, I see that. I wonder who will be keeping you company at this table for two when you’re little toy here flies home – wherever that may be.” She waves her hand around, dismissing me. It pisses me off. I sit there debating silently whether to stick up for myself and cause a scene or to just let Zack handle it. I don’t want her to think she can walk all over me without me dishing it back, but I also don’t want to embarrass Zack.
He is still smiling at me, but no longer is it filled with apology. His grin is devilish, and sexy.
“Actually, Rachel.” He moves his eyes from mine to hers. “Nicole and I are moving in together. She’s moving here, to my house. With me. There will never again be someone sitting at a table for two with me unless it’s her.”
I bite back my smile, just a little bit, to keep myself from laughing. She is furious and for some reason, I think it’s hilarious.
Her hands are clenched tightly into fists at her side. I wonder briefly if she is going to punch me. She certainly looks like she wants to.
“You can’t be serious. You’re moving in with that?” Her disdain for me is obvious. I briefly glance around and wonder how many other people who are watching the scene unfold think the same as her, but I try to push that thought to the back of mind quickly. I have no need to be insecure.
Her spoken words break Zack’s calm exterior. He is pissed. The only time I’ve seen him so mad was when Ethan spoke to me in Chicago. He jumps out of his seat and slams his fist down on the table. Our glasses rattle and the candle on the table blows out. Almost everyone in the restaurant stops what they’re doing and just stares at us.
Crap. That was the last thing I wanted.
“You will never, ever, talk to Nicole, or about Nicole, in that way ever again. We have been friends for over two years, Rachel, and if you don’t wish to permanently end it right here, I suggest you apologize and leave. Now.” His voice has risen by the end of his statement and I see our waiter scurrying over to our table to diffuse the argument before it gets even worse.
“Zack,” I quietly hiss trying to get his attention. “Sit down.”
Rachel glares at me before storming away. She does not, however, apologize like Zack demanded. Not that I’m surprised. Secretly, I hope their friendship is definitely over. I don’t think I can handle any more run-ins with her. She drips pure evil and is filled with jealousy. It’s not the best combination for the new girlfriend to have to endure.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” The waiter at our table nervously looks between us. Scenes like this apparently don’t happen frequently at Rue21 and he doesn’t look equipped to handle the fall out.
Zack is still standing, his arms shaking in anger, but he says nothing. He glares out the door that Rachel had left and I can see his chest heaving deep angry