On a scorching hot afternoon, James and Zoey were out on a date, the heat pressing down on them. Zoey held up a dress to her chest, asking, "James, do you think this looks good?"
"Yeah, it loo—Jessi? Hi!"
James's attention suddenly snapped away. He waved enthusiastically as a young girl ran up and threw her arms around him. Zoey's expression soured, her arms crossing tightly over her chest.
"And... who is this?" Zoey asked, her voice sharp as she looked Jessi up and down.
"This is Jessi, my friend from middle school," James explained, smiling. Jessi returned his smile, offering a friendly wave.
"And this is—"
"I'm his girlfriend, Zoey." Zoey cut in, her tone icy. She didn't even attempt to smile, her expression set in stone.
As James and Jessi chatted away, Zoey's patience wore thin. She stood there, arms still crossed, her jaw clenched. Every second felt like a jab, each word they exchanged fueling her irritation. She balled her fists, silently praying for their conversation to end.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jessi waved goodbye and disappeared into the crowd. James turned back to Zoey, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. "Baby, do you wanna head home?" he asked gently.
Zoey didn't respond. She spun on her heel and walked straight to the car, her silence as loud as a scream. "Zoey? Zoey!" James called after her, confused by her sudden coldness.
He followed her to the car, slipping into the passenger seat beside her. "Zoey, answer me," he insisted.
"Hmm?" she muttered, staring out the window.
"Are you jealous, baby?" he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Think for yourself," she replied, her voice low and tight with frustration.
James leaned in, his smile softening. "I only love you. Only you," he said, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. Zoey finally looked at him, but her eyes still held that edge. "Don't ever ignore me like that again," she warned, her voice steady but firm.
"Never again," James promised, a hint of amusement still lingering in his tone as he reassured her.
