My dream life

3 • Zelah

I felt a warm fuzzy feeling in my chest as we walked toward the meeting place, a small cafe I'd never heard of.

I was excited to see Nicky. The last time I saw him, he was barely my height and had just bleached half his long, shaggy hair to blonde, although that was senior year...

Last I heard, he had gone off to study at Harvard. Yep, Harvard. They grow up so fast. He is a few months younger than me, so I've always considered him my pupil.

Back in high school, I helped him maintain some popularity. Though he never surpassed me. He got better grades in class, but that was about it.

He was a nerd but could still hang out with us cheerleaders. He often went to our practices, even though he didn't belong.

Nicky joined the debate club and soon became friends with other kids there. At least from what I could remember.
We walked into the Cafe, and Xavier grinned widely, heading over to a figure at a table.

"There's my baby brother!!" He said teasingly, wrapping an arm around a familiar man and tussling his hair. "Baby? I'm 24..."

I froze, staring at the man as he was released from Xavier's chokehold. That's Nicky?
There's no way...

He's the man from the elevator!?!!

I gaped in shock, the image of my nerdy, immature, acne-prone best friend replaced with this man who could be a model.

Silky, jaw-length raven-black hair and striking, deep ocean-blue eyes complement his flawless pale skin. His previous stature has been replaced with a towering, commanding composure.

Nicky was now taller than his older brother and wore designer clothes and watches. Talk about a late bloomer?!

His eyes shot to me, and he raised his eyebrows. "El, hey." He said, a slight grin playing about his lips. He extended a slender, perfectly manicured hand to shake mine.

I took it hesitantly. "Nicky?" I whispered in shock. Xavier never mentioned how different he looked at all the family holidays he had gone on.

His cheeks turned pink, "I just go by Nick now... I'm... not a kid anymore." He muttered, looking at me softly.
"No, you're not," I replied quietly, looking up at him thoughtfully. He cleared his throat, sitting next to his brother, who gave me a playful glare like I said something wrong.

Xavier laughed awkwardly. "Well, let's order, shall we?" He suggested.
The waitress came over to take our orders. We ordered coffee for everyone. She left after taking our drink orders.

I felt awkward being seated next to Nick and glanced over at Xavier, who noticed and smiled. I looked back at the table as they discussed their plans.

I felt my eyes wandering to Nick. He used to be the class nerd, so how... no, that makes sense. Of course, he became rich; all of his studying paid off. I shouldn't have wasted my time as a cheerleader, I guess.

Maybe if I had gone to college, I would have been more successful, too. My eyes landed on a bit of ink peeking from Nick's sleeve, and my eyes widened. Did he get tattoos? He's terrified of needles, though...

My thoughts were interrupted by Xavier saying, "Zee, are you listening?"
"Huh?" I asked. He chuckled. "Nicholas is staying in New York, so I'll head over to his apartment to help him settle in later."

I glanced between them, "Oh, yeah, alright."
Nick met my gaze with a concerned glint yet remained quiet. I wondered what was going through his mind right now.
I glanced down to avoid eye contact.

"Well, I should get going; I have an appointment at two," Nicholas said suddenly, standing from his seat. "Alright, we'll keep in touch!" Xavier said, standing as well.

Nick paused in front of me, grabbing something from his pocket. I blushed as he placed a business card in my hand. "You don't have my number, so..." He explained.

I smiled, "Thanks," I murmured, a bit embarrassed. The corner of his mouth tugged up slightly into a crooked smirk.