Forsaken

Negotiations

A few days turned into a week since Aaron has stayed over and yet I heard nothing from him. After the second day, I gave up trying to contact him and considered myself dumped or whatever we were... we weren't?

I couldn't deny the hurt feeling I got, after all Aaron never came across as a guy to pick up a girl and drop them but I guess he proved me wrong. I also couldn't deny that I had let Aaron in too quick. His kind and caring nature, his humour and laughter always lightened my heart. The days I spent with him were always filled with excitement and fun.

But now there was nothing, but a Darth Vader top which had been sat on my kitchen table waiting to go back to him.. If I took it back. I had considered meeting up with Maria to hand it back, but then I guessed someone like him could afford a simple top. He could probably buy the whole clothing line. That thought always disheartened me into thinking he wouldn't ever bother to text or call.

I sighed leaving his top there as I left the house. It was my day off and Maria had text asking to meet, if one good thing came out of it, it was that I had possibly gained a friend who had an adorable little boy.

I drove across town and to a small diner, it didn't look busy from outside and when I walked in, only a few tables were occupied.

"Luna." Zak spoke making my eyes snap to a booth.

I paused seeing him "Maria didn't text me."

He gave a short smile before nodding to the booth seat opposite him. Looking around in annoyance and contemplation just to get out of here, I decided to hear what he had to say.

Walking over, I sat down pushing my bag across the seat beside me.

"How are you?" He asked looking at me carefully.

I looked at Zak and could see why Maria fell for him, the perfect teeth, beautiful colours in his eyes that Theo had inherited. Not to mention the bulk of his muscles and spiked hair.

His eyes trailed my arm where Mark had been yet again, this time he was pissed about something and his fingertips had bruised a lot more from the strength he used.

I tugged my sleeve down hiding them as I answered "Well, yourself?"

Zak looked at the table "Slowly."

My brows twitched as I got comfortable on the booth seat. "Why weren't you?"

"Hard lockdown. I get sick after them."

"Oh."

A waitress appeared holding a pen and paper, out of quickness I ordered water along with Zak. With a pop of her gum, she disappeared again.

Silence fell on the table until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Why am I here?" I asked abruptly making Zak look at me.

"I have- I need your help. Well, I think I can help you too."

"With what?" I questioned.

"I... I need a still photographer and a birdie once mentioned she loved photography." Zak answered.

"I also love chocolate, doesn't mean I'm gonna be a chocolatier." I replied.

"Okay.. I can sense hostility, maybe it's because Maria isn't here. But I needed to talk to you about Aaron too and when he's involved, my darling wife is over protective."

"So you're going behind her back."

"Ye- no. She's knows I'm here about the job."

I sighed rubbing my forehead "Zak... No offence but he's a grown man who just disappeared from my house one morning. I don't know what the hell it was all about and quiet frankly, I'm glad he did it now instead of 3 - 4 months down the line when I would have invested too much time in him."

"Aaron's struggl-"

"I don't care." I interrupted.

He looked at me carefully. "You don't mean that.."

"No, I don't." I mumbled annoyed at myself more than anything that I couldn't be so final like that.

Did I drool in my sleep and put him off? Do I snore? Maybe he just realised I'm not good enough for him? Am I too immature? To needy?

I had questions!

"He's got an attachment. Spirit attachment..."

"Yahoo tells me I have mail." I countered making him grit his teeth.

"You guys do this for the evidence, for the proof? He already has problems at his house, which is why he came to mine and then he takes off without any answers, just leaves? How do you think I feel?" I asked him.

"Annoyed, hurt and I get that. I do. But you need to understand, it would have been for your safety. Whatever happened Aaron would have put you first."

In a way, I knew that to be true, which is why I kept quiet.

"Look, Our photographer Ash has left us. Personal reasons, we need a photographer who reliable and knows how to use a camera, properly. I've seen the portfolio online. You've got talent, I'm trying to give you a foot up here..."

"I know, and I'm grateful. Believe me I am.. But why would you bother with someone like me? I can take photos yeah, did a few courses here and there but I'm not a fully fledged photographer, I stack shelves for a living."

"What if I can change that? Why have a talent as a back burner? Why can't you use your talent for photography and make a living?" He asked.

"Because Aaron doesn't know you're here. Doing this, does he?"

Zak looked guilty as sin up at me. "No."

"Then that has to be my answer. I can't just join part of a team because Aaron and I were... were almost something. You can get a photographer in seconds. It's Vegas." I replied pushing money onto the table for the water, I stood up leaving.

"Sit! Down." He hissed, I sat back down as he pinched the bridge of his nose tightly.

"I'm sorry I- "

"Lockdown hangover.. Still?"

"Hmm.." He nodded before lifting his head back up.

"I need someone we can trust, Maria is coming back to work with Theo. Only close lockdowns but she's still coming back to work. She's taken a liking to you Luna. I'll deal with Aaron. I just need you to say yes."

"Zak who are you really here for? Aaron? Me? Or Maria?"

"Maria." He answered instantly making me nod.

"You're really good with Theo. Maybe it's the good nature in you, I feel positive vibes from you, look Maria won't admit it, but she's nervous as hell, we need a photographer too and why not get some work behind you? The pay is good, it's all about photography and you won't be thrown in at the deep end, I promise.."

"So for Maria, you're offering me a job?"

"Yeah."

"Okay... Okay fine but you have to clear it all with Aaron. If he's not happy, then you need to let me know and I'll step away."

"Done." He held out his hand eagerly.

"Why do I feel this is just about to hit the fan?" I asked as I shook his hand.

He grinned "Welcome to the team."