From Rome with love (Book 3)

Zac borrows Maddie

3 weeks later
*Maddie*
"Maddie, don't you just look gorgeous". Zac gets up from his chair as the waiter leads me to his table.

I smile as he pulls me into a warm hug. "So good to see you Zac". I lift a hand to touch his cheek as he lets me go. "Well you even look handsome all clean shaven".

He holds out my chair for me. "To bad Tom couldn't make it today".

"Yeah he had a tons of interview, so honestly I am happy you called, elseway I was spending the whole day alone". I say with a smile.

He runs a hand through his hair, messing it up. "Dahlia told me to say hello. She hopes you can get by Texas soon".

"How is she ? Still doing better ? Has she grown a lot ?" I ask excitedly. I can't wait for my best friend to finally become a mother.

"Yeah she is doing much better, only throwing up a couple of times a day". He say, his eyes lighting up as he talks about her. "And her stomach has started growing. She is so beautiful".

I can't help smiling, it is so obvious that he only love Dahlia more for each day and I am so happy she has found someone like Zac. "I can't wait to see her all big and round".

"So what about you and Tom ? Started thinking about family yet". He say, sending me a cheeky grin over his menu.

"Well, we haven't talked about it yet, I mean we have only dated for four months so it would be a bit early". I say biting my lip. "But honestly I can't wait, Tom will be such an amazing father".

He smiles. "He will and I happen to know that Tom can't wait either".

"Yeah, but could you imagine certain of his fans reaction if we announces a baby on the way ?" Unfortunately some of his fans still very much dislike me.

"Listen, I have seen some of the hate you have gotten online". He reach over the table to squeeze my hand. "Believe me I have been there. Don't live Your life after their opinion, there will always be people that don't like you. It took me a long time to accept".

I send him a warm smile. "You are right Zac, I know that. But sometimes it can be hard to believe it".

The waiter comes to ask if we are ready to order, and Zac quickly lets go of my hand, I know he don't want her to misunderstand the situation.

*Zac*
After we have eaten, I insist on paying the bill. After all I was the one inviting her. Maddie is looking at her phone. "Tom has just gotten back to the hotel, he tells me to bring you back for a drink".

"Sure, I don't have to be on set before late tomorrow". I say with a smile, accepting my card back from the waitress.

We go outside to grab a cab to their hotel and I notice her rubbing her arms. "Are you freezing sweetie ?"

"Just a tiny bit, nothing to worry about Zac". She say with a small smile.

I quickly shrug out of my jacket, draping it over her shoulders. "Here you go, we can't have you freezing".

"You are such a sweetheart and a true gentleman". She say, reaching up to press a kiss to my cheek.

"Oh any man with a bit of respect for himself and women would do the same". I say with a shrug. It is nothing I think about, it's a natural thing and all men should so that.

The cab pulls up, and I open the door, letting her slide in first. She sends me a smile, telling me that I am right men should, but unfortunately we both know not all do these days. I also know from experience that not all women wants to have doors opened and chairs pulled out, but it is not stopping me from doing it.

Arriving at the hotel I pay the cab and he smile at me. "You are a lucky man, very beautiful wife".

"Well thanks, I am indeed very lucky. But my wife is back home in Texas". I say, wondering why he suddenly look so weirdly at me.

As I close the door and the taxi drives of Maddie breaks down in giggles. "Oh God Zac, you don't even realise do you ?"

"Realise what ?" I might look utterly confused.

"That cab driver thinks that I am Your mistress, that we are going into the hotel to.. well be naughty". She say winking at me.

I groan, facepalming myself. "Oh God I am sorry Maddie. I honestly didn't realised it could be interpreted like that".

"It's okay Zac. I know you didn't mean anything like that. Tom will understand too and so will Dahlia". She say padding my arm.

I offer her my arm and she takes it. "Well either way we better tell them ourselves".

*Tom*
It has been a stressful day filled with interviews and honestly I was happy when Zac offered to take out Maddie, then at least I didn't have to feel bad about her sitting here all alone.

I have just came out from the bathroom wearing pyjama pants and a t-shirt after a much needed shower, when I hear the door open and Maddie giggle as Zac say something. I love that Maddie get along with all my friends.

"Hi Cookie. Hi Zac. Did you have a good dinner ?" I say stepping over to give Zac a quick hug and kiss my beautiful girlfriend.

She shrugs out of Zac jacket, handing it to him. "Yeah, the dinner was nice. But we might have gotten us self in a bit of trouble".

"Trouble ? You two !? I can't believe that. What did you do ?" I say looking from one to another. Actually I can very well imagine them getting in trouble.

Zac clears his throat. "Well, the cab driver might have gotten the idea that me and Maddie.. Well that something.. that we ..".

"Stop blushing and rambling Zac". Maddie say. "Well if you hear that me and Zac has an affair it was totally the cab driver misunderstanding".

I start chuckling. "Seriously Zac, were you afraid to tell me that ? Scared I would believe it ?"

He shrugs. "Couldn't find the right words, I didn't realise how what I said could be misunderstood before Maddie made me aware".

I slap him on the shoulder. "Come on Zac, it's fine. I know the truth and I don't care what other might think. But maybe you should warn Dahlia, just in case".