Three weeks felt like forever to Gabriella, even though she tried to stay busy. Zay was still calling and checking in every night, but it wasn't the same as having him around. She missed his presence, the way he could make her laugh with just a look, and how he made her feel like she was the only girl in the world.
It was a Friday night, and Gabby was at the crib, folding laundry while a reality show played in the background. Her phone lit up with a FaceTime call. She grabbed it quick, her face lighting up when she saw Zay's name.
"What's up, baby?" she said, propping the phone up on the coffee table so she could keep folding.
Zay's face popped up, looking fine as ever with his fresh cut and that mischievous grin she loved. "Ain't nothin'. What you over there doin'?"
"Tryna keep busy," she said with a shrug. "Folding clothes, watching TV. Same ol', same ol'. What about you?"
"Just got back to the crib," he said, leaning back on a couch that looked way too nice to be in a temporary spot. "I was thinkin' about you, though."
Gabby smirked, rolling her eyes playfully. "You always thinkin' about me."
"You damn right," he said, his tone dropping, making her cheeks warm. "Ain't no girl got me like you do, Gabby."
She shook her head, laughing softly. "Whatever, Zay. When you comin' back? I'm tired of talkin' to you through this screen."
"Soon," he promised, sitting up a little. "But I got somethin' I need you to do for me before I get back."
"What's that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Pack a bag," he said, his grin spreading. "I got somethin' planned, and I need my girl ready for it."
"Zay!" Gabby said, laughing. "You always got somethin' up your sleeve. What kinda 'somethin' you talkin' about?"
"Don't worry 'bout all that," he said with a wink. "Just know, when I get back, it's all about us. I'm tryna make up for this time apart."
Gabby felt her chest tighten a little, a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Alright," she said softly, looking at him through the screen. "You better not be playin' with me."
"You know I don't play when it come to you," he said, his voice serious for a moment. "I'll hit you tomorrow, alright? Get some sleep, baby."
"Alright," she said, smiling. "I miss you."
"Miss you too," Zay said, blowing her a kiss through the screen before hanging up.
The Big Day
The next morning, Gabby woke up to a text from Zay: "Be ready by 7. Wear somethin' cute."
All day, her nerves were on edge. What was he planning? By the time 7:00 rolled around, she was dressed in a fitted jumpsuit that showed off her curves and some fresh sneakers. Just as she was slipping on her jacket, a knock came at the door.
When she opened it, Zay was standing there, looking like a whole dream in his clean white tee, fresh kicks, and a chain that caught the light just right.
"Damn, Gabby," he said, giving her an appreciative look. "You tryna have me out here actin' up?"
She laughed, grabbing her bag. "You the one who told me to look cute!"
"And you did," he said, pulling her close for a quick kiss. "Aight, let's go."
Zay didn't tell her where they were going, and Gabby wasn't about to ruin the surprise by asking too many questions. When they pulled up to a private spot near the lake, her eyes widened.
"Zay," she said softly as he helped her out of the car. "What is this?"
He just smiled, leading her toward a cozy setup with blankets, pillows, and candles lighting up the night. A chef was off to the side, finishing up some plates that smelled so good her stomach growled.
"I told you I was gon' make up for bein' gone," Zay said, wrapping an arm around her waist. "This all for you."
Gabby couldn't believe it. No one had ever done anything like this for her. "Zay... this is too much."
"Nah," he said, shaking his head. "You deserve all this and more."
The night was perfect. They ate, talked, and laughed until Gabby's cheeks hurt from smiling. As they sat under the stars, Zay looked at her, his expression serious.
"You know you mean the world to me, right?" he said, his voice low.
Gabby nodded, her heart beating fast. "Yeah... I know."
Zay leaned in, brushing his lips against hers before whispering, "I love you, Gabby. And I'm always gon' make sure you know it."
Her eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled, leaning into him. "I love you too, Zay."
That night, as they drove back, Gabby couldn't stop smiling. She'd never felt this way before—like she was finally home, right there with him.
To Be Continued...
