Chapter Ten
Two is Company, but Three's a Crowd
Many people are easy to read but when it comes to Zayn it's like you really have to dig deep to even get a glimpse as to what he might be thinking about. I stared at him blankly. All I asked was a simple question and I got nothing. I just wanted to make sure my heart wasn't going to be set up for failure; trial and error that is.
Zayn lacked in emotion and I did the same. He smiled here and there as we continued walking but I knew that his smile was simply fake. I played along by smiling back but once again there was lack of emotion and it was driving me crazy.
"It's getting cold out." Zayn plainly stated.
"Yea, it is. We should get going." I replied emotionless.
Tension laced the atmosphere as we retraced our steps. Zayn held my hand which gave me hope for the better and less for the worst. Even the simplicity of his gesture such as holding my hand had my heart accelerating above the average speed of what the human heart beats within seconds.
"I'm a bit hungry. Want to grab a bite Lily?" Zayn asked, making me snap out of my thoughts.
"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea Zayn." I happily replied, acknowledging his idea.
Within a few minutes we were back from where we started from. Zayn led me to his car and we were off to what seemed to me like our first date although he hadn't said it. I was just assuming it was. Zayn's car made me feel like a rebel. I had the desire to wear leather like him but I had the burning desire to become someone he wanted. I could just imagine him and I riding off into the middle of nowhere.
Although Zayn's human nature was different than other's you could possibly run into, he wasn't all that different as a whole. He was a paradox to me and I think that it could possibly be just that that attracts me to him.
~
"And we're here." Zayn said as he maneuvered his car next to the curb. I took notice of his sudden change of mood. He seemed a bit more jovial then he was a few minutes ago.
We made our way inside the diner giggling and being our normal selves. As soon as I saw familiar tattoos my mood changed yet again.
"Are you okay Lily?" At the same time Zayn asked, Harry turned around at the mention of my name. He was the exact same way I remembered him from a few days ago; sleeves rolled up and sweaty.
"Yes," I dragged out while maintaining eye contact with Harry, "I'm okay." I broke away our eye contact and took the time to make eye contact with Zayn instead.
"Okay," Zayn took my hand into his and planted a light kiss on my head. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
We decided to sit down in a booth next to a window which gave us a wonderful view of the city's illuminated streets. It was just lovely.
I tensed as Harry approached our table with a mini writing pad and a pen occupying his hands.
"What can I get for you two?" Harry asked kindly although it was attended as sarcastic.
"Hmmm," Zayn scooted closer to me has we both tried to decide what to get. "I'll get today's special." Zayn told Harry while looking at the menu.
"And what about you Miss Carter." Harry made sure he spoke each word quite clear.
"Miss Carter? You two know each other?" Zayn eyed me and Harry. It reminded me how he eyed Lucas and I. It's like the memories want to start invading my mind but I'm not going to let that happen. At least not now.
"Yes, well no. I just happen to eat here a lot." I spoke without thinking.
"Oh." was all Zayn managed to say. I was expecting him to at least say more then a simple 'Oh.'
"Yeah, so should I get you the usual Lily?" Harry wasn't acting like him sweet self tonight. I nodded and he swiftly left. I lied about eating here all the time so I wasn't sure what my usual was but I sort of had an idea.
"You smell good Lily." Zayn whispered. The touch of his breath tickled against my skin. It was a random act but I was enjoying it.
The whole time we were waiting for the food, Zayn and I were just being playful with one another.
"Eh hem, excuse me to interrupt your little love fest here but I need to do my job." Harry hissed.
Zayn and I sat up straight has he placed our meals in front us. I noticed that Harry brought me the same meal I had had with him. The original burger with fries and a vanilla milkshake. It reminded me of that night. The night I rode my first motorcycle. It was truly an amazing time consisting of adrenalin rushing moments.
As Zayn started working on his meal, I stared at mine and then stared up at Harry who just stood there not knowing what to do. I mouthed a thank you to him and smiled. He nodded and mouthed 'you're welcome.'
"You know it's not your job to be lollygagging around watching other people enjoy their meals with their dates. Two is company, but three's a crowd mate." Zayn remarked.
"Zayn." I quietly whispered. I didn't want any more rude comments from any of them tonight.
"And you know it's not right ...." Harry paused inbetween his sentence, "forget it it's not worth it." He continued as he left to attend last minute duties.
"Don't listen to whatever that bastard tries to put into your head Lily." Zayn insisted. I shot him a glance of confusion but he ignored my plea of further explanation.
"I need to go to the bathroom." I got up rather swiftly and headed towards the ladies' room. As I was about to turn the corner I bumped into Harry.
"Sorry." I said.
"No need to be sorry." He replied.
"Okay." As I was about to move out of his way, he grabbed my hand which startled me.
"Lily, since we only ever meet here, here's my number. Just give me a call whenever." He took out a piece of ripped paper out of his apron and handed it to me. I looked at the paper and sure enough a number was written there along with his initials.
"Okay, I would love to hang out with you." I replied shyly.
"Well my shift is over. See you soon." and with that he left.
"Bye Harry." I waved an airy wave and continued to make my way to the ladies' room. In my mind, I truly was hoping to see Harry again soon. It's nice to see a familiar face once in a while. It seems like every face I once knew were now merely masks of falseness. As a matter of fact, they were long gone from the life of Liliana Carter.
