From A to Z - Angel Reyes

Chapter 8

*Sorry for the shortie! Enjoy!*

When Angel left, Zara and Emily the women immediately hugged, tears streaming down their cheeks, for longer than most would have felt comfortable.

"How are you?" Emily asked, pushing Zara to sit and putting water on for tea.

"Sore," Zara grimaced. "I have this pit in my stomach."

"I think I would too," Emily sighed heavily. "I have some arnica based ointment that will help with the bruising. I didn't think to bring it," she huffed. "I'll send out for some."

"No," Zara said with a chuckle. "Amazon Prime, girl."

Emily chuckled and nodded. "Amazon Prime it is." Pouring herself and Zara a cup of tea, Emily joined her at the table. "Really, are you okay?"

Shrugging a bit, Zara averted her eyes. "I'm fine."

"Was Angel helpful?"

"He was," she smiled. "He is. He said he'll be back."

"His long has it been?"

Zara sipped her tea, the spoon clinking against the ceramic, as she counted back the weeks. "About six weeks," she said reluctantly.

"I know you like him," Emily started, "But is this a bit intense?"

"Yeah," Zara answered quickly. "Totally. Like a goddamn whirlwind. As soon as he showed up at the hospital I felt better and as soon as he left, no offense, the anxiety, the dread, it all came right back."

Emily smiled to herself, hiding it behind her mug, and took a long sip. "Well, hopefully, he'll be back soon."

"Yeah, hopefully," Zara sighed. "Oh shit," she hissed hearing a motorcycle approach. "Did he tell you?"

"He did," she nodded. "I tried to explain that you would be perfectly safe but," she rolled her eyes. "Men."

"He knows I'd feel better with E here, as long as you're okay with it. I know it's been years but I also know how muc-"

"It's fine," she said quickly cutting Zara off. "You should go say hi."

Zara stood, her sandals slipping against the carpet as she dragged her feet toward the front door. When she opened it EZ frowned at her, his eyes losing their gentleness.

"That's not the greeting I hoped for," she groaned.

"Sorry," he said shamefully. EZ immediately hugged her and Zara welcomed the embrace wholeheartedly. "You okay?"

"Well, to be honest," Zara laughed into his neck, "Now that I have a Reyes here I feel better."

"Glad I can help," he said. As the hug ended EZ kissed her cheek, locking eyes with Emily who had been peeking through the front window. They gazed at each other, pain and longing in their eyes until Zara interrupted the silent reconnection.

"Emily is here."

"I know," he said awkwardly. "Angel told me to keep my ass out here."

"You don't mind?" She pouted, making his heart flutter for a second.

"Not at all," he assured her. "I just want to keep you safe."

"I know you can," she said. Stroking his cheek for a second, she nodded and gestured to the porch chairs. "If you need a drink or the bathroom just come right in, okay?"

"Got it," he nodded dutifully as he sat. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Me too," she winked as she stepped back inside the house. "Hey sorry," Zara said as she hurried back into the kitchen. Emily had only just ran back in, hoping not to be caught. "Just chatting."