Interim

ten

Zach and I made our way out of the library and headed out towards his car. He escorted me to the passenger side and kindly opened the door for me. I thanked him and gave him a smile, trying hard not to blush and make a fool out of myself.

As he made his way around the car, I decided to return the kind act and open the car door for him before he could do it. Zach let out a light chuckle and paused before looking at me with his playful cerulean blue eyes.

"Why can't you just let me do nice things for you without having to do anything in return, huh?"

"Haha, I don't know, golden rule I guess? You know me, always trying to be a good citizen." I say jokingly.

He sneered back at me and started the car, putting it in reverse. He bit his lip and squinted at the rear mirror, checking to see if anyone was behind us.

"So what do you feel like eating love?" He considerably asks me.

"Uh, I don't know, surprise me?"

He bit his lip once again, this time for thinking and then shot me a sly smile.

"I got it."

"Oo, where are we going?"

"Eh, you said surprise right? So you're just gonna have to wait and find out."

I pouted and it caused him to laugh, his dimples arising and his perfect white teeth showing. I swear that boys smile can probably brighten up anyone's day.

We stayed silent for a couple minutes and I decided to break that silence by turning on the radio. A Bon Jovi song was playing and we both began singing at the exact time. The guitar solo of the song was up and next thing you know, Zach is making guitar noises matching up to the song. I couldn't help but crack up at his childish self.

"I swear, you are such a little kid!" I say still laughing.

"Psh, you're just jealous 'cause I can make realistic epic guitar sounds."

I shook my head smiling and looked out of the window. The sky had turned into a dark navy blue. The city lights were turning on and the moon was very slowly creeping up. I quickly checked the time, the clock reading 6:25.

We were pulling up to the parkway of an outlet mall, several store names glowing. I had never been to this place so I was definitely excited to step out and explore.

Zach parked and we both made our way out of the car. We walked side by side just normally until he suddenly grabbed my hand, sliding his fingers into mine, making them intertwine. I felt myself blush once again and peeked up at him.

"I've never been here before. I'm guessing you have, so, maybe you could show me around?"

"Of course but you know, I've got a strong appetite, meaning that we must eat now!" Zach says giving me a playful smile.

"Okay, so where are we going to eat Zachary?"

Zach did not like it when people called him by his actual full first name.

He cringed a little and sneered at me, wanting to laugh but still trying to be serious at the same time and pointed to the right of us.

"We are going to eat here."

I looked at the name of the restaurant before going in. Big red bolded letters showed "The Cheesecake Factory."

"Have you been here?"

"Nope, this will be my first time. Is it any good?"

"Oh trust me, it is, you'll love it. I know you will." Zach says, giving me a reassuring smile.