Bi-stressed

CHAPTER 67

That familiar face loses it's colour and his eyes widen at my presence in the door way. His body freezes and no movement is being made while Zac takes a step back, running his fingers through his hair. When the two stand side by side, I see a number of similarities between the two. They almost look like brothers.

"Hardin?" My voice sounds totally surprised and shook.

"           uh- I," He is completely dumbfounded by my presence that he isn't able to speak- let alone form a sentence. What is he even doing here anyways? He and Zac resent each other and they're no way in talking terms, especially after Elaine's birthday.

"What's happening?" I ask, bewildered and befuddled. I look over to Zac who's about to speak but closes his mouth as soon as it opens.

"Nothing is happening." Zac opens his mouth a second time, this time answeing, he looks over to Hardin and shrugs his shoulders so he may agree with his answer.

"Yeah, nothing is happening." Hardin stutters.

"Umm. You'll are together so I was wondering why, I mean how come?"

"I- I just came to inform him that Jerry arranged a coaster, if you'll want to-" This time, he looks at Zac prolly wanting him to agree with him.

"I already told you, she's coming with me by car!" Zac growls at him.

"Oh. You probably went to my house but I wasn't there so you came here-" But even if he did come to inform, why not from the door. Why would Zac get him in his room out of all places. He utterly dislikes him.

"Where were you!?" Zac asks at the same time as Hardin says, "yeah," sighing and pushing back the mess of curls on his forehead.

"You could have texted me and informed." I tell Hardin, ignoring Zac's question.

"I- anyways. Now I'm gonna get going. Jerry has handed me some work to do. The food and cold drinks-"

"No one asked you." Zac huffs in annoyance and I give him a look to stop being rude.

"Okay then. See you soon." I say, giving him an apologetic smile for Zac's rudeness.

"What?" Zac asks when I keep staring at him, trying to picture the two as brothers. What fun if they were, actually. Hardin walking in as Zac's best man for our wedding. I can't even think of that happening.

"Nothing." I giggle.

"What is so funny?" He asks, sternly. He walks over to me when I don't answer and grabs my waist, both his hands squeezing it tight, his fingers digging in as he lifts me up on him, placing my legs either side of him. He stands amidst my thighs, pushing his crouch between me.

"What is so funny?" He repeats his question, in an even more stern manner.

"Tell me." His voice demanding.

"It's just something stupid." I giggle again.

"What is that 'something stupid'?"

"I was imagining you and Hardin as brothers. You'll look so alike-"

"Don't. No." His face falls, losing it's colour and his grip on me loosens. He puts me down on my feet and walks towards the window ledge shelf where his bag ready for the picnic is kept. I follow him and wrap my arms round his waist from behind.

"Don't Lexi." He says, pushing away at my arms.

"What is wrong with you? This is the third time you withdrew. Whenever we're about to-"

"Lexi please stop. I'm going to buy a few things, just down the road."

"I'll come with you."

"No stay here. I'll be back soon." He says, leaving me in his room alone.