Dear Demi (Sequel to Dear Nick)

We'll Be Okay

After Zac made the introductions, then gave a short back story on what led these men to be sitting there before him, he looked at Nick, who sat, patiently, under the lights, waiting for Zac to speak to him. I kept my focus on Nick, who kept his focus on Zac. I didn't take my eyes off of Nick, even after Zac started to speak. 

"Nick, you & I have something we need to discuss, before we get into the ordeal, you men endured. It seems you & I are the latest targets of tabloid journalism. Not only were we targeted, but your wife was also targeted." Zac started, as Nick nodded, his head, slightly. Nick looked like he was trying to remain calm. His leg was shaking & his fingers played with the hem of his pant leg, as it rest on his leg. "I met you briefly a few years ago & was intrigued by you & your story. Then when you were among the casualties in the German attack, I became even more interested in telling your story. You had left the Marines, after being hailed a hero, then reenlisted years later to help train Marines, to be as good as you, at certain jobs that you mastered. Since I was so determined to tell your story, I went to your wife. Her & I spent weeks talking about you & then I put out the article & it was picked up by a national magazine. Now, it's being talked about again, since you're alive & the story gave some insight, as to what kind of man you were, which is why it's being put in all the newspapers & magazines. But that's not what is making the gossip sites. They are trying to insinuate that your wife & I had something going on, while I was doing the story on you & now that you're alive, they're trying to make it look like there's some sort of love triangle." Zac chuckled, shaking his head like it was an absurd accusation.

"Yes, apparently, that's the rumor." Nick said, then took in a breath through his nostrils. 

"You'd think that the presidents being alive would have been a big enough news story, but I guess it wasn't because, the rumors are out there. And we both know there is no truth to these rumors. That's why, right here, right now, we're setting the record straight about it. It's sad that we need to do so, but it is what it is." Zac lifted his leg up & held his ankle as he spoke. "I am not having an affair with Nick's wife, Demi & there was nothing going on between us, while I was working on the article. A friendship, had developed over the course of the weeks her & I were talking, but nothing more than that. We're friends. That's it. Anything you want to add, Nick?"

"Just that she is happily married & don't believe everything you read." Nick said, with a cockiness air about him, as he focused his gaze on Zac's face.