Zoey found herself tagging along with Harriet's group for a night of clubbing. Not that Harriet had invited herâit was Riley who insisted Zoey come along. As fate would have it, Harriet was there too, which only added to Zoey's unease. Sitting across from Sienna, Riley's ex, in a buzzing club filled with familiar faces, Zoey couldn't help but wonder how she'd ended up in this situation.
What am I even doing here? she thought, clutching the hem of her shirt under the table. I should've just told Riley no.
"You seem tense," Sienna's voice cut through Zoey's spiraling thoughts. A soft laugh followed. "Come on, relax a bit."
Zoey forced a smile, meeting Sienna's gaze. "Sorry," she muttered, her mind racing. She couldn't help but wonder how things had ended between Riley and Sienna. From where she sat, it looked like Sienna might still have feelings for Riley. It made her curious, despite herselfâhow could Sienna break Riley's heart if she still seemed so... invested?
"So," Sienna began, her tone casual but curious, "how did you and Riley meet? If you don't mind me asking."
Zoey raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by the question. Doesn't she recognize me? But then again, why would someone like Sienna notice a secretary like her?
"Well, I'm Riley's mom's secretary, technically," Zoey explained, smiling in an effort to ease the awkwardness. "But I'll be working closely with Riley from now on." She made sure to clarify that she wasn't Riley's fling. The last thing she needed was for anyone, especially Sienna, to get the wrong idea.
"Secretary?" Sienna's brow furrowed slightly before a knowing expression crossed her face. "Waitâaren't you Riley's new partner?"
Zoey blinked in surprise and scoffed internally. Partner? Seriously, Riley?
"No," she quickly corrected, shaking her head and waving her hands dismissively. "I'm definitely not Riley's partner. I'm more like... her babysitter, honestly. Nothing romantic or anything like that," she added with an awkward laugh.
Sienna visibly relaxed, nodding. "Oh," she said, smiling a little. "That's a relief then."
Zoey was about to respond to Sienna when a voice cut through the noise of the club, causing her heart to race. "Zoey Foster? Is that you?" A guy stood in front of their table, his eyes wide with recognition.
"Markus," she uttered, trying to inject some energy into her voice. What the hell are you doing here? she thought but kept the question to herself.
"It's really you!" Markus exclaimed, a broad smile spreading across his face. Zoey could sense the excitement radiating from him, and it made her stomach twist.
She noticed Sienna glancing back and forth between her and Markus, clearly trying to piece together the connection. "Right, Markus," she said, her tone clipped, "if you don't mind, I have someone with me... so..." She trailed off, willing him to take the hint. The least you can do is understand the situation, idiot!
"Oh," Markus said, finally catching on. He turned to Sienna and then back to Zoey. "Sorry to bother you. But if you want to hang out, you can come with us at our table. I'm with a group of friends, you know." He flashed a charming smile before excusing himself.
As soon as he left, Zoey let out a sigh of relief. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to calm the racing thoughts in her mind.
"You alright?" Sienna asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Yeah, yeah, thanks," Zoey replied, nodding. She appreciated Sienna's support, even if it was just in the form of a question.
Not long after, the rest of Harriet's group arrived, but Harriet and Riley were still nowhere in sight. One by one, people from Markus's circle came over to greet her, leaving her feeling overwhelmed. As the familiar faces approached from Markus' circle, irritation bubbled up inside Zoey.
She heaved a sigh, a smile plastered on her face despite her discomfort. "You know, maybe I should just excuse myself and go over to them for a bit," she said, attempting to keep the mood light.
"Hey guys!" Zoey called out as she reached Markus's table.
"Zoey!" everyone greeted her enthusiastically, their voices blending into the upbeat music of the club. The warmth of their welcome was a stark contrast to the tension she felt just moments ago, and she forced herself to relax as she joined the group.
Zoey tried to shake off the discomfort of Markus's lingering stare, but it was hard to ignore. What the hell are you looking at me like that? she thought as she took another gulp of her drink.
"Right, Zoey, Markus is about to get married after so many delays," one of their friends chuckled, breaking the ice. "So how about you? Anyone new?"
Zoey cleared her throat, feeling the pressure of their curious gazes. How could I even find someone new when I'm trying to focus on work? she mused, setting her glass down with a slight clink. She glanced at Markus, the last thing she wanted was for them to think she was still hung up on the past. If I admit I don't have anyone, they'll assume I haven't moved on from the betrayal.
With a shrug, she decided to play it cool. "It's not impossible for me to find somebody new. So yes, I have a new partner," she said, forcing a smile.
She noticed Markus's expression darken at her words, and she gulped, feeling the weight of his gaze. "Actually, guys, I can introduce my new partner to you. I'll just need to go back to our table first," she added, trying to sound confident, as if she were issuing a challenge to the group.
"Fine, show your new partner to us then," Markus scoffed, crossing his arms.
Yeah, right, she wanted to snap back, rolling her eyes but keeping her mouth shut. She could feel the tension in the air, and all she wanted was to escape the spotlight and find Harriet and Riley.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up. "Alright, I'll head back to our table and will introduce my partner to you, guys," she said, injecting some enthusiasm into her voice despite the knot in her stomach. As she made her way back through the crowded club, she hoped that Harriet and Riley would be there to help ease the tension that Markus had stirred up.
Zoey quickened her pace, trying to act nonchalant as she approached their table. When she saw Harriet and Riley already seated, a wave of relief washed over her. "You know, I think I messed up. I need your helpâcan someone act like they're dating me?" she blurted out, hoping her urgency would be enough to convince them.
Riley looked up from her water, her expression shifting from surprise to amusement. Zoey's lips curled into a smirk as she recalled Sienna's earlier comment. No way could Riley be my partner. She's just a handful of drama waiting to happen. "Of course, except for this grown-up child right here who hasn't moved on from her ex of three years," she teased, ruffling Riley's hair, enjoying the playful jab.
Riley almost choked on her drink, spluttering in disbelief. "What the hell, Zoey!" Riley shot back, mortified.
As Riley regained her composure, she pointed to Harriet. "Harriet, can you help this creature right here?"
Zoey turned to Harriet, suddenly aware of her racing heart. There was something about Harriet's presence that made her feel flustered and alive. Harriet stood up, her gaze steady. "What help do you needâ"
Before Zoey could think twice, she cupped Harriet's face, a frantic move as she spotted Markus making his way toward them. "Just pretend like you're kissing me. My ex is here," she said, maintaining a distance between their lips while trying to remain calm.
"God, he's coming near, he's coming near..." she muttered, her heart pounding.
"Jeez, just shut it," Harriet mumbled, a hint of amusement in her voice. Then, without warning, she pulled Zoey closer, leaning in to kiss her.
Zoey's eyes widened at the sudden boldness. Wait, what? Just when she thought it was a fleeting act, Harriet deepened the kiss, making her heart race even faster. The world around her faded away, and all she could focus on was the warmth of Harriet's lips against hers. She felt herself melt into the kiss, eyes closing involuntarily as she surrendered to the moment.
"Wow, you really have a new one," Markus said, his voice dripping with surprise. Zoey's instinct kicked in, and she started to pull back from the kiss, but Harriet held her firm, deepening it instead.
After what felt like both an eternity and a heartbeat, Harriet finally pulled back, keeping her arms wrapped around Zoey's waist, pulling her closer. The intimacy of the position sent shivers down Zoey's spine, and she couldn't quite process what had just happened.
"And what if she has a new one? Does it bother you?" Harriet's voice was steady and assertive, leaving no room for doubt. Zoey's mind raced; she was at a loss for words, completely taken aback by Harriet's sudden boldness. Just what the hell, Harriet?
"I am Zoey's partner, Harriet Pierce, and you are?" Harriet asked as her grip on Zoey's waist tightened as if to make a point.
Markus blinked, clearly thrown off guard. "Uh... I'm just a friend," he stammered, a mix of confusion and irritation flashing across his face.
Zoey stood there, still in shock, caught in her emotions. She hadn't expected Harriet to go this far, to act like they were more than just acquaintances. But deep down, a part of her liked itâno, loved it. What is happening?
The tension hung in the air, and Zoey felt a surge of warmth as she looked up at Harriet, whose expression was a mix of defiance and protectiveness. Maybe this was more than just a facade. Maybe, just maybe, there was something real brewing between them.
"So, Zoey," Harriet said, breaking the moment as she turned her gaze back to Markus, her tone shifting to one of casual authority, "are we ready to get back to our friends?"
Zoey nodded, her heart still racing, as she processed everything that had just transpired. She felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with a hint of disbelief. This is going to be a night to remember.