Chapter 3
-ZOEY ASHFORD-
I woke up on a good note the next morning but I had no time to waste.
I didn't bother having breakfast but just a hot cup of coffee.
After getting ready, I left immediately but not without getting everything I needed for the book signing event.
Getting to the venue, everything was ready... I was welcomed by the organizer of the event and a few other people.
To the best of my knowledge, I'd be having a brief interview.. Talk about my new book, answer questions and anything else that comes with it.
The interview started and I wasn't nervous but spoke with such high esteem and confidence. It's going live and I know I'm being watched by people right now.
I didn't fail to give the best smile too.
It was soon time to start signing the books bought by my fans and those who love my work.
I didn't know how long it took exactly but it went on and on and finally it was over.
I sat on the bench outside, waiting for the taxi I ordered but a familiar car suddenly pulled over in front of me, pulling down its glass.
Wes popped his head out and gave me a smile.
"Hey, Zoey!"
"Hi Wes... What are you doing here? I thought you said you'd be busy within the next few days?" I asked, still seated.
"Well... Yes, I am busy but I can't be so busy not to come by and see you. I couldn't pick you up at the airport yesterday.. I can't afford to let today roll by without seeing you. Besides... I missed you"
I rolled my eyes.
"I was just gone for two weeks"
"Still...It doesn't matter how long you're gone. Your presence alone matters to me"
I lowered my head and smiled.
"Are you just going to sit there or get into the car so I can drive you home?"
"I ordered a Cab already.." I said.
"Cancel it. Your personal Cab driver is here already.."
I laughed at his joke, stood up and joined him in the car.
"Let's go straight home. I'm famished" I rubbed my tummy, leaning back against the seat.
He chuckled and zoomed off.
-CHASE BLUE-
Seated in the meeting room, eyes fixed on the pen which I kept flipping in-between fingers, I was distracted.
So...distracted.
Physically present but my mind is far away. I kept thinking about one thing...Her.
Just her.
I kept picturing it in my head all over again. It's so hard not to think about it.
I was jolted out of my thoughts when a member of my staff called out to me. I looked up at him with a slight frown.
He looked tense while waiting for my approval on the presentation. Not when I didn't listen to anything.
Taking the file right before me, I tossed it back to him, stood up and adjusted my suit. All eyes were fixed on me.
"Do it all over again and make sure to do something much better. Let's schedule the meeting to a later date.. Meeting adjourned"
With that, I turned and left the meeting room back to my office. Once I was in, I went to pour myself a glass of water and drank, then sat and massaged my forehead.
Just then, my office door pulled open and Lucas walked right in.
My best friend and colleague.. That's what he is to me.
"What the hell just happened, Chase?" He asked, keeping his voice steady but I could tell he demanded straight answers.
"Why did you suddenly cancel their presentation when you know fully well that this is the best they have brought so far? If you keep rejecting it, we're never going to take the next step" He added.
"I didn't reject it"
"But you told them to do something better.. It's literally the same thing. By the way? What's up with you? You seem distracted back there"
I looked at him.
"Was it really that obvious?"
"I know you better than anyone else, Chase. When you kept flipping your pen back and forth and staring at it with narrowed eyes, I knew something was off. Tell me, what bothers you?"
There was a brief pause and Lucas kept his gaze fixed on my face... This is it... The only person I can confide in.
We have been friends for years and if there is anyone I can talk to without being judged or anything.. it has to be Lucas.
"I saw her... Again..."
His eyes grew wide... Just like I had expected.
"Wait, you mean... you saw her?... "
I responded with a nod and then said...
"I couldn't get it off my head, Lucas. The image of her pretty face, her smile and her charming eyes... They stay glued to my head" I paused, ran my fingers through my hair and continued.
"She's still the same as before... Just the way I pictured her to be. As a matter of fact, she has become more stunning..."
"Did she recognize you? Does she have the slightest idea who you are?" Lucas asked.
"She doesn't.. I am nothing but a stranger to her" I said, keeping my voice steady.
"So, what next? What happens now?"
I leaned forward in my seat, keeping my arms stretched out. The thin lines on my forehead have become more evident.
"I want her back, Lucas. I have to get her back.."
Lucas looked at me like I had suddenly grown two horns.
"Do you think that is possible?.. You have never been there, Chase? And suddenly, you want her back?"
"I don't care, Lucas. I just want her back..I don't mind playing a whole new different role.. I just want to have her around and have her trust me. That's what I want?.."
"You are starting a fire, Chase and it's going to be so hard to put it off. Showing up in her life again and playing with her emotions, lying and not telling her the truth about who you were to her, would break her even more. What if this gets out of control? Do you think it's best starting a relationship based on lies? What if she finds out? She's never going to forgive you, Chase"
I didn't respond but let Lucas' words sink down inside of me. As much as his words made a lot of sense, my mind was already made up. And once I set my heart out to do something, I don't back down.
Seeing I wasn't ready to listen, he let out a soft sigh and said..." Don't say I didn't warn you "
