𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 ; zach herron

E L E V E N

The visit was turning out just fine. Elizabeth had introduced her to the possible investor, Timothy Frantzich, and his son Jonah. They all had polite conversation and sat down for dinner not long after they had finished the appetizers. It was during the meal when things went downhill.

Elizabeth and Tim immediately began talking business as soon as the chicken was served. So, Sabrina didn't really have much choice but to talk to Jonah. He sat next to her and she could admit that he was attractive, but he was nothing compared to the imaginary boy sitting to her right.

"So, how old are you?" she asked conversationally.

"I'm nineteen," he responded. "I turn twenty in June. What about you?"

"Seventeen. My birthday's in May."

They continued to talk pleasantly. He even made her laugh a few times from his childhood stories. She was actually enjoying herself, but she couldn't help but notice Zach's sudden change in demeanor.

She glanced at him every few minutes and every time she did, he either had a frown or scowl on his face, or a deadly glare in his eyes. She was worried, but she couldn't ask him what was wrong in front of the company. The only thing she knew was that whatever it was that had made Zach so angry, it wasn't going to be good.

Jonah had just finished retelling his story of his visit to England when he put his hand over hers. "I could take you there someday if you'd like," he offered.

Sabrina was speechless. No one had ever voluntarily wanted to take her anywhere before (except Zach, of course), especially not some handsome, rich, college guy.

She was about to politely decline, when Zach was suddenly by her side. "I need to talk to you," he said harshly.

For the first time in weeks, she jumped in surprise at his sudden proximity. Not now, she said in her head, glaring at him through the corner of her eye.

"Sabrina?" Jonah asked, looking at her with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just-"

"Sabrina. I want to talk to you," Zach interrupted. "Tell him you're going to the washroom."

She looked back to glare at him again, but stopped herself when she saw how troubled he looked.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Jonah repeated, grabbing her attention. "You just stopped talking all of a sudden."

"Yes, I'm okay," she assured him. "There was just a fly somewhere." She swatted around Zach's general area for good measure.

Jonah looked at her strangely. "Okay then."

"I have to go to the washroom," she blurted. "I'll be right back."

She then rushed from the table before he could say a word. She went to the hallway where the washroom was located and found Zach, pacing back and forth.

"What's wrong?"

He stopped moving and stared at her. His eyes cracked with hurt.

She walked towards him immediately, throwing her arms around his neck. "Zach, what happened?"

"You won't go with him will you?"

She gave him a confused look. "Go where with who?"

"Jonah," he said, saying his name with clear distaste. "You won't leave me for him and go to England?"

She shook her head, utterly surprised by his question. "Of course not, Zach! How could you ever think that?"

He looked down miserably. "Because you were laughing and smiling with him. And he's rich and can take you places and buy you things. And because he's..." he mumbled the rest.

"Because he's what?"

He lifted his eyes to hers. "Because he's real."

"No," she said, her tone filled with certainty. "No, Zach. I would never leave you for him. Never. I love you, not him. You."

She kissed him then, trying her best to take away all of his anger and insecurity. It didn't matter to her that he wasn't real. She loved him and he loved her. That's all that mattered. Yeah, she was crazy for falling for an imaginary boy, but honestly, with Zach by her side she just didn't care. Not even for a moment.

"I love you," she whispered as they pulled apart.

He kissed her nose. "I love you too. So much."

She placed her hand on his cheek. "You're the only guy for me. Okay? Don't you forget it."

He smiled down at her, but frowned when he looked over her shoulder. She turned around to find Jonah, staring at her worriedly. "Sabrina? Who were you talking to?"

She felt her face whiten. "No one! I mean, I was just... On the phone! Yeah, I was on my cell just a second ago. Talking to someone. A person. Who is real."

Zach snorted. "Nice save."

She ignored him.

Jonah looked completely confused. "Uh, okay. Well, your mom told me to tell you that dessert is served."

"Okay," she smiled, trying her best to appear as calm as she could. "I'll be there in a minute."

He nodded and left. She turned to Zach and he shook his head at her, smiling softly. "You really need to think of better lies."

"Well sorry!" she huffed frustratedly. "He caught me off guard."

"I know," he said, kissing her forehead. "We just have to be careful next time."

She hummed in agreement. "I should get back. Do you think you can control yourself and keep your jealousy at bay?"

"What jealousy? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, Sabrina."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Right..."

"Shush you." He leaned in and kissed her one last time before sending her back to the dining room.