Chapter 6 :
-ZOEY ASHFORD-
I tried to feel better and of course, I am because I'm definitely not going to let my parents get in my head.
All I did within the next few days was just write and get my mind off that.
I sat with my legs crossed, sipping from my cup of coffee while scrolling through my laptop, reading the comments on my second book.
There are more positive comments than negative comments as people would always find faults in others when there is none.
I guess it's a free day for me.. I have no planned events and nothing to do. All I'm going to do is just stay indoors, write and do anything worth doing.
Stretching out, I walked out of my room to the living room. I joined Mariah in watching a movie but I didn't seem interested even for a bit.
All I did was just sigh audibly and loud enough to get her attention.
"What? what's that about?" She questioned.
"Nothing.."
"Is this you being bored or something, Zoey?"
Rather than responding, I let out another audible sigh.
I heard her chuckle and I didn't mind.
"Get yourself a man Zoey. That way, you won't be bored and lonely"
I faced her with a questionable glare and she twisted her lips knowing fully well she just started an argument.
"Do I look like I'm lonely? You know I don't need a man, Mariah"
"I know, I'm just trying to tease you.."
I rolled my eyes. Just then, my phone rang and I didn't bother taking it because it's a call from an unsaved number.
I let it ring twice and still didn't take it.
"Why aren't you picking up your call? Might be someone important"
"No.. I don't take strange numbers, you know that"
It began to ring again and Mariah pushed my phone closer.
"Answer it Zoey.. might be important "
I hesitated for a while before taking the call. I said nothing but waited for whoever it was to speak first.
A deep yet calm voice came through the phone and I instantly found it familiar and reassuring.
"Hello. Is this Zoey Ashford?"
I could already tell who it was. Though, we met once and briefly but his voice is something I can't forget.
But still, I have to confirm my thoughts.
"Yes. And you are?"
"Chase Blue... Remember?"
I knew my instincts wouldn't fail me. Honestly, it totally skipped my mind.
"Yes, I do"
There was a brief pause from him and then, he said.
"Do you mind having dinner with me tonight?. That is if you aren't busy"
"Dinner?" I raised a brow and my gaze shifted to Mariah who instantly nodded and mouthed for me to say yes.
"I owe you, remember? I ruined your pretty dress and I'm a man of my words. Have dinner with me tonight, Zoey"
Strangely, my heart did a backflip from the way my name sounded coming from him.
"Oh.. uhm.. Okay. Dinner it is then"
"Great, I'll send the address. I would be expecting you sweetheart"
The call ended and I was still so shocked that I couldn't move. Not because he asked for dinner but because he actually reached out to me.
It's been days and I forgot there was actually some guy I met at the airport.
And sweetheart? That sounds weird coming from a stranger but why did my heart feel warm the moment he addressed me as that?
A tap from Mariah pulled me out of my thoughts and looking at her, I knew she would not stop asking questions.
"Start talking, Zoey... Who was that on the phone? And dinner? Are you seeing someone that I didn't know of?"
I let out a dry laugh.
"Come help me pick out an outfit. I'll fill you in while we are at it" I pulled her up and towards my room.
Evening came faster than I expected. I was already dressed and ready to leave for dinner. I wouldn't call it a date because hell, it isn't a date.
I would be meeting him officially tonight and somehow, I'm a bit eager to see how dinner would go with him. Of course, we would just talk about random things so I really should get my head out from thinking too much.
Chase Blue.. that sounds like a really nice name.
I was ready to leave after checking myself in the mirror and satisfied with how I looked.
Not over dressed but just a simple gown and heels to suit the occasion.
As I settled into the taxi, I gave him the address which I had received from Chase.
But, in the middle, I got a call from Wes. It wasn't just a normal call but a call that made my heart race.
I panicked as I heard Wes' voice over the phone, weak and barely audible like he is in a pretty worse state.
He asked that I come over immediately and before I could react, the call dropped dead. I couldn't reach out to him because my phone battery had gone down.
I couldn't think straight.. Wes.. What is wrong with him? He was totally fine the last time I remembered.
I panicked and as if a magic wand was waved over my head, I totally forgot the real reason why I was out.
"Excuse me, can we switch direction?" I quickly asked the driver and gave him directions to Wes'.
"Wes?" I called out, barging into his house like I owned it.
I didn't bother knocking.. this wasn't the time for that.
I looked around the living room and he wasn't in sight. My heart kept racing since I have been trying to figure out what might be wrong.
Just as I made for the stairs, I halted on my steps and turned when I heard my name.
There he was, stepping out of the kitchen looking all hale and hearty, like it wasn't the Wes who sounded like he was about to die.
I moved towards him, my eyes squinting.
"What is this Wes? You look okay, aren't you..." Before I could finish, he cut off.
"That was a prank, Zoey.. A prank" He grinned.
"What? A prank?"
He nodded and I scoffed in disbelief.
"I wanted to watch your reaction and that's why I pretended to be in pain and goodness... I'd pay a million dollars just to see that look on your face over and over again.."
"Was that funny uh? Was it so funny?"
I grabbed a sofa pillow and threw it at him while he laughed and only teased me more.
Can't believe I fell for his joke.
"I'm sorry Zoey..." He said amidst laughter as I threw him another sofa pillow.
"Don't try to fool me like that next time. Do you know how worried I was?"
"Yeah.. I know. You looked half dead"
I lapped his arm.
We both slumped down on the chair and I tried to steady my heart from beating so fast. It was all just a prank.. How annoying.
"I'll pay you back Wes. For making me so worried, I'll surely have my revenge"
He laughed again. We were both silent for a short period until he spoke up again.
"I was worried about you and your parents showing up. We haven't really had a proper conversation since then"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"You shouldn't be worried about my parents, Wes... it's nothing I can't handle"
"Are you sure? They thought I'm the reason your wedding was cancelled.."
"I told them you're just a friend. That's the only information they need to know about you. As for my wedding, I don't want to talk or think about it, so can we just let go of that conversation?"
He stared at me for some time without saying a word and that's the thing. He never forces one to speak on what they don't want to.
He stood up and tucked his hands into his pocket.
"C'mon, let's go make something to eat"
I stood up but suddenly tripped on my heels and lost balance. I found myself falling towards Wes. He tried to hold me but it was too late and we both fell on the sofa behind him.
I was on top and startled because of the position we were.
My lips were pressed on his neck, sending cold shivers down my spine.
This is a really awkward situation.
