Page 46 of A New Chapter

Chapter 23

Emma and Zack hopped in the back of a cab and relaxed while the taxi driver wound his way in and out of the busy traffic. The quiet interior of the cab was like a haven compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. The contrast was similar to what was going on inside Emma’s head. Zack’s presence had both comforted and energized her at the same time.

“Is Gracie with Alicia this weekend?” Emma ventured.

“No. My parents have her. I’m not sure who was more thrilled, them or Gracie.”

“It’s great that you have their help.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

“So what did you tell them about this weekend?” Her real question: Do they know about me?

“I told them the truth, that I was going to see a friend in Chicago.” Zack reached over and squeezed her knee before turning his attention out the window.

Emma wondered if it was just her or if he felt the presence of a third passenger in the cab—Sexual Tension!

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said.

“Me too.”

Zack gave her a hand out of the cab, but he didn’t let go when they entered the pub. It was early enough that they were shown to a table for two, but before long, the place would be packed. Zack pulled out her chair and then took the seat across from her. His legs were so long that he stretched them out alongside hers under the table. Emma tried to concentrate on the menu, but the feel of his pant leg brushing up against her bare skin distracted her.

An attractive young waitress approached to take their drink orders. She was fitted in a tight black t-shirt with the restaurant name imprinted on the front. Emma noticed the way she perused Zack like he was the daily special, but Zack appeared unfazed.

“What are you drinking?” the waitress asked.

“Rum and Coke, Em?” Zack chuckled at their private joke.

“No. I’ll have a Bud Light,” Emma said, shooting him a glare.

He just smirked and ordered a Heineken.

“I’m not getting drunk tonight,” Emma said vehemently after the waitress had gone.

“I wouldn’t think so, because then I’d have to sleep over again, and you never know what might happen.”

He might have been teasing, but they both knew there was a hint of truth behind it. “Speaking of sleep, where did you plan on staying tonight?”

“One of my college buddies lives in the city. I figured I would give him a call, unless…”

The waitress came over with their drinks and took their food orders, which gave Emma a few minutes to collect herself. She took a long slug of beer while Zack studied her across the table.

“No pressure, Em. Let’s just have a good time tonight, ok?”

“Ok.” They clinked beer bottles, and Emma relaxed again. After that, they talked about various topics and enjoyed the ambiance of the busy pub. They had both ordered fish and chips, and Emma tucked into hers with gusto. Who knew flirting would work up such an appetite?!

“One more beer before we go?” Zack asked.

“Sure, but that’s it for the night,” Emma warned.

When the waitress set Zack’s beer down, she bent over so far that her boobs threatened to spill out of her shirt. She had been fawning over Zack all night, and Emma wanted to shout, “HELLO, he’s with me!”

“Some set of boobs, huh?” Emma asked, straight-faced.

Zack coughed and sputtered as if his beer had gone down the wrong pipe. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and shook his head at her.

“What? Like you didn’t notice.”