Paperwork || c.h z.m {slow updates}

7. Time Management

Trust Zayn to show up in a Porsche. He first noticed me noticing the car. “You like it?” He asked cockily. He was leaning against the driver’s side door with his arms folded. “It’s a 911 Club Coupe.”

Zayn followed me around to the passenger side door and just as I was reaching for the handle, he opened it for me. “You look hot Cass,” he commented, shutting the door, heading back over to his side. Tonight was going to be difficult to say the least.

Conversation was light on the drive there, Zayn asked how long I was working my internship, I asked what kind of work he was doing at the record company. He also asked what kind of music I listened to, which I thought was very intriguing of him considering he was a musician.

From the Arcade three blocks down from Sarah’s and my apartment on Elizabeth street, we went left onto Collins Street all the way up to Exhibition Street (the bookshop Sarah liked was to our left at the corner of Exhibition and Little Collins) and then left again down Flinders Lane. Lights had already been strung up overhead of the streets in time for Christmas, still more than four months away but gave it a real soft feel to the city. 

Even though it was only seven pm, it was pretty cold when we got out of the car. Zayn had pointed out the restaurant entrance as we passed by, turning down the next street. The restaurant was well lit and had a light atmosphere, several couples were seated particularly along the windows even for a Saturday night.

A couple of people were leaving already and I fell into step behind Zayn, my hand found his arm and then his fingers slid into mine. He merely muttered his name to the waitress and without so much as hesitating she lead us down to the back to the last available window seat. I sat against the window, propping my handbag against my side on the cushioned seating while Zayn sat in the chair opposite me with his back to the restaurant. 

“Do you want to start with drinks?” The waitress asked, pulling her notebook out of her front pocket and untucking the pencil from behind her ear.

“Yes.” Zayn nodded once and briefly scanned the menu. “Can I get a red wine? Zinfandel perhaps?” He looked at me as he spoke, gauging if I wanted the same as him.

Shit, I barely know champagne from white wine let alone a specific red wine. “You’re call.” I played off casually, crossing my legs and pulling my skirt down slightly. My phone vibrated in my bag then. While Zayn was confirming a bottle of whatever he’d suggested, I pulled my phone out, holding it in my lap and checked who it was from.

Calum: Are you lost?

Oh shit.

Cassie: Sorry, lost one of my shoes. Be there soon.

Good one Cass. 

“Who’s that?” Zayn asked casually, looking at my phone. Instinctively I tipped my phone away from him and then dropped it back in my bag.

I shrugged, leaning forward on the table and holding my chin in the palm of my hand. “My roommate.” I lied easily.

“Doesn’t they know you’re on a date?” He asked, flashing me a smile.

“She’s just making sure I’m able to get home.” I replied, using my free hand to fiddle with the napkin on the table.

Zayn frowned. “Am I not taking you home?” It sounded as if there was motive behind his words.

I winced, willing myself not to give into his wavering words and damn fine good looks and shook my head. “A friend’s coming to pick me up.”

“It’d be no hassle.” He reasoned. “You live less than ten minutes away.”