Heavy Heart

Chapter 17

The rest of the week passed without incident. Trevor didn't offer me any more overtime that week so I was able to spend my evenings with Zack, Lisa and Hannah. On Friday night Lisa suggested we have a BBQ at her place which Zack jumped on, since it would probably be our last chance before the weather got too cold. I said I would make a potato salad and Hannah was going to make a no-bake cheesecake.

"I can grill a great steak." Zack boasted to our table. Lisa chuckled and punched his arm playfully, "Ok, fine but if you burn mine you are not allowed near my grill again." He nodded with a smirk, "Deal!"

Brock approached our table slowly with his hands in his pockets. He looked like a terrified little kid walking up to the popular kid's table. I watched him carefully as we waited for him to speak. The rest of the table acted as though he were invisible.

He cleared his throat, "Hey guys, I think I get it now. I owe you all an apology." Zack cleared his throat, "What's up, Brock?" He swayed slightly, his feet rocking his frame side to side, "I used to be a jerk, and I thought it didn't matter because I was always the leader. I thought it was funny. But it wasn't, and I feel it now. I've been sitting over there by myself, watching you all have a good time and it sucks to not be included."

Hannah smiled, "Yeah, it does." Brock's eyes rose to meet hers, "I'm not perfect but I didn't have to be an asshole. I'm sorry, and I want to start over again if I can. I get it now, so can we just move forward?"

Everyone at the table stared at me, even Brock. Though he had been speaking to all of us, I knew everyone would follow my lead. His bullying had been directed at me for the most part. I knew the rest would wait to see what I had to say first. I nodded slowly and met Brock's eyes, "How about you bring a caesar salad tonight to Lisa's for the BBQ? That would be great."

His face lit up with a huge smile. Before I knew it Brock moved behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders tightly, he whispered into my ear, "Thank you Layla. Thank you so much." I froze from his contact, my arms raised slightly in mild shock. Zack's gaze met my eyes, he smiled softly at me. I simply nodded and waited for Brock to let go.

"Alright, sounds good. I've got some beer in my fridge but if you want something stronger bring your own. No one touches my liquor cabinet!" Lisa warned us. Brock finally let me go and sat down next to Zack at the table.

Hannah shook her head, "Lisa, no one wants your terrible spirits. Most of them are just different kinds of tequila." Lisa glared playfully at her, "That's my favorite, and I don't like to share!" Hannah rolled her eyes and smirked.

After work as I was walking out of the locker room I noticed Jackie had texted me. She wanted to know if I wanted to go out for supper. Her aunt was in town from Winnipeg to help with the move the next day. I smiled and responded that we were all going to Lisa's for a BBQ, that she should come and bring her fabulous green bean casserole.

As I approached my car I felt a hand on my shoulder. I spun around to feel Zack's lips on top of mine in a chaste kiss. I let myself melt into him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He whispered against my lips, "You are such a good person, baby. I adore you." I smirked as I broke the kiss, "Yeah, sure. Let's go with that." Zack leaned forward and kissed my forehead softly as we stood next to my car.

"I'll see you at Lisa's. I've been tasked with the grill and I won't disappoint." He reminded me. I laughed out loud, "Yes I agree. If you let Lisa down she will never let any of us forget it. We will be telling that story for decades."

Zack nodded and pecked my lips one more time before he let me go. As he turned to head over to his truck I caught his hand in mine. He looked back at me with a curious smirk. I pulled Zack into my arms and kissed him hard, with as much passion as I could muster. It slipped my mind that we were standing in the parking lot of the factory. I didn't care that our coworkers were walking past us, watching our public display. I just wanted to kiss him one more time, to remind him that I liked him. Zack melted into my embrace and slipped his hand into the back pocket of my jeans, He gave my butt a slight squeeze. When we broke apart, both needing air, he whispered to me, "What was that for, baby?"

I shrugged, "I just felt like it. I don't know, you are making me bolder I guess." Zack kissed my ear softly, his breath tickled, "I like bold Layla. I also like shy Layla and sexy Layla. I like you anyway I can get you, baby. I am crazy about the whole package."

I nodded into his shoulder and let my arms pull back. As we finally separated I watched him walk to his truck. Zack turned back a couple of times and winked playfully at me. I knew I was going to see him in a few short hours, but I still felt a pang of sadness watching him walk away. What a silly sentimental moment I thought to myself.