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Chapter Text

Two of Luca and Zoey’s close friends Jazyln and Doug stand in front of their family and friends ~with tear filled eyes~ and took a vow of forever.

It was a beautiful ceremony that had almost all the well wishers in attendance in tears. The bridal train included Zoey, Skye ~Jazzlyn’s very emotional twin sister who couldn’t stop crying~, Anna and Nomi.

Doug’s groomsmen were Luca, Vivek, Aaron and his favorite cousin Lance. Everyone looked beautiful on the love filled day.

Truth be told, ~in their opinion anyway~ the world had never seen a closer group of friends and they were all very emotional.

The moment the happy couple said their “I do’s” Zoey Johnson and Luca Jae Hall looked toward each other and made a very emotional eye contact.

They looked at each other with soft teary smiles, they couldn’t be happier for their friends.

*****
The festivities moved on to the reception. Zoey approached Luca for a dance and he gladly took her in his arms ~as delicately as possible~ he looked intensely at her while dancing slowly, he couldn’t help reminiscing on how far they’ve come. “Hi”

Her face lit up at the sound of his voice, she softly returned his greeting, “Hi”. With all the wedding festivities that had been taking place all weekend, they’d barely spent time around each other.

Looking back on their lives before their hefty friend group became the close knit crew they were now, it was just Zoey and Luca.

Two inseparable kids who were often referred to as “twins”, you rarely saw Luca without Zoey tailing right beside him and vice versa.

They were raised in the same neighborhood, with parents who were the best of friends, that enabled their togetherness. Growing up, Luca was an only child, Zoey however; had four other siblings.

By the time puberty hit, Zoey had grown from the skinny kid with a head full of thick curls, into a young lady with thick but polished and controlled curls.

Her face got even prettier ~if that were at all possible~, her “chicken legs” got longer and shapely, and then she suddenly had breasts.

Luca till this day will argue the rate in which she developed them defied science. He wasn’t sure where they came from but she suddenly had them and he had never been the same. She has been his dream girl ever since ~maybe she always was~ but he definitely knew it at that point.

In high school, Luca was the assumed chill, artsy weirdo that was somehow popular due to being best friends with Zoey Johnson. Who was the slightly spoiled, gorgeous and ‘popular’ girl. Every boy he knew wanted to date her and every girl at their school wanted to be her.

They each had their own set of friends as they had several different interests. Their common interest ~the one thing every one of their friends knew~ was each other. They were a package deal.

College changed that a bit, they remained the best of friends and were inseparable still, but relationships and newer and much more adult friendships made them more independent. It left enough room for the formation of ~as Vivek had lovably dubbed them~ their “legendary crew”.

Looking at her now, and remembering all they’d been through together ~childhood, high school, relationships, college and now life after college~ One thing remains the same, Luca was more sure than ever that he will never love anybody as much as he loves Zoey Johnson.

They share everything, they are a team within their team, and they were each other’s confidant. They had no secrets from each other, ~except the fact that Luca’s been in love with his best friend for years~ but she was none the wiser.

Luca didn’t always decide not to tell her how he felt, he decided it was time the summer before they went away to college at Cal U.

That was when Zoey informed him of the new boy she met at orientation and how she was certain he would be her “future husband”.

He figured that was probably not the right time if there ever was meant to be one. They both dated around in college with the other by their side and life was pretty damn awesome.

*********************
Doug and Jazz are happily dancing next to Zoey and Luca, while Zoey was looking at them, Luca kept his eyes on her. “I know I sound sappy right now but this is such a joyous day.”

“I feel that,” Luca says, “I can’t believe the day finally came. Jazz was starting to drive me bananas with the wedding schedule.” They both laugh at the memory of “bridezilla Jazz”.

“She was a lot” Zoey agreed as she finally looked up at him. “But look at her now, she’s so peaceful and happy.”

“I’m happy for them.”

“I’m just glad we’re all in the same space again. I know it’s only been a year post grad but everyone been so busy doing their own thing, it’s been amazing catching up.”

“Of course everyone showed up, this weekend has been about what’s most sacred to us, celebrating each other.”

He smiles fondly, “besides, I don’t think anyone of us could have risked Jazz’s wrath if we missed this day. A monsoon wasn’t even a viable excuse for her.”

“I’d say I can’t wait to see them maneuver their way through this.” Zoey says with a humorous head shake, “but I feel like they’ve been married without the legalities forever.”

“I guess some people are just meant to be.”

“I guess so... yeah..” she smiled sweetly.

In that moment, Luca couldn’t help but think maybe their day was finally here. Maybe this is the right time to tell her, he’s not one for grand gestures but the setting was certainly romantic enough.

“You look beautiful.” His gentle gaze appreciating her from head to toe as they continued their slow dancing.

“Thanks, and you’re looking very dashing yourself.”

“Zoey, there’s something I need to tell you.” He shifts nervously, “it’s long overdue actually.”

“There’s something I need to tell you too,” She says smiling widely.

“And you know what, you go first.” His nerves flaring up again.

“Okay, so a couple of days ago, Cash and I were talking about the wedding....”

“Who?”

“What do you mean who?” She looks at him absurdly, “Cashius Mooney of course.”

“Oh him. You’re still dating dude?” He said genuinely confused.

“I know the gallery has been occupying all your time and attention but have you been paying attention to me at all on the phone lately?”

“Yes I have, I guess I just didn’t think you guys were that deep.”

“Well we are because... two nights ago... he proposed to me.” She said excitedly.

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, he asked ...” at the tone of his response, She looked up at him hesitantly, “and I said yes.”

Luca took a step back from her, breaking up their close bodied dancing. With a crinkled and confused face, he asked “Haven’t you only been seeing this guy for like a week?”

She playfully taps him on his chest, “see you haven’t been paying attention or listening to me.” She pouts.

He rolled his eyes, “look, I know it’s been more than a week, but dating a guy for 3 months and getting married is no different.”

“When you know, you know Luca!, he’s ready to get married and I’m ready to be someone’s wife, it just makes sense.”

“So are you marrying this dude because you love him or because you’re just so ready to be married you’ll say yes to whatever.”

“Ofcourse I love him!” She says defensively, getting heated.

Before they could go further into their conversation, the best man toast was announced. Zoey excused herself out of the event hall. Lance, Doug’s handsome cousin gave his heartfelt toast to the happy couple.

The groomsmen and all the other single men at the ceremony gathered around for the throwing of the garter. Some reluctantly, others happily.

Luca stayed at the back completely, looking around for Zoey. That prompted the overtly happy Doug to put him on the spot. “Hey yo, I see one very sly boy of mine trying to be slick! Yo Vivek, get Luca up in that line up.”

With the spotlight on him and Vivek light heartedly pulling at him to join in on the festivities, Luca sluggishly made his way into the group.

“Everyone all lined up?” Satisfied with all his boys gathered together, he turned around. “Aight, let’s do it!” Doug said eagerly before throwing back the garter.

As if planned, it landed directly into Luca’s hands. Looking around for the unknown mastermind behind this, he turned around profusely. “What the?... who planned this?”

Doug reached out lovingly to his new bride who joined him on the platform after throwing her own bridal bouquet. They held on to each other while laughing, enjoying how rattled Luca was, along with the rest of their friends.

“Very funny guys.” Luca said unamused.

With a heavy tap on each side of his shoulder, Luca turned around to see Vivek and Aaron rolling their heads back in laughter.

“Common man, you know nobody planned this.” Vivek said through his heavy laughter.

“No one really has that kind of time man,” Aaron added jokingly before spotting the object of his affection.

“If you’ll excuse me, I see a beautiful Skye that should be gazed at.” With that corny line as his lead, he left following behind Skye to the dance floor.

“Man, he’s brave.” Vivek said as they looked on at Aaron attempting to ask Skye to dance. “How does he turn into a complete dork around her but has no problems pulling chicks.”

Luca looked on completely relating to his predicament. He said softly, “some girls are just too important, no game in the world can get you through the kind of nerve you get when you’re around ‘the one’”

Vivek teases him with sly amusement, “speaking from experience?”

“Shut up.” Luca says mindlessly. The both laugh.

*****
Luca sat at the bar, nursing his wounds after finding out from Anna that Zoey was in the ‘ladies quarters’.

“You know it’s highkey disrespectful that one of my brothers would sit around moping at my wedding, right?”

Luca turns around at the sound of Jazz’s voice, reprimanding him. He smiled before reaching out to give her a big congratulatory hug.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Jazz says with all the beaming calm and happiness flowing through her. “Now why are you all alone at the bar instead of on the dance floor on my wedding day?”

“I’m the last thing you should be worried about today,” he decided to change the subject and lighten the mood. “especially now that bridezilla Jazz has been replaced by an Angel.”

“Very funny! Imma get ya’ll for that, I’m coming for all of ya’ll after my honeymoon.”

“The Bahamas for a whole month!” He shakes his head in amazement, “you guys are the lucky ones.”

“I’m so excited.” She beams again, “and I have to admit, I expected you to flake out on my wedding day.” Cringing at her own admission.

“What? why?” Luca asked, offended.

“Well you know you! You do these kind of things, the only human being that can truly count on you is Zoey Johnson.” She said with raised eyebrows knowing she just went there.

“Wowwww, this is what you all think of me?”

“Pretty much,” she shrugged, keeping it real as she so often does. “And yet, we all love you very much anyway.”

“Gee thanks.”

“All jokes aside though, I’m so happy you’re here,” Jazz said, getting misty, “I love you all so very much.”

“We love you too,” Luca reached out a comforting arm to her for a side hug. “But there’s no need to cry.”

“I’m just so happy, I love him so much.”

“I know,” Luca said with a heartfelt smile.

“There’s my wife.” Doug said as he approached them, “I’ve been looking all around for you baby.” He gave her a long romantic kiss.

“I’m sorry baby, just had to come see about our resident weirdo,” she said smiling into his kiss and melting deeper into his arms.

“Yeah?” Doug turned around to face Luca, “you good Dawg?” He looked around, “and where’s your girl?”

“I’m fine, she’s definitely not mine and she’s in the back room.”

“Whatever you say dawg,” Doug looked back with loving eyes towards his glowing bride, who was softly caressing his face while looking at him just as lovingly. “Baby it’s time to catch our flight out.”

“Shit, I have to go change!” With one final hug with Luca, Jazz heads to the back room to get changed.

Before heading out to change himself, Doug carefully tapped his shoulder, “you sure you’re fine?”

“Dude, I’m fine, It’s your wedding day, you need to go.”

Doug laughs, “I’m gone.”

**********************
The festivities are still going on as everyone gathered around waving goodbye to the happy couple as they left for their honeymoon. A gentle tap on his shoulder alerts Luca to Zoey’s presence. “Hey you.”

“Hi,” he inhaled deeply at the sight of her.

“I hate when we fight.” She said grabbing on to his hand, intertwining their fingers.

Luca plays with her fingers ~specifically her ring finger~ thinking about how forever with her might not be promised. With a bleeding heart, he agreed gently, “Me too.”

“I need you to be happy for me.” She says softly, while pulling him back on the dance floor to dance close, yet again.

His tone softens up, “I just can’t reconcile all of this with who I know you are, it doesn’t make sense.” He shifts uneasily against her. “You didn’t even tell me things were getting serious with him.”

“I know it seems fast but when you know you know.” She shrugged gently.

“Tell me, what do you really know about this dude?”

“I know you can’t help worrying about me, but trust me, he knows what he wants, and he went after it and put a ring on it... Well, he’ll get the ring... but my point is, that’s all I need to know.”

“And the fact that you’ve known each other...”

“It’s long enough.” She shifted slightly, cutting him off. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they continued to slowly dance.

With the irresistible puppy dog eyes she knows works on him every time, She looks up into his eyes. She questions sadly, “why are you fighting me on this? don’t you want me to be happy?”

That softened him up completely, “You know that’s all I’ve ever wanted.” He sighs. “But this is a major decision, I never imagined you’d make it lightly.”

“I didn’t, he’s a good guy, he loves me so much and he’s offering me everything I’ve ever wanted.”

“So you’re happy?”

“Sure.”

With a heavy heart, he conceded to her request. “Then that’s all that matters,” he kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you.” her eyes closed into his warmth involuntarily.

Luca does his best to get through the rest of the evening with what little was left of his shattered heart and dignity.

Chapter Text

The party was finally over, the bride and groom left hours ago for their honeymoon, the rest of the crew huddled together for their “goodnights” and “see you in the mornings.”

Ana, Vivek and Nomi are off to their hotel, Skye is house sitting for Doug and Jazz and somehow Aaron talked his way into being her designated protector and companion in the “crazy city”. She agreed, he was grateful.

The wedding took place in New York City, where Doug and Jazz currently reside. Jazz who is now married to Doug chose to live permanently in NY with her husband, he runs his own real estate agency out of NY. Vivek is a generous silent partner.

Jazz’s career in track puts her on the move constantly for track tournaments during their on seasons, it’s hectic but it works for them.

Skye and Jazz went through the initial withdrawal of living separately and it was hard but they both eventually adjusted to life without each other daily.

With their separation, Skye spent most days in the company of Aaron, helping during her off seasons at his Black minds matter head quarters. They spent so much of their energies on similar ‘do gooder’ assignments, it made them realize their life goals aligned more than they ever imagined.

With so much time spent together, feelings developed on both sides, but due to Aaron’s reputation as the “bag em and leave em” kind, Skye has been hesitant to let him completely into her heart.

She’s “not about that life” she swore to her friends.

Aaron has been working overtime trying to prove to her she can trust him, he has never been more sure about anyone as he is about Skye.

He swore he wouldn’t quit until she believes him, Vivek bluntly lets him know he has his work cut out for him, constantly too.

“Guys we gotta go, the cars are lined up in traffic.” Anna ~the organized one~ ushers her friends out of the party hall.

“You guys can go ahead, I met a bodacious babe at the bar and peeps, V-dig will be getting some tonight!” Vivek announced.

“Whatever, we’ll catch you later.” Anna said, zoning him out. She’s always been the “conservative” and “responsible” one, getting her friends in line, and this weekend has been no different.

“I’ll be right back, I made a connection with this hot waitress in the back, I need to snag her phone number.” Nomi winked and smiled at Anna on her way rushing toward the back.

“Okay fine! But we have to go Noms so make it quick.” Anna called out irritably at her indecisive and colorful bestie.

Nomi is the sole individual in their crew who is still “trying to find herself” career wise, which she is allowed to do and they all have her back. Ana however; is now a big time political advocate in California, she is on the verge of running for office.

For now, Nomi stays close to Anna’s political routes, she’s hoping to find some causes to advocate for, something that’ll motivate her. She’s still waiting.

*****
Zoey and Luca are also New York City residents post grad with booming careers, they are all making major life and career moves and Life is great as far as Zoey’s concerned.

Zoey and Luca joined Doug and Jazz on the move out to New York after graduation while the rest of the crew stayed in LA. Luca’s exhibits found a home in Manhattan NY, it was so successful his gallery opening followed shortly after.

Zoey opened her fashion house “Z’Xperience n Co” in Soho, NY. There along with her junior partners, Ralph and Tracy, they design as well as style big name celebrities and big time NY. city socialites.

Everything that makes Zoey happy is in this City, her career and one very important Luca Jae Hall. She also met Cassius Mooney here, they are now engaged and next in line to be married, New York is now permanently home.

“My limo is here, you riding kid?” Luca asked Zoey on their way out.

“Yes please.” She grabbed on to his fingers with one hand, they held hands on their way out, something they have done for as long as they can remember being alive, “I’ll just call my chauffeur to chill.”

She gave the girls and the boys goodbye hugs with her other free hand, Luca does the same, as they all said their “love you’s”.

“Bye guys,” they all called back to each other through all the commotion as Zoey distractedly looked through her purse for her phone.

She made a call to Cash to put a hold on the ride for her. “How are you getting home babe?” He asked coolly on the other end of the line.

“I’m riding back with Luca babe, so I’m safe. see you shortly.” Zoey hung up the phone as she gets into their awaiting limo.

********************
The Car pulled up to one of Cash’s several upscale penthouse apartments. Orlando, Luca’s personal chauffeur rolled down the partition to announce “we’re here.”

After Luca’s “Thank you man”, Orlando rolled the partition back up to give them their privacy.

“So, you live here now?” Luca said coyly as he scanned their surrounding.

“Well not officially but I might as well be.”

“Cool. That’s um... that’s cool.” Luca nodded, trying his hardest to act as supportive as possible.

“Soooo you coming up or what?” Zoey asked with raised eyebrow. “You need to officially meet him, drill him on men things ... my two favorite men bonding.. blah blah blah..” she said with a goofy grin.

“That’s really a job for Pops, your Dad and Junior you know?” He eyed her playfully.

“Yeah, I’m not trying to scare him off,” she responded with a playful shudder.

“Unfortunately I have no choice, he’ll be meeting them at the official family introduction my mom made mandatory in two weeks, when we go out to LA.”

“Wow, there’s a family intro event coming up I don’t know about?”

“Just to make formal announcements and such, no one knows yet,” she said, trying to soften the blow, “besides, if he can withstand a day with Diane Johnson and leave still loving me, he’s definitely the one.” She concludes jokingly.

“I really have missed a lot these last couple of months.”

“Not much, all the planning is just beginning.” She gave his arm a gentle squeeze, “so are you coming in?”

“Why would I do that?”

“So you can meet the man I’m going to marry!” She punched his arm emphatically.

“Oh, for the approval ... Sure, yeah... I’ll come with.” He responds reluctantly.

“Yay!” She grabbed a hold of his hand excitedly. “Common, let’s go.”

With a deep sigh, he followed reluctantly behind her. “Lets go.”

*****
At the sound of his front door opening, Cash moved toward it to welcome his fiancé home.

“Hey babe.” With a pep to her walk, Zoey excitedly moved toward him with Luca trailing slowly behind her.

With a possessive grip, he hugs her tight “hi baby.” They share a sweet kiss. “I missed you so much all weekend.”

“Aww,” Zoey leaned forward for another sweet kiss. “I missed you too babe. So much.”

Luca cleared his throat, alerting them to his presence, “If this moment gets any sweeter, I’d catch cavities.” With a smile on his face, he said, his sarcastic tone not going unnoticed by Cash.

Still holding on to Zoey possessively, Cash extends his hand forward, “Cassius Mooney, But you can call me Cash.”

“Luca Hall” he said, accepting Cash’s extended hand for a less than necessary firm handshake with both men covertly sizing each other up.

“I feel like we’ve already met,” he looked fondly at Zoey, “the little lady here talks about little else.”

“What do you mean?” Zoey said, looking at him confused.

“Sweetheart, you have to admit, you do spend a lot more time than necessary informing whoever will listen about the wonders that is your best friend.” His tone thinly lined with jealousy.

Zoey lightly slaps his chest, “Nah huh!” She shakes her head bashfully. “He’s a joker this one, ” She shyly looks over at Luca, who is observing them quietly.

“You know Luca’s my person! Of course I talk about him but it’s not an unhealthy amount.” Zoey said chuckling awkwardly.

“That’s what you said babe.” Cash said with a knowing and calm smile.

Deciding it was time to move on from the awkward conversation and hopefully be allowed to leave, Luca intervenes, “Zoey and I are the best of friends, just like she says.”

He continued politely, “it’s really honestly nice to meet you man.”

“Same here.” He and Zoey let go of each other, as he led Luca further into his luxurious penthouse. “Please come on in man, let me get you a drink or something.”

“Sure, thanks.” Luca took a seat.

“While you boys get to know each other, I’ll be in the bedroom, changing into something comfortable.” She walked into the bedroom.

“So, whatchu drinking?” Cash asks.

“Anything strong you got on the rocks works.” Luca said, hoping alcohol will get him through the rest of the evening.

*******************
Skye opened the door into Jazz and Doug’s lofty apartment in the heart of Brooklyn. She switched on the light, making her way in with Aaron carrying their bags behind her.

“Just put the bags anywhere” Skye said before turning around to tease Aaron, “look at you being helpful” She squints her eyes at him playfully.

“No problem ma’am” he called back jokingly as he laid the bags down by the bedroom door. “You know me, I’m at your service m’lady.”

“That’s actually facts,” She looked at him sweetly, “thank you.”

He swayed bashfully towards her, “Anytime, any day Skye, You know that.” He reached out to tap her arms gently.

“I do, but I hope you don’t think being here alone together means you getting lucky?” She squints sassily at him.

“What?! No, no, ... I didn’t come here for that... I just thought..” he stuttered through his words as he struggled to stay composed around her.

“Hmm hmm.. I know you Aaron, I know your game plan, I know what you’re doing.”

“What do you mean?” He asked, genuinely confused.

“Talking your way into being my number two tonight wasn’t slick, I just didn’t have the energy to argue anymore tonight.”

“Oh that,”

“Yeah that!” She laughed, “do I look stupid to you?”

“No, but you have to admit I had a point.” He started talking animatedly as he often does, “you need a strong, sturdy, protector to get you through the hustle and bustle of this city.”

“Oh, so you don’t think I can handle myself out here,” she said, purposefully looking offended.

“No no, I just meant... I ..I ..care about you ... I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you.”

He stuttered through yet another one of his never ending confession of feelings for her, he sighed, “You’re too important Skye.” He concluded, looking at her softly.

“You’re adorable.” She smiled looking at him softly, “but you still not getting lucky tonight,” she said with a teasing giggle.

“now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go soak myself in a hot tub.” She eyed him seductively as she walked out of the room into the bathroom.

Aaron looks up with pleading eyes “this is torture!” He cried out heavenward.

******************
Zoey walked into the living room in comfortable sweats to the picture of Luca and Cash seemingly enjoying their drinks. “... that sounds really dope man. Do you kids have a date in mind?” She overhears Luca saying.

“We hadn’t thought that far ahead actually,” she responds as she joined Cash on the sofa.

“But we definitely know we want it to happen as soon as possible.” Cash respondEd.

“Well, not too soon babe,” she tapped him gently.

“I was thinking sometime in December, I remember you telling me that was your dream time for a wedding.” Cash recounted eagerly.

“Yeah, I did mention that.” She looked at him, “that is so attentive of you babe,” she gave him a sweet smile.

“Well you know how I do.” He smiled sweetly back in return.

“Kill me now” Luca screamed internally, looking at them with a lukewarm smile, trying with all his might to remain polite.

“And I appreciate it babe but December is kinda too soon ...”

“That’s because I can’t wait to make you my wife babe.” He eyed her sweetly.

“And I can’t wait to be your wife but December is in like three to four months... that’s just too little time to plan a wedding.” She looked to Luca for corroboration, “don’t you think so?”

“You know, this should really be between you two lovebirds.” Luca said, trying to defuse the time bomb he felt ticking in his brain.

“He’s right, and what’s wrong with December?” Cash quarries.

“Nothing, if December isn’t going to be here in like tomorrow or something,”

“We need to negotiate on this because I have my heart set on December,”

“Yeah... Excellent stuff,” Looking around uncomfortably, Luca made his move to leave. “Um.. I really hate to have to do this but you’ll have to excuse me, I should really get going.”

“You’re leaving?” Zoey questions, “why?”

“There seems to be a lot you two need to smooth over,” he gets up, “especially if the joyous day is in 3 months.” He said with a tinge of unhinged sarcasm.

“You don’t have to leave so soon though,”

“Sure, but it’s been a really long weekend. Time to get ready for Monday, y’know..” he extends his hand out to Cash for a goodbye handshake.

“I’ll walk you out.” Zoey said dashing behind a speedy Luca as he took his leave.

Cash couldn’t help but notice Luca’s obvious discomfort. He nodded his head knowingly as he called loudly behind them. “yeah, take care man.”

********************
Zoey caught up with Luca before he could get into his waiting limo, she lightly taps him by his ear with her dainty fingers. “Hey you”

Hoping she didn’t notice his discomfort with their earlier conversation, he turned around with a warm smile ~reserved just for her~ “Hi.”

“what’s your deal? ... “ Zoey said, trying to compose herself, “I almost lost a toe trying to catch up to you.”

“I’m sorry.” He said looking down at her feet to inspect for any injuries.

“I didn’t actually loose a toe,” she laughed lightheartedly, “but can you explain to me why you suddenly needed to dash out the door.”

He sighed, deciding on blatant honesty. “Sitting there, listening to that back and forth, I just couldn’t ...” he sighed heavily again, “why are you marrying someone you barely know?!”

“Not this again.” She whines.

“Yes, this again.” He reached out to grab her hands to intertwine their fingers ~an act that has somewhat become one of their lifelong rituals~

“I know enough...” she played with his fingers this time, looking directly at their intertwined fingers, not able to look him straight in the eyes.

He reached up to her face, raising it to look up at his. “you guys can’t even agree on a date, it’s too soon.”

“That’s actually not true,” she responds stubbornly.

“It’s not? So you’re ready to get married by December?”

“Well no...”

“what’s his favorite time of year?”

“What? Are you seriously quizzing me right now?”

“Yes, I am.” He says matter of factly, “so what is it?”

“That is neither here nor there... besides, he knows mine!” She says with a smug smile on her face.

“That’s not an answer..” he tries again, “what brand of underwear is his favorite?”

“Um... I don’t know if he has one ... why is that..”

“What’s mine?” He interrupts.

“You like your Balenciaga’s you high maintenance freak.” She sighed exasperatedly and with a roll of her eyes, she asked, “what’s the point of all this?” as she untangled their intertwined fingers.

“It has been made.”

“Well non of that matters because we love each other, everything else is just semantics, we’ll work it out.”

“Fine, then I wish you both the best of luck.” He makes his move into the car, “Goodnight.”

“Bye.” She sighs, watching Orlando drive him off into the distance.

Chapter Text

“Alone at last,” Cash whispered behind Zoey’s ear as they stood in front of the huge mirror in the bathroom of his pad in the heart of New York City.

Zoey stood still at the feel of his arms wrapped Warmly around her. Snuggled comfortably in a soft white bath robe after her shower, her now Fiancé leaned down, pressing his lips gently on her shoulder blade.

Zoey closed her eyes, marveling in the feeling of her affect on him. After all, she is a stunning and irresistible woman and she knows it. She’s a confident woman, who has mastered the art of sex and seduction.

Men were generally reduced to stuttering messes when it came to her ‘stunning’ beauty and curves ~as they should~ Zoey truly believed it couldn’t be considered being conceded if it was a mere fact.

Of course, there is one man that’s been the only exception to this mere fact. Luca Hall; Zoey will admit he was a puzzle.

She’s settled for being his unconditional forever best friend of-course, but; that didn’t change the fact that she spent the majority of her young adulthood wondering why Luca was the only dude she knew that was completely immune to her.

Maybe that was why she crushed on him so hard when they were growing up, who knows? All she knew was, as a teenager he was her ideal guy in every way, but since he never actually saw her that way, she learned to move past it.

A girl could only hang on for the object of her affection to notice her for so long....

“Are we finally in agreement about December?” Cash’s voice drew her out of all thoughts of Luca.

“Babe, I told you, that will not work.” She squirmed her way out of his arms. “December is just too soon, how are we going to make that work?”

“Easy, we’ll get you the best wedding planner money can afford. You won’t have to do nothing but dictate what you want to them and boom! You’ll have your dream wedding as soon as you want it.” Cash said, cheekily.

“I’m not talking about the financial aspect of it, that’s the easiest part.” Zoey sighed, exasperated at his lack of understanding

“So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is unless we are eloping we have other people to consider.... my family and friends all live far away from us.”

“They live in LA Zoey, not another planet. Besides, I was thinking of having the wedding in Fiji.” He smiled at his brilliant idea....

“Fiji?.. are you out of your mind?” Zoey laughed at his ridiculousness...

“What’s wrong with Fiji?” Cash asked, clueless.

“What’s wrong with Fiji is that we are already having this wedding at an alarming time frame, if we need people traveling internationally they will need a much longer notice Cash.” She responded to him with a huff, confused at how unaware he was being

“I never really thought about it like that, because my family have no problem flying out in a moments notice.” He grabbed her hands, trying to be more understanding, “but if getting there is the problem, I can fly them out.”

“You would fly my whole family out, just like that?”, She snapped her fingers, emphasizing her point. “you would book all their tickets?”

“Sure, why not?... besides, I have a private jet that can do that remember?” He boasted.

“First of all, I know you’ve never actually met my family, but Andre Johnson would never take you up on that offer,”

“Okay,”

she chuckled, “and secondly, even though my family is well off enough to afford their own tickets, scheduling would be their only issue, you can’t just go around throwing money at our wedding just because you have it and you want it ASAP.”

“I’ll give you the money bit, but what’s wrong with me wanting to marry you ASAP?”

“Nothing, but honestly, It looses all the emotional attachment that comes with planning what is suppose to be the most important day of both our lives.”

“How exactly is that? This is me confused as hell Zoey....”

“Because going through all this planning together is the sort of thing that bonds a couple forever. We get to thoughtfully plan out our day. That makes it personal, not just throw money at a random stranger to make these decisions for us.” She looked to him pleadingly

“This is really important to you, isn’t it?”

“Yes, We are suppose to bond over this process, Doug and Jazz did and all that time spent planning their day was worth every bit of happiness you could see and feel them experience during their ceremony. It was so beautiful babe...” Zoey’s eyes got misty at the flashback to her friends vows ...

“I didn’t know that part of the process mattered that much to you.”

“Well it does, I don’t plan on getting married more than once this lifetime, so my staple has to be in every aspect of it. I also expect my groom to be, to be right beside me for every decision making aspect of it.”

“Fine, if the bonding process is that important to you, I’m willing to wait until February at most.” He got close enough to give her a soft kiss.

“February can actually work.” She smiled into his kiss, “see?!, compromise! Look at us, bonding already.” She squealed in excitement

“I just want you to be happy,” He chucked in response to her infectious excitement. “So your dad is that guy huh?” He asked, careful not to overstep

“Yeah, he’s a very proud man” she laughed wholeheartedly....

Everything considered, Cash was a happy groom to be, he couldn’t wait to make Zoey Johnson, Mrs. Cash Mooney, but there was just that one nagging feeling he couldn’t seem to shake ...

Luca Hall, he had a hunch this closeness he shared with Zoey was going to be uncomfortable to say the least, especially after observing Luca’s reaction to them discussing their wedding.

He didn’t believe in ultimatums but, he couldn’t help feeling he might have to enforce one on Zoey, and soon.

*******************************
Luca made his way into the Waldorf Astoria, catching up with the rest of the crew ~minus Zoey who had a big styling event with a celebrity client~

“Sup dude!” Vivek called out to him from their lounging section of the attached restaurant.

“My guy,” they gave each other a hug once he reached their section. He gave Anna and Nomi hugs too before asking, “where is Blade? and my favorite firecracker?”

Upon Anna informing that “They’re running late,” Aaron and Skye made their way into the building. Tailing right behind each other

“My people!” Vivek exclaimed again at the sight of them before standing up to give them welcome hugs as well.

“What took you guys so long?” Ana inquired.

“Nothing!” They both said quickly, sharply and simultaneously, in a way that made the rest of the crew give them suspicious looks. Luca shrugged it off as his phone took his attention

Vivek refused to let it go, “Why are you both fidgety and jumpy then?” He said, with an interrogative nod

“Why you gotta assume a sisters jumpy huh? why can’t I be the way I am in peace?” Skye said defensively

“Because I won’t be played when you two are clearly hiding something!”

“Vivek, leave her alone man,” Aaron interrupted calmly

“Fine, I’ll drop it, but only because I’m starving and I see my food coming.”

Anna and Nomi both gave them questionable looks before silently deciding it was probably best to move on from the matter. They both knew, whatever was going on, Skye would fill them in later anyway.

“It’s weird seeing you without your twin Luca,” Aaron teased

“According to her text, she’s busy with work.” Luca said, dejected

“Why do you sound depressed about that?” Nomi wondered.

“I’m not depressed.” Luca responded in a harsh tone.

“He must have heard about the engagement, you know, protective Luca in action,” Anna whispered to Nomi.

“Um, what engagement?” Aaron asked, clueless to what she was talking about

Anna cringed, “Oops! I forgot the boys don’t know yet.”

“What don’t we know?... who got engaged?!” Vivek asked, desperately waiting for the answer.

The girls recoiled and refused to answer.

“If someone doesn’t start talking!!....”

“You’ll what? Ask some more stupid questions?” Sky boldly responded while rolling her eyes. “you are so damn nosy!”

“Anyway,” Nomi refocused the attention back to Luca, “dude you don’t look too good. I hope you’re not sitting around moping about this.”

“Wait, why would Luca mope about someone’s engagement?” Aaron remained clueless

“He wouldn’t.” Skye responded.

“But Nomi just said...”

“Drop it dude!” Skye snapped,

“How can we drop it when one of my boys is this upset!?” Vivek interrupted

“Damn, will you guys get off me!” Luca growled. “I’m sitting here minding my own business.”

“Alright guys, lets lay off him.” Aaron concluded, “but if you need to talk man, you know what to do.”

“Got it.” Luca nodded, appreciating his gesture, “if you’ll excuse me, I need to take this call privately.” He said as he made his way to a room in the back.

“I’ll be right back guys.” Nomi said as she traced after Luca

************************************
“Okay, ....sure, that sounds crazy fire!, ....see you soon buddy.” Luca hung up his tentative phone call with his mystery caller.

He turned around to make his way back to their table when he bumped into someone making their way in.

“Oh shit... sorry...” he halted upon realizing it was Nomi he bumped into. “Oh, hey bud.” He started with a small but curious smile, “whatcha doing back here?”

“I actually wanted to apologize for putting you on the spot like that, out there,” Nomi squirmed uncomfortably

“Nah, it’s all good.”

“No, it’s not. I should have known Zoey spilled about the engagement.” She said, her tone filled with remorse.

“It is what it is,” he shrugged nonchalantly

“You forget who you’re talking to Luca, I know everything remember?” Nomi said, cheekily

“Fine, you know everything.” He sighed, irritably.

“Yes I do, so you can ease up on the faux bravado and nonchalance and actually talk to me.” She gave him a stern look.

He sighed, “fine, I’m big rattled Nomi but what exactly am I suppose to to about it?, we’ve been peas in a pod all our lives, and still! There never seems to be a right time to get this right.... When she told me, I felt my heart literally shatter into pieces.”

“So what you’re telling me is that you would rather walk around with a shattered heart and risk nothing than actually be brave and tell the woman you’ve loved since like forever how you feel? That’s really lame dude.”

“Gee thanks!” Luca frowned at her, “Look, if Zoey felt even a quarter of what I feel for her, she would not consider being with anyone else, let alone actually get engaged to one.”

“I love you and respect your right to privacy so much and that’s the only thing that’s kept me from telling her all these years but at this point it’s just deplorable of me!... I think she should know”

“Well that’s not your call and it is too bad you’re sworn to secrecy.” he taunted her teasingly

“So, what’s the game plan exactly?”

“The game plan is, I get one of my boyos to rally up the babe wagon and drown my pain in as many chicks as I can.” He smirked, “and hopefully, ....HOPEFULLY, fingers crossed, I’ll avoid dying from a broken heart whenever I guess....” he took a long dramatic breath

“Who was that on the phone?” Nomi questioned him suspiciously

“My guy Rex, he knows how to get me all the distractions I need right now,”

“So you’re just never going to actually tell her?” Nomi said worriedly, “we’re all headed back to LA soon, I’d hate to leave you like this.”

“I’ll be fine, I told you Rex has the hook up.” He gave her a reassuring smile

“And I know you’re full of shit, so I have no choice but to worry. See my predicament?”

“Nomi I need you to let this go,”

“Why don’t you just tell her?” She tried gently to appeal to his sensibilities, “I have a feeling she might actually want to hear it.”

“I am not going to disrupt her life selfishly like that,” he eased back, dejected, “look, no one knows Zoey like I do, if I tell her she’ll drop everything in an instant to appease me and force herself to give me what she knows I want, not because that’s what she actually wants but because that’s what she’s always done.”

“I think it’s tragic that you won’t take a chance on this. Especially, feeling the way that you do.”

“You’re missing the major point here, how can I claim to love and care for her like I do and let her put my happiness ahead of her own?”

Nomi frowned, “You’re not claiming anything because you refuse to tell to her the truth, and you put her happiness above yours as well, I’ve seen you do it so many times. You both obviously hold each other high, plus you could be very wrong about the outcome Luca,”

“I’m not wrong about this Noms, trust me. I know her.”

“Yet you underestimate her feelings for you? ...maybe you’re loosing your touch, maybe you don’t know her as well as you’d like to believe.” Nomi challenged.

Luca’s phone buzzed, he thrusted it toward her, “Look she just texted me she’s on her way here, so I would really appreciate dropping this and not trying anything silly when she gets here.” Luca warned.

“I think you’re being an idiot but that’s on you guy.” Nomi said casually as she turned around and walked back to their table, leaving him standing still in confusion.

**********************************
The crew sat back enjoying their meals, Luca was texting distractedly on his phone, while the others carried on light hearted conversations, the type of levity that prompted Sky to excuse herself to the restroom with Aaron tailing right behind her.

“They’re not obvious at all...” Anna joked and they all laughed.

“Don’t tell me my boy is finally tapping that!” Vivek exclaimed with ample excitement

“Shut up Vivek, why does everything that come out of your mouth always have to be so crass?” Anna darted at him

“You say that now when you know we’re next,” he winked at her suggestively

“Dude, that’s gross.” Nomi made a disgusted hacking sound

Finally looking up from his phone, Luca announced hurriedly, “chill guys, she’s here.”

“Who’s here?” Vivek looked around

“Micheal Jackson,” Nomi said sarcastically, “Zoey, you idiot!”

“Oh, okay... and we needed to chill why?”

“Because I was tired of all the yapping...” before he could finish his sentence, the girls squealed in excitement at the sight of Zoey

Zoey squealed back in return as they all ran toward each other in excitement.

“Geez, you would think they didn’t all just spend the whole weekend together.” Vivek shook his head, “women are a weird breed.”

“You think how you view and talk about them is why you can never land one?” Luca asked him with all the seriousness in his voice, but inwardly he was only teasing him

“Wow, I never really thought about it like that.” Vivek’s thoughts went into overdrive.

“Anyway,” Luca dismissed, facing Zoey’s direction as she dashed happily toward him.

Luca stiffened when Zoey squirmed her way next to him in the crowded booth, giving him a hug and a gentle kiss on the cheek.

He did his best to return her affections without giving away his feelings.

“Hi everyone, ... hey Vivek,” Zoey greeted happily. “Where are Aaron and Skye? I thought you said everyone was here?” She directed at Luca

“We are all here, but I think they’re being smutty in the back somewhere or whatever.” Luca shrugged

“My boy and Skye are finally doing the wild thang Zoey, I do believe they’re boning back there.” Vivek suggested with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

“Dude, seek help. Please!” Anna chastised as they all did their best to move on from the topic

“Well, I say good for them and it was about time.” Zoey joked, “what are we having?” She said as she looked around Luca’s meal.

“I ordered pancakes.” He pushed his plate toward her

“Why pancakes?” Zoey asked, sneering at his plate

“Because I wanted pancakes?” He said coolly, “you want pancakes now too, don’t you.” He poked fun at her predictability

“Kinda...” she giggled.

“Coming right up, copy cat,” he poked at her waist playfully before raising his arm up to get their servers attention.

“Yes sir?” The perky Blonde waitress, announced her presence.

“The lady will have what I’m having too please.” luca pleasantly informed her.

“Coming right up.”

“Thank you.” Zoey smiled at the nice lady, she grabbed on to Luca’s arms as she bounced animatedly against him. “I have something to tell you.”

“Wussup?” He eyed her curiously,

“So I need a really huge favor from you and the boys too.” She motioned toward Vivek

“Okay.”

“So Cash and I got to talking and we are finally in agreement on a date! Isn’t that great?!”

Luca was reeling, Nomi looked at him sadly, while Vivek gasped in full surprise, “wait, you’re the one who got engaged?!”

“Oh yeah, sorry you’re finding out like this,” Zoey cringed, “I was planning on making a formal announcement with Cash by my side but since it’s out, yep! I’m getting married.”

“Wow, congratulations,” Vivek reached over for a quick hug, “I’m happy for you but damn if it’s not happening so fast.”

“About that, I can officially confirm it’s happening in February,” her smile getting bigger. “So I was hoping to bounce some wedding ideas off you, like the location, the theme, etc..” she looked to Luca expectantly

“As exciting as that sounds, shouldn’t you be deciding all that with your fiancé? Better yet, with your girls?” Luca passively pointed to the girls, giving Nomi a classic ‘I told you so look.’

“Definitely, I’ll get to that but no one knows me like you do... the girls and I can narrow down and Cash and I can then pick our choice From those options, but you and I need to birth the initial ideas, you’re my guy Luca.” She pouts, spoiled Zoey making an appearance

“Oh the irony...” Nomi whispered.

“What’s that?” Zoey asked her

“Nothing, nothing. I’m just having an internal to out-ernal ~if that’s even a word~ debate with myself about the wonders that is life.” Nomi smiled cheekily at her

“Okay, .... anyway, Luca I need you, Vivek,” She nodded towards him in gentle acknowledgement, “Aaron, and Doug when he gets back from the honeymoon to embrace Cash. Make him feel like one of the crew?”

“How is that?”

“As in, bond with him in the group settings, make him feel like a part of our family, one of the boys,” she pleaded with her eyes, still holding on tight to his arm

“That sounds dope.” He squirmed uncomfortably

“Yay!” She pressed a kiss to his cheek as she continued bouncing happily against him. “I know you had your reservations about all of this but trust me, this is going to be so good, the more you bond with him, you’ll see that you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

“As long as you’re happy.” He smiled in contempt, “if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make a quick call in the back. I’ll only be gone a minute.” He gave Nomi a knowing look that screamed HELP!

Zoey freed him and let him pass through, watching him walk away as he stepped out of their booth. Zoey couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort.

“Is it me or is Luca acting weirder than usual?” Anna casually observed.

“So it’s not just me then?” Zoey frowned, “he’s been acting so off lately, I’m starting to worry about him.” She said with a sad sigh.

“It must be so nice being you.” Nomi instigated.

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s like everyone is on one side, seeing things a certain way, and you’re on the other side in a bubble all of your own and you continuously miss everything else.”

“I’m not in a bubble, what the hell is she talking about?” Zoey directed that to Anna, Anna shrugged cluelessly

“Must be nice, having Luca at your beck in call like that. Cash too, bending backwards to please you. Zoey Johnson the owner of two interchangeable millionaires”

“I’m not sure what you’re insinuating but first of all, Cash is my fiancé, he better be at my beck in call!” Zoey felt herself getting upset, “as for Luca, he’s always been my Ace, my partner, and my best person. I could never do this without him.”

“Now you repeat that and listen to yourself.” Nomi continued instigating

“Repeat what? I just told you, Luca’s my best friend but I don’t think that should be news to anyone of you guys at this point.” Zoey continued defensively, “I don’t appreciate any insinuation to the contrary”

“Is it such a bad thing to insinuate?” Anna goaded her

“Yes it is, because there can never be anything there okay?! Luca and I could never work in that way,” she spaced out as she began rambling,

“You couldn’t work in what way?”

“I like men that are strong, athletic, with a slight aggressive edge types, and Luca is just not that. Sure, he’s all pretty with the most beautiful head of hair I’ve ever seen, following closely after mine of course, he’s sensitive, ...I guess he can be really effortlessly sexy at times, he’s also the creative type, ....okay so maybe he has a little aggressive edge in him sometimes, but he is so not my type!” She pressed

“Now who’s insinuating? I said none of that and why do you sound so upset and defensive?”

“I am not defensive!” She squeaked, “I’m just stating a fact, just drop it Nomi!”

“Fine, it’s dropped.” Nomi sat back, observing a rattled Zoey. “So I guess it wouldn’t bother you if I hooked him up with my friend Josie then? She’s been dying to get a piece of that ass.”

“Gross! and What?” Zoey squints, feeling her stomach bubbling up at the thought of Luca with this so called friend of Nomi’s...

“Yeah, she’d been begging me to connect them forever but I just always kinda assumed Luca was off limits, but now that you made it perfectly clear he’s up for grabs, I figured why not?”

“Why not,” Zoey repeated mockingly,

“Exactly, she’s single, he’s single, they’re both pretty and hot people and I’m sure what’s in Luca’s bank account couldn’t hurt the cause.”

“I’m sure...” Zoey said, taking a painful gulp ...

“So sorry ladies, did I miss anything?” A disheveled Skye stepped back into their booth, she hurriedly reached out for a glass of water.”

“Skye, why do you look like a tornado just ran past you.” Anna said as they all gave her a one over

“What? What do you mean? I look just fine.” Skye said defensively, “lawd, I need another glass of water, I feel dehydrated.”

Skye was in the middle of reaching out for their server’s attention, asking for more water, when Aaron made his way back to the booth, looking disheveled as well in his now wrinkled shirt.

“Let me guess, you need water, desperately?” Ana, said cheekily before he got a word in.

“Yes! how did you know?” They all looked at each other and laughed, Skye recoiled embarrassingly...

“Worst kept secret ever!” Anna said and they all kept laughing

Chapter Text

‘I AM NOT GOING TO BE THAT GUY FOR YOU!’

Luca heard himself scream at imaginary Zoey in his head. How the hell did he get here? He felt a stabbing pain where his heart should be.

Of course he’d do anything for her, in a heartbeat but this? This was testing the limits for him. How can he watch her get married to someone else? ...

Some people ~Nomi~ would say he could just tell her how he felt but Luca knew there was something worse than being rejected by Zoey, Something that would hurt so badly, he would never recover.

Being rejected by her would inevitably lead to the type of awkwardness that led to definite drifting apart. He could picture it perfectly already ....

She’d end up marrying some perfect guy because she deserved the best, and out of respect to her perfect relationship, she’d more than likely have to cut ties with him and that’ll be the end of them.

Luca sighed as he felt another tight squeeze in his heart. The thought of actually losing her in every way due to unrequited love is definitely the worst possible scenario.

Now she wanted him to actually help her plan her wedding to another man? He felt like this might be the worlds biggest cruel and unusual punishment.

He’s loved her far too long for that to ever be normal or possible. Maybe part of the problem is he’ll never forget the day she stole his heart and she hasn’t given it back ever since. He’d always been okay with her owning the entirety of his heart but maybe that was the problem too.

He remembered that day, he remembered it like it was yesterday.....

***********************************
Freshman year, High school....

“Luca common! You have to go with me to Jillian’s party!” Zoey stomped her foot,

“The one Kennedy is organizing for her? Pass!” Luca remained unmoving from his position on his bed.

“You have to come!” She said in distress before jumping and bouncing on his bed, her landing pushed him backwards.

Luca gulped, she was so close. Why was she so close? And why did that matter to him a lot lately? ...it never use to. He was so confused.. and she does smell really nice..

Zoey leaped forward, almost completely straddling him.

“Luca how am I suppose to show up to the social event of the year without you by my side?” She stressed.

“Zoey, I know people like to clown us for being twins and all but you do know we’re not actually one right?”

“Stop playing with me, we’re a package deal, two for one, remember?” she pouted with that puppy dog look he never could resist, “I want you there, no scratch that, I NEED you there.”

“Okay see now you’re not playing fair,” Luca frowned as he felt himself giving in, “those parties are always just filled with too many bodies roaming about, plus Jillian mannnn...” he whined

“What? She likes you,” Zoey wiggled on him playfully, as she searched his face for reactions

“That means nothing to me.” He stated boldly,

Zoey internally celebrated, she was selfishly happy she wouldn’t have to share him with the pretty new girl. That girl was relentless, she wouldn’t stop declaring her overt crush on Luca all over school.

Zoey wished she was as brave as Jillian sometimes, Jillian would declare to anyone who would listen, “that boy is so fine, he’s playing now but watch, he’ll be mine”

Although Zoey often times played it off with a pensive “you think so?...” before passively dismissing her with a “I guess he’s alright”, Luca was more than “alright” to her.

“stop acting like you don’t like all the attention,” she giggled with a teasing wiggle of her eyebrows, “ugh, just say yes, please..”

“Ugh! Fine Zoey, fine! ...only for you” He sighed,

“Eeep! So, you’ll come with?”

“Did I really have a choice?” He surrendered

“Thank you!” She leaped forward as she full bodily wrapped herself around him, “thank you, thank you Luca!” She chanted as she placed kisses all over his face

A blushing Luca beamed at her, “so who’s your big, strong, hunky, muscleman?” He asked jokingly as he happily enjoyed her continuous kiss attacks.

“Oh no, not muscleman!” She facepalmed but giggled

“Yes muscleman!” He joked semi seriously, “now, tell me who your big, strong, hunky, muscleman is or I’m not going..”

‘Muscleman’ was a joke that was triggered by the adults in their lives, a irony of sorts they said. When puberty first hit, Luca was constantly teased for being ‘athletically challenged.’

He took it with a stride and laughed about it, but Zoey wasn’t as amused. She came to his defense when she declared him her “big, strong, hunky, muscleman”,

According to Zoey, his piggy back rides ‘rivaled Superman’s super strength’. They all laughed and never let her forget it.

“So?” He persisted as he began tickling her....

“You are!” She answered, as she broke into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Still, she continued planting her never ending air kisses on him

He couldn’t help laughing either. He was always baffled as to how lips as soft as hers could leave such firm imprints on his skin from her light and playful kisses...

He never minded it, as long as she never stopped bruising his face with them.

The playful kisses finally stopped when she took a breath and softly said, “Thank you.” She leaned forward, her eyes glued to his and their forehead connected.

He melted.... “anytime kid.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I need you to stand close the whole time we’re there okay?” Zoey warned as she and Luca made their way down the long driveway, leading them into Jillian’s family house.

“You actually want me shadowing the entire time we’re in there? Since when..?”

“Since it’s a really huge freaking house Luca, there are going to be college guys all over this thing,” she visibly shook her nerves away.

“I don’t get it, if you’re this nervous about this party, remind me again why it was so important we come here?”

“It’s the social event of the school year Luca, and we’re not going to be the lame bums that missed it.” She gave him a ‘duh’ gesture

“This will sound preachy cause it is, but Zoey there are worse things than caring about being called a Lame bum by a bunch of high school simpletons”

“Well I care and refuse to let social pariah be our downfall,” she grabbed a hold of his hand, with intertwined fingers they made their entrance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luca could be described as someone eccentrically awkward, but his awkwardness had never made him a giggly mess around girls. He prides himself for that.

When he found a girl intriguing, he never had a problem letting his intentions be clear to her. He would talk to them in ways that let them know they were the object of his affection. Even as a mere high school freshman, he was a very confident young man.

It had been that way all his life, he couldn’t remember nor imagine ever being shy about his feelings with the opposite sex. Which is why he had no problem turning down Jillian as many times as he did.

Maybe if she weren’t so aggressively overt in her pursuit of him they could have started on better grounds. The girl was relentless and as flattered as he was the first time she encountered him, he has been less so ever since

Maybe she would be better suited for his buddy Phil. Phil had no reservations about the ‘crazy’ types, he made that clear on more than a few occasions.

Speaking of Phil and Jillian, they both hovered around the kitchen counter, having punch and waiting expectantly for Luca and Zoey.

“Over here guys” Jillian called out to them, “we were just talking about ya’ll.”

Although Zoey waved back happily, she had to pull a very hesitant Luca forcibly toward them, she refused to let Luca’s hands go. “Don’t let go Luca,..” she scolded quietly

Scanning around the room, he realized their audience were in fact saturated with overgrown, rowdy college dude bro’s, he dutifully stood guard, “I won’t, I promise.”

When they reached the table, Zoey and Jillian hugged. They exchanged pleasantries, Luca and Phil only nodded curtly at each other. Maybe the party wouldn’t be so bad, he thought....

That was all before Jillian focused her attention on him. “Why hello there handsome.”

Luca remained stand off-ish but was very mindful not to be rude, even though he wanted to be anything but polite at the sight of so many people “hey Jillian,”

She squirmed her way between Zoey and Luca, standing closer than necessary to him in an attempt to break their hand hold. “I told you to call me Jill, remember? everyone I like does..” she batted her eyes

“Hey Jill,” Luca responded unenthusiastically,

“Much better,” she smiled, Luca could admit she was at the very least a really pretty girl. Maybe if she weren’t so anti boundaries.

With fingers still interlinked, Luca pulled himself and Zoey back, untangling the three way sandwich Jillian created. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ll just be over at the punch bowl section.”

Luca and Zoey drifted across the room toward the punch bowl, while filling their cups, Luca heard one of the girls, that were well known for their dislike of ‘miss perfect to the world Zoey’ snicker and commented

“even Siamese twins have more space between them than those two” he could practically feel the eye rolls from the back of his head.

He shook his head, made sure to secure their linked fingers even more, he continued to ignore them. He’s honestly always just known those girls were envious of Zoey, Kennedy in particular.

“Everyone, gather around,” Kennedy announced, “it’s time to play a fun little game,” she took a dramatic pause, “...but with a twist.”

Luca stood still, Zoey made a move toward the huddle, feeling restrained, she realized their interlocked fingers stopped her. “Luca common, get closer.”

“Zoey I agreed to come with but I am not playing some childish games,”

“First of all, stop being a party pooper, and second, we are all young and childish here grandpa,”

“Could have fooled me,” he gestured toward the college crowd in their midst.

“You’ll protect me right?” She giggled teasingly as she pulled him toward the huddle, he reluctantly joined in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Okay people, we are playing spin the bottle with a twist.” Kennedy announced proudly,

“Wow, how innovative.” Luca mocked

“Shut up freak.” Kennedy retaliated with a rude sneer of her her own. “Anyways, before I was rudely interrupted, we have a twist.”

“Get to it already, Ken!” Jillian interrupted anxiously, ready to spin the bottle in hopes that Luca would be the guy she kissed

“Fine!” Kennedy rushed ahead of the line giddily, “Okay, so, after you spin the bottle, you get to kiss your partner out here...”

“Why does she have to take obnoxious pauses every time she talks?” Luca whispered to Zoey, “why do you insist on bringing me around these people?” He whined

“Shush!” Zoey whispered back harshly, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but dude, I think I prefer you nonchalant.”

That earned her a contempt sigh from him.

Kennedy continued, “... and then you spend seven minutes in ‘hopefully’ heaven in there,” she pointed to the large closet space on the far side of the room

Luca was not amused, the thought that some douche from college could potentially prey on Zoey made his blood boil.

“Did everyone write out their names and placed them in the jar?” Kennedy asked dutifully

Luca visibly relaxed when he remembered neither he nor Zoey wrote any names in any jar. “This should be fun.”

Kennedy drew a name out from the jar, “Okay, the first name out of the girl jar is Jillian!”

Everyone ooh’ed and aah’ed at the sound of her name called up. Jillian eagerly leaned forward to spin the bottle, hoping the bottle would point toward the object of her affections...

She had no such luck, the bottle pointed to Phil, she hissed angrily and then begrudgingly gave him a quick peck, scowling the whole time, upset at her lack of luck... that was suppose to be LUCA!

At the sight of Jillian sitting back down, Kennedy shrieked, “you have to go with him in the closet Jillian, I think I was very clear about the rules...” she scowled

“I don’t gotta do anything” Jillian got confrontational, the spiked punch taking effects on her.

“Yes you do! ...” Kennedy said belligerently, “I know you’re new here Jill, but I am throwing you this party to get you into how things work around here, and sweetie...” she said condescendingly, “we follow rules around here.”

“Kennedy might give Hilary Banks a run for her money..” Zoey joked quietly,

Luca chuckled in agreement. “Oh shoot, I think she’s going to cry.” That made them both laugh harder..

Jillian stood unmoving, “this is my house and that makes it my rules, and I say, I’m exempt from your rules cousin,”

“You know what,” Kennedy snapped, running on high emotions, “since people can’t follow simple instructions, I’m just going to pick out random names from both jars and you have to go in the closet for seven minute and do whatever...”

“Whatever, just get to it already,” a random voice called out.

With a shake of her head, Kennedy hissed, “imbeciles. Just bring me the jar Toni dang!” She rolled her eyes in command at one of her lackeys,

Toni dutifully moved the jars over for Kennedy to rummage through. She picked out yet another paper strip

“The first name on the list is ... drum roll please... Luca!”

Luca spat out his drink, “who?!”

Kennedy smiled mischievously at Jillian, hoping anyone’s name but hers gets called. Jillian scowled back at her.

“I didn’t write my name in that stupid Jar, why am I in this?” Luca was rattled.

“Well it’s in it so..?”

“So, I’m not interested.” He challenged

“You have no choice weirdo.” Kennedy rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“No thank you.” Luca insisted

“Is every loser here just determined to ruin my party or what?!” Kennedy whined

“I thought it was a party for Jillian?” Phil stepped forward, “and seriously, chill dude, it was I, the mastermind and cool-inator that initiated you brother.” He told Luca

“Cool-inator? ... you’re an idiot.” Zoey sneered, as she grabbed on tighter to Luca’s fingers.

“True as that may be Zoey, I did what I had to do to get my partner some kisses.” Phil announced, proud of himself.

“Luca it won’t be that bad,” she whispered, anxiously dreading Luca leaving her side to kiss some girl in a closet

Luca was too heated to notice her displease, his focus was entirely on Phil, “Dude, you could get seriously hurt right now if you don’t stop talking,” Luca said, unusually hype

Phil surrendered with his hands up, “woah woah, sorry dude, I thought you’d be chill about it, you get to kiss chicks, what’s your damage?”

In an attempt to drown out their fight, Kennedy continued her announcement, “Anyway, ...and the next name on the list is, ...ooh, this is too good.” Kennedy instigated,

“Will you just get it out already!” Jillian snapped

“Oh, you’ll really love this..” she goaded her and laughed eerily,

Jillian and a fuming Luca waited, interested in who the mystery name might be.

“And the lucky ~or unlucky girl~ it’s all about perspective really, is Zoey!!”

“Wait, what?!” Zoey and Luca both exclaimed, immediately letting each other’s hands go.

“Are you kidding me?” Jillian

Kennedy purposefully waved the thin strip of paper around while giving Jillian a knowing look, daring her to attack Zoey, ...it’s exactly what she wanted.

“I told you, I’m not interested in any of this!” Luca snapped, giving Zoey an uncomfortable side glance.

“You have to go in there and make out for seven fudging minutes! And you know why?”, she challenged as she got closer to him, “I make the fudging rules!”

“Oh Kennedy, stop trying to make fudge happen,” Zoey rolled her eyes dramatically, “Luca and I didn’t sign up for any of this.”

“Your name was pulled, you know the rules. If you didn’t want to to be a part of this, you should have stayed home then you freaks.”

Zoey shifted uncomfortably, staring at a visibly rattled Luca, “look, Luca doesn’t want to do this, and honestly Kennedy, you can’t make us.”

“So you admit you want to go in if Luca does too?” Kennedy, goaded

Luca raised his head swiftly, giving Zoey a look over, he was confused about Kennedy’s insinuation. He wondered what Kennedy meant by that.

“I don’t have to do what you say,” Zoey stuttered uncomfortably, she felt exposed

“Either go in by choice or I’ll have one of those strong college dudes throw you in there by force.” Kennedy threatened

“Something is seriously wrong with you.” a visibly calmer Luca said, “you need to chill out, it’s just a game”

“Go in there and make out or leave,” she pouted stubbornly, “of course if you leave, you can both be prepared to be laughed at for the remainder of the school year.” She concluded with a calculated sneer

“Not that I care what anyone thinks, but you know what, common!” Luca grabbed Zoey’s hand and pulled her toward the closet

Everyone gathered around them, waiting to see what happens. Some of them in anticipation, others out of sheer boredom and curiosity

“Luca what are you ...”

Luca pulled them both in the cramped space and closed the door behind them.

He “Shushed” her before she could complete her sentence, “we don’t have to actually make out, we just have to be in here long enough for people to think we are.”

She looked at him confused, “what do you mean?”

“I mean slow poke, all we have to do is pretend to kiss and it’ll get them to shut up and leave us alone.”

“Oh...” she finally caught on, “gotcha, but how do we do that.” She wondered.

“Exactly how we’re doing it now,” he chuckled, “no one is in here to see”

“That’s true...” she finally relaxed

“Geez...” he chuckled some more. “That punch really fried your brain didn’t it?”

She smacked him playfully, “don’t make fun of me!”

His chuckling died down, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t making fun of you, I’m just use to you being sharper I guess.”

She giggled, “I can’t believe they think we’re kissing and making out right now.”

“I know right?!” They both laugh, “yuck!” He said as he leaned into her

“Yuck?” She stopped laughing and pulled back from him

“Yeah!” He said, still laughing. “I mean can you imagine me kissing you?”

She immediately got defensive, “I don’t want to kiss you and I don’t want you to kiss me,” she lied, “but what’s wrong with kissing me?” She asked belligerently, she was entirely offended now

“Nothing!” He quickly said as all traces of laughter left his face

“If nothing is wrong with me, then why don’t you want to kiss me?”

“You said not to kiss you! And I never said I didn’t want to kiss you!”

“So kiss me then!”

“What?”

“Did I stutter?”

“Well no, but ...” he gulped nervously, “you want me to kiss you?”

“Well, ... no, but maybe Yeah..” she found herself saying out loud, nervously

“I’m so confused right now ...”

“Just do it, you idiot!”

That was the last thing she said before she pulled him firmly against her.

Before Luca could blink back more of his surprise, their lips were touching.... and she really kissed him. He was shocked.

Zoey felt his lips on hers ... ‘this is sooo nice’ she thought, ‘better than nice’ her eyes fluttered shut, completely closed, she lost herself in the moment ...she ran her fingers through his thick newly growing soft locs... she was in heaven.

The moment his lips landed on hers, his head was filled with images, lots of light, colorful nothingness, her lips were so soft, just as he’d known from all her playful kisses,

She tasted sweet too, just like his favorite Mexican soda pop, they were only young teenagers but he was fairly sure this was as good as it got,

Luca took a deep breath, he felt his little heart tapping in his chest. What’s this feeling? He had no idea but everything felt enhanced and he was overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed with the feeling of her, Luca has always been a bit of a wise owl even as a kid, and still, he was only certain of one thing.

Kissing Zoey Johnson was an awakening, he will never be the same. He liked kissing her, he liked it a lot and never wanted to stop!

“Time’s up losers!” Kennedy busted the closet door open in deep laughter,

Luca and Zoey were completely lost and wrapped up in each other, at the sound of the loud and heavy gasps from so many peeping toms, they pulled apart so quickly Zoey almost stumbled over backwards. The closet wall broke her fall...

“Well well well, look who finally stopped being a goody too shoes long enough to do something interesting,” Kennedy eyed Zoey

Luca froze up, Zoey was mortified at the fact that she was completely consumed by Luca in that closet, ... and people saw them, Zoey was so embarrassed, she stormed out.

She pushed past Kennedy but wasn’t as lucky with Jillian. Jillian stopped her with a body slam, “thank you for letting me know what a backstabbing twit you are.”

“You’re both crazy, just get out of my way!” She pushed past her, yanking her fiercely out of the way.

Luca was still reeling from the after effects of what took place in the closet, but a fleeting Zoey snapped him out of his shocked stage. He made his move to follow her after her.

“Aww, that is so sweet, running after your beloved?” Kennedy provoked

Once he composed himself long enough to the reality of the moment, “shut up Ken!”

“What? I think it’s sweet..” she continued sarcastically

Choosing to ignore her, Luca managed to push past Kennedy and Jillian and ran after Zoey.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Zoey?!” Luca looked around the back yard of the house, She wasn’t anywhere else so she had to be hiding somewhere here he thought, “Zoey common! This is not fair...I know you’re upset and I’m sorry I kissed you but you ...”

The slight tremble in his voice made her heart ache, she was almost tempted to step out of her hiding spot.. almost, because she was convinced she couldn’t look him straight in the face ever again, so she couldn’t come out, it was too embarrassing.

She was out there and Luca knew she was determined to stay hidden, so he waited. “That’s fine, I’ll just be on this bench, waiting for you to come out.”

The more he spoke, the more Zoey hid deeper into the darkened section of the backyard she was holed in, doing her best not to breathe too loudly

Luca sat back a few more minutes before attempting pleading again... “Zozo please come out?” He stood up and walked closer to the darkened section of the yard,

he knew her better than anyone, Zoey wasn’t surprised he knew where she hid. Ugh! She held her breath, the closer he got

“I want you to come out by yourself, but if I have to, I’ll come drag you out.” He waited, “you know I will.”

Zoey sighed in defeat knowing she’d been caught, “fine, I’ll come out but you have to promise you won’t laugh.”

“Laugh?” Luca was baffled, “why would I laugh?”

“Because...”

“Because what?” He was completely lost as to what her reasoning was

Zoey stepped out into the light, bashfully tucking her unruly thick curls behind her ears,

Luca felt relief wash over him. His first thought at the sight of her in the light being, ‘she is so pretty’! Has Zoey always been this pretty?... Luca was in awe, it was like he was seeing her for the very first time.

In reality they’d been inseparable since they were old enough to remember anything but suddenly, he couldn’t get enough of her, he wanted her around forever.

He felt dazed at her unfiltered beauty, “Hi” he said, looking at her through dilated eyes.

“Hi.” She whispered back awkwardly, giving him a small and hesitant smile

He wanted to say “you’re really pretty,” but somehow he knew that would be the worst idea. She obviously ran out of the house and hid because she was too embarrassed by kissing him.

She must have not liked it as much as he did, so he changed up the awkward energy surrounding them by referring back to her earlier request. “why would I laugh?”

“Because dude, ...” she playfully shoved him back, laughing goofily, Luca knew Zoey only got goofy when she was in an uncomfortably hot spot. He didn’t want to be the reason she was uncomfortable.

All Zoey could think about was his soft lips and the feel of his hair between her fingers, how she wanted to kiss him all the time now, how could luca be so composed right now? She wondered. Did he not feel the same things she felt when they kissed?

“Because what?” ...He hoped she’d say, “don’t laugh because I just realized, I big like you.” He really wanted her to say that

“Because, ....” looking at his pensive eyes, she realized if he didn’t feel fluttery like she does when she’s with him, especially after their kiss, she had to let this whole funny crush on him go.. she didn’t want Luca to ever be uncomfortable around her,

.... if the way he never wanted to be around Jillian was anything to go by, she had to let things go. They had to go back to normal and stay that way, even if she’s probably destined to feel this way while he felt nothing but familial love for her.

“I’m waiting ...” and he was, anxiously

“because, I wanted to prove to you, that... that..” she struggled to think up anything that didn’t resemble the truth, “that you my friend are in-fact susceptible to peer pressure and I was right.” She said, with a smug look on her face, so proud of herself for being able to think up anything at all

“What?” Of everything he expected her to say, that wasn’t it. It didn’t even make sense...

“Yep, you my friend continue to say you don’t care and would never fall into peer pressure but tonight, I just proved you are no good under pressure, you are no stronger than any of us. You failed as my muscleman tonight.” She shook her head pitifully while looking down dramatically...

“Okay?” He looked around awkwardly, he was so confused by this turn of event. He expected her response to be different and he decided it was his own fault, how could he have possibly ever thought she liked him like that? What an idiot! He internally scolded himself.

Luca felt silly.... , Zoey felt stupid... what kind of response was that?! But he seemed to buy it, so maybe it wasn’t as bad as she thought it was

“Lets get out of here?” He attempted for normal...

“Definitely, mom sent Charlie to pick us up.” She rode the normal wave as well...

“Your mom is letting Charlie drive us? That’s crazy.” He chuckled lightly, the energy between them feeling light and normal again

“That’s what I said! ...” she giggled and rambled on

The heavy energy from earlier was lifted, but watching her tell him about Charlie’s latest antic at their house, she giggled and told the story as she often told every story, animatedly... he couldn’t stop staring at her.

The way her mouth moved, her energy, her glow, her joy, the lips, they were soooo soft... Luca knew for sure he was in deep trouble.

Kisses can confuse people, he suddenly snapped on himself, his first kiss with a girl in the 3rd grade had him convinced she had to be the best kisser in the world.

Or maybe this was a fluke, just like the other one in the 4th grade. That feeling lasted all of five days,..maybe this was just like that. Maybe his head will clear tomorrow and Zoey will go back to being just his best friend again.

He was sure, in five days, these new found confusing feelings would disappear, and he’ll look back on this day in the future as ancient and hilarious history.

Years passed, he had no such luck....

Chapter Text

Present day....

A week had gone by since Luca’s last conversation with Zoey and he was still incapable of forming a proper reaction and answer to her request. He didn’t think “no thank you Zoey, I’m big dumb in-love with you” to her asking him to help plan her wedding with her was appropriate.

The only thing Luca was certain of was that, he’s had enough moping around for the day about his misfortune in love,

‘so what the love of my life is marrying another man’.. he thought ... ‘It’s not the end of the world...’, he tried to shrug it off, except it dramatically felt like the end of the world.

He felt the vibration of his phone, alerting him to his incoming messages, ... it was Zoey yet again,... he shook his head. Luca wasn’t sure how long he could continue avoiding her until she showed up unannounced.

They’d never gone this long without speaking, ..except that one time, but that didn’t technically count since they were both aware of all the uncomfortable reasons they weren’t speaking...

This time was different because Zoey’s clueless as to why he’s being intentionally distant. He had to be careful because knowing Zoey, she was probably on her way to his home now, searching for him...

With their friends wedding ceremony over and behind them, Luca wasn’t sure why he thought all the rushy feelings induced by Doug and Jazz’s nuptials would have simmered down,

... if anything, it felt as though his heart was about to combust from overwhelming amount of emotions

“I gotta get out of here” he said to himself as he fetched for his car keys.

For reasons unbeknownst to Luca himself, he seldom drove himself. He could count on one hand how many times he’s driven a car, driving was one of his least favorite activities to partake in.

So, he had a standby chauffeur... Orlando. That never stopped him from a joyful purchase of a neat ride. He kept his toys locked up, but a day like today, he was making an exception.

Orlando was scheduled to pick him up the next few hours and Luca knew he couldn’t spend one more second cooped up at home thinking about Zoey. So,

Diving himself for the day was going to have to be it. He sent out a text alert to Orlando, informing him of his dismissal for the day. He worked on salary anyway, he’ll be getting paid regardless.

He found the keys to his Maybach convertible and immediately rushed out the door.

*****************************
A warmth washed over Skye as she heard a deep masculine voice whisper behind her, into her ear, “....take off your shirt..”

At the realization of who it was, she shook her head amusingly at Aaron’s antics, “What?” She said, lightly giggling while attempting to turn around

He held her still, preventing her from turning around, “I said,” he whispered with all the intent to seduce, “take off your shirt.”

“I heard you before” she continued giggling, “but I am not playing this game with you again,” getting a bit more serious, her smile dropped.

“We’re going back to Cali soon, it was nice and all but all games are cancelled. We have to go back to normal.” She insisted as she turned around, showing Aaron her more vulnerable side.

“What game?” He asked, trying to lighten the mood, “I thought we were having fun.”

“We were,” she said, honestly. “... but dude, that’s all it was, casual fun.”

“I’m not following.” He pulled back, confused.

“What I’m saying is, we had a great night and yesterday was fun and memorable, but that’s done now and it stays here in New York.”

He stood, stoic, scared the progress he thought they made was a fluke. “Skye, you just said yourself we had a memorable night, ...”

“And I meant it,” she interrupted before he could talk further, “but nothings changed, I still can’t trust you.”

“I love you.” He said with a sincerity that shook her to her core, “I’m in love with you.”

She stayed silent.

“Yes, I’ve lived recklessly, that’s public knowledge. I can’t change that, all I can do, is manage who I am with you,... “ he sighed tiredly, “Skye, you have to know I would never intentionally hurt you.”

“I know that. Do I trust you with my life? The answer is, Hell yes,” she sighed heavily, “but do I trust you with my heart?...” her jasmine like eyes getting misty, “that’s a different story.”

He got closer to her, wanting to kiss all her doubts and fears away so badly, but he knew he had no one to blame but himself for his previous choices.

“I’ve spent a good portion of the year, doing my best to show you where I stand.”

“And like I’ve been telling you, I don’t trust it.” She boldly stated, “I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”

He sighed helplessly, “Skye, If you can’t trust me after the year we’ve had together, after everything we’ve been through, then you’re never going to.” The cold reality of their situation caused him more pain than he thought possible.

“Well, I can’t ....” she said through teary gaze at him, “... I want to, but I can’t and that’s my truth.” She felt her heart breaking as well.

“Then there you go...” feeling a cold chill run over him, he stepped back from her. Unsure of where this left them...

******************************
After hours spent driving aimlessly around, Luca found himself at his studio gallery. It seemed appropriate considering Art was his only escape from all feelings that overwhelmed him.

He was ready to splash some paint on a canvas and bury his ticking emotions somewhere far far away. He’s done it almost all of his life, he’s gotten pretty damn good at it.

It was a vicious routine... there were long threads of times he did okay burying his feelings. He could manage constantly being around Zoey while secretly in-love with her 75 percent of the time, it’s the other 25 percent of the time that felt like his heart would never know peace..

So, he’ll feed it. Fill it with so many colorful emotions, until it all balanced out. He never claimed it was healthy, but it was a necessary process.

“Hey boss,” ginger, Luca’s assistant greeted in her high pitched bubbly voice, “wasn’t expecting you for a few more hours, is everything alright?”

“Just fine,” Luca smiled at her warmly, “I needed a little FaceTime with a canvas.”

“Okay,” she said coyly as she reached for the ringing telephone, “Ginger speaking...”

Leaving her to her devices, Luca made his move toward his studio. Ginger stopped him, ....

Ginger snapped her fingers distractedly before muting her mouth piece. “Ms. Johnson is waiting for you..” she whispered, gesturing toward his office

“She’s in there? Right now?” He mouthed back, Ginger luckily knew him well enough to be able to read his lips.

She nodded “yes,” before refocusing her attention back on her phone call, “yes sir, we do have the new paintings up for showing...”

Luca sighed, with head down, he redirected to his office. He knew he couldn’t escape her, silly of him to even try.

******************************
Luca walked into his office to find Zoey casually curled up on one of the comfortable chairs in the elegantly arranged space.

Alerted to his presence, she looked up swiftly from her phone. “Hey..” she greeted sweetly, a big smile lining up on her face

“Hi,” responded back lowly, he felt his heart doing that shaky and unstable jumpy thing it did whenever she was around him lately

Noticing his reserved energy toward her, she stood up and made her way closer to him. “you know, I’m trying really hard not to take it personally, but I’m starting to feel some type of way.”

“Some type of way about what,” he asked with a frown on his face as he subconsciously created more space between them.

She reached up, kissed him on the cheek, then moved back to create eye contact. “For one, you couldn’t be further away from me right now,” she looked sad,

“You’re overthinking on that one chief,” he tried to dismiss casually...

“Am I?” She questioned seriously, “Luca you didn’t even hug and kiss me hello and you haven’t seen me a whole week! Heck, not one of my phone calls all week got the honor of getting answered and returned by you.”

“um...” he looked around distractedly, realizing she was right but he didn’t have any concrete excuse for his recent actions.

“Exactly,” it didn’t occur to her to be offended but she was never the less sad and upset about the metaphorical and physical distance building between them lately. “Is this about Cash?”

“What?” He huffed, “why would I be weird about your fiancé?”

“I don’t know, you tell me...” She challenged, “I know you’ve been all protective ever since I told you, but Luca it’s like enough already.”

Noticing her unease, he needed a good deflection, “You want a hug and a kiss?” .... he proceeded to wrap her tightly in a full body hug, she melted in his arms instantly, basking in the warmth of his embrace.

She missed him so much... She sighed happily, undeniable relief washed over her. He blew air kisses all over her face, ~her favorite playtime activity with him~, causing her to bust into fits of giggles, ..

“there, you happy now?” He said through his chuckle, her happiness always contagious

“Yes I am actually,” with a content sigh and eyes closed, she hugged him tighter, sinking deeper into him.

A few moment passed, before she finally let go, Luca found himself internally screaming, “please stay!!” She felt soooo good in his arms, it’s exactly where she belonged

“So,” she went back to her seat, he took his seat on his office chair as well. “now tell me, what’s going on with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play coy with me Luca Jae Hall!” She shut back up, “you forget who you’re dealing with,”

“I know exactly who I’m dealing with, and that’s exactly why I’m asking you what you you mean...”

“Luca there is something going on with you and I don’t know why, but you refuse to talk to me about it.”

“Zoey, you’re mad bugging right now.”

“I’m mad bugging?” She laughed, she moved up from the chair she was on to the one opposite him at his desk, “now I know I’m not bugging and you’re just deflecting.”

“What reason do I have to deflect for?” He hoped she’d drop this ASAP

“I don’t know, and that’s what worries me.”

“Okay mom,” needing more deflection, he joked, knowing how annoyed she got about his ‘mom’ jokes.

“I know you’re keeping something from me, so for now, I’ll drop it.” She sat back in defeat, “but not because you’ve convinced me I’m wrong but because I know when you start calling me ‘mom’ you’re uncomfortable.”

“Thank you.”

Unhappy with his choice not to talk, she tried a new approach. Honesty. “I always dreaded us drifting apart, I see people drift off so often but I just always knew that would never be us.” ... she waited for him to take the bait, but nothing...

He just sat there staring at her blankly... well he had the usual twinkle in his eyes but she was use to him looking at her in amusement. That would usually give her bubbly butterflies but she was sad they really might be drifting apart.

“I guess we’ve gotten to a point in our lives where we can’t escape the inevitable.” She said passive aggressively, hoping it’d get to him.

It worked, “You’re bugging right now kid, we’re fine.” He managed to respond with a heavy heart and conscience.

“Very well then,” she managed a smile, “I never did get my answer..”

“Answer to what?”

“wedding planning silly!” She got up and moved close to him behind his desk, she sat on the edge of the desk, facing him

“Oh that,” he fidgeted, struggling to hold her gaze, “what do I know about wedding planning? ...” he shrugged, “print out your invitations, tell me the appropriate attire and I’m there.”

“See Luca, this is what I mean! Since when don’t you want to be a part of something that matters to me?”

“I never said I didn’t want to be a part of it, in fact, I just literally said I’d show up.” He said sarcastically,

“Show up?...” she was trying really hard to stay calm, “You’ve never just wanted to ‘show up’ before, why is this time different?”

“Last I checked, you’ve never been married before, how can you possibly know how I’d react to wedding planning?” He remained impossible, “maybe I hate weddings.”

“Now you hate my wedding?” She couldn’t help it, his flippant reaction to her was driving her crazy

“See you’re bugging, you need to relax. Please.” He attempted a softer approach, why won’t she drop this?.. she was driving him mental.

“How can I relax when the most important person in the world to me is being so blaze about what’s possibly the biggest day of my life?”

She might be irrational but dammit she was upset with him and that rarely ever happened.

“I bet you don’t even want to ‘show up’ if you could get out of showing up..” she bitterly threw his words back at him,

“Why are you putting words in my mouth?” He said calmly,

It made her boil! How could he stay so calm about all of this? Did Luca not care that they were loosing each other? She certainly felt like she was losing him...

“Because I know you and that’s why I need you to stop bullshitting me,” she folded her arms, exasperated.

“Sheesh, I’m not ..”

“either you really have a problem with who I’m marrying or something else is happening but give me my due credit, I fucking know you!”

Ooh, Zoey was heated enough to curse at him back to back, he sat up straighter, “I don’t know who you’re marrying enough to dislike him, who you choose to marry is on you.”

“And whose fault is that?” Zoey pressed, “you could come around like you normally would and get to know him better. Make an effort, but nooooo... couldn’t even get you on a phone.”

“I’ve been busy.”

“You’ve been busy? ..” she chuckled in disbelieve, “see? More bullshit!” This time, she held his gaze firmly.

He sighed, feeling helpless, “fine, what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to tell me the truth if something is wrong and if nothing is wrong, I want you to snap out of this and make an effort! .. and not because I’m making you but because you want to be there for me like you always have been.”

“So if I don’t seat with you picking out dresses and flowers, things have changed?”

“Stop deflecting, and that is not what I said.” She stood up, cornering him into an angle with how close her body was to his, “I’m saying I have never had to fight this hard to get you involved in something that matters to me. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Fine, I’ll come to dinner.” He tried to shrug nonchalantly, “I’ll come, we’ll be and I’ll spend so much time with your fiancé you’ll have to push me out the door yourself.”

“That’s generous,” she sat back down on the office desk, his suggestion not making her feel any better, but it was a step, “but I think you should probably come to dinner with a friend.”

“A friend?” Luca was confused.

“Yeah.... see, Cash might be getting certain, weird and unfounded ideas about us.”

“About us?”

“Well with the way you left when he met you, and me worrying about hearing back from you all week, he brought up something...” she squirmed a bit

“He brought up what?” He asked warily,

“Just that he thought you might have feelings or something or ...” now she was the one uncomfortable,

Seeing him squirm uncomfortably in his seat, she quickly clarified, “but don’t worry, I told him he was being ridiculous, because it’s obviously not true...”

“Is that why you kept bugging me about something being off?” He was offended. “Because your fiancé is having doubts?”

“Not doubts!” She said defensively, “he was just assuming based on not knowing you. Hence, my suggesting you make an effort.”

“And this ‘friend’ I need to bring is not a way of you trying to appease him?”

“What’s wrong with me trying to put him at ease? Especially if he has nothing to worry about?!” She looked directly into his eyes, hoping he’d tell her if Cash did have something to worry about.

She had no such luck... “fine, I’ll come to dinner with a friend.” He agreed,

“Fine,” She eased up a bit, “you wanna just bring Ginger?”

“Ginger? Why the fuck would I bring my assistant to your dinner as a special friend?”

“I just assumed since you’re not dating anyone currently, maybe...”

“Well you thought wrong.”

“I did?” She sat up straight, “how?”

“I do have a special friend I’m bringing.”

“Oh,” that caught her off guard, “who is this special friend and how come I’ve never heard of her?”

“Her name is Josie and I have been busy like I said. Besides, we just met.”

“Josie? as in Nomi’s friend Josie?” Zoey felt herself burning up

“Yep!” He smiled distractedly, “Nomi linked us and it’s a good time to start getting to know her...”

“Well then, that’s um good for you two..” she stammered

“Nomi seemed to think so,” he chuckled lightly, “so we’ll see you two Friday evening.”

“Yeah, definitely!” Smiling as she stood up off his desk, but internally unsure of herself. ‘why do I care about Josie? Or anyone else Luca dates for that matter?’ She hoped her smile looked more genuine than it felt

“I can’t wait.” Luca did his best putting up a brave front, knowing an evening with a girl he was barely interested in, spent watching Zoey be lovey doves with another guy is the last thing he wanted to do.

She leaned down to give him a pat on his shoulder and quick kiss on the cheek, “well, I’m gonna go.”

He leaned into her touch and kiss .... soaking her in. This is torture!

Chapter Text

Zoey and the girls planned their last evening together before the rest of the crew had to head back to California.

Everyone of them lamenting about being separated yet again; “I don’t think I’ll ever get use to being apart from you guys.” Zoey said somberly as she takes another sip of wine

“I don’t know about that, I barely miss you.” Sky joked cheekily, everyone knowing how difficult it’s been for her being apart from Jazz

“Of course you don’t, Aaron’s got you all preoccupied..” Zoey teased her back with a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows

“About that, what did you do to that boy?” Ana questioned

“What do you mean?” Sky asked, playing clueless

“She means, the dude has been a shell of his usual bubbly self all day today.” Nomi shook her head

“And why would you assume I had anything to do with that?” Sky said defensively

“Common, Sky,” Zoey cleared her throat, fighting the slight buzz the wine gave her, “we all know dude’s got it bad for you.”

“Yeah, when are you going to stop torturing him? Better yet, when are you going to stop torturing yourself? You know you want to be with him just as much.” Ana sighed

“Since ya’ll want to gang up on me to defend him, imma just zone out this conversation and do me.” Sky pretended to focus on something on her phone

“You know we love you and want the best for you but we have to be honest with you. You’re scared he’ll play yo-yo with your feelings ~goodness knows you have every right to be wary~ but in trying not to get hurt, you’re doing exactly that to him.”

That snapped Sky back into the conversation, “okay first of all I am not playing yo-yo with anyone’s feelings! And he has a choice of letting this all go, it’s not my fault he’s hooked. I can’t help him with that.” She said flippantly

“You know we’d actually drop this if any of us thought for a second you didn’t care about him right?,” Nomi said

“Exactly, you need to quit fronting and face the facts. Dude’s gotten under your skin ~figuratively speaking, no puns here~ maybe actually sort through those feelings? I mean what would it hurt to give things a try?” Zoey completed Nomi’s thought

“It’s okay to be scared, but you already spend your days with him and see no one else, and now you’ve slept together, that’s basically a relationship. No?” Ana asked curiously,

Sky sighed, internally exhausted. “Imma be real with ya’ll, I’m super scared.” She admits shakily,

“No shit,” Nomi added sarcastically, “a lot of that going around.”

“Huh?” They all gave her a questioning look,

“So you’re scared...” Nomi quickly brought the attention back to Sky

“I know it’s silly but it’s just easier to be in this messy entanglement with him if I feel like I have nothing to loose,” Sky slid further back into the sofa, “It’s so easy with him but it gets too real when he want to put a label on it. It’s just easier to pretend nothing is happening..”

“But it is, isn’t it?”

“Big time.” She sighed in defeat..

“Okay so talk to him, work things out, he’s obviously trying.” Ana suggested

“I mean I’ve never seen that guy work so hard just to share the same space with a girl he wasn’t having sex with. Heck, he did the bare minimum for the ones he slept with.” Zoey said with deep realization

“Shit I should know...” Ana recounted her messy past with Aaron,

“Yeah, don’t remind me of that, it doesn’t help the cause.” Sky grimaced

“Trust me, it’s a part of my life I’m glad is long been buried but Zoey is right and I can corroborate that from my past experience with him.” Ana softened, “I’ve experienced him at his previous best, it wasn’t even a quarter of how hard he’s working just to be around you with a promise of nothing. That’s why I know how important you are to him.”

Sky was moved, “I want to believe in us so bad but something just keeps holding me back. I mean going from a Andre Jr. Johnson type, to Rodnae, to Aaron Jackson is kinda nuts.”

“Poor Junior” Zoey recalls, remembering how broken hearted he was that things didn’t work out with his ‘soul mate.’ He’s words....

“Junior and I are like two ships in the night, we’re just meant to keep missing each other. The timing is never right.”

“Try explaining that to him.” Zoey chuckled softly

“Anyway, Aaron and I make sense in so many ways, if I wasn’t so scared to move forward. He has been so open and honest, especially the way he looked at me when he told me he was inlove with me.”

“He did what?!” The girls all exclaimed in disbelief

“Yep, stood there and confessed his feelings and everything. Ya’ll it was so sweet, if I wasn’t all up in my own feelings.”

She sighed, “It took everything in me not to leap forward and eat him up.” Sky chuckled fondly at the memory

“Aaron is certainly not the one I was expecting would be confessing feelings of love to anyone after this weekend, that’s for sure.” Nomi playfully chuckled along with her

“Why? Who else is struggling with feelings?” Zoey asked, half cluelessly, half curiously

“Just weddings, predictably someone is always ready to confess feelings for someone else and I just didn’t think Aaron would be that person is all.” Nomi smiled coyly

With Zoey still dazed in confusion, Sky got off the sofa and headed into the bedroom. “If ya’ll will excuse me, I have a call to make to my guy.” She smiled mischievously, feeling relief wash over her from the encouragement she got from the girls.

“Go with our blessings and be smutty my smitten and timid friend.” Zoey raised up her glass wine with emphasis

“One down, another to go.” Nomi whispered to Ana, with a determined look directed at Zoey.

“Maybe this is your calling, match maker.” Ana bumped shoulders wit her

“Shut up!” .... They both laughed.

*********************
Honeymoon in the Bahamas...

“Good morning wife..” Doug watched his new bride waking up from her deep slumber, he was filled with overwhelmed feeling of love and adoration for her

Jazz yawned softly, a slow smile appearing on her lips, “good morning husband.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing you call me that.” He smiled heartily

“We’ll see about that Boo,”

She yarns cutely, “I still can’t believe we’re finally married, I remember the first time I saw you and thinking what a waste of such a sexy young man.” She playfully poked at his chest

“How so?” Doug played hurt, cuddling his bride closer to his body.

“Douglas, you were all white chicks happy, don’t think I forgot.” They both chuckled, enjoying their pillow talk.

“Ok but no one is sexier or finer than my love muffin,” he leaned down, gently giving her a kiss. “white, black, green or otherwise.” He joked

“Your saving grace was how much sexier you were compared to all the other men in the room that night. Room full of mens and no one compared to my baby” Jazz stroked his face sweetly, “you only won on looks though.”

Doug tickled her side lightly. “Well, thank God for small favors, Jazlyn.” He chuckled.

“Okay, now do me..”

“Gladly!” He laid her back hovering over her, “I’m ready for my breakfast,” he eyed her breasts hungrily

“Slow down tiger,” she gently pushed him back, “ I meant, what did you think when you first saw me?” She smirked.

“You really wanna know?” He asked softly.

“Of course.”

“I remember thinking she’s fine, but I don’t fool with thickums.” He stuck his tongue out, while gently stroking her hips under the covers. His lie apparent

“Could have fooled me.” She indulged him, knowing he was full of it.

Doug looked down at her. “All jokes aside, you looked so good that day boo, there was just something about you. It was no other choice to make, I had to know you.”

“I feel so special” she smiled sweetly, “but I think it’s only fair that you know, I only agreed to dinner because you were fine, nothing much to it than that.” She chuckled playfully

“that’s cool, because it was you I ended up eating that night.” He said with a suggestive lick of his lips.

Jazz flushed with warmth. “And from my previous and current recollection, you eat it quite well.” She responded with a suggestive look of her own..

They turned to face each other. His head lowered to hers swiftly, he brought one of his hands up to her face. He sucked Her mouth whole before he gently probed her lips open with his tongue.

Jazz’s hands moved up his body to grip his arms as she tilted her head back and gave in to his kiss, it was filled with passion and want. “Hmmm.” She moaned with pure delight.

When Doug scooped her up into his arms she sighed in contentment, allowing him to pull her up, with her now laying on top of him. She felt his firm grip on the “thickum” part of her body, he sighed into her mouth in excitement.

She nuzzled his neck with her lips like it was the most natural thing in the world. As she pressed her body firmly down into his, she pushed him down into the plush softness of the bed, ...he took his new bride into wedded ecstasy.

***********************
“I demand a raise,” Ginger announced sharply, plopping a stack of folders on Luca’s desk. “I didn’t sign up for this.”

“That’s what you keep telling me,” he grinned slyly. “Still, you refuse to quit on me.” He grabbed the folders and began looking through them.

“Between you and your talentless hack of an uncle, I don’t get paid enough.”

“Charlie is not talentless, he’s just deranged.” Luca said with a straight face, meaning every word.

“Well if you knew he was a menace to society, why do you insist on keeping him around.”

“He’s got a thirst for knowledge, always has,” Luca faintly joked, “Remind me again, what are these folders?” He blinked cluelessly through them.

“That’s your upcoming schedule for the LA grand opening Boss. Please tell me you remember?”

“Yikes!” He cringed, “we do have a opening coming up in LA, don’t we?”

“Um, we’ve been over this a gajillion times, unless you want an assistant that’ll quit on you days before a major gallery opening, I suggest you keep up with me here.”

“See this is why I need you,” he looked up helplessly, “I blanked this out so hard.”

“We literally spoke about this during the team meeting last week.” Ginger accused, her tone accusative, “between you and your uncle, see why I need a raise?”

“I know, I’m sorry,” he sighed leaning back into his chair, “I know it’s no excuse but would it help to know I’ve been emotionally fucked the last few days?”

“It’s not getting any better?” Ginger asked sympathetically, “how are you holding up?”

“Well, I agreed to a dinner date with a woman I barely know and am not interested in...”

A heavy knock on the door drew both their attention, and before either of them could command the visitor to “come in”, the door flew wide open.

“There’s my favorite nephew!” Charlie Telphy’s voice boomed obnoxiously into the office, he leaned dramatically on the doorframe with a creepy smile on his face.

Ginger rolled her eyes, “goodness gracious!” She exclaimed

“I’m not your nephew, Dean Telphy.” Luca said, looking at him blankly, entirely use to Charlie’s deranged acts.

“Okay fine, my son.” He whispered.

“I’m not your son either,” Luca shook his head in amusement.

“Whatever you say, son.” Charlie ignored Luca and focused his attention on Ginger.

Ginger cringed, ready to leave, “I’m out of here.”

“Where are you running of to my sweet ginger stallion?”

“Leave Ginger alone,” Luca said distractingly as he continued looking through the folders, trying to make sense of the scheduling

“see you still don’t have a ring on that finger. You know I could change all of that.” He winked.

“Not if you were water and I was stranded on a deserted...”

Charlie’s smile grew wider. “Just like I like em, hot tempered and spicy.”

“Ginger, you’re dismissed,” Luca dashed into their conversation.

“Seriously, why do you insist on keeping this man around,” she added, directing her question at Luca.

“Now who’s not listening?” Luca goaded her distractedly, “I told you, I lost a bet,” He added with a heavy sigh.

“you can keep pretending you don’t want all this chocolate goodness but we both know the truth Ginger, be honest with yourself and fight for our right to love, baby.”

“Yeah that’s quite alright,” Ginger said with disdain, “I’d rather go walk barefoot on hot nails.”

“Ooh! Kinky.” He snickered, “maybe we can add some broken glass to that and walk into Caucasia eternity together.”

Ginger gave him a puzzling look and headed for the door. “It’s off duty o’clock, and I don’t do overtime. Have a good rest of your day Boss.”

“Wait , I still need your breakdown on this schedules.” Luca called out frantically

“I’ll send you an email, I’ll have you do your own bidding on this one, maybe then you won’t forget to keep up.”

“I’ll make a note of that remark during your next evaluation for that requested raise Ginger.” Luca beamed sarcastically at her,

“laters Boss.” She chuckled while exiting the door.

“Bye Future Mrs. Telphy,” Charlie called after her with a hearty laugh as she slams the door close.

“Old man, you’re going to have to find a way to stop harassing and pissing off my employees.” Luca said with partial seriousness

“Meh, she loves me, she just scared to give love a chance.”

“Love? I’m surprised you keep throwing that word around considering you’re almost expired and still single.” Luca jabbed jokingly

“Very funny, nephew.” Charlie took a seat opposite him, “how you feeling about tonight?” He asked in one of his rare moments of earnestness

“I don’t know what you mean.” Luca responded dismissively, wanting to speak about anything but Zoey

“You can continue on with the secrecy, but remember, ol’Charlie knows everything.” He looked around sheepishly, “my mama said I was born psychic.”

“If you were psychic then you would know to keep your nose out of my affairs right about now.” Luca said amused, “besides, you might have misheard her, she more than likely meant psycho.”

“Affairs! Who’s married wife you messing with?!” Charlie frantically got up and moved around the room

Luca sighed, “I’m not sure what getting use to someone like you says about me.” He shook his head, petrified.

“It says you’re my child and you have no where to push me off to.” Charlie said, dramatically wiping his eyes of nonexistent tears

“Seriously man, there’s nothing there, leave it be.” Luca got up, “I’m going to pick up the lady, girl ... person and go have the worlds most awkward dinner.”

“Who is she anyway,” Charlie inquired as they made their way out of Luca’s office

“Nomi introduced us, something about needing to make genuine connections with other women. Whatever, I wasn’t listening to anything she said.”

“Nomi, the Lesbian politician?”

“She’s not a politician and what does that have to do with anything?”

“I don’t know, it just seems poignant,” Charlie shrugged, “I hear they usually have healthy relationships.”

“A healthy relationship is a myth and an oxymoron.” Luca dismissed

“My son, you are so jaded and wrong.” Charlie took a dramatic pause, “where did I go wrong with you?”

“Start with the fact that you are neither my parent nor raised me and go from there..”

“You will always be my greatest regret, which is an accomplishment considering I have a shit ton of those.”

“K.”

“Just remember, it’s one dinner, you are not obligated to put out!” Charlie got closer to him, with a whisper, “but between you and me, I can have a few bubble heads lined up at that big crib of yours later after dinner.” He whispered mischievously, seemingly proud of himself

“When did you become a pimp? ..Besides, the last thing I want is another one of those crazies you hoard around in my space.” Luca suddenly recalled why anyone Charlie brought around was a bad idea, “I think the last one you brought over stole from me.”

“But I already booked them and made plans.”

“Lucky for you, plans can be cancelled.”

“Can’t do it.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Fine. I don’t want to and that’s me as your only parent giving you direct orders.”

“I told you, I have to take that girl with me tonight, that’s all I’m looking to get into tonight.”

Charlie appeared calm and speechless for another moment of rarity. “Why, you dirty dog,” he thundered. “You are my son, afterall.”

“I will regret this for the rest of my days, but what are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you, Creeping with a married woman. I knew you had it in you. We are related, after all.”

“No, no...”

“You don’t got to explain anything to me. I know the game. Between you and I, there ain’t nothing like a married woman. Am I right?”

Luca frowned. “Married? Where did you get that from in everything I just said to you? Please, please for the sake of all mankind, tell me you’re completely neutered.”

Charlie laughed and reached inside of his jacket for one of his trademark Cuban cigars. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Well, the future of mankind desperately depends on it.”

They both have a hearty laugh, making their way out of the building toward a waiting Orlando, Luca’s chauffeur and Limo was ready for take off.

“Try not to stress about having dinner with the love of your life tonight.” Charlie called after him.

“You’re not funny.”

Chapter Text

“That’s what you’re wearing?”

“This is what I’m wearing.” Zoey said confidently,

“Wow, okay.” Cash scoffed,

“What’s wrong with it?” Zoey turned around self examining herself in front of her vanity mirror

“I don’t know, just seems a bit extra for this little indoor dinner is all, I thought you said it was a simple thing?” Cash explained

“It is, and you’re probably right, this color is too out there, I should wear a more subdued color,” she snaps her fingers, “ooh I know, my yellow dress will do,”

“The backless one you bought that had my head spinning?” He felt his excitement building up

“Yes, that one!” She excitedly moved into the spacious closest she’d claimed as her own, looking through layers of clothes.

“Luca loves it, he says yellow is my color” Zoey called out...

“Shocking.” Cash said with a upward roll of his eyes

She chuckled at the memory of the day she decided to make the purchase with Luca by her side, while they were in Saks off 5th,“believe it or not, it’s why I bought it.”

“I believe it.” He whispered, he felt his excitement being replaced with annoyance, he rolled again. He was doing it so much lately, he was scared it’d get stuck that way.

Zoey briefly dipped her head out of the closet, “what did you say babe?”

“I said I can’t believe it’s almost time for our guest to get here.” He smiled coyly, “although I wasn’t aware this was dinner for 3.” Cash mumbled, pacing outside the closet door.

His voice was barely audible but, Zoey heard that it anyway. “Luca is not a guest! And so what I invited him to join us for dinner, what’s the big deal?” She responded nonchalantly

“It’s no big thing at all,” he mumbled yet again, but then he shouted back through the door. “I was kinda just hoping we’d be doing our thing alone tonight.”

He took a pause, shaking his head. He had plans tonight and he didn’t need her ‘bestfriend’ third wheeling

“Well it’s no longer just the two of us Babe, get with it.” She joked lightheartedly

“Is it too late to call him and cancel?” Cash kept pacing, feeling unsettled.

“I will do no such thing!” The closet door opened and Zoey stepped out, wearing a yellow dress that hugged her body in all the right places in the front, while revealing the gorgeous tone of her flawless back.

Cash would be drooling all over her if he wasn’t so consumed by the questionable suspicions he was harboring over Zoey and Luca’s ‘relationship’.

Zoey moved toward the vanity, searching for a pair of earrings. “Besides, I can’t cancel now. They’ll be here any minute.”

Completely ignoring her response, he questioned, “Are you sure you want to be wearing that?” he took a pause. “Wait, did you just say ‘they’?”

“Absolutely wearing it!” She dropped her gaze proudly to her dress. Spinning around in front of the mirror in admiration of her fit, “I look stunning.”

“You said they,” he repeated, needing her to clarify what she meant by ‘they’ quickly.

Looking back up, Zoey frowned and then walked over to him. “Oh, oh... Luca is bringing some girl he’s seeing.”

She twirled around, “the dress is good though right?” making him reexamine every angle of her dress.

Cash stilled, making sure he understood what he’d just heard. “Your dude has a girlfriend?”

She faced him again with a look of disbelief. “And why wouldn’t he? Why do you sound shocked by that? Luca is a very handsome, charming, and not to mention a very very successful man... Women are lined up for his attention.” She said with a noticeable defense.

“Okayyy.. I get it, dude is perfect.” He rolled his eyes, “And why do you sound some kind of way about girls lining up for his attention?” He questioned.

“I don’t?” Zoey said defensively again as she made her way back in front of the vanity mirror, smoothing her hands over her dress.

“I’m just saying, stop making a big thing about Luca coming over tonight. It’s, unseemly.”

“Well my bad for tripping, it’s just, you forgot to mention ol’boy had a girlfriend.” He shrugged

“Well that’s because I literally found out a couple of days ago. Ofcourse, I’m the last person he tells anything to lately, but hey, who’s complaining right?” She said with a sigh, “I’m ready.”

**************************
“Luca right?”

“Yes, pleasure to meet you.” Luca smiled at his date for the evening, extending his arm for a polite handshake, it’s barely started but he hoped the evening will end fast.

“I’m Josie, but I’m sure you already knew that since Nomi told me she told ya all about me.” She said returning his handshake with a dashing smile of her own.

“She did,” he motioned her toward their ride, “the limo awaits.”

“A limo, fancy.” She seemed impressed, “lucky for you, I dig fancy.”

Luca smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. “Then fancy you shall get.” He said, feeling out of his element. This is going to be a long night....

“So, where are we off to?” She asked, trying to make conversation

“To dinner.” He stated condescendingly, “I thought that was clear?”

“As a matter of fact it wasn’t, since I wasn’t informed prior by either you nor Nomi of our plans for the evening.” She winks seductively, seemingly unbothered. “but, thanks for the clarification cutie.”

Luca was rendered speechless, he opened the door for her to get into the vehicle. With a gentle kiss to his cheek, she slid into their ride.

‘A little forward,’ Luca thought while he stood frozen holding the car open, ‘but I might like it?’ He stood still by the door having a mental conversation with himself ...

“You coming in or what?” Josie popped her head out of the car,

That prompted him out of the heavy trance he was in, “um, sure... sure.” He entered into the Limo and they were off.

****************************
“So, you never did give me your final answer.”

“honestly? I don’t vibe too well with yellow.”

“It’s a good thing you’re not the one who has to wear it then huh?..” Zoey chuckled, “and to be fair, it’s not exactly yellow. More like goldish yellow.” She teased

“It’s definitely just yellow babe and ...”

The loud ding of the door bell interrupted his next comment and Zoey was grateful for the interruption. She was fairly certain whatever he said next would have led to an unwelcome argument.

“Thats them, Go ahead and let them in,” she instructed, trying her best to avoid his very apparent and rising anger. “I’ll join you in a minute.”

The door bell rang again, Cash remained unmoving...

“Casuis Mooney! The door.” Zoey turned around exasperated at his unease, she reached forward, gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek, hoping that distracted him enough to calm down.

It worked, his face lit up, the beginning of a smile forming at the corner of his lips. He reached forward for a more direct kiss to the lips, but she gently pushed him back.

Zoey giggled, “Would you just go get the door please.”

Amazingly, the mini kiss was enough, he felt relaxed. Besides, he no longer had to worry about Luca and Zoey, Cash thought to himself, Luca was coming to dinner with his ‘girlfriend’.

“Fine I’ll go welcome them in,” He said as he exited the room, “this should be interesting.”

He rounded the corner to see their hired help had let them in and they were comfortably standing by the door,

“Welcome to our home guys,” Cash said, with an emphasis on the ‘home’, he greeted them with outstretched arms, but his gaze immediately sought the seductress by Luca’s side.

“Good evening,” they both replied. Josie enthusiastically leaned forward.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you…?”

“Josie,” she said her name and then displayed her perfect sets of pearly whites.

“Josie,” he repeated, “interesting name,” he took her hand and placed a brief kiss on her knuckles. “I’m Cashius Mooney but all my friends are welcome to call me Cash.”

“Cash?” She repeated. “It’s a pleasure... correct me if I’m wrong, but are you the same Cashius Mooney that wide receives for the New York Knicks?”

Cash smiled widely, flattered by her recognition, “present.” He said charmingly

“Wow. Now it’s really a pleasure to meet you.” Her gaze swept over the upscale apartment, as she leaned further forward shaking his hand. “Love the decor.”

Luca was seconds away from pulling at his tie when the sound of Zoey’s heels clicked across the the room, signaling her presence. Luca would know that sound anywhere....

Zoey appeared, a sight in yellow, ...Luca felt his throat tighten, the memory of the day she bought the dress played across his mind.

He involuntarily hissed, finding it harder to breathe, it hugged her body like a second layer of skin. His heart thumped wildly as heat radiated throughout his body.

“Yellow? interesting choice,” Luca commented,

Zoey smiled, smoothing over the dress against her body, “yeah I remember how much you loved it.” She casually said.

The way they were staring at each other like no one else was in the room, Cash stiffened. Feeling like a third wheel in his own home.

He slid a possessive arm around her small waist and then leaned over to plant a kiss on her cheek. “She looks incredible, I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“That you are...” Luca said, unable to keep his eyes off Zoey.

Zoey felt Cash’s hand tighten harder around her waist, she shifted uncomfortably, “hi, you must be Luca’s guest.” She extended her arm toward Josie,

“I must be,” A small but pleasant smile laced across her face

Zoey struggled to keep a smile on hers, “well, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

Zoey sized up Josie, she was of course a beautiful woman, sexy even, overtly and extravagantly so, but she’s far from the likes of any other woman Zoey’s ever seen Luca take interest in...

“Tonight’s menu is specially prepared by our esteemed chef, it’s fine Asian cuisine.” Zoey announced randomly,

“Shocking!,” Luca and Cash both chuckled, their gazes cut toward eachother and immediately, all the amusement faded.

“As you can tell, these two know what I like,” Zoey chuckled awkwardly, directing it at Josie

“I’ll just bet they do.” Josie said suggestively,

Zoey face tightened, offended by her suggestive tone, ‘rude!’ and she was ready to give a rude response of her own when,

Feeling every bit of the awkward exchange, Luca intervened. “Should we sit?” He gave Zoey a knowing look.

The type that said, ‘I’m just trying to get through the evening drama free.’

Zoey nodded in contempt.

********************************
With more pep to her voice, Zoey directed them toward the dining area. “Come, come... we’ll be eating here.”

“The decor in this home is exquisite.” Josie commented as they made their way to the table, taking their seats.

“Thank you.” Cash responded proudly, “I worked with a world renounced interior decorator.”

“Well you both have excellent taste.” She said with a playful smile,

“Why don’t I go see what’s keeping the Chef..” Zoey announced awkwardly, “Luca, why don’t you come along,”

“Um why?” He looked up cluelessly,

She gave him a tight look, “Because they’re serving duck with dinner, and I know how particular you are about how crisp you like yours prepared.” standing up, “so kitchen, now! Please.”

“I am picky about my duck.” Luca reached over to Josie’s side and planted a sweet kiss on her cheek, “I’ll only be a minute.”

Zoey’s smile tightened as her brain struggled to tolerate the sight of Luca being affectionate with Josie. ‘Why do I care?’ She inwardly berated herself.

“Take your time love.” Josie winked at him, enjoying the attention.

“I’ll be right back babe,” Zoey directed at Cash with a sweet smile, “let’s go Luca!” She said, snapping her head forward and walking down the long hallway into the kitchen.

Luca sluggishly followed her...

“Take your time why don’t you.” She snapped at him when he finally made his way into the spacious chef’s kitchen.

“Wowww, this kitchen is sick.” He said distractedly, looking vigilantly at his surrounding.

“I don’t like her.” Zoey went straight to the point.

“Okay?”

“Okay? That’s what you have to say Luca? Okay?” She said irritably

“Am I missing something here?” Luca asked, completely lost at to why she was upset.

“First of, she’s doing too much...” Zoey rambled unreasonably, ...

“I thought I was coming back here to talk about duck?” He looked around for the chef

“The Duck is done, I know how you like it.” She sighed. “And if you thought this was about a freaking duck, you really are turning obtuse Luca Jae Hall!”

“You force me to come to dinner, I come, you requested I bring along a date, I did, you ask me to play nice, I’m seriously trying and somehow that makes me obtuse now?”

He shook his head the feeling of deep exasperation taking over him, “you bring me back here under false pretenses, and now you’re chewing my head off about something I have no fucking clue about.”

“I’m talking about you bringing in a woman that’s made it more than obvious she’s into my Fiancé.” She deflected, she had no idea why Josie bothered her so much

“She’s just a naturally flirty person.” He defended, shrugging it off

“Oh so you’re into women that make it their job to flirt with other men in your presence now? Has your standard dropped so low...”

“And now you’re questioning my standards?” Luca pointed at her, chuckling, “you are mad bugging right now.”

“I’m bugging cause I don’t appreciate you bringing inappropriate women around my man?” Zoey prolonged, feeling rattled.

Refusing to admit what her real problem was. Zoey moved around the copious kitchen, randomly rearranging the counter.

“Madam, please be careful with the hot sauce on the stove.” The wary chef carefully moved all other Hazardous items away from her path.

“My apologies Joffrey, we’ll just move out of your way.” Zoey said politely, she turned around and pulled Luca toward the other end of the building.

Luca let her drag him along with her helplessly. He was over it all. “Just take it easy please.” He hissed

Zoey let go of his arm, “I am not bugging.” She whined defensively, to herself more than him.

She was so confused, the only thing that was clear to her in that moment was that, watching Luca with that woman was stomach turning and bothersome and she couldn’t understand why it had her so rattled.

“Zoey this is childish and you know it,” he said with a raised brow, “you accuse me of bringing a promiscuous woman around and then you leave said woman in there with said man to drag me back here to chew me up?”

“I never said promiscuous...”

“You didn’t have to.” He was so confused, “what is this really about? Because I know if you really thought Josie was after your man as you put it, you would be in there,” he pointed toward the living room, “instead of out here with me.”

“I trust Cash.” She said defensively

“Okay so what’s the problem then?”

Zoey got dangerously close, ready to scream out exactly what her problem was to his face, “The problem is ...”

“There you two are, Cash directed me to the bathroom but I’m afraid I probably missed the way.” Josie interrupted,

Zoey pulled back quickly, “no you didn’t” she said with a polite, yet awkward smile, “there’s the restroom.” She pointed her to their immediate left.

“Thank you.” Josie went right in.

“I’m going back to the table, cause dinner is ready, it smells delicious and I’m starving.” Luca gave her a sarcastic smile, leaving her standing there, he turned around to leave.

“We are so not done here!” Zoey called after him.

“Oh, we so are!”

Chapter Text

Aaron was in the middle of re-arranging his luggage, in preparation for their flight back home, when the front door snapped open.

“Hey...” came a thin, almost timid voice.

“Hi... hi..” he stuttered, trying to find his balance. My G, I am pathetic about this girl. He scolded himself internally...

“I texted you.” She said softly

“I saw,” he fidgeted nervously, “but I figured it must have been misdirected to my phone.”

“Now why would I do that, Malcolm extra?” Skye asked irritably,

“I don’t know, but I didn’t question it.” He managed to stand his ground

“Well, it wasn’t directed wrongly,” she pulled sluggishly toward him. “It was meant for you big head.”

A slow smile formed on his lips, “Skye, I am really in no mood to be toyed with.”

“I’m not playing,” a smile matching his formed on her lips, “I meant every word.” She stood confidently, chest to chest and looking up at him.

“So, let me get this straight,” he moved away from her, putting space between them. “You love me?”

“Yes,”

He moved further away, “interesting, ... you’re sure you really love me?, what you’re telling me is that you love me?”

“Yeah and? You said it first! and if you move further away from me one more time, I’m really about to take it all back.” She scolded playfully

He smirked, “so, how did you come to this sudden realization.”

She rolled her eyes playfully, her gaze darts over his face. She couldn’t lie to him, she vowed never to again...

“Well,” She sucks in a breath, “my girls helped me realize I was being an idiot, Aaron,” she sighed heavily, admitting her truth to him making her feel extremely exposed.... the intensity of his gaze making her feel Vulnerable...

“I couldn’t stay away from you one more second without telling you the truth.”

“And what is truth?” He stood firmly on his words,

She doesn’t pull back, but instead gentles her voice. The words pour out. “That I need you more than anything.”

A heavy sigh escapes her, “shit, why do you need to hear this out my mouth anyways,” She scoffed, the discomfort of feeling exposed starting to get to her,

“Because,”

“Because?” Skye wasn’t use to being vulnerable, with the exception of her sister and her girls... she was suppose to be dead inside and dammit, she had a reputation to uphold, “you’re doing too much.”

“Can’t really blame me,” he grinned widely, “it doesn’t feel real.”

“Well it’s real,” with a raised brow she asked, “what are you gon do with it?”

He walked toward her smoothly, “well, first I’m gonna obnoxiously gloat about finally getting you to admit it,”

She chuckled, “shut up!, it’s not like that was ever really the problem....”

“I’m not done talking,” he shushed her by placing a finger on her lips, “then, I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving to you, how much you and only you, can trust and depend on me for as long as you’ll have me.”

She took in his words, her eyes getting misty but she remained silent. She rests her forehead against his.

A warmth washed over him, “and Skye, I need you too. It’s not weakness to admit that.”

Silently, she nods in agreement. Keeping her eyes closed.

“And like I said, I want to be for you everything you need me to be, for as long as you’ll have me.”

He pulled back gently, raising her face up to his, she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze looking directly into his.

“Which I’m kinda hoping will be forever?” He finished with a look so intense it took her breath away..

She nodded eagerly, feeling and embracing the intensity of his words and her feelings...

“I can’t believe how mushy I’m being right now, I blame you for this,” she smiled prettily

“I’m very pro cornball Skye....” he gave her a handsome smile of his own. Making her blush hard.

“I’m so sorry for delaying and depriving us of this for so long.” She said regretfully, getting serious.

“That’s okay, you do apologies pretty well,” he teased, directing the mood back to levity.

They were nose to nose, “Pretty well?”

He nods, his thumb glides along the line of her collarbone, purposefully doing it slowly and seductively, knowing that was one of her spots. “you do a lot things very well.”

“Do I now?” She smirked,

“Excellent, even,” he said, kissing the bridge of her nose leading toward the sweet corner of her lips.

“How about you stop talking and do me well.” She said seductively, feeling herself...

With a mischievous look, he slid his hand down the curve of her thigh and grasp the crook of her knee, bringing it up to his hip.

“As you wish,” he said, his mouth descended down on hers fiercely!

*************************
Luca walked in on an apprehensive Cash, “I was starting to feel left out with everyone disappearing back there.”

“Nah, it was nothing, I’m just very serious about my duck and Zoey knows it.” Luca said dismissively, fidgeting through his lies

Joffrey gave them a curt nod, “shall I start serving dinner sir?”

“Yeah, sure man,” Cash frowned, “where is my fiancé?”

“The madam was ...”

“I’m right here,” Zoey interrupted, making her way back to the table. She gave Joffrey a polite smile, dismissing him.

Luca had never regretted anything more than accepting this dinner invitation. Other than when they were locked in the closet together with the load of their classmates forcing them to ‘make out’, he couldn’t remember a time when he was uncomfortable around her.

Luca cringed, watching Zoey pat Cash soothingly, attempting to ease his unsettled thoughts.

Luca wanted to be anywhere but here... Was this what the future held? With her and her ‘husband’ there, and him sitting across from them watching them be happy together.. Is he forever doomed to be uncomfortable around her?

Soon after, Josie joined them and began making small talks again, “So…I hear congratulations are in order for you two, engagement! that’s huge, did Doug and Jazz’ wedding inspire you two?”

She is just a chatty one isn’t she, Zoey had an internal eye roll moment, “I guess you can say that,” she smiled.

“I get it, it was a beautiful wedding.”

“You know our friends?” Zoey asked,

“I don’t personally know them, no.” She smiled, “but I was at the wedding.”

“funny, I don’t remember seeing you there.” Zoey added.

“Must have been all the bridesmaid-y duty or something.” Josie added smartly.

“Must have...” Zoey smiled in contempt, “you’re right about one thing though, it was a breathtaking wedding.”

“I’m certain yours will be just as gorgeous. You are both such gorgeous people,” Josie smiled pleasantly, “When is the date?”

“My lady and I have decided on February 14th,” Cash boasted, giving his fiancées waist an affectionate squeeze.

“Valentine’s Day? Wow... how romantic.”

“Thank you, we thought so, I can’t wait for her to be all mine.” He leaned over and kissed her.

Luca felt an unpleasant swell settle down on his chest,

Zoey smiled and brushed the residue of her lipstick off Cash’s lips. “He’s excited now but I’ll wait to see how he’s doing in about a month before that date, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into.” She chuckled. “Isn’t that right, Luca?”

“Apparently, not.” Luca looked directly at her, the pain in his voice apparent.

“Seeing you go all bridezilla about our wedding? ....I can’t wait,” Cash commented jokingly, completely oblivious to the exchanged looks between Zoey and Luca.

“So.” Zoey smiled tightly, her desperation to ease the tension apparent. “How long have you two known each other?”

Before Luca could answer, Josie beat him to it. “Oh, not long at all,” she shook her head in amusement, “as a matter of fact, this is our first date.”

“First date?,” Zoey questioned, she felt Cash’s hand leave her waist.

At Zoey’s startled look, Luca tossed back his drink, barely giving him the required effect, he wished the burn had a stronger kick. ‘Nothing can save you now...’ the little voice in his head mocked.

“And here I was under the impression it had been way longer than that.” Zoey said, her nose flaring up in disapproval.

******************************

“Baby I don’t want to go back home.” Jazz whined, she stretched her limbs as she remained lounged lazily on her husband.

“I know paradise has been amazing, but we have to go back Boo.” Doug soothed his bride.

“Why do we have to go back again?” She flipped around in his arms, placing them nose to nose.

“We have our jobs to go back to.”

“Meh, forget work.”

“I would but someone’s gotta pay for that big ol loft apartment you insisted we buy in that big ol city.” He teased

“Who cares,” she pouted

“Okay, how about the fact that our friends and families need us?”

“That’s the one.” She giggled, “I guess I can sacrifice paradise for them or whatever.” She rolled her eyes playfully, “Skye is just dying to tell me something, I just know it.”

“Yeah Aaron called mumbling in my ear earlier,”

“He did? What did he say? Cause I couldn’t get a word out of my sister.”

“Nothing much, he kept mumbling shit I couldn’t make out, then right when I told him to breathe and repeat what he said, he hung up.”

“He hung up? ... things are just falling apart without us,” Jazz sighed, “did Luca call at all?”

“No, why would he call?”

“I don’t know, I just got vibes from him at the wedding is all.”

“Well you know Luca, Bro never opens up unless he’s forced...”

“Yeah, ...”

“I did make something out of Aaron’s words though, something about not wanting to burden me with drama when I should be happily newly married on my honeymoon.”

“Skye said the same thing,”

Doug sighed, pulling his wife closer into him, “Believe me, if it were up to me, I’d say screw work, screw whatever they’ve got going on, screw everyone else and just remain as we are right now, with you right here in my arms forever.”

“Oh Douglas,” she leaned forward, kissing him sweet and soundly.

“I know we have less than a week left in paradise but would it help if I promised you, I’ll make it my life’s mission you stay this happy for the rest of our lives?”

“Promise?”

“On my life.” They moved in close and resumed kissing....

They came up for air, “Just to be clear Douglas, Wherever you are is where paradise is to me, doesn’t matter the location.”

“I love you so much boo.”

“I love you too boo.” She smiled into another one of his sweet kisses.

“So, home in a few days?”

“Home in a few days.”

Chapter Text

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Zoey questioned Luca calmly, taking a sip of the drink that was handed to her. “Thank you Joffrey.” She added softly, acknowledging their help.

Luca knew Zoey well enough to know she was more than pissed at him but since they weren’t alone, she was doing all she could to remain contained.

“I’m a man of minimal words Zoey, you know that.” He said with brows raised, challenging her

“Usually sure, when I thought I knew you.” Zoey’s lips twisted up unevenly. “But lately who knows? Maybe you’ve turned into a Chatty Cathy, among your many new habits, I can’t seem to keep up.” She challenged him right back,

Leaving the room tension filled....

“People change,” Luca countered without missing a beat.

“Apparently,” she jabbed, the anger she’s feeling becoming apparent in her tone.

Cash cleared his throat loudly, alerting them both to his presence... Josie simply looked on with unclear fascination

“You’ll have to forgive me. I, for one, was living with the assumption that my best friend found someone steady in his life, ..well, sort of.” Zoey smiled coyly at Josie, “I’m just surprised by the turn of events is all.”

“Well don’t be, when we met isn’t important as much as the now, and he couldn’t do better than me, I’m as steady as they come.” Josie slid a hand down Luca’s lap and left it there. While blowing him air kisses...

“Right.” Zoey looked on at the display unpleasantly,

Ignoring josie’s messiness, Luca forced a smile. ‘I hate it here’... the internal voice in his head screamed

“Well good for you two,” cash leaped at the opportunity to be a part of the conversation. “Maybe we’ll be celebrating your engagement this time next year huh?” He added awkwardly

“Cash, please.” Zoey choked, “Don’t encourage him.“

“Encourage him what?” He shrugged, “all I’m trying to do is lighten the mood up in here.”

“Well it’s not working, so give it up.” Zoey snapped.

Feeling his upset escalating, he asked. “Can I see you in the back for a minute?”

“Sure.” Zoey simply stared, stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

“Excuse us.” Cash smiled awkwardly, he quickly followed behind her.

*****************************
Soft romantic music filled the loft as Sky moved around the kitchen making dinner, the aroma of oregano with the mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese filled the air...

she swung her hips from side to side, singing along and enjoying the song selections. The joy of the moment and the whole day overtaking her.

She stirred the sauce and lowered the temperature on the stove to prevent it from splattering over.

Moving quietly into the kitchen area, Aaron came up behind her and slid his arms around her stomach. She instinctively leaned into him.

“Someone is finally up, ..I wore you out huh?” She wiggles her butt playfully against him, acutely aware of her affect on him.

There wasn’t a single surface in the whole loft which they had not made love yet. They’d fucked in the kitchen, they’d made love in the bedroom, and they’d fucked in the bathtub and that was all in a day’s work...

“Jazz and Doug have a lot of cleaning to do,” he coo’d in amusement and drowsily against her locs, kissing her neck. His hands ran down her stomach, one of them circled her navel, while the other pulled at the strings of her shorts.

Skye giggled, enjoying his attentive fingers. “You are insatiable. Keep your fingers to yourself, Dinner’s almost ready.”

“I can’t,” He groaned, “I’m hungry now.” He whispered suggestively and directly into her ears. His fingers slipped underneath the waistband of her panties, finding their target.

“Aaronnnn…” she whined, bringing her hand up to brush it through his light stubble. His scent circulated around her and overtook the aroma of dinner... “you smell so good.”

He chuckled, “I smell like you,” neglecting the boiling dinner on the stove, he turned her around, bringing them face to face.

“I guess I owe you a thank you.” Flirting easily, his eyes twinkles as he chuckles, and the deep sound vibrated through her limbs.

He relaxed his firm grip on her waist, one of his arms slides lazily up her body, caressing her face gently.

An involuntary chuckle escaped her,

“What’s funny?” His gaze remained settled on her lips.

“Just reminiscing about the good ol’ days,” she shrugged casually,

“What about the good old days?”

“Nothing really,” she looked away from him bashfully,

He raised his eyebrows knowingly up at her, “talk to me,”

“It’s just crazy how everything turned out, that’s all, .. I mean if back in college someone had predicted this turn of events to me, I would have laughed in the face of their stupidity”

“And why is that?” He pretended to be offended

“Oh common!” She untangles her body from his, “Don’t pretend you wouldn’t have done the same.”

“I don’t know what you mean, I’ve always thought you were fine.” He puffs up his chest and shrugged playfully

“That’s just common sense dude, I am fine,” she gave him a look of ‘duh!’ “It doesn’t mean you ever thought in a million years we’d be anything to each other.”

“True, true,” he moved in closer to her once again, crowding her space, his hands roaming up and down her body.

“Okay so you feel me then,” she raised up on her tippy toes, slinging her arms around his neck.

“I always feel you,” he said while distractingly pulling at her top.

“I guess what I’m saying is, sometimes it’s still so hard for me to believe how we got here. Y’know?”

“Sure, but honestly? ..None if that matters to me sky,” he said seriously, his sweet caresses made it’s way from her neck down to her breast.

“Quite frankly, I can’t remember a time I wasn’t in love with you.”

“See now you’re just patronizing me,” she twisted her lips up at him jokingly, “no need for that goofy, I’m pretty much a sure lay. You’ve been getting laid all day.”

That earned her a loud chuckle out of him, “you’re hilarious, ..but I’m serious, no bullshit, I don’t remember a time I wasn’t in love with you, ..or maybe I just don’t want to remember.”

“I know I’m a gem and all but you expect me to believe that with all the moving and shaking you’ve done, you’ve never been with or met someone else just as dope as me?” She wiggled her brows playfully

“No, I’ve met and been with lots of fine and amazing women, so it’s not about that,” he took a quiet pause, looking deeply into her eyes, “all I know is, I came alive the moment I realized you were the one for me.”

“Smooth..” she blushed happily,

“You bring it out of me.” With a wink and a smile, he leaned down, pressing a hot kiss on her awaiting lips, ...he slowly continued down her neck, reaching down to her collarbone, he pulled down her blouse and the devouring began....

“Babyyyy...” She groaned as he sucked her nipple into his hot, wet mouth. “Not here.”

“Yes, here,” he says around the stiff tip, flicking it with his tongue.

“What about dinner?” she asked through uneven breaths

Without missing a beat, he leaned forward and turned off the stove... “pasta can wait..” he muffled out...

In one swift motion, he lifted her up on the kitchen counter, his mouth never leaving her body,

she squirmed, her fingers found their way into his thick hair, holding him tight as he continued to lick and suck... Another tug at her blouse and her other breast popped out.

He kissed his way all over other parts of her body, slowly licking down her abs, and rounding back up to the valley between her breasts...

He catches a stiffened nipple with his teeth, pulling just enough that she loses her mind a little. She arches up, silently begging for more.

A dark chuckle rumbles in his chest. Peppering her with suckling kisses, he slides his hand under her blouse and pulled it off her completely.

He reached down between her legs, where she is damp, ready and achy... rocking into his touch with a soft moan, she craned her head down and lifted his face up to hers. She kisses his full lips.

He hums his approval down her throat as he slips his fingers underneath her panties. With a loud gasp, they remained none verbal for a very long time after that...

only the sound of the record playing and their moans and groans filled the air.

*****************************
Crossing paths with Joffrey along their way to the kitchen, Zoey grabbed a new drink from his serving tray and tossed it back in one swift motion.

“Unbelievable!” She muttered, In all the years she’d known Luca, which was all her life practically, he’d never once lied to her.

They just didn’t lie to each other, it was the one thing that was always theirs... complete honesty, or so she thought...

...but with everything that’s been going on lately and add in tonight, it was becoming crystal clear to her that maybe there are parts to Luca she didn’t know at all and she didn’t like that realization one damn bit.

“That was rude.”

Finally directing her attention to him, she said “What was rude, Cashius.”

Cash knew Zoey only used his full name when she was highly irritable. So, he picked his words wisely.

“The way you and your homeboy completely disregarded both Josie and I back there.” He sighed, “Zoey I’m trying to be understanding as well as accommodating but this is getting ridiculous.”

“I’m worried about my best friend and you’re upset with me about what exactly here?”

“Worried about what? I know he’s your boy but that’s a grown man! there’s gotta be some boundaries Zoey!” He snapped

“As his best friend I reserve all rights to worry about him when I see fit and boundaries with what?!”

“And as your soon to be husband, I reserve all rights to request you limit the amount of time you spend around that guy after we become man and wife.”

“I’m lost..” Zoey gave him a puzzling look

“I don’t know much about your history with your boy, but the little I’ve seen tonight is more than enough.”

“More than enough for you to dictate who I get to keep in my life?”

“No, for me to request you give our relationship it’s due respect.” He said sternly, “besides, we’re getting married, I thought I was suppose to be your best friend now?”

“It’s different and you know it!” Zoey moved around the kitchen counter to drop her champagne flute, “besides, what exactly has Luca done tonight for you to tell me I need to cut out MY BEST FRIEND” she snapped.

“It’s not Luca I’m worried about...”

“What the hell is that suppose to mean?” Zoey said heatedly

Cash sighed, “Look, all I’m saying is, that guy felt the need to lie to you about some woman, and you’re taking the bait to the point of extremes. I’m no genius, but it doesn’t take one to see what’s going on here Zoey.”

“And exactly what do you think that is?”

Cash took a pause, “...look, all I know is I don’t trust any of this and that guy.”

Her eyes narrowed thinly, “You don’t trust Luca or you don’t trust me?”

Cash’ face twisted into a deep frown, “I didn’t say I didn’t trust you, that never came out of my mouth. I’m just saying..”

“Then what are you saying?”

“It’s not about trust exactly ..but it’s a lot that’s weird about all this.” He sighed with resignation.

“If it’s not about trust then why are we having this conversation Cashius? Hmm?”

His face darkened. “The fact that you don’t get why this is all coming off some kind of way to me is worrisome.”

“I get that a lot about this evening is confusing, shit, I’m confused.” She leaned into the large kitchen counter top,

“Confused? Why are you confused?”

“because, what he does with other women should be none of our business, and the fact that ...”

“umm..” Luca interrupts,

Zoey and Cash jumped, facing Luca.

“You two might want to lower your voices. It just so happens your voice carries,” Luca informed them, giving Zoey a pointed look.

Horrified, Zoey gasped. “Luca I didn’t ...”

“Don’t sweat kid, Just lower your voice.” He said confidently, he turned around, and with a smooth swerve, he disappeared back into the living area.

Zoey’s gaze stayed glued to his back, she observed quietly as Luca’s gentle stride held her captive...

she rarely let herself stay in that head space but when she gets pulled in, Luca’s allure was pretty captivating.

“Babe?”

“Huh? What?” She glanced at cash and was stunned by the intensity of his glare. “What?”

His shoulders slumped. “Nothing. Nothing at all.” He sighed.

Chapter Text

Zoey took her time returning back to the living room, she walked sluggishly behind a hasty Cash.

Her shoulder slumped down in defeat, she might as well give up now and tell everyone to go home.

Their served meals had probably turned cold, and it was more than obvious no one was having fun..

the whole purpose of inviting Luca to dinner was to get him and Cash to at least tolerate one another and that was proving to be a bust.

Resigned, Zoey finally took her seat , ‘I have no clue how to turn this evening around.’ ...so, she downed yet another glass of drink.

“So Love birds, where are you two planning on going for your honeymoon?” Josie inquired, smiling sweetly in hopes to levitate the awkward energy of the room into tolerable.

“Um, We haven’t exactly decided on a location yet,” Cash answered, “but Santorini is one of my top picks.”

Instantly, Zoey and Luca’s gazes crashed, Zoey fidgeted nervously and Luca stiffened up.

“Santorini?” Zoey hiccuped nervously, “you’ve never mentioned that one to me babe.”

“Eh, it’s one of the dopest places on earth, I’ve been thinking a lot about it. No biggie.” Cash shrugged,

“Interesting,” Zoey continued to fidget nervously and although unsettled, Luca remained silent.

At Zoey’s forlorn look, Cash became concerned, “is there something wrong with Santorini?”

“No, no, ... nothing major, nothing..” Zoey stuttered

“We took a trip there once with the crew.” Luca managed to croak out

“Wow, you people were living it up huh?” Josie inserted in amusement, “must have been wild times or something.”

“Or something... quite honestly my memories of that trip is questionable, ...shit, forgettable at best.” Zoey laughed awkwardly

“Forgettable?” Luca asked irritably, her dismissal of that sacred trip was getting to him, “There’s nothing wrong with my memory of that trip, I remember everything.”

Another squeal of awkward laughter escaped from Zoey. “It’s all so fuzzy, feeling like someone else.”

She gave him a stern look, attempting to casually dismiss the conversation again

“That’s probably because you swore what happened in Greece stays in Greece”

“You did?” Cash looked to her for answers,

“See, Zoey had this crazy idea that because we were across the Atlantic, everything we did while we were there was a freebie and we could all go back to “normal” once we got back home.” Luca continued... not taking his eyes away from hers.

Cash’s face lowered to a thin, flat line. “That’s crazy, the Atlantic Ocean doesn’t change who you are, you do know that right babe?” He playfully nudged her

“It was silly,”

“I wouldn’t call an oat taken while naked ‘silly’” Luca said sharply

“Naked?” Cash questioned, his imagination running wild. “Now I really can’t wait to hear this.”

“There isn’t much to tell, it’s not at all what I’m sure you’re imagining there guy.” Zoey pointed at cash goofily.

“In fact, I don’t know why we’re still talking about this.” She took another sip of her alcoholic beverage giving Luca a sharp look.

“But it’s such a good story.” Luca gave her a pointed look, purposely instigating, he casually dabbed his lips with a napkin and returned it to the table.

“Then I want to hear it too,” Josie jumped in, giddy.

“Sorry, but majority wins kid.” Luca smirked teasingly at Zoey.

“Lucaaaa....” Zoey said with a warning tone.

He wanted to ignore her warning, but seeing the anxious look on Zoey’s face, he glanced at the other two waiting in anticipation, ...he chose to recoil from telling the story.

It was a sacred memory between them, it was too monumental to tell on a basis of being petty.

“It was our first year in college and the crew all decided to take our spring break trip to Santorini… one of the freaks dared everyone to jump in the water naked after a few shots and one thing led to another, ..Zoey did it.” Luca rushed through..

Zoey took a sharp intake of breath, clear relief washing over her...

“That’s it?” Cash asked irritably, confusion washed over him.

“Yeah, that was it,” Luca said through tight lips, refusing to keep his eyes off Zoey.

“Well that was boring.” Josie rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Sorry to disappoint ya,” Luca nonchalantly took a sip of his drink, he observed Zoey, she looked too terrified at the truth of that trip being revealed.

He couldn’t do that to her, ...besides, Luca felt talked out and exhausted, he wasn’t usually a man of many words, he’d met his quota for how much he could say in one sitting for the remainder of the year as far as he was concerned.

“On that note, what a night.” Josie said sarcastically,

“It’s been interesting.” Cash caught her eyes in agreement.

“We should get going though, I have an appointment to go wash my hair or something.”

“An appointment to wash your hair?” Luca looked at her in disbelief

“Oh I’m sorry?... was that a bad lie?!” She confronted sassily

“Nah, just a weird one.” Luca got ready to go, “but sure, we can go.”

“I’ll walk you folks out.” Cash offered hurriedly, happy to be rid of them. They all moved quickly into the foyer and out the door.

Zoey sat there mute and unmoving, there was no point in pretending this hadn’t been a disaster of a evening.

Knowing Cash and his now more than warranted ‘beef’ with Luca, this was going to be a long night...

******************************
Sky and Aaron laid sprawled on the kitchen floor taking deep and uneven breaths after another round of heart pounding love making...

Sky turned closer into him, the feel of the cold and hard Mexican ceramic tiles finally settling in. “Let’s stay in New York.” She blurted out.

“Anything you want,” basking in the afterglow of their love, he answered goofily... barely registering what she said.

She brought her hands up to cup his face. She smiled goofily in return, she gently caressed it. “Really? You’d stay here in New York for me?”

“Sure...” he grinned widely.. “wait. What?” The grin on his face slowly disappeared, “you’re serious?”

“I am..” the look of pure bliss on his face had been replaced with fright, She moved her hand nervously off his face, she didn’t know what to do with them.

Given the weight of what she was asking him to do, nothing seemed appropriate.

“Baby, this was suppose to be a short vacation with the family, we~I~ have a life to get back to in LA.” He explained carefully

“I know that,..”

“I love you,” he whispered, leaning down to nuzzle his nose into her crook of her neck. “I love you so much, but Sky, this is huge, this is not a decision we can make lightly.”

“I also know that, and you can take your time with the decision but I’ve thought this through, I’m tired of living so damn far away from Jazz, it’s taken me a while but New York just feels right.”

“Are you saying you never want to go back to LA?” The conflicting emotions clearly written on his face,

She took a deep breath, feeling relief at his lack of rejection at least. She ran her fingers through his hair. “How much do you love me?”

Aaron moved on top of her, he ground his lower half into hers, making a clear point, and she instinctively widened her legs, giving him better access.

“What does that have to do with staying in New York?” He leaned down, grazing her bottom lip with his slowly.

“Everything, it has everything to do with it.” She felt her breath shaky from the friction of his motion,

“Just answer it, how much do you love me Aaron?” she reached up, her fingers playing with the back of his head.

“Too much,” he groaned, capturing her lips in a soaring kiss, filled with overwhelming want and need. He positioned himself properly between her legs and went in for a full range of motion..

She took a deep breath after releasing his lips from the kiss, “Can you honestly see yourself living without me?” She asked as she felt their lower halves moving together slowly and in sync.

“What kind of question is that? I told you, never again, you’re it for me.” He managed to groan out between short and uneven breaths.

“How much is too much?” she demanded while her eyes pierced deeply into his, he felt captured by her, deeply into his soul.

“Too much is me knowing I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone, and will never love anyone else this deeply, and instead of it scaring me like it did at first, it's my hearts ultimate joy”

“Yeah?”

“Yes baby, I am making it my life’s goal to keep you happy and content forever,” he confessed, his breath hitching up, for as many times as they’d done this, he still couldn’t believe how good her body felt.

“I love you too,” she said, shakily. The friction between their bodies building up to something explosive...the pool of wetness between her legs making her thighs slippery

“That’s old news,” He said playfully, managing to tease her, fastening up their pace, he felt her entire body clench. “What’s relevant right now is how much do you love me?”

Her body felt like it was about to erupt, “Shit babyyyy,” she cried out. “Sooo much.” She whined through her moans,

Her entire body was on fire with sweat building up all over her body. “Sooo much?” He mocked her in amusement, “How much is sooo much exactly?”

Sky couldn’t concentrate with his quickened pace, he was moving in relentless circles and her body wasn’t her own anymore... she completely gave in.

“HOW MUCH?!” He repeated firmly,

“I LOVE you More than I’ve ever loved anyone,” she cried out helplessly. “That’s why I want you where I am!” Her body came down from it’s high...

“Forever?” His voice calmed,

“Forever.”

******************************
“Boo, where is our passports!?” Jazz shouted out from the bedroom..

Doug was in the kitchen getting their dinner ready, he shook his head in amusement. Jazz never did know how to calmly look for anything..

“Douglas we are out of here first thing in the morning and I can’t find any of our traveling documents.” Jazz said, rushing into the living area.

She sped into the kitchen with a panicked look on her face. “I don’t think we can get past the immigration on this one regardless of our standing with them.”

Doug placed their meals down on the dining table, he leaned in close behind her, “I’ve got it all stacked up in a safe place boo,” he gently kissed her shoulder

Jazz visibly relaxed, “oh, okay, good. Cause I thought we were about to really be stuck out here.”

He chuckled, “I’m your husband now, you gotta keep that in mind, your man got you.” He boasted, pulling her by the shoulder toward the set table.

“I guess I have no choice but to keep you around huh?” She giggled, completely relaxed, she let him lead her to their meal. “It smells so good in here husband, what’s for dinner?”

“My specialty..” he winked at her in the most enticing manner

“Acai bowl!” They both said at the same time, Doug looked around the table proudly, while Jazz took her seat and lovingly stared at her husband.

“Thank you for feeding me, I love you.” She said casually, it was the most natural thing in the world for her to say, especially since there was nothing truer to her than that. “But Açaí bowl for dinner?”

“I Love you too boo, and we’re having this for dinner because it’s good for you. we have a big day starting as early as 5am tomorrow, dig in!” He instructed proudly.

“Okay, okay,” Jazz surrendered and dug into her plate, “hmm... this is so good. Did you try something new?”

“Why yes dear,” he grinned mischievously, “I added some fresh herbs from the plants in the backyard.”

“Douglas!, if I’m hearing you correctly, you’ve prepared for me ~the light of your life~ dinner with weed?!”

“Yup!” He responded without hesitation.

Jazz gasped, “wow, just wow, it’s touching how deeply you know me.” She wiped the fake tears from her face.

“I do my best to stay current,” he joked, “but for real though, it’s our last night to just do us without worries about anyone else, cause I know you, once we get home you’re about to be all up in everyone’s business.”

“You do know me.” She winked back at him, in a flirty manner...

They enjoyed their euphoric inducing meal, and then spent the rest of the night devouring each other... all the while, making plans for their travels ahead.

*******************************
Josie strutted with confidence toward Luca with what Luca considered one of the most judgmental sneers ever directed at him, “You’re either really brave or super dumb..”

“Sorry?” He frowned.

“You sat next to fabulous me, as your date, free of charge and really thought it was a bright idea to reveal to us that you’ve seen our hostess naked?” She hissed,

“I didn’t exactly say that and didn’t start it...”

“No, but you made sure you finished it.” She huffed, “that man was already on the edge, don’t pretend you didn’t do that on purpose.”

“I’m sorry to say this but I don’t really see how this is any of your business... no offense or anything but you don’t know me.”

“You’re right I don’t, but it became my business the minute you invited me to this dinner and included me in the lie that you told your so called best friend and her fiancé.”

“I didn’t lie...” he stretched

“No?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow

“Okay so I haven’t exactly been forthcoming with information...”

“Call it exactly what it is hon,”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Luca hissed back at her in return.

“You know, for the longest time, I would badger Nomi to introduce me to her hot and mysterious friend, and she tried to warn me about you but I never could get over the allure...”

Luca frowned, “what does that even mean?”

“Let’s just say I’m over it, ..you’re lying to your engaged bestie about your feelings for her, you’re lying to that poor guy she’s engaged to, you’re lying to yourself and sadly, I’ve been dragged along for a very boring, very dumb ride.” She sneered..

“You caught me, ..I’ve been had.” He sighed, “my apologies for using you like that.”

“Funny thing is, if you would have actually talked to me honestly and asked me to help, I would have been more than willing.” She said calmly

“You would? ...” Luca was genuinely surprised,

“Yep! I love love, and all it would have cost you was dinner.”

“Wow, I didn’t think it was appropriate, shit, it would have never crossed my mind to approach anyone with that.”

“It’s not exactly common or ideal but I would have preferred it to being led here on false pretenses.”

“Again, my apologies..”

“You know what? save it, I just wish I hadn’t just wasted a dope ass expensive fit on you tonight. You didn’t even have the decency to make it entertaining enough to worth my while.” She pouted.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t messy enough for your amusement.” Luca said sarcastically.

“You know what? Just take me home.” She rolled her eyes

“Gladly!” Luca whispered irritably under his breath. They moved into the awaiting car.

Chapter Text

Luca sat lounged back in the spacious car, Josie sat quietly next to him, it mattered none because he freely let the memory of that spring break claim him.

The memory of that life changing trip was his most cherished of all and sometimes he could barely believe any of it actually happened.

...But as always, what he thought mattered to them both, Zoey had deemed “forgettable”. He was as furious at her for feeling that way as he was at himself for not being able to let it go.

********************************
*What really happened* Flashback.... Santorini 2017... spring break....

Spring break of 2017 finally arrived after a few months of anticipation..and Santorini Greece was the location of choice for the crew to celebrate their “much needed break” after a crazy winter semester.

According to Zoey and the rest of the girls, Santorini was a no brainer, and after their arrival there, the boys agreed. The girls were all in awe of it’s beauty and it was contagious.

The beauty was immaculate, starting with the black volcanic sandy beaches and the clear blue water.

Further more; the uniquely colorful and vibrant architectural buildings, but most importantly according to Vivek;

“the legal drinking age begins at 18! I mean, we pretty much get away with it at Cal U anyways but to be able to actually brag about it?” He sighed blissfully,

“that is crazy impressive” Luca agreed with rare and uplifting enthusiasm.

“We’re about to fuck shit up!” Vivek said, high-fiving an equally enthusiastic Aaron.

“Whatever, let’s check in and get cleaned up already.” Sky said, rolling her eyes at the boys antics.

Everyone checked into their rooms, with the girls sharing a five bedroom villa directly across from the boy’s 5 bedroom villa, with only a wide swimming area dividing them.

“I don’t care what anybody says, but this place is my literal heaven on earth.” Zoey gushed with a twinkle in her eyes, peering out the window into the wide ocean view

“That’s great but where is the party?!” Nomi asked anxiously, “I’m ready to create some crazy memories.”

“Relax Nebraska!” Sky berated her, “we’re going to get down and dirty, but first, we meet up with the boys and see what this place has to offer.”

“I’m wondering if I need to wear my bathing suit now or is that later?” Ana called out from the privacy of her room.

“I’m not sure what Vivek has planned, I have plans of my own. But, I’d say Now..” Zoey looked around at the girls for confirmation, they all nodded in agreement, “yep, now is good.”

The girls nodded in silent agreement and went into their individual rooms to change.

“The boys have a list of activities planned, jet ski rides, deep sea diving, and that all leads to lots of drinking and bad behavior by the end of the night.” Sky shouted out from her room, informing them proudly.

*********************************
The boys gathered around the kitchen counter and listened to Vivek mark off his list of to do for the day.

“And after that, we do lots of drinking” he informed them boldly, “and that’s the “plan” for the evening...”

“So after those activities, we stroll down the beaches late in the evening, hit the bars, and gather as many thots as possible?” Aaron grinned happily

“I respect that plan but ya’ll know I can’t be doing all that out in these streets.” Doug frowned,

“Why not?” Aaron asked with agitation

“Because, some of us actually enjoy the pleasures the monogamous life brings us.” Doug responded sarcastically,

Luca sat back on the sofa, he pulled out a cig and lit it up, while chuckling softly at them in amusement.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Aaron asked, taking offense at the insinuation

“It means I gots me a woman and she is all I need fool. Try it.” Doug aggravated him lightheartedly,

“Whatever, there’s nothing normal about wanting to be settled this young in life.” Aaron dismissed, “I don’t care if you agree with me or not.”

“You’ll understand it one day man, when you find that one that makes you never want to fuck around again, we’ll all be here.” Doug chuckled.

“Doubtful but whatever,” Aaron responded dismissively

“Besides, some people are just lucky like that.” Doug bragged, taunting Aaron some more.

“Enough! You freaks need to focus on what matters here” Luca interrupted

“Which is?” Doug frowned.

“When can we start fucking drinking?” Luca, getting angsty asked unenthusiastically, “I’m losing brain cells here.”

“And naturally, drinking is the cure for that..” Doug said,

“Dudes, the girls will be with us so don’t worry, you’re safe Doug. Consider the hottie picking tonight a game solely meant for us, the unlucky ones.” Vivek winked jokingly, directing it at Doug.

A loud knock erupted at the front door.

“The girls are here, let’s be out!”

*******************************
“Relax losers, it’s just me.” Sky announced, pushing Vivek back into their villa

“Where’s everyone else?” Vivek asked, “tell me they’re ready to get out there cause I’m getting impatient.”

“Nobody cares Vivek,” she dismissed him and turned toward the others, “the girls are still getting ready and I was tired of waiting on them.”

“Skyler, you’re looking ripe in that suit.” Aaron attempted to flirt mindlessly

“First of all, never ever call me by my government name.” She looked at him thinly, “and secondly, ripe? Seriously ripe? You’re not allowed to talk to me for the rest of the day.”

“I was just..” he looked at her dumbfounded trying to explain himself.

“Save it.” She snapped her hand up to his face dismissing him. She made her way toward the kitchen counter for a drink.

“Ripe? of all the words in the English language, ripe is what you could think of?” Doug chastised

“What? She does look ripe.” Aaron stuttered defensively

“Yeah, you really should stop talking now.” Luca cringed

“Whatever, I’m outta here. I have thots to meet out in these streets.” Aaron announced, “I’m going over and getting those girls out. We don’t have all day.”

“Well you heard the man, let’s be out guys.” Vivek ushered everyone out after Aaron.

“Finally!” Luca sighed in relief, “let’s do this.”

*******************************
“Is everyone decent?” Aaron yelled out, banging open their front door.

“I told you they’re not ready.” Sky hissed at him,

Aaron ignored her and entered the girls villa, “who cares, you all need to get out! We’re wasting precious time.”

“Aaron stop being an ass.” Ana made her way out of her room, rolling her eyes at him.

“I know you can’t control yourself around me Torres, but please make an effort.” He teased her.

“I know you’re pretty much use to being known as the free for all sample to the entire female population in LA but this place is different.” Ana challenged.

“What’s different about Greece and LA?” Aaron frowned

“The fact that this is Europe and LA is in America for one thing..”

“I hear you but you’re still making zero sense.” Aaron got close to her, challenging her right back, “I don’t care what continent we’re supposed to be on Torres, a thot by any name in Europe is a thot by the same name in America. A thot is a thot.”

“First of all ew! Stop referring to women as “thots”, makes you sound creepy.” Zoey jumped in, “second, I disagree Ana, I think you can assume any role or identity you want as long as you are Atleast a 12 hours flight away from home and or you have the benefit of the Atlantic Ocean separating you from home.”

“What?” Jazz asked, confusion written all over her face.

“I’m just saying, whatever happens in Greece, absolutely stays in Greece. Whatever atrocities we commit here can’t be held against us when we return back home.” Zoey shrugged dismissively as if her words were common sense.

“In what world?” Vivek laughed

“In a world where I say so.” Zoey Said.

“Okay, okay! enough with geography for the challenged alright.” Luca interrupted, “I need to get somewhere so I can start drinking on you freaks.”

“I hear that.” Sky sighed

“No Luca! No drinking, not yet! We have to do my activities first.” Zoey protested while pouting her lips sweetly, she moved in close to him, leaning her scantily clad body heavily on his.

He sighed, “I’m serious kid, I’m getting impatient.”

She leaned on him closer, her body practically enfolded in his. “I know, but we made all that to do list remember?”

Zoey had a list of activities she wanted to do, like visiting their most pristine museums, walking down the sandy beaches, and the water rides, especially the ski rides, Luca couldn’t ruin this for her.

Luca wanted to be excited but without being intoxicated, he was finding it challenging to stay engaged and not bored out of his mind.

He sighed heavily, pulling her closer into his arms, “fineeee but this better be good.” He groaned and gave in

“Eeep! Just you and me.” Zoey bounced with excitement in his arms, she grabbed his face sweetly, giving him a gentle pat. “You’ll have fun, I promise.” She said with a huge grin still plastered to her face.

“As if she wasn’t going to get her way,” Nomi whispered to Ana

“I swear I don’t know why she bothers with the begging anymore,” Ana laughed quietly, “everyone knows what Zoey wants, especially from Luca, Zoey usually gets.”

“And he thinks I’m whipped.” Doug joked, rolling his eyes in amusement and they all laughed. Jazz pulled herself tightly into his arms.

Hearing that, Luca quickly released a clueless Zoey, and just as quickly moved a few inches away from her.

She shrugged and made her way into her room for a beach bag she apparently forgot ... Luca moved sluggishly behind her, feeling self conscious and found out.

Vivek decided it was time to break down their plans for everyone, “alright crew, let’s talk plans.”

The rest of the crew huddled up and everyone was distracted.

“So,” Luca moved closer to her bedroom door and crossed his arms. “What are you going to do first?”

“I don’t know,” she shouted back.

“You don’t?” He leaned against the doorframe, “because Vivek’s got solid plans.”

Luca decided he could just hang with the crew but that was impossible, he had to tag along with Zoey, mainly because he always worried about her but also because it wouldn’t be right to leave her wondering alone by herself in a foreign country.

“I know he does, we already walked through it, our plans only conflict during the day.”

“And at night?”

“At night, we’re all doing the exact same things. We stick together...” she came back out with her beach bag.

She took pause, “But you can hang with them if that’s what you wanna do, I know how much you worry about me” she teased him, “but I’ll be fine by myself.”

“You know I wouldn’t be, a lot if these dudes on spring break only got one thing on their minds.”

“you’re more than welcome to hang with me, but FYI, lucky them because on this trip Luca, I only want one thing, too.” She winked.

Luca frowned, unamused. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Do ya’ll mind keeping it down? We’re trying to solidify some plans here” Jazz called out from the other end of the room with growing agitation

Zoey signaled her apologies and locked her lips. She looked through her bag to make sure her sunscreen was intact.

“Since our plan differs from theirs, why are we still here?” Ana questioned

“Good point Torres, ...Vivek?” Aaron said

“That is excellent points my friends, let’s be out.” He gestures toward the door and they all rushed out.

Leaving an angsty Luca alone with Zoey. “Okay we’re alone, run that by me again?”

“Run what by you again?” She frowned

“The crazy part of your plan you just conveniently left out when you ran it by me at home.”

“Luca I said you were more than welcome to be my tag along buddy but I don’t have to run everything by you.” She checked on her appearance in the hallway mirror, feeling self satisfaction with her appearance, she readjusted her hair and moved toward the door.

“First of all, I don’t have to tag along anywhere with anybody, I can find my own way.” He said moving closely behind her, “I’m only coming because I definitely have to keep an eye on you now since your goal is on reckless.”

She turned around abruptly, halting his movement as he slammed straight into her, “so what are you gonna be all week long? My bodyguard?” She teased so lowly, ...if Luca didn’t know any better, he would have sworn he could feel seduction in her tone.

Their gazes locked. “Sum like that” he managed to stammer out, his breath getting stuck in his throat..

“Fine, suit yourself.” She turned back around and sashayed out the door.

Luca stood frozen for a few moments, Santorini Zoey was something different, ‘what the hell just happened here?’

Chapter Text

“Hurry up Luca let’s go.” Zoey pulled him eagerly along behind her, making their way into the energized beach bar ...

“Take it easy.” He mumbled while letting her drag him along with her.

...she secured her sarong wrap tightly around her waist with her free hand, preventing the wind from blowing it too far apart.

It was a long day filled with several water related activities for the both of them, but now, the crew gathered around the bar, ready for their day to turn into a party continuing into the night.

Upon arrival, the girls screamed across the tent “over here Zoey!” they signaled for her to come join them at their end of the bar. Zoey let go of Luca’s hand with a loud squeal and jumped excitedly toward them.

“Where’s the booze!” She squealed loudly at them

“I’ll just catch up with you later then..” Luca voice trailed after her, shaking his head in amusement. He decided to join the boys on their end of the bar.

Luca caught up to Aaron and his legion of “thots”, Vivek sat next to him with his own choice of ‘hotties’, Doug was at the bar ordering more drinks.

Vivek bobbed his head at him, “Hey man, join the party,”

He was certainly tempted, he wanted to join in and surround himself with as many girls as possible, if for no other reason but to distract himself from unwanted feelings for his best girl.

He’d spent the whole day with Zoey and as beautiful as these women all were, none of them possessed the power to distract him from his overwhelming want of Zoey.

With the boys distracted, Luca decided to join Doug at the bar instead. “Yo!”

“Hey, man.” Doug draped an arm around him, “you finally made it to the party.” He shouted above the music.

“This is party for you?” Luca motioned toward the girls surrounding Aaron and Vivek, “what does your girl have to say about that?” He chuckled lightly.

Doug shook his head, “Those two fools are getting too much for me to handle, they’re talking about taking a booze cruise later tonight to wherever,”

“And what did the girls have to say about that?”

“Well, Nomi thinks it’s the best idea she’s ever heard, Sky thought it was the dumbest she’s ever heard, Ana will basically go anywhere with her friends as long as there’s free booze, and Jazz thought nothing of it as long as I don’t go anywhere without her.”

“Interesting.”

“Indeed, since we couldn’t conclude until you two got here and being around so many ‘thots’ pissed the girls off, we all thought it was a good idea to split up.”

“I was wondering why you were all scattered around the bar.”

“Were you really?” Doug said with raised eyebrow

“Not really,” Luca admitted honestly, “but it was hard to miss.”

“So, are you tagging along?”

“On a booze cruise?”

Doug nodded ‘yes’

Luca sighed, “it’s probably what I need most right now.”

“So is that a yes?” Doug asked, needing it clarified

“Sure, why the hell not? Booze is what I’ve been looking forward to all day.”

“I knew that’d cheer you up.” Doug laughed,

“You know you’re buying everything I consume tonight right?” Luca stated matter of factly,

“Say what?”

“I’ll pay you back in retweets.” Luca said, giving him a deadpan look.

*********************************
“That was so much fun!” Vivek, stumbled forward

“Can we take a booze cruise every night this week?” Nomi slurred out her words, “please”

“I am so gonna be fucked by tomorrow morning.” Ana laughed, then cried.

“We all know you can’t hold your liquor Torres,” Aaron slurred.

“We are all so fucking drunk.” Vivek announced

“Thank you for stating the obvious, captain stupid.” Sky stumbled toward the closest railing.

“I don’t know about anyone else but I’m calling it a night.” Jazz said, holding on for dear life in Doug’s arms.

“Yeah, let’s get you to bed babe, I’m a little over the edge myself.” He agreed with her.

“We are all being so fucking irresponsible and dumb in a foreign country,” Nomi struggled to get out, the effects of their heavy drinking weighing on her, “I love us so much.” She cried.

“Yeah yeah, get in the house blondie, you’re done here.” Sky pointed her into their Villa

“Yeah, I think we should all call it a night.” Ana agreed, “I feel me throwing up heavily very soon.”

Jazz and Doug beat them to it, they already made their way into the girls villa, followed closely by Aaron and Vivek making their way into their own section villa,

Sky helped Nomi into the house, leaving Ana standing and twirling sluggishly behind.

“Ya’ll go inside, I’m so trashed the only thing that can make me feel better is a dip in that hot tub.” Zoey pointed at the hot section of the pool.

“It’s late Zo! What are you gonna do, just be out here by yourself?” Ana asked, struggling to stand straight and to muster up some concern.

“Nah, you go in, I’ll stay out here with her.” Luca chimed in

“How are we all so fucked and you’re still standing straight?” Ana asked with minimal curiosity

“I’m always trashed.” He shrugged nonchalantly,

“Good point.” Ana nodded, “goodnight” she disappeared into the villa too.

Luca turned around to the sight of Zoey loosening up her sarong wrap. He gulped... he walked carefully toward her

“You know,” the wrap was now completely off, she dropped it on the ground. “You didn’t have to stay out here for me.” She stood by the rails, in her barely there two piece bikini.

He gulped again, and begged the Devine for mercy, “you know there is no way possible I’m leaving you out here alone this trashed.”

She sighed, “fair enough,” she carefully leaned on the side railings and made her way into the hot tub.

Luca stood frozen by the side, confused as to what to do next.

“It feels so good in here, You coming in or what?” She asked, looking up at him with a stare Luca wasn’t familiar with..

No, no, he was familiar with it. This was the second time that day she looked at him like that. Sensuously... her voice, so sultry and soothing... her eyes, dazed ~maybe the alcohol was to blame for that one~ but everything else... he was so confused.

“Nah, I’ll just sit here and be your look out.” He grinned sinfully, feeling all the temptations already, he sat on the edge of the pool, dipping his toes into it.

“Like my bodyguard again?” She asked playfully, spinning around in the water and dipping her head back into it. Leaving her big curls slicked back and wet...

Luca licked his lips at the sight of her, his thoughts far from friendly, “sum like that.” He said with a clench of his jaw.

She giggled and continued playing around in the water, he kept his eyes on her.

“Did you have fun today Luca?” She asked tenderly,

Between the bar hopping, on a cruise no less, and tequila body shots they all took turns doing, Luca discovered it was a full-time job peeling men off Zoey Johnson and considering his own impure thoughts about her, he couldn’t exactly fault anyone that found her attractive.

“It was so sick,” he humored her, “thanks kid.”

“Good, because that’s all I wanted for you.” She sat up and swam toward him boldly, “I’m not exactly sure why but lately, you’ve been acting funny.”

For the umpteenth time that day, Luca felt self conscious and found out. “What do you mean acting funny?” He stretched back when she swam close to his feet, the view of her bikini top from up there entirely too enticing.

“Yes funny,” she squinted her eyes at him, observing him carefully. “Like right now.”

His breathing hitched up,

“You’re nervous.” She kept her eyes on him, but this time, she grabbed on to his foot and held on to it under water.

“I don’t know what you mean..” he deflected

“why are you breathing so hard then Luca?” She asked him gently, “you forget no one knows you better than I do?” Now she was gently caressing his foot,

Her gentle touch along with her soothing voice was giving him a hard time, literally, and Luca knew he had to change the subject or he was in major trouble.

Unable to look at her further, he attempted to release his ankle from her hold and pull out of the pool, ... but, Zoey was faster than him.

She quickly yanked him down into the hot pool of water, and he kicked his way back up to the surface.

“can’t escape me now dude.” She giggled playfully,

He steadied himself in the water and played irritated, “why would you do that? Now my whole fit is soaked.”

“Stop whining you big baby!” She splashed some water on his face, “you’re the most adorable human I’ve ever seen wet.” She bit her lower lip flirtatiously

He splashed her back, “not possible when you exist.”

She blushed prettily and ran her hand down her hair, squeezing the water out of it, she made a silly fish face, with puckered lips. “still think I’m adorable now?”

He chuckled loudly, “honestly? ... you’re the cutest still.” He took a breathy pause and the space between them suddenly felt hotter than normal

Feeling the sudden tension, Zoey stammered out, “I never said thank you for today.”

“For what?”

“I saw you fighting off that sleaze on the cruise.”

“Well, I’m your bodyguard remember?” He smiled softly, “your Superman.” He winked

“Do you like that self proclaimed title?” she teased playfully,

“I wear it with an invisible badge of honor.” He crossed his heart, with a twinkle in his eyes she couldn’t deny.

“Then, thank you,” A smile slowly eased across her lips as she lifted her hand and gently caressed the side of his face.

“I gotchu.”

“You always take care of me,” she whispered with sudden realization.

“Always.” He leaned close to her, the little space between them now nonexistent, he played with her hair as he smoothed his fingers through it, he kissed her gently on the forehead.

Zoey’s breathing paused when she realized how close they were, being this close to him was suddenly charged... erotically so. The warm water surrounding them felt hotter than regular...

She was scared to look at him but she looked up directly into his eyes anyway, She wanted to say something but her words stayed stuck in her throat. His sweet caresses on her scalp wasn’t helping..

She felt her nipple hardened and she knew, staring that deeply into each other’s eyes, they both knew. With only an inch between their open mouths, they breathed in each other’s air.

He leaned down, with hands tangled in her slicked back hair, he kissed her.

Their kiss wasn’t some crazy moment of revelation for her, no, it was a culmination of a long standing crush on her best friend. The crush she thought she’d long buried back in their early days of high school.

Everything in Luca’s body knew this was right, this was a moment he had long dreamt about but believed would never come. Kissing her again, after all the years gone by, it was like coming home.

Except this time, they weren’t both two fumbling kids being forced, in a closet, into kissing each other at some high school party, they were both fully grown and developed adults that knows how to use their mouths.

Zoey tasted like comfort, the highest of highs than any he’s ever known and he’s known all of them. She remained everything he’ll always want. No one will ever compare...

The feel of him was intoxicating, Luca tasted like the calm before it rains, happiness, the best of all good days, and she’s known a lot good days. To her, this was home.

So, she let herself succumb to his sweet tongue entering her mouth. She opened up and kissed him back with equal want and need.

Luca’s mind was on overdrive, he could barely register all of the feelings he was experiencing. His mind was well and truly gone as Zoey’s soft and plush lips melded deeper onto his.

They separated their lips with a loud smacking sound. The sound of their heightened breathing hit Luca’s ears like a running train. He ran his hand gently down her hair to her face..

He wanted to ask “what are we doing?”, but he knew exactly what they were doing... and he didn’t plan on stopping.

After their mini pause, which felt like a thousand years, they both rushed back in for another kiss, refusing to let the other breathe for air...

He broke the knot on her bikini top loose and she assisted him with the bottom knot, her bikini top fell off and she was topless and wrapped tightly around a Luca who apparently already mastered the art of boob cupping.

‘He does that so well’, her mind sang, ...Zoey would like to blame all her inhibitions on the alcohol the next day and she will. So, she decided to let it all happen..

“Stop,” Luca released her suddenly and pulled back.

She held on to him, covering her bare chest with his body, “why are we stopping?” She panted

“Because we’re trashed and I don’t want to be the exact thing I’ve been trying to protect you from all day.” He sighed regretfully

“It’s not the same thing and you know it.” She held on tighter to his soaked shirt.

“Look I know you planned to spend this whole break with one wild thing on your mind but one of us has got to use our senses here.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, if anything happens tonight it’ll be a big mistake and I can’t fuck up my relationship with you, you’re too important.”

“A mistake... right...” with misty eyes, Zoey stepped up over the edge of the pool and out of it. She reached for her sarong to cover herself. “Goodnight Luca.”

“Zoey. wait.”

She said nothing and left him sitting in the tub, he watched her go as she disappeared into their Villa.

“Shit!” He muttered angrily under his breath, slamming his palm into the water, he sat there for hours, frustrated with himself, he eventually made his way into the boys villa.

Chapter Text

“Good morning sunshine!” Jazz barged into Zoey’s room unannounced, sliding her window curtains wide open,

Zoey groaned irritably....

“get up Zozo!” Jazz yelled louder than before

Zoey groggily sat up, “Jazz what the hell?!”

“That hell that it is, is that, you my friend gotta get the hell up. We have breakfast on the terrace in 20.”

“I was having the best dream” Zoey whined

“Ooh what was it about? Anything juicy?”Jazz teased

“It was nothing.” Zoey quickly shut down, “we need some house rules.” Zoey mumbled, pulling herself deeper into her bed covers

“We can do this the easy way or the Jazz way... and we both know which one you wouldn’t enjoy.”

“Fine! ...fine! You hyena, I’m up.” Zoey shook her head while sitting up.

“Did you just call me a rowdy animal? ..Imma let that go cause I just woke your ass up unprovoked, but I’m not leaving this room until you get your ass up!”

“I’m up, I said!” Zoey said with a grumpy growl, “said ass is up.”

“Good.” Jazz smiled with self satisfaction and made her way to the next room screaming, “wake up!”

“Dammit Jazz!”

Zoey heard Sky’s voice echo from the next room. She chuckled in amusement, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up.

*********************************
The crew sat gathered around the large breakfast table on the balcony of their villa, overlooking the blue seas...

“The view is so gorgeous from up here.” Ana sighed blissfully

“Yes it is,” Jazz responded, “is everyone out of bed and present.”

“We’re all here mom. Kindly chill out please.” She heard Aaron hiss from the other end of the table.

“I know right, dang, she’s like Mary poppings on crack, ...” Sky snickered

“Ya’ll leave my baby alone, she’s just looking out for all of us.” Doug laughed

“Thank you baby,” Jazz smiled sweetly at him, “and I asked because I don’t see Luca anywhere near this table, when I’m done with this food, imma need you to repeat what you said.” She sassed

“Are you talking to me or Malcolm extra over here?” Sky asked,

“If the shoe fits sister, if the shoe fits.”

“Oh no she didn’t...” Sky began belligerently

....that was all Zoey heard of their back and forth before zoning out and thinking back to the night before ....

Last Night~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Stop,” Luca released her suddenly and pulled back.

She held on to him, covering her naked chest with his body, “why are we stopping?” She pouted

“Because we’re trashed and I don’t want to be the exact thing I’ve been trying to protect you from all day.” He sighed regretfully

“It’s not the same thing and you know it.” She held on tighter to his soaked shirt.

“Look I know you planned to spend this whole break with one wild thing on your mind but one of us has got to use our senses here.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, if anything happens tonight it’ll be a big mistake and I can’t fuck with my relationship with you, you’re too important.”

“A mistake... right...” with misty eyes, Zoey stepped over the edge of the pool and reached for her sarong to cover herself. “Goodnight Luca.”

“Zoey. wait.”

She said nothing and left him sitting in the tub and disappeared into her Villa.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The memories of the night before made her shiver involuntarily.... Both from lusty need and curiosity.... ‘what does this even mean? Am I in-love with Luca?’ She wondered... ‘most importantly, does Luca want me at all?’

“What the hell does Luca have to do with you calling me Mary Poppings on crack?” Jazz’s voice faded back into her head.

“Speaking of, here comes Luca now.” Nomi announced.

Zoey looked at his direction instantly, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

‘Why does he look so good?’ ...’has he always looked that good?’ Her inner voice asked, ‘Zoey don’t be silly, you know the answer to that...’

“Sup freaks,” Luca greeted, taking a seat at the table closer to Jazz and Doug,

“Everyone is finally here, you happy now grandma?” Sky directed at Jazz

Luca looked around, reading the room, “I’d ask what I missed but I don’t really care.” He shrugged and grabbed a fruit plate

Zoey found herself speechless at his lack of acknowledgment, how dare him! ‘So he’s just going to sit there pretending he doesn’t see me? After last night?’ Zoey huffed!

“You okay big Zozo?” Ana asked, looking her over with concern

“I’m just fine Ana” Zoey huffed again, ...Luca’s refusal to look up at her making her boil.

“excuse me guys but I’m really not that hungry.” Zoey left the table angrily...

“What the hell is her problem?” Aaron asked irritably

“I’m not sure, probably pms.” Sky responded, they both nod in silent agreement.

With Zoey storming off into the villa, Luca felt brave enough to look up at her. He sighed dejectedly....

**********************************
The day had turned into night and everyone in the crew was out to party! Some on their best behavior, others, not so much...

“Hey you.”

Zoey felt the warmth of his breath before seeing his face, and she didn’t have to turn around to know exactly who it was... “ugh! What do you want?”

“You mad at me or something?” He responded in bafflement

Zoey turned around, “or something Luca, I know you love playing dumb at times like these but dude, don’t act brand new,”

“I’m genuinely flabbergasted right now.” He shrugged helplessly...

“Ugh! Enough with the pretentious vocabulary.” She jumped down from the bar stool she was sitting on and made her way into the wave of people dancing, leaving a baffled Luca behind.

“Hey man, what are you doing just standing here? Come join the party.” Vivek called out to him enthusiastically, but Luca couldn’t shake his upset at Zoey being mad at him.

‘Why is she upset anyway? She’s upset I didn’t take advantage of her?’ He pondered internally, ‘that’s crazy’

“You coming or not man?” Vivek shouted over the loud music.

Luca glanced over his shoulder at Zoey and she had found a particularly handsy dance partner. “What the hell...”

His protective mode activated... He stepped forward, ready to fight if the guy didn’t back off her a solid few inches.

“Hey, hey.” Vivek laid a restraining hand on his shoulder, disabling his forward movement. “Dude, common, let her have some fun.” He reasoned

Luca sighed, he gestured with a slight nod for Vivek to check out the scene in front of them, “she can have all the fun she needs, but that guy is the same tool on the booze cruise.”

Vivek blinked, trying to refresh his memory... “oh yeah, that is the same bastard.”

“I can’t leave her alone with him.”

“I agree, you have to get her away from that asshole, need help stomping him to the ground?” Vivek shouted

“Nah, I got this” Luca reassured him

“Okay cool, but if you need me...”

“Definitely.” The two nodded in mutual agreement before parting ways.

Minutes later, Luca made his way beside an unaware Zoey... Her dancing only intensified, as she continued gyrating against her dance partner...

“You look like a great lay,” the ‘tool’ murmured into Zoey’s ear.

“And you look like your face belongs with my fist.” Luca stepped in between them.

“You talking to me man?” he turned toward Luca with a sneer.

“Luca what are you doing?” Zoey asked, upset.

“Getting you away from this tool.” Luca turned around to her, giving her his attention.

“Luca I’m fine, I left my father at home.”

“She’s fine alright.” The ‘tool’ murmured loud enough for Luca to hear while looking her over up and down suggestively.

Before she could react, Luca grabbed a hold of her hand and pulled her out of the party.

“Aww man! She would have been such a easy lay!” The tool yelled after them...

Making their way outside, Luca pulled her into the nearest gazebo joint.

“Luca what the hell?!”

“Zoey have you lost your mind?”

“No, but you have to be for pulling me away from a good time that could have led to something more.” She hissed.

“Something more?... zoey what the hell are you talking about?”

“I think I’ve been pretty clear about my intentions for this trip actually.” She folded her arms defiantly

“Wait.” He took a step back, “you were actually planning on losing your virginity to that douche back there? A random hook up?”

“Why not?”

“I’m not trying to control how you handle your body and your needs but zoey, it’s gotta be better than a random hook up on vacation...”

“Well if it’s not him, it’s gonna be someone.”

“Anyone but that tool please...”

“What would you suggest I do?”

“Wait. You’re asking me?”

Zoey looked away irritably, ...suddenly a light bulb went off in her head.

“What are you thinking?”

Zoey looked back at him, the determination he found in her eyes giving him a fright, “actually, I’m telling you.”

“Telling me what?” He squinted in confusion

“I’m telling you, you and I are having sex tonight.”

**********************************
The day had turned into night, the rain had began to pour down softly, ...Zoey was in one mood and one mood only, a sexual one.

“Have sex with me.” She said, boldly!

“I’m sorry what?!” Luca

“You heard me, have sex with me, right here, right now.” She stared him down daringly

“Zoey...” Luca couldn’t find any words that made sense, “how much did you have to drink?”

“I had one shot.” She casually dismissed, her bold stance unwavering...

“Are you sure, because what’s coming out of your mouth right now is bother line crazy kid.” He responded, his imbalanced movement making it obvious he was nervous

“I’m no kid, kid.” Zoey’s raised eyebrows making it clear she meant business. “You want to be my Superman so bad? Then play your part right.” She challenged

“You’re on one kid.” He released a light chuckle,

“I’m deadass.” She moved closer to him, daring him to say no, “What, like you’ve never thought about it?”

Luca huffed defensively, “no... okay yeah, but fleetingly...”

“Why lie?” She accused

“I’m not lying....” and he wasn’t, Luca wanted Zoey bad, but he never actually let him self think about her in a sexual manner,

....he wouldn’t have lasted this long keeping his feelings to himself if he entertained sexual thoughts of her. The night before being the closest he ever let himself.

“So, you’ve never had wild thoughts of you and me?”

“Like I said, fleetingly...”

“Why fleetingly? Because I’m not desirable or something?”

“No, because if I did, I’d be fucking you right now.” He responded defiantly, keeping a very determined eye contact.

Zoey felt her breathing hitch up, she moved all the way close to him, invading his personal space .....“so, do it then.”

“I’m not going to have sex with you after a weird ass conversation like this, what the hell is wrong with you.”

“What’s wrong with me? I’m over here throwing myself at you and ‘what the hell is wrong with you’ is your response?” Her eyes turned misty, she was close to tears, “do you really just not see me like that? At all?”

“Are you sure you’re not a little drunk?” Luca asked, still baffled with their entire conversation

“Stop asking me if I’m drunk! I told you I’m fine!” She snapped, “all I want to know is if we’re doing this or not?”

“You’re not some jump off Zoey,” he sighed helplessly, “if I sleep with you, it will be because you really want it and not because you have some wild check off list to complete on vacation.” He tells her softly ...

“You decide right now Luca, because whether you agree to it or not, I’m having sex with someone tonight. It’ll just really save me a lot of time and energy if you stop being lame.”

“Zoey....” he sighed in resignation...

“I mean it Luca, you claim to be my self proclaimed bodyguard right?”

“Right.”

“So protect me from a random dude out there and help me out of my damn clothes.”

Luca found himself speechless for the uncountable time that night... “Is that really what you want?”

Being a young adult in College now, Zoey was disappointed that she was still a big “V” when all her friends already lost theirs. Including Luca ....

Although there wasn’t a shortage of willing and able men to do the honors, and she’d had a few close calls, but they always turned out to be the worst.

Zoey just couldn’t find anyone that felt right. Until now.... she wanted her first time to be with someone special and who was more special to her than Luca?

“It’s exactly what I want.”

“I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow, hating me Zoey.” His fear completely obvious in his tone.

“I promise you, this is the one thing you can do for me tonight that’ll actually make me never hate you.” She suddenly felt vulnerable, “I trust you.”

“With this?”

“You’re the only human alive I trust with anything.”

Luca sighed, holding his hand out to her, he gave in. “Okay, if you’re sure this is what you want.”

A gentle smile spread across her lips, “let’s do this.” She grab a hold of his hands and pulled him into the empty gazebo...

“Nah, see if we do this, you have to let me atleast make it a special for you. Put a little effort in it.”

“How are you going to do that on such short notice?”

“Leave that up to me,” he smiled smugly, getting into the spirit and excitement of what the night was about to entail.

“Okay, where then?”

“In my room,” he explained, “the guys are going to be out all night, two out of three of them are already slammed drunk and fucked, and i’m pretty sure Doug will be staying with Jazz tonight.”

“So we have the place all to ourselves?”

“Pretty much.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

“Relax grasshopper, I got you, just follow my lead chief.”

With a anxious bite down on her lip, Zoey nodded her consent.

“You trust me right?”

“I trust you.”

Chapter Text

“OMG Luca!” Zoey gasped at the sight in front of her.. She glanced around the spacious Villa, it was decorated with multitudes of lit scented candles...

She looked down at the coffee table, on it, sat a chilled bottle of champagne, a bowl of assorted berries, and an extra bowl of caramel and whipped cream. ‘Yum! My favorite..’

“My gosh Luca, how did you get this done so fast.” She continued looking on in awe...

“Magic baby!” He grinned,

“This is really beyond, thank you.” She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, ... a soft kiss turned hot and heavy..

She suddenly tore her lips away, much to the relief of their oxygen-deprived lungs, and sucked in a long and shaky breath,

“Is something wrong?” Luca panted, still heavily in a daze. “Maybe we should talk?”

“Please,” she added. “Just for a minute.”

“Of course.” He gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek. “so, let’s talk rules.”

“Rules?” Zoey questioned, confusion written all over her face.

“Yah... I think it’s important we know what the limitations are once this happens, don’t you?” He wiggled uncomfortably, “we can never undo this kid.”

“It’s definitely a no strings attached type thing but you’re right,” Zoey’s stomach twisted into a knot. On their way over she pondered about the consequences of their actions, she thought about what was at stake.. “this is a point of no return.”

Getting physically involved will change them, it always changes a dynamic. She wasn’t so naïve to think she or Luca were immune.

What if, afterward, she fell for Him? It wasn’t out of the question. She’d thought about it over the years, Luca wouldn’t be a terrible boyfriend but what if it didn’t work out? Could they go back to being best friends?

She doubted it. Most likely if it didn’t work out, she could kiss their friendship goodbye. Heck, did he even want to be her boyfriend? For now maybe not but what happens if that changed after they had sex?

Zoey took a sharp breath and walked over to the couch in a trance, she eased gently into the love seat. She sat unmoving ... Luca got worried.

“Zoey?”

“Huh?”

“Did you change your mind?”

Still, she said nothing.

Luca’s gaze traveled worriedly over her before he forced himself to move away from her.

“I can go.” He turned hurriedly toward the door and tripped over a chair by the door.

Zoey couldn’t help herself, she laughed out loud, “this is your spot goofy”

Luca flashed her an unusual embarrassed smile. “I know, Just trying to make it less awkward.” His hand landed on the doorknob, he was ready to step out.

He was right, it was an easy out, and it was now or never. He was leaving and she was going to let him.

He was leaving.... She remained silent....

Luca swung the door open and moved forward.

He was leaving… “Don’t go!” Zoey’s heart leaped into her throat. Did he actually leave?...

The silence went on forever before Luca’s head poked back around the door. “You sure?”

She cleared her throat. “I’m sure, please don’t go. I haven’t changed my mind, I just had alot on it.”

His face scrunched up in confusion, but he made no move to re-enter the room. “Really?” He asked, still unsure of how this whole evening came to be.

“Forreal” She added with a shaky breath, “listen, I’m sorry I came on so strong earlier, you have a choice in this as well,”

“Zoey,”

She raised her hands up, cutting him off, “if it makes you too uncomfortable, then you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Zoey said. “I don’t want you doing this because you feel like you can’t say no.”

“You say this after I went through all this trouble?” He jokingly pointed towards the candles and champagne...

Her pretty cheeks darkened. “I just thought that…” She released a long sigh. “I don’t know what I thought, but you have a choice. Just know that if you do decide to stay, I’m all in, I want this.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Sure.” A daring smile formed on his lips. He drew a deep breath in an attempt to calm his building excitement. “I just need one thing to solidify my decision, may I ask you?”

She shrugged, she was suddenly having trouble landing her gaze on his. “Sure.”

“Okay,... why me? and please be honest.” He pleaded with his eyes.

“There are lots of reasons,” she hesitated.

“Give me one reason.”

She looked at him. Her eyes glossed with unshed tears. “Because you’re my best friend and you know me better than anyone. I thought it over and through and there is no other single human being I trust to do this with me”

He sighed breathlessly, his eyes mirroring hers.

“We’ll deal with tomorrow when it comes but tonight, all I want, is to do this with you.”

A long pause stretched between them before Luca leaped forward. Every muscle in his body tightened with anticipation.

“I want this too.” He whispered against her lips, they both leaned in and connected their lips. It was a strange and intoxicating combination of hunger, passion, and an undeniable longing.

....His longing.

Luca melted at the sound of her breathy sigh as the blaze of an inferno roared within them both.

****************************
Elsewhere at the party....

“Who is that?” Jazz asked with agitated curiosity

“Who’s who?”

“The troll I’m seeing all up on my Douglas.”

“Isn’t that the same Barbie wannabe that’s been crowding him all night?”

“I don’t know,” Jazz moved out of their booth, “why don’t I go over there and put some sense into her?”

“I got your back sister” Nomi got up and moved along with her.

“Girl you know good and well you can’t scare
a fly. where is my actual sister?”

“She’s over there drinking with Vivek and Aaron.” Jazz looked toward the bar and spotted Sky doing just that.

“Well let’s go then, let me show you how you gotta remind some hoes whose man they shouldn’t be fucking with.”

“Oh so we’re really doing this?”

“Girl come on!” Jazz pulled her swiftly toward the dance floor.”

“Let’s do it!” Nomi awkwardly followed along.

“Look lady, I got a girl and you’re really not gonna wanna get on her bad side.”

Jazz overheard Doug warn a relentless ‘Barbie’, he was unaware of her presence.

“Yeah, you’re really not going to want to be on my bad side.” Jazz emphasized, very loudly. The overhead music only slightly louder than her.

“Who the hell are you?” The perky stranger confronted.

“I am the hell person whose boyfriend you won’t leave the hell alone.” Jazz moved closer to her, Nomi and Doug stood back

“Okay crazy, I don’t know you. I saw a cute guy and I’m making my move, it’s not my fault you can’t hang on to your boyfriend.”

“So, you’re not only disrespectful, you’re delusional too” Jazz hissed at her, all sign of amusement disappeared from her tone.

“Jazz...” Doug attempted to dissuade the situation

“I got this baby, I got it.” She waved him off, “listen here, you dumbass bitc...”

Before she could get further confrontational, “Baby! Let’s go! Now.” Doug pulled her toward the exit, Jazz glossily followed.

“You’re lucky you’re leaving.” The blonde stranger yelled after them.

“No honey, you’re lucky I’m leaving.” Jazz yelled back,

Nomi assisted Doug in helping drag her out of the party... once outside in the cool night breeze, Nomi looked around with curiosity, “you know what, I’ll leave you two to talk, I’m gonna go over to that fun little tent over there.”

“Nomi you sure? I don’t want to leave you alone out here.” Doug said worriedly while holding a shaky Jazz wrapped tightly in his arms.

“She knew I could take her and knock her disrespectful ass out.” Jazz mumbled angrily into his chest.

“It’s okay, I’ll be fine, just make sure you get Rocky over there to a safe place.” Nomi laughed

“You sure?” Doug looked on with uncertainty,

“Positive.” She smiled warmly at him, “I’ll be in there for a bit and then go back to the party. Someone has to make sure the wiped out three musketeers in there get back safe.”

“Okay if you’re cool... just holla if ya’ll need some assistance. I’ll come right back,”

“Got it!” She said, already half way toward the tent.

Doug walked him and Jazz back toward the girls Villa, he looked down at a quiet Jazz, “baby you good?”

“I am now.” She snuggled tighter into his arms, “you know what Douglas?”

“Wussup boo.”

“Let’s not go back in yet,” she smiled mischievously, “there’s a beach somewhere out here that could use a christening.”

“Oh so you’re fine fine.” He shook his head at her with subtle amusement.

“I don’t want to talk about that thing we just encountered anymore, it’ll only just make me more upset. Besides, you already checked her.” She smiled up warmly at him.

“Gotchu,”

“Take me to a beach Douglas,”

“Gladly!”

They switched directions towards a nearby beach.

****************************

Luca pressed closer, Zoey’s hands gently cupped the sides of his face and pulled him closer to her barely covered body.

He followed her lead and then stopped when she gasped. His erection brushed against her leg, and her gaze lowered to view its very visible imprint against his boxers

The same thought raced through both their minds, they both recalled the last time they’d seen each other naked and they’d both grown considerably since then.

“Wow”

“What wow?”

“It’s just that it’s surprisingly bigger than I thought it would be.” Zoey whispered, she felt her face heating up uncontrollably

“What is?”

“Your .. um.. pee thing” She pointed awkwardly at his member

“My pee thing?” He chuckled softly, “Zoey we’re about to have sex and you’re calling it ‘pee thing’?”

“Well ... you know .. it’s a thing..” realizing how silly it indeed sounded, she looked up at him, blushing heavily and chuckled right along with him.

“C’mere.” Luca moved backward toward the bed, pulling her along with him.

Zoey followed him, attempting to cover up the bit of her body that was revealed with her free hand.

Once they got closer to the bed, Luca turned around and neither of them said a word while his gaze slowly slid down her body. “Wow” he whispered lowly ...

Zoey’s body shook involuntarily.... the look in his eyes taking her breath away. Over the years, Luca had seen her in far less than what she currently had on, but he had never looked at her like this before. His eyes warmed and then darkened.

“Don’t cover up, your body is crazy Fire.” He sat back on the edge of the bed and watched as she unfastened her bikini bra and released her loose sarong wrap, leaving her completely bare.

“I had no idea Balenciaga made boxers.” She joked awkwardly.

“Well now you do.” He winked, licking his lips while taking them completely off onto the ground.

“It’s certainly interesting.”

He pulled her naked form to his, sitting her down on his naked lap. “What is?” Luca held on to her.

“Very, very interesting...” she rambled nervously,

“Zoey,”

“Hmm?”

“You’re nervous. Relax.” He said gently, caressing her face. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, there is no expiration date on backing out before anything actually happens.”

“No, I want to.” She grabbed on to his hands, “I asked you for this remember? ..I’m just nervous, not because I want out, but because I’m new at this, and I hope you won’t be disappointed.”

There, she’d said it. She pulled him back, relief washing over her, she trusted that he’ll be understanding of her feelings.

“I know, but you’re allowed to be nervous kid, it’s your first time. I get it, but you could never disappoint me.”

“I know,” her heart felt full, “but I had to get it out,” she giggled softly, “I want this.” Her hand had migrated downward and firmly gripped his erection.

Luca took a sharp breath, He’d never felt like this. Never.

They were getting ready to consummate whatever existed between them. Well, more like his unrequited love for her that she knew nothing about. He will answer to that tomorrow... but for right now,

They were effectively solidifying their right to receive and give pleasure to one another, Luca flipped her over and pressed his body hard into hers.

“Luca.” Zoey whined, throwing her head back and exposing her neck. He descended down on it hungrily!

He licked and kissed and bit down gently on her revealed flesh while his fingers found their way down her body and pumped in and out of her slick entry. He hungrily bit down where her shoulder met her neck.

Zoey gasped sharply, she hadn’t expected that. Her body clenched down on his fingers. Her toes curled, Her back arched up off of the bed as he kept pumping in and out of her until she felt a heated release.

He kept his eyes on her face, soaking up her pleasure. She relaxed back down from her high, he gently removed his fingers and kissed her.

His erection was causing him the worst kind of discomfort. He wanted to be in her like he’d never wanted anything else in his whole life. “Just relax okay.”

She nodded, a single tear leaked from her eyes as she followed his instructions. Luca kissed the tracks of her tears.

“Please tell me again if you truly want me to stop.” Her eyes met his, and she was mesmerized by the intensity she found in them. She felt herself drowning in their depths. “Do you want me to stop?”

Luca felt her hand wrap around his member. “I want this” She reassured one last time, she used her other hand on the back of his neck to pull him in for a kiss.

“I want you.” She guided his tip until it lined up with her entrance. “I want you,” she repeated with conviction. The sharp pain of the first entry causing her her to gasp loudly...

“Just relax..” he halted his movement and whispered it gently and repeatedly, ... To her amazement, the pain was already ebbing away

“Don’t stop please.” She said, ...Nothing more needed to be said. Luca slid completely home. Because that’s what she was for him. Home.

Chapter Text

******************************************************
Morning after......

A loud knock on the door startled both Zoey and Luca awake. They detangled their bodies immediately.

“Yo fam you gotta wake your ass up and get out here, otherwise no breakfast for you.” Doug said loudly on the other side of the door.

“Okay man... but I might be a minute. Please save some food.” Luca mumbled, he struggled to adjust his eyes through heavy lids.

“I make no promises my guy, Vivek and Aaron were both pretty trashed last night,” Doug shook his head in amusement at the memory of their antics, “Vivek said, and I quote, I could eat a horse and you know what? I believe him.”

“Okay it’s whatever then,” Luca said groggily, still worn out from the activities of the night before.

Zoey signaled him to hurry up, “rush him off” she whispered harshly.

“You said what?” Doug tried to open the door,

Zoey gasps dramatically,

“It’s locked.” Luca whispers back to her, “relax.”

“dude why is your door locked?” Doug asked, the suspicion in his tone hard to miss.

“You know what, fuck it.” Luca hissed, finally awake, “I gotta a girl in here man.”

“What?!” Zoey whispered harshly, “why would you…”

“Oh word?” Doug stepped back, “my bad fam. Say way less man.”

Ignoring Zoey’s looks of protests, Luca got off the bed, he grabbed a sweat-pant and t-shirt, he put them on. He threw her sarong at her for cover up.

Zoey begrudgingly put it on, she was upset beyond believe.

Luca made sure she was clothed, he walked up and opened the door. Doug was barely out of the front door. “Hey man”

“Oh hey, my bad fam I had no idea I was interrupting.” He apologized with a proud grin on his face.

“It’s all good.” Luca said calmly.

Doug walked back up, he saw Zoey pulling herself together in the back. “Oh! You meant Zoey?”

Zoey stood still, holding her breath. She feared her dirty little secret spilling wide open. “Hi Doug.” She greeted him awkwardly.

“Hey,” Doug briefly acknowledged Zoey, then pulled Luca away into the living area, “yo man, when you said you had a girl in there I thought you were getting laid but never mind.” He laughed.

“Yeah,” Luca chuckled cooly, still reeling from the events of the night before. “So you’ll save us some food?”

“Like I said, I’ll try but I make no promises. Those two are animals.” Doug exited the Villa.

“What the hell,” Zoey slams Luca’s bedroom shut, she made a beeline straight for him in the living area of the Villa. “...was that?”

“Relax” he says calmly, he took her in, appreciating her afterglow. With bare pouty lips, rosy cheeks, crinkled forehead and starry bright eyes staring at him as if he were crazy, she looked breathtaking. It didn’t occur to him that Zoey was far from amused. “He doesn’t know anything.”

Zoey took a calming breath, “what does that mean?”

“It means he didn’t suspect a thing.” Seeing her visibly calm down, he smiled. “Your secret is safe.” Luca said sweetly, feeling like a giddy kid in a candy store.

“Our secret.” She corrected.

“Our secret.” He agreed, pulling her close to him by the string of her sarong. “The best part is that we don’t have to lie, we just say nothing.”

“And they’ll just assume we’re hanging out like we normally do.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay good. That sounds good actually…” She eyed him happily, the natural glow-y color of her skin radiated pure joy. He nuzzled her into him, snuggling them close together. The scent of her deeply conditioned hair overwhelming his senses. She smelt like Christmas in the morning.

“So, nothing's changed?” He pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes for affirmation.

“Not for me.” She whispered sweetly, Zoey was suddenly very aware of his body pressed against hers. “You?”

“Me?” Luca released her and took a small step away from her, “I’m good.”

“Nothing's changed?” She asked warily, hoping he’d tell her the opposite. Sure she didn’t have anything to compare it to but she was pretty sure their night together was as close to perfection as first times went.

“Nothing.” Luca said confidently, because nothing had changed for him. He wanted her before their night together and he wanted her still, after their night together.

“Are you sure?” She asked with a pleading gaze.

Unable to continue looking into her eyes and not reveal the truth of his feelings for her was killing him. He knew Zoey didn’t want complications with him and he was determined not to let things get awkward between them. He loved her far too much to risk loosing her. “Yes I am.”

Putting on a brave face, Zoey was determined not to let things change between them, She loved him far too much to risk loosing him. “Good.” She said longingly.

“Breakfast?”

“Yes please. I am famished!”

“I’m sure” he gave her a playful wink.

“Shut up!” She elbowed him playfully on the rib.

“Ouch!” He whined playfully… and just like that, they were back to their playful and friendly disposition.

**********************************************************************
One week later….

Zoey felt the heat and perspiration build up all over her body, “oh…” she moaned. She held on tightly to the edge of the bed with one hand and the other grabbed on to the back of his head. She grabbed on tightly to a big chunk of his dread Locs.

She held on to him firmly and eagerly, wanting to learn everything Luca was willing to teach her about "the physical act of animalistic sex" as he once jokingly called it. He was a very passionate teacher indeed. With his kisses, his hands, and his extremely talented tongue, He took her to new heights she didn’t know where possible.

He held them both steady with one arm firmly placed on the edge of the bed, while his other arm wrapped firmly around her. He pulled her closer to him and his pace fastened.

“I can’t believe we keep doing this.” Zoey whimpered, trying to suppress her moans.

“You wanted the whole experience right?” he stutters, his passion filled pace forcing their gaze deeply into each others

“Yes I do.” She said boldly, their gazes not shifting away from each others.

In all the years that Luca and Zoey had known each other, he was certain there was nothing he didn't know about Zoey and vice versa. He found out after a week of their no strings attached activities that he was absolutely wrong.

He learned that they were both insatiable and couldn’t get enough. Every chance they had to ditch their friends for one of their “teaching” sessions, they took it… and it was multiple times during each day.

She yanked harder on his locs when she felt his brazen movements deep in her core, driving a loud groan out of them both.

Luca already loved Zoey, but at that point he knew he was absolutely done for. He could never go back, he loved everything about her. Including her confidence, despite the fact that she was fairly new at this.

The sounds she made whenever he drew her closer, took him to higher than normal heights in euphoric abandon. He stretched one of her thighs further apart with one of his own and kept his weight on the one arm he laid firmly on the bed, so as to reach further range of motion.

Zoey screamed out in pleasure, “Don’t stop,” she panted.

That urged him to fasten his calculated and measured strokes. Luca buried his face in the crook of her neck and groaned into her ears at the feel of her. That drove her wild.

He filled her completely, and in that moment, she knew she was a fan of the fast and furious approach in bed. She was learning so much. She dug her nails deeply into his skin and locked her legs around him. That forced him to sink deeper into her. It was so good she could cry… she might have a couple of times already during the last week together and she didn’t care.

Luca found himself at random times of the day worrying about how tough it would be to go back to being just friends when they returned back on American soils, but he chose to live in their moments. He would cross that bridge once they got to it… in that moment, he decided to turn his worries into deep thrusts instead.

He groaned hard, he had never experienced anything better in his short nineteen years on earth. No one else compared. He rammed into her harder, making the creak of the bed louder and driving a loud moan out of her. He leaned down and kissed her hard, quieting her. He wished they could just let everything and themselves make all the noises freely but he knew how much keeping this a secret affair meant to Zoey.

After a long hour of their afternoon tango, heat and perspiration covered them both. Luca’s hips hammered away and she thrashed mindlessly. Every nerve in her body intensified as Zoey surrendered to her second orgasm that afternoon, which hit her like the force of a nuclear explosion.

When they rode out their final wave of quivers, they leaned against each other for support in their weakened state. Their labored breathing calmed, their gazes met again and they gave each other weakened smiles. They both leaned in for a kiss.

She felt like puddle in his arms, Luca lifted her off the edge of the bed. She wrapped her legs around him. He laid down carefully on the bed and pulled her softly on top of him. She kept kissing him, while he caressed up and down her thigh and ass. They laid back wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying sweet kisses and gentle caresses.

A muffled laugh escaped her, “I can’t believe how much we keep getting away with.”

“Yeah,” he pressed a kiss to her hair, “the freaks are totally clueless.” He pressed more kisses to her face, down to the nook of her neck.

“We have one more week before we have to go back home.” She sighs softly,

“Yeah…” Luca says, sighing into her hair.

“Like we agreed, what happens in Santorini stays in Santorini right?” She asks with a shaky breath, the realization that she’s ready to throw that oat away frightened her.

“Bet. That was the agreement.” He agreed reluctantly, the silence between them deafening. They continued their gentle caresses on each others bodies, everything unsaid was left hanging in the air.

Luca was determined to share as much of himself as possible with her for the rest of their stay in Santorini, after all; that might be the most of her he’ll ever get. He foresaw pretending nothing happened in Santorini when they returned back to home being the hardest thing he’ll ever have to do, but he has always had a never-ending need to give Zoey Johnson whatever she wanted.

He knew right then and there he had to be a masochist.

**********************************************************************
PRESENT DAY….

“Sir, we are here.” Orlando announced.

Luca jolted out of memory lane, he took a long and drown out breath to ease the effect the memories of Santorini had on him. He was out of his mind. The memories sat at the tip of his mind always, as clear and fresh as ever. That has always been the problem; he could never just forget and let it fade into forgotten territory like she did.

Truthfully, it's been years but it still baffles him how she could be so blaze about it. It pissed him off how she could forget and pretend any of it never happened.

“Thanks for nothing.” Josie snaps, she opened the door abruptly and was out of the car before Luca could react to or say anything.

“Goodbye to you too.” He shouted after her, she was insufferable.

“Good riddance.” She shouted back begrudgingly.

Luca hurriedly leaned over to lock the door she left ajar, “She’s nuts.”

“Where to next sir?”

“Home please.” He sighed, “I’ve had enough of this day.”

“Right away sir.” Orlando obliged and drove his boss home.

*************************************************************************

Zoey sat back and took deep and even breaths while sitting in the living room’s coziest mini one sitter. The anxiety of the evening’s horrific dinner finally subsiding.

“I just gotta know," Cash’s voice boomed loudly at her, “You two never had sex right?” He asked, suspicion dripping from his tone. “Right?” He made his way back in and crowded her space.

Zoey froze on how to respond to that question. She sat unmoving, Just when she thought she was finally getting settled, nope! she didn't want to lie to Cash but she couldn't tell him the truth and risk any chance of Luca remaining in her life either. He was already uncomfortable enough without the knowledge of the truth, her anxiety shot right back up.

“Zoey?”

She didn’t respond. The memory of their activities in Santorini flushed all over her… one incident specifically was unshakable.

***************************************************************************
FLASHBACK….Final day in Santorini…

Zoey took deep and uneven breaths as she made her way in front of a cluster of buildings, buildings that could only be described as architectural marvels in Santorini. Vivek informed her that “Luca and the other guys are playing a game of Escape.” and here she was, in search of him.

She couldn’t wait to see him, it was now or never. After two weeks of smutty goodness and everything else in between they had taught each other, she wasn’t so sure she could abide by their “what happens in Santorini stays in Santorini” oat once they returned back home.

Because; as far as Zoey was concerned, there was no oat or continent that could contain her overwhelming and deep feelings when it came to Luca Hall. She decided he needed to know, because she just couldn’t see herself once they returned back home being able to go back to being just friends.

They only had one more day left in Greece, after today they return back to America and everything was just suppose to stop and they’d pretend they never ate and enjoyed traditional Grecian desert Galaktoboureko with specially made yogurts all over each others bodies; while taking in the view of the breathtaking Santorini Sunset from the enlarge windows of her Villa?

How could she possibly do that? there was too many cherished memories from their secret togetherness. Sure, alot of them were acquired while their friends thought they were out adventuring platonically but still… those moments happened and she had never felt anything more real in her life.

He felt the same way right? He had to… she pondered nervously on her way into the building.

Yes, it was her idea to keep things casual and that was because she was convinced she could casually have a two weeks long, daily, purely sexual relations with Luca and still be his best person when they returned back home, platonically.

That was probably her stupidest idea to date. Zoey pulled down and adjusted her dress, she checked her reflection in a nearby glass window. Lipstick? Check. Eyeliner? Check. Hair? perfect.

Luca might have never said the words, but she was fairly certain he preferred her hair left down, wild and untamed. He would run his fingers through it while kissing her deeply. Her hand involuntarily found their way up to her hair, she ran her fingers through it and pulled it back from her face.

She took another shaky breath. Luca was her best friend, they felt safest with each other and now she’s ready for more. If after telling him how she feels, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, they’d still be okay. She hoped.

He loved her; that much she was sure of. It was just a matter of how he loved her, and she needed to know. Was it the same way she loved him? Because, she loved him so much she could feel it in her bones.

She always had a thing for Luca, but for the longest time after their incident at their high school party, she buried those feelings. She figured it could be categorized as a containable childhood crush that has long been buried in her subconscious.

She realized she was deeply in love with him about two nights prior and the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. It was sudden, and just as suddenly as she’d known, she decided he deserved to know how she felt.

The walk into the building was the longest one of her life. It didn’t matter how confident she felt earlier when she decided she would tell him the truth, the closer she got to him the more apprehensive she became. What if she told him and it ruined everything? Their friendship? What happens then?… Zoey realized it was completely irrational to think Luca would ever let anything destroy their friendship, but what she was about to do was still making her anxious.

She forced herself to continue trekking toward him, the possibility of him reciprocating her feelings giving her the courage to carry forward. She turned into the center of the building and that was when she saw him.

What she saw stopped her abruptly, she quickly crept to the side of the closest door to hide and look out from there. Luca’s back was turned to her, he stood leaning against the wall leading down to the steps of the building. A petit woman stood before him. From where Zoey stood peeking at her, she was undoubtably gorgeous.

“So,” the girl leaned into him suggestively, “do you want to come back with me?”

The boisterous noise of the game players surrounding them diluted Zoey's ability to hear them clearly.

Luca’s chuckle sounded in the air. “I leave tomorrow, Jillian. But I guess I can come in for a bit for a send off.”

Wait, Jillian? that's Jillian? what was she doing there? Zoey leered harder, confirming to herself that the girl leaning against Luca suggestively was in fact, Jillian. Last Zoey saw her, she was on her way to Spellman college, of course she’d show up to Santorini.

Jillian laughed. “I can’t believe I got here today and you’re leaving tomorrow.” She pouted flirtatiously, “I knew we should have gotten here sooner.”

“Definitely a missed opportunity for sure.” Luca said.

Jillian leaned into him closer, and from where Zoey stood, Luca wasn’t pulling away. Zoey felt the strings to her heart pulling apart strongly. Nothing that was said between them was clear to her after that, and truthfully, Zoey was sure she didn’t want to hear anymore anyway.

Jillian grabbed a hold of Luca’s collar and pulled him to her. Zoey wasn’t sure how long she stood there watching them lean in for a kiss. It could have been seconds or hours, but it didn't matter because time didn’t seem to exist. But the moment she saw Luca’s hands go up to Jillian’s shoulders, she sprinted out of there.

She knew going back to the Villa wasn’t an option. Yet, she didn’t want to be alone because she was falling apart. She couldn’t be around the girls either because then she’d have to lie to them about what was wrong.

Her destination was anywhere but where Luca and Jillian were. If she didn’t before, Zoey definitely knew what it felt like to have her heart broken into two now. She felt the cracks and strings of her heart pull harshly apart. She thought she could handle it if he didn’t love her back, but that was obviously a delusional belief.

She realized she had no other choice but to pretend to be okay with their oat and they’d just have to stay just friends for the rest of eternity. Because whatever she thought they were doing in Santorini wasn’t stopping Luca from hooking up with other girls. She felt like a fool. He was doing her a favor and nothing more, it wasn't Luca or Jillian's fault that she couldn't keep to her own oat.

Still, she felt irrational anger building up from within her and she found herself dreading what she would have to do when she came face to face with him next. She realized she wasn’t strong enough to lie to him about her new found affections and that made her heart break harder. She definitely needed some alcohol.

**********************************************************

Zoey stumbled into her room in the villa after struggling with the key that refused to go into the lock properly. She blinked rapidly, struggling to adjust her vision to the darkened room. That was odd, she usually left a night light on. She struggled to see through the darkness when a bright light suddenly came on.

“Where you been Kid?” Luca asked, he laid back on the spacious bed with a seductive grin on his face.

Zoey jumped back at the sudden sound of his voice, once she fixated her sight on him, she scowled. “Where have I been? Maybe I should be asking you what the hell you’re doing in my bed”

“Zoey have you been drinking?” He stood up and walked close to her, he observed her carefully.

“What’s it to you?

“Answer me, are you drunk?” Luca ignored her sharp tone and walked over to stand in front of her.

His eyes roamed all over her body, he was a bit too close for her liking but she could see the concern in his eyes. She hated it. Who gave him the right to make her feel loved when he didn’t even really love her the way she loves him? This was more of Luca being worried about her, he gets so worried he would never let her go out drinking alone, he was her self proclaimed bodyguard afterall. It was nothing new.

“What are you, my father?…” Zoey faltered, stumbling forward and almost loosing her balance. He quickly reached forward and held her steady.

“Why would you go out drinking alone?” The concern she detected in his tone made her even more upset.

“So what, I had a drink,” she squirmed her way out of his arms. She stumbled on with her words, she added, “Last I checked, I left Andre Johnson at home. Stop policing my life.”

Luca furrowed his brows. “Policing your life? …”

“Yes, policing my life.” She stood defiantly

“I would never do that.” He sighed, “I just worry about creeps out there and it's always good to know you are safe is all, especially if you’ll be drinking.” He said tenderly

“I was meeting up with someone, I had a date!” she blurted out without thinking. That was a lie.

“A date?” Luca stumbled back, he stood away from her.

Zoey was confused and her drunken haze did nothing to help her with a clear head. Why did he look distraught? He was the one who couldn’t keep it in his pants after spending the last weeks “pounding her out” as he liked to call it, on the daily.

“yes. A date! Am I not allowed to date? You date! ...Everyone dates!” She rambled on…

“Of course you can date, I never said you couldn’t.” He turned away from her, refusing to let her see his hurt. “I just assumed you’d tell me something like that.”

“Why would I tell you that? ” Zoey said, feeling confused. “It obviously wasn’t a required rule of our arrangement.” She shouted at him accusingly

“Obviously not” he shouted back, he turned back around, apparently just as angry. “We had plans Zoey.” He pointed out the arranged flowers by her bed, “I made sure to be back here on time even with other offers openly available”

“You really didn’t need to do me any favors,” She mumbled angrily, “You could have stayed with your other openly available offers.” she bit out.

The fact that he made sure to see their plan together their final night in Santorini through was honestly the sweetest, it made her heart sing.

But, Zoey was sure he would much rather be doing other things and that made her feel immense guilt.

Here he was missing out on a chance at a wild night with other girls because he felt an obligation to get her laid, and that made all the string in her heart pull apart even harder. She knew it was now or never, she had to release him from the metaphorical chain that bonded them. “Luca I had a date and I had a great time.”

Luca looked perplexed. “I’m sure, but what exactly are you saying to me right now?” Why was she acting so cold? He wondered.

“I’m saying, the plan was for us to end this in Santorini right?” Zoey said, closed off.

“Right.” He answered, the hesitancy in his voice not lost on her.

Zoey felt her resolve melting, “We leave tomorrow, so I figured why bother prolonging the inevitable. you know?” She said softly, Luca could barely make out the words.

“If that’s what you want.” He sighed, “this has always been about what you want.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Truly I am, I should have but it honestly all caught me off guard. It wasn’t planned.” She hated herself for lying to him, but she didn’t want Luca like this, based on his misplaced obligation to her and their friendship.

“So you don’t need me tonight?” The sorrow in his voice overwhelming him. He needed her to need him that night.

“No. I’m good.” she said somberly.

Luca took a deep breath, accepting the harsh truth of his place in her life. Her best friend slash placeholder until another guy came into your life. “Okay. I’m gonna take off.”

“See you on the plane in the morning?”

“Sure.” He reached a hand out and caressed her chin softly. “Goodnight kid.”

She leaned into his touch and nodded her head with gentle acknowledgement. "night"

Luca stepped out of her room, she closed the door behind him and tears streamed down her face. She refused to let him see her cry but the pool of tears that flowed out was a river by the time she was alone.

Zoey pulled the curtain aside, watching Luca walk back to their Villa, cutting him loose was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do. But at least she just guaranteed they would never have to worry about breaking up for real.

In that moment, she vowed she would never tamper with the foundations of their friendship ever again, if they are to remain best friends and in each other’s lives forever this was the only way.

She knew her heart could never survive a true and real ‘break up’ after this experience.

Chapter Text

“Luca has always been my best friend and my best friend only and that’s the truth.” Zoey looked up at him, in hopes that Cash would let the conversation end there.

Cash sighed, he was short on words and his temper was running thin. “I don’t know how exactly to explain it, but I don’t trust that answer.”

“I’m confused.” Zoey looked at him, bewilderment written all over her face.

“He loves you.” Cash paced in front of her, “you do know that. You can’t expect me to believe you don’t know that.”

“Of course he loves me,” Zoey chuckle as if he were being ridiculous.

“You know this and you expect me to be okay with this dude around you?”

Zoey stood up, standing opposite him and holding him steady with both her hands on his shoulders, “I meant, of course he loves me, because I’m his best friend and he’s programmed to love me.” She chuckled goofily again, ”unlike you, who simply love me because you’re awesome!” She emphasizes animatedly, hoping he finds the situation somehow humorous.

It didn’t work. He closed his eyes, and let out a heavy sigh. “Baby I am not comfortable with that dude. His intensions with you are not pure and to stand there and try to convince me otherwise is crazy.” He turned away from her, “no one is that dense.”

“Okay,” Zoey huffs, turning him around to bring them back face to face, “I understand that you’re upset but I need you to adjust your tone and watch what you say to me.” She says sternly.

“I suppose now you’ll tell me I’m out my mind and making this whole thing up in my head?”

“No I’m not, but I do know what you’re thinking,” she said. “And you couldn’t be more wrong.”

“Am I?” A deep rumble of laughter shook his athletic frame. “The thing I’m trying to figure out is how you can be this unaware.”

“So because I’m not buying into whatever drama this is you keep trying to make happen, I’m unaware? What does that mean even?”

“It means, that dude wants you and he sat in my home and made sure I knew it.” He said with a heavy heave to his chest, “that’s unacceptable and disrespectful to our relationship Zoey.”

Zoey was upset with exactly two people. Cash for forcing her to face certain buried secrets between herself and her best friend. She was also upset with herself for being absolutely unprepared for the conversation.

“I love you.” was the only thing she found she could say, “you should know that.”

“I know you do,” he sighs, “I believe you.”

Zoey took a deep sigh of relief. “do you?”

“Of course, I know you wouldn’t lie to me about that.” He moved in closer to her.

“Good. Because I wouldn’t.” She moved in closer to wrap her arms around him. “I hope you know that you can trust me.”

“I know I can,” he sighs, holding her closely. “It’s your boy I’m not fucking with.”

“You realize Luca is family.” She said cheekily

“Maybe you see him as family, but trust me, I’m a man and I don’t think there’s anything familial about the way that man feels about you.”

“I don’t agree with that,” Zoey sighs, “but even if you were right, Which you are not, what would you have me do? cut him loose?” She said, joking.

“I wanna to be that guy that says, no babe, I trust you and I’ll let you handle this the way you see fit. I want to be that guy for you, I do. But I’m not that cat Zoey. That man makes me uncomfortable, a marriage only has two people in it, three is a crowd.”

Zoey pulled back from him. “Are you actually asking me to cut my best friend out?”

“I’m asking you to do the right thing for our relationship and never let me endure a dinner like we just had ever again.”

“I’m not choosing between you two Cash and I can’t believe you’re trying to make this a thing.” She scoffed.

“I’m not making anything a thing. All I’m saying is that I love you and you love me, we want to get married and we should do everything within our power to preserve our marriage.”

“Well we’re not married yet.”

“But we will be!” He couldn’t shake the feeling that Luca wanted Zoey for himself and didn’t wish them well.

“Look Zoey,” he continued. “Marriage is not a small thing for me, my folks have been married for over thirty years and that means something to me. I don’t plan on doing this more than once, I don’t take it lightly.”

That softened her up, “Neither do I,” she found the familiar feeling of confusion she’s been living with lately rising up again. “I’m telling you though, that you have nothing to worry about where Luca is concerned.”

“You say that, and I say you handle what I said your way but please make it happen. As little of him around me as possible works for me”

“Luca is my best friend Cash, how can you expect he won’t be around.”

“Am I missing something here? are you expecting me to get married to you and Luca? I hate to break it to you babe but unless we’re in some kind of manage a trois I didn’t know about..”

“What? No!”

“So be realistic Zoey, once you and I are man and wife, naturally you’ll have to prioritize our marriage and hang around your ‘best friend’ less. You do know that right?”

“Right,” she took a nerve wrecking breath after digesting his words, “but do I need to start making these changes right now?” she said thinly

“Why not start early?” He shrugged casually, “I’ve always been a fan of the quick and painless approach.”

“I don’t think —“

“Look I get it, that’s your boy, your ace, you guys have been joined at the hips for a long time, and under normal circumstances I wouldn’t feel the need to say this, but this attachment you two have to each other is not normal. You needing him to make decisions for OUR wedding? Not okay babe, I think it’s time to grow up.”

Zoey nodded dumbfounded. “I just don’t think growing up means growing out of Luca.” She suddenly felt random unexplainable chills run through her.

“You were going to have to at some point, you didn’t expect things to always be the same between you two as a married woman did you?”

“I guess I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“As my wife, I will become your partner in every way. I expect to get the same level of respect and devotion back from you that I plan to give you. Just the two of us.”

“Yeah…” she mumbled helplessly, “just the two of us.”

“I’m not asking you to cut dude out of your life completely, I just need certain boundaries aligned and set in place. Most importantly, I have a very strong need to see as little of him as possible.”

“That’s basically the same thing as asking me to fall back from him Cash.” She huffed.

“I’m simply strongly suggesting to my future wife to be, to fall back from anyone that can cause damage to the future of our lives together. Babe, that cat Luca cannot be trusted when it comes to you.”

“You keep saying that, but it’s not true.” Zoey chuckle lowly, feeling her nerves rising up again. “Luca is harmless Cash, I trust him with my life.”

“That might be the problem.”

“Well I’m sorry I have a friend that cares for me.”

“A friend that cares for you is fine by me Zoey.” He raised his voice a level higher than normal, “a friend pretending he cares about you when what he really wants is to sleep with you is not the same thing.”

“That’s very presumptuous of you Cassius.” She frowned.

“Stop it!”

“Stop what?”

“Stop it with the whole Cassius thing, you only call me that when you want to get your way with something and I am not backing down from this.”

Zoey realized she was fighting a loosing battle and backed down. “Fine, I’ll implement change and create boundaries.” She sighed helplessly, unfortunately Cash was giving her an ultimatum whether he realized it or not and she was stuck in between a rock and a hard place.

“Thank you. That’s all I ask.” He grinned happily.

“Whatever lets peace reign.” She took a deep breath, exhaustion weighing her down. “But just believe me, he doesn’t want to be with me. He never has.”

“whatever,” Looking at her, Cash visibly relaxed and laughed with her but his brain was still on overdrive. “I guess none of that matters anyway because things will change once we’re married.”

“yeah.” She leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss,

He smiled and sighed into the kiss, Zoey knew she dodged that bullet. Caressing his face sweetly, she said. “You ready to meet the folks this weekend?”

“I can’t wait.” His smile was the first genuine one she’d gotten out of him all day.

“Great,” Zoey lightened up, happy for the distraction “Cali here we come!”

She decided she would deal with the insistent and overwhelming urge to throw up later.

*******************************************************

“Boss, did you get my memo?” Ginger snuck her head into Luca’s office,

“Memo?” He looked up at her from where he was seated behind his desk.

“Yes,” she stretched in and made her way fully into his office. “Please tell me you’re kidding. Please.”

“I’m kidding.” Luca said with a taunting grin. “Relax please.”

“Don’t play with me Boss,” she took a seat opposite him, “I have no sense of humor about this.”

“Apologies,” he grinned warmly, “I got the memo.”

She took a calming breath, “good. So you’re good on the schedule?”

“I believe so, but I should take another look see.” Luca reached out and grabbed the folder for a final look over, “so we land in Los Angeles in a few hours, we’ll have a meeting with some buyers after landing, the unveiling is on Monday, and in between all that, I have plans with family to-morrow?” He looked at her, giving gave her a questioning gaze. “What’s this?”

“Ah yes, ms. Johnson had some special requests.” Ginger said, her excitement booming.

“Ms. Johnson? What does Zoey have to do with this weekend?”

“Well when she stopped by the other day, it might have came up that you’ll be in LA as well this weekend.” Ginger took a nervous breath while registering the expression on Luca’s face. “I didn’t know it’d be a problem that she knew that information.”

“It is, depending on what it is you just signed me up for.”

“Oh nothing much, apparently she has a family dinner party you absolutely must attend.”

“Why am I just finding out that you have me booked for a family event a day before said event?” Luca’s tone jumped at her harshly. He rarely played the role of the “boss” with his employees but on the rare occasions that he does, his employees understood he was not to be toyed with.

“For one, I’ve never had to run past activities with ms. Johnson by you for approval,” Ginger sighed, confusion overwhelming her. “And secondly, I gave you that memo days ago. I assumed you had plenty of time to look over it boss.”

She had a point and that softened Luca up a bit, but the knowledge that he would be forced to sit through yet another awkward dinner with Zoey and her fiancé made him itch. “I would just like to know these things well in advance Ginger. It is absolutely your job to know of the status of my awareness about these things. Especially if I missed a memo.“ he requested unreasonably.

“Very well sir,” Ginger said with remorse, finally understanding why Luca wouldn’t want to be at the dinner. “it won’t happen again.”

“Thank you.” He sighed, “I suppose we need to get ready for our flight out imminently?”

“Absolutely,” Ginger stood up and marched toward the door, “we leave in about two hours.”

“Orlando on deck?” Luca asked distractly, reading through the memo again to make sure he didn’t miss any other surprises.

“He’s out on a vehicle related errand, but he should be back in plenty of time.”

“Thank you.” Luca said, dismissing her and dreading his weekend ahead. “Unbelievable!” He whispered harshly to himself.

*************************************************************

Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA……..

“Welcome to Los Angeles,” The pilot announced overhead…. Zoey leaned up and readily started unfastening her seat belt.

“I can’t believe you drooled all the way here,” Cash teased her playfully,

“Yeah well I was exhausted.”

“As long as you’re well rested.” He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

“Thank you baby,” she smiles softly at him, “I had no idea how sleep deprived I’ve been lately.”

“I had no idea you weren’t getting much sleep.” He leaned over to her with worry, “you sure you’re okay?”

“Definitely. I feel great.” With a warm smile on her face, he believed her.

“Okay good.” He leaned back into his seat. “So, we’re here.”

“Yeah we are.” Zoey responded calmly,

“Do I need to know anything special about your family? I mean, it is the first time I’m meeting them.”

“Babe, don’t worry, you’ll do just fine.” She leaned over, giving him a kiss on the cheek, “once you spend a day and night around them, they totally grow on you.” She chuckled at the fright expression on his face

“I’m ready.” He adjusted himself and said more confidently,

“Oh trust me, you are far from ready.” She looked at him pitifully,

“What does that mean woman?” He jested, emitting a laughter out of her

“It means they’re a bunch of nut jobs” she said through her laughter,

“Cool. so, they are just like you then?” He said with a playful raised brow

“Ha ha, very funny.” They both continued laughing. “Good luck holding your own when you meet them then mr funny man.”

“What are you talking about? your dad already love me,” he boasted

“Dad is definitely a fan” she chuckled at the memory of her father on the phone with her and Cash, “but he is only the tip of the iceberg of the Johnson’s chaotic clan.”

“I’ve been known to melt and steal hearts,” he said with charming smile, “they’ll love me.”

“You might have a point there,” She sweetly leaned into him, “you definitely stole mine.” she kissed him and Cash felt all the stress of the last day melt away.

He engulfs her in a side hug, pulling her into him and resting his head on top of hers. “Seriously though, I appreciate you giving me the privilege of meeting your wonderful family.”

Zoey lifts her head up, looking deeply into his eyes, she says. “It’s kinda necessary since we’re getting married and all but you’re welcome.” She raised her lips up to his and kissed him again. Lips warm and soft, they both smile into the kiss, getting lost in each other.

“Madam. Sir, ready for disembarking?” The polite air hostess asked the kissing couple.

pulling apart, Zoey blushed with a bashful giggle, “yes, thank you.”

Zoey and Cash made their way down the the aisle of the private jet, they held hands and let the excitement of the weekend ahead overtake them.

**************************************************************

Grabbing on for his phone handle on the airplane, Luca used the video conference system to dial up assistants controller. Once she picked up, he went straight to the point.

“what’s next on the itinerary Ginger?” Luca asks firmly, his sharp tone had been scary to deal with for her all day, but she understood why he was seemingly upset.

“Definitely just the meetings sir,” she said shakily while looking through the folder for further confirmation.

Luca cracked a lopsided grin, he realized he’d obviously scared Ginger into her utmost professional setting. "Thank you Ginger.”

“You’re welcome.”

"So are we taking this meeting together or am I on my own for this one? Just so I know what artsy jargon I need to memorize now.”

“I’ll be in there with you with a word vomit or two sir.” Ginger laughed, she visibly relaxed when she realized his mood was better adjusted. Brilliant as he is as an artist, Luca only concerned himself with the actual painting portion of being an artist, anything else, he let his droves of employees carry.

"Yeah, yeah, I’m just going to pretend something came up after about twenty minutes with those impossibly boring buyers” he leaned back with pained expression,

Ginger laughed at him again, “good to have you back boss.”

“Thanks.” He grinned,

“Why are you so stressed anyways?”

“Just something on my mind.”

"Something... or someone?" She teased

He shrugged. "It's nothing."

"According to what she told me the last time she was at the studio, it's a bit more than nothing, Boss.”

"Since when did you start gossiping on my esteemed property with Zoey?” He asked angrily, except this time, it was more than clear to Ginger he was not seriously upset. “Besides, how do you know I was talking about Zoey?”

“Wild guess?” She giggled loudly

“Well for your information, you’re wrong.” He deflected, “I wasn’t worried about Zoey, I was thinking about my date to the dinner from hell, Jackie.”

“Josie. Boss.” She laughed again when she saw his face after realizing his mistake, “She's pretty. I'll give her that. But... I don’t know, I just always saw you with someone with more substance than that. She's an improvement from Tiffany that's for sure, but not much of one." Ginger shrugged at the memory of the terror that was one of Luca's past girls.

“Oh yeah, Tiffany.” Luca spaced out, “I wonder whatever happened to her.”

“You had me order her flowers and never called her back after your disastrous date remember? The one Charlie set up.”

“Oh yeah never mind, I think she was the one that stole from me.” His face twisted up with disgust at the memory of that day.

“She did what?”

“Yeah it’s a long story but let’s move on.” Luca sat up, “as I was saying about Jackie.”

“Josie.”

“We’ll agree to disagree, Look, you don't know her. She's smart, talented, and really close friends with one of the best people I know.”

“You mean the Lesbian politician?”

“With Nomi yes. Why do you and Charlie keep referring to her like that?”

Ginger shrugged nonchalantly, “it just seems fitting and she is Lesbian and a politician.”

“I don’t understand the correlation.”

“It’s not important, what’s important is how hard you are deflecting right now.”

“I am not.”

“You’re not?” She raised a judgmental brow at him, “so, you didn’t start pretending you care about Josie -whom Orlando filled me in about by the way- when I brought up ms. Johnson?”

“I’m loosing interest in this conversation…”

“I get it, she’s the one that got away. Explains everything really.”

Rather than continuing to discuss his confusing and complicated past and present with Zoey, he went back to discussing work. He grabbed his laptop. "So you’ll be okay handling the meeting alone?” he called out.

“As always,”

”I don't just mean with the meetings from today... with the whole weekend, if I choose to run?"

Ginger chuckle. “I’ll be fine as long as you send me the key points to cover in your notes.”

“I can definitely do that right now.” Luca opened up his laptop and a picture of himself and Zoey’s smiling faces was the first thing that greeted him. The memory of Zoey deciding he needed to make that his background took him to another place and time.

“Are you sending over your notes or what, Boss?” Ginger's voice cut through his trance.

“Apologies.” He sent her the necessary files, “They're in your inbox."

"Thanks, Boss. Received.”

“Good. When do we land?”

“In about fifteen minutes.”

“Got it. See you when we land” Luca shut off his system and leaned back into the headrest.

“You got it.” Once Luca turned off their video call, Ginger settled back and pulled up Luca’s notes, she sipped on her choice of Ginger Ale and read on with her assignment.

***************************************************************
Meet the family……

Zoey, Cash and the whole Johnson Family, which included Zoey’s parent, her four siblings and her paternal grandparents Ruby and Pops sat around the dining table; the whole house was a buzz after their long drive in from the airport to the Johnson Family home. Everyone introduced themselves and enjoyed fancifully prepared meals from one of the top rated personal chefs money can buy.

An hour into their family introduction, Cash realized only one Johnson family member had warmed up to him. Zoey’s father to be exact, Andre Johnson.

“So, we good on those tickets right?” He cleared his throat and corrected himself, “right? Son?”

“Father stop embarrassing me. The man never even approved of you calling him that.” Diane, Zoey’s younger and only sister chimed in

“He is going to be my son in-law, my son in-law the football player, who is one of the best in the leagues. As far as I’m concerned Diane, he is the only son I have.” Andre Johnson exclaimed dramatically.

“Here comes the theatrics.” Zoey shook her head, there was a time her fathers behavior would have embarrassed her, but she realized the older she got the more she learned to love him for the drama queen he is… ‘or maybe you’ve been exposed to him so long, now you’ve just grown immune to him.’ She chuckled lightly to herself at the memory of the things Luca would say to her on the topic.

Speaking of Luca, she missed him terribly. Sitting around like this with her whole family without him around to give her the calm she always needs after about a couple of hours in their orbit was surreal. She wasn’t use to him not being around, and she was still uncertain as to how she ever could survive her life being Luca lite.

“You enjoying your pie sweetheart?” Rainbow Johnson, Zoey’s mother dotted on her and pulled her back to their presence.

“Yes mom, thank you for having these specially made.”

“I knew you’d appreciate that.” Rainbow smiled joyously, “Laura made sure you’d have your favorite for such a special weekend.”

“That’s so sweet of her,” Luca’s mom had always made sure Zoey had a fill of her perfect pie, it was one of her favorite things in the world. Second only to her Son. “I should drop by and thank her.”

“I’m sure she’d appreciate it.” Rainbow returned her attention back to the guest of honor, “so, Cassius what do you do, where do you come from?”

“Mom, the man is a football player and should be worshiped. Please keep up.” Junior, Zoey’s immediate younger brother mimicked their father sarcastically.

Cash squirmed uncomfortably, “I’m Cassius, but everyone can call me Cash,”

“Hi, Cash,” Diane said with a Stoic look on her face that confused him.

“Okay,” he drew out nervously,

Zoey sensing his discomfort patted him gently on the shoulder “Don’t worry about about Diane, she scares everyone.”

“Well everyone except that knuckle headed boyfriend of yours”

“Um grandma, Cash is my fiancé, I don’t have a boyfriend.” Zoey responded awkwardly

“Oh don’t play cute with me, I’m a woman of the millennium, believe it or not. I know what’s happening out in these street.”

"Grandma!"

“It’s okay to keep more than one man. I know I do.” Ruby boasted while sipping back her wine.

“Come again woman.” Pops chimed in angrily.

“Please grandma,” Zoey sighed,

“What is she talking about?” Cash turned to Zoey for answers.

“Nothing.” Zoey grumbled under her breath.

“Have I made ya'll uncomfortable?” Grandma Ruby gasped, feigning innocence.

“Grandma I think the only two people uncomfortable are the football player and Zoey because you brought Luca into this.” Jack, Zoey’s brother and Diane’s twin said innocently. He has always been the purest one of the Johnson clan.

Zoey facepalmed at the disaster brewing.

Cash took a deep and uncomfortable breath, “I thought Luca was just your best friend. Now he’s your boyfriend?”

“Can we not do this here? Look, my Grandmother has no filter, she just says anything.” She gave Ruby a stern look. “When it makes zero sense and especially at inappropriate times.”

“I've made you two uncomfortable like my grand baby just suggested didn’t I?…” Ruby sighed, “I’m not good with apologies but I promise, I'll make it up to you. Both of you. Here baby,” she turned to Cash, “have some of Luca’s momma’s famous apple pie... Zoey’s loved them since they were both running around here in matching diapers”

"No thanks. I think I'm stuffed."

Zoey took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Wishing to be anyplace but where she was in that moment. The irony of the person that could make her feel better being Luca wasn’t lost on her.

“I guess Laura makes a mean apple pie. I guess she’s alright… “ Diane shrugged. “But if I recall correctly, that was the very recipe I out-baked everyone's at the last family dinner but whatever.“

Rainbow smiled. "Touché, but don’t be a showoff sweetheart. The student often times does became the master... so what?" She shook her head amusingly.

“By the way, where is that knuckle headed twin boyfriend of yours Zoey? I expected to see him this weekend.” Pops interrupted, “I need him to get me some new ones of those dapper kimono robes I wear that drives your grandmama crazy.”

“I know that’s right.” Grandma Ruby laughed happily.

“I apologize, sincerely for my family.” Zoey pleaded with him, “I told you they were nuts”

Cash snickered but remained silent.

“Has Zoey cooked for you yet Cash?” Jack asked randomly,

“No, no.. we have a cook for that.” He responded casually

“Good.” He cringed, “because the only person that enjoys her food is ..”

“Let me guess, Luca?” Cash said, the sarcasm dripping venom from his tone.

“Yes! Boy, are you smart.” Jack looked at him in wide eyed innocence, Cash had a feeling he might be the only one not trying to hurt him on purpose.

“Shut up Jack” Zoey snapped.

“Don’t yell at your brother Zoey,” Rainbow said, “It’s not his fault he is the way he is.”

“You’re right, I blame you and dad for that.” She rolled her eyes, Zoey knew her family was a disaster but even she couldn’t dream up a worse scenario than this one if she tried.

“So baby you are about to marry this man and you ain’t never cooked for him?” Grandma Ruby asked in shock after processing their conversation.

"Nope, I haven't.“ said Zoey, trying really hard to end the topic at hand.

“Why the hell not?” She scolded, “don’t you know food and good loving are the ways to a mans heart. It’s why your grandfather can’t ever quit me.”

“I guess I’ve just been too busy." Zoey said with a tight jaw.

“Well you ain’t never been too busy to cook for that vegan eating weirdo boyfriend of yours.” Ruby chuckle loudly.

“Yeah, out here every morning slaving over the stove trying to make him Tofu anything.” Diane laughed right along with Ruby

Noticing Cash’s discomfort, Andre Johnson, Zoey's father who had been unusually quiet couldn't handle it anymore, “Why are you people determined to ruin the best thing that ever happened to me?”

"the best thing that ever happened to you dad?" Junior asked, appalled.

“I thought I was the best thing that ever happened to you Dre?” Bow joked,

“Rainbow this is my moment, stop being selfish.”

“Dad please!” Zoey shouted, “and no Diane, I did not slave over the stove for anyone.”

"Yes, you did,” Diane reminded her. “You made him Breakfast all the time whenever you guys where home from school. I saw you."

“He doesn’t eat eggs!” Zoey yelled, feeling defensive.

“Exactly and you made sure he had Tofu every morning.” Diane argued back.

“Every morning?” Cash looked at her calmly, he was too calm and that made her squirm.

“No, not every morning… there were exceptions.” She stammered

“Yeah only the mornings of that two weeks when you both decided you’d be fruitarians” Diane cackled, “it’s okay though, he made her eggs and toasts all the time as well. Their relationship was very balanced.” She directed that at Cash.

“Diane?”

“Yes?”

“Stop helping.” Zoey hissed.

Everyone fell into an awkward silence, “besides, I cooked for you that one time remember?” Zoey attempted to salvage the moment if there was anything left to salvage.

"That doesn't count," Junior chimed in. “The ratio of every morning to one is a very bad statistic Zoey.”

“Stop talking Junior.” she snapped, not wanting to recall any of the details of her entirely too close friendship with Luca. Hearing her family bring him up at every turn finally gave her the clarity on what Cash must be feeling. She herself had been guilty of always talking about him.

“I think it’s important that we remember why cash and I are here and dial down the crazy to about negative zero!” She looked around the table at her family sternly, “my goodness, when dad and Devante are the most well behaved two at the table we need some revaluation.”

“I’m sorry sweetheart, we didn’t think we were being harmful.” Rainbow said, “everyone will be on their best behavior.”

“Yeah I’m sorry too, but all we’ve talked about was you and no offense or anything but that usually comes attached with Luca.” Jack reasoned.

“I appreciate the apology Jack but please enough already.”

“Fine.” Diane rolls her eyes. “To be fair Cassius, Zoey does make a mean pancake.”

“There is no better time to talk about Zoey’s special pancakes than now sister, you’re absolutely right. She rarely makes them Cash but when she does, it’s the only thing edible she makes.” Jack smiles fondly, “Remember sis? You always make them very light, buttery... you made mine special..."

“Yeah, that was what she made me.” Cash sighed, attempting to follow along with their attempt at starting over. “It was incredible.”

“You should make him some more of those Zoey, also get some recipe books and try others as well.” Rainbow said proudly.

“What are we? In the 90’s mom? A woman doesn’t have to do all that for a man you know?” Diane challenged …

"Anyway, Mom,” Zoey responded to her mother, she’d do anything to drive the topic away from any further chaos and focus it on Cash. “I don’t generally cook for him because he not only has a very lovable chef that prepares very special meals for him due to the special requirements of the game, but he eats differently compared to how we normal people do." She patted him sweetly

“I do not," Cash said, a little indignant. “With the exception of football season, I eat fairly regular and normal.”

"You do too. As long as I've known you, I can't remember ever seeing you eat a regular piece of bread! All I ever hear of are your specially made ambrosia salads and wine.“ She laughed, feeling the spirit of levity reigning in on the chaos that was impending earlier.

“Good food and wine also known as the nectar of the gods, it’s called taste darling,” Rainbow said, “Don’t worry Cash, I myself am a woman of taste and also a doctor, so I understand.“

“Mom please…” Zoey whined, her inner 16 years old reemerging.

Cash found himself chuckling, because if nothing else went right during this gathering, at least Zoey was cute.

Making sure the Luca crisis had been completely averted and the family's focus was back on other topics and distractions, Zoey sat back quietly and watched them interact. She took a big sigh of relief at Cash seemly at ease.

“Woman who you telling? Morphine is one hell of a drug," she heard Pops say to Ruby while recalling one of his many incidents back in his "hay days",

“I concur,” Rainbow said, “as the only Doctor in this room, I can assure you it’s true. I can recount far too many incidents with patients whose lives I have had to save. Being that I am a doctor and saving lives is what I do.”

“Mom, let's not." Diane said with a eye roll…

“If you haven’t gotten the gist of it by now, my mother is a very proud doctor with a borderline god complex.” Zoey pressed her lips together apologetically.

“I think I’m starting to get that.” Cash chuckle lightly, the earlier obsession with talking about Zoey’s best friend aside, her family was actually endearing to him.

“Strawberry cheesecake and banana,” she said softly, for only his ears to hear. “That’s my secret recipe to the best pancake in the world”

“Sounds absolutely yummy and comforting. Like you.” He smiles warmly.

Zoey blushed at the compliment, “well I do comfort food really well.” She chose to leave out the reason she was so good at it being because she and Luca were obsessed with making each others favorite comfort foods growing up. It was their ritual and how they got each other through anything.

"I like comfort food. Despite what you told your mom about me.”

"I know,” she winked. “I was just teasing you.”

“So, what do I have to do to get you to cook for me all the time now?”

“And keep Joffrey out of a job? Never!” They both had a hearty laugh…

The ring of the doorbell interrupted them, Zoey looked around the table, everyone seemed pretty occupied with whatever it was Grandma Ruby was showing them in her purse. so, she obliged.

“I’ll get it.” She gave Cash a quick peck to his lips, “excuse me.”

He nodded his understanding and turned his attention to the rest of the family, listening to Grandma Ruby’s intriguing story.

Zoey stood up and walked all the way down to the front door. She opened the door and to her surprise, there he was, standing tall and dapper in his fresh fit and looking more handsome than ever.

"Luca."

Chapter Text

“Luca, you’re here.” Zoey looked at him like a deer caught in headlights


“I am.” He said cooly

“I didn’t think you’d be here.” She stammered

“Well, here I am.” He looked her, confusion plastered all over his face, “are you gonna let me in or what?”

“Um… actually…” she sighs, “it’s probably not the best idea that you come in.” She steps all the way out and closed the door behind her. The stammering refused to let up.

“Zoey… look at me.” He points to his face, “this is me confused. What the fuck is going on?”

Zoey pulled him toward the large Gazebo in the Johnson family backyard, “I just didn’t expect to see you here is all.” She fidgeted uncomfortably.

“That still doesn’t explain why I’m outside and not inside with the rest of the folks…” Luca huffs, he took pride in being a very understanding guy, but in that moment, he found himself reaching his most unsettling limit. “...Especially since you told me to come here.”

“No I didn’t.” She shifted uncomfortably, “we never actually discussed this. Hence, why I wasn’t expecting you here.”

“So, you didn’t tell Ginger to pencil this in?”

“Oh.. yeah.. that… yes, yes I did..” She struggled to get out, “I just didn’t think she'd actually do it, plus I forgot to confirm anything with her before, …before today.”

“let me get this straight, you told her to pencil me in but you didn’t mean to or you told her to pencil me in and now you’ve changed your mind?” Either way, he wasn’t amused.

“The.. the.. second part,” she gulped and continued to struggle with her words, her exaggerated hand gestures making it clear that she was beyond uncomfortable and the stammering couldn’t be controlled.

Luca was in the midst of thinking up a response but he realized he found zero logic in the conversation they were having, he couldn’t make sense of it. “I’m still confused about the not letting me in the house part Zoey.”

“um… well, see Cash is here and he’s getting to know the family and ..”

“So?” Luca said, conveniently ignoring the fact that being in the same room as Zoey and Cash while they sat around expressing their love and discussing their impending nuptials was the last thing he wanted to do. “I’m your family.”

“Well…”

He huffed, confusion overtaking him. “Since when do I actually need an invitation to come into your family’s house?”

“Since Cash is uncomfortable with all of this and I don’t know what to do okay!” She snaps. There, she’d said it.

“That’s hilarious kid.” He actually believed she was joking.

“I’m serious Luca,” she sighed deeply with resignation, “you can’t stay.” She said with a break in her voice.

“You’re fucking serious.” He stated, shocked. “You’re letting some guy come between us? After everything we’ve been through?”

“Not some guy Luca, the man I’m gonna marry.” Her voice was thin, she looked entirely too fragile.

“This guy wants you to cut me out of your life and you agreed to it?” He felt betrayed, it hurt worse than anything he ever imagined loosing her would feel like, “did you even put up a fight?”

If she weren’t currently ripping his heart apart he would hold her tightly and soothe all her pain away.

“How can you say that to me Luca? Of course I did. I just don’t know what to do and I feel like It’d be better if …” she took a deep breath and moved closer to him in silence.

Luca stared at her, relishing the vulnerable look on her gorgeous face. She was being incredibly straightforward in a refreshingly earnest way that was almost quaint on him. After a few short seconds, he snapped out of his trance and grabbed on to her hand. “Why?”

“Why what?”

"Tell me why you would ever agree to this and please don’t tell me it’s because you want to be someone’s wife so bad.”

She stood still, unable to form coherent words.

“Tell me it's because you are terribly in love with this guy, Zoey. Tell me you love him so much that nothing and no one else matters” Luca sighed, thinking about all the ways he loves her, “tell me just the simple thought of him makes you ache in all the best ways, tell me the love you feel for him is so deep and true that even a friendship like ours is worth throwing away without a care in the world.”

He exhaled sharply, because he realized that was his biggest mistake of all. He never allowed them to ruin the friendship.

Tears well up in her eyes,

“Tell me he is everything to you and more because he will have to be for …” he took a deep, shaky breath, “tell me why you’re doing this and make it make sense to me. Then maybe I'll believe everything you’re saying to me right now.” Luca felt like he was living in some alternate universe.

"I do love him," she said softly. "That's not hard for me to admit." She looked down painfully, avoiding eye content.

“So he’s worth all this for you?” Luca felt like he was being held in shackles made up of nothing but pain.

“He might be.”

"You're doing all this based on ‘might’?”

“No, alright damn! Look all I know is it feels nice to finally be with someone that is totally into me…”

Luca scoffed. He inwardly laughed at the irony.

“When I met Cash, the first thing he said to me was, 'I am your future husband.’ And I laughed, really hard because I thought he was joking." She tossed her head casually, pulling away from Luca, “and maybe he was but it didn’t matter because he wanted me and he let me know it. He spent all the time we had together, little as it might have been, making every moment count.”

Luca, to his credit, kept his face completely impassive. Giving her his complete and undivided attention…

“We spent days and nights making love and getting to know each other,…”

A single, angry vein popped in and out of his forehead as the mental image of Zoey and Cash making love swirled and played around In his head.

“...not to claim that’s all there is to marriage but dammit Luca I want a relationship with that kind of promise and stability. I always have.”

“So I assume he proposed to you after all the love making.” He asked,

Zoey threw a knowing, feminine smile his way. Completely missing the sarcasm in his tone. "He did. Several times actually. The last one before the wedding being the one I couldn’t say no to.“

“So you were dating this dude for a few short months and because he kept proposing to you and you wanted to be in a relationship you said yes?”

"I had been saying ‘maybe’ for …”

“Like what? A week?” Luca finished for her sarcastically. She didn’t miss that one.

“Well at least he was man enough to ask me as often as he did.” She snapped back, “news flash Luca, someone does want me enough to want to marry me. Shocking, I know.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Cash proposing multiple times in a short span of time didn’t shock him a bit, he couldn’t promise he wouldn’t do the same if he were in his shoes.

“I’m saying he was as sexy as he was sweet. He didn’t need a billion years in my orbit to figure out that I am someone worth fighting for. Unlike some men I know..."

Missing her last insinuation, Luca exploded. “So you're willing to throw away 20 plus years of friendship because he kept proposing to you?” He spat out angrily, interrupting her.

“You think this is easy for me?” Her orbs welded into his fiercely. She was fully sobbing, sudden uncontrollable tears flowed freely down her face.

“Could have fooled me.” He said, refusing to make this easy for her or let her tears make him fall apart.

They held each other’s gaze and the heat between them went from lukewarm to scolding. The anger building up between them suddenly became unshakable. Their breathing became so mucky they could cut it with a knife. There was a fire burning passionately between them and yet; neither one of them backed away from each other.

Zoey felt completely bare, down to her soul. She felt emotionally compromised and exposed, she couldn’t handle it anymore.

“You know what? Fuck you Luca!” She spat out loudly on impulse and she pushed him back angrily

“You already did.” He said spitefully,

and with those words cutting deeply through her, she gasps. “You’re an Ass!”

“Yeah probably," he stepped back, "I’m off this.” He stormed away. Luca was furious. He needed something strong to calm him down.

He collided with a clueless Diane on her way out to collect Zoey. “Whoah… Oh hey Luca, sup bro-?”

He hissed out a quick “sorry” but refused to stop.

“What the heck happened here?” Diane asked puzzled, walking toward the gazebo that held Zoey, she stood in it sighing helplessly.

The tears streamed mercilessly down her face while watching Luca storm out of her life. Zoey clutched tightly to her dress and broke down.

Diane caught up to her fast enough, in a rare moment of tenderness, she held on tightly to her big sister.

“I’m not sure what happened between you and your weirdo, but it’s okay sis, cry if you want to.”

Zoey held on to her little sister and sobbed.

Walking away as fast as possible, Luca was besides himself. He was more upset with himself than he was at Zoey because how could he have been so stupid?

He remembered the reason he never pursued anything with her after Santorini being because he never wanted to run the risk of loosing each other, but; here they were loosing each other anyway.

“Motherfucker!” He swore loudly, he slams the door shut angrily. He regretted the day being one of the rare days he choose to drive himself. He slammed his hands against the driving wheel, and with a heavy sigh, he drove off without looking back. “

Luca pressed one of the speed dials on the car phone,…

“Hello son,” came a cool voice on the other end, “what can I do you for?”

“Can we get drunk?”

Luca heard a loud over excited shriek, “Oh my graciousness, It’s what I live for! Meet you at Strip 11 in 5”

****************************************************************

“Sister, I think you’ve used up at least five years worth of sympathy from me in the last 20 mins.” Diane said, uncharacteristically calm. “I need you to put your self together and tell me what happened.”

Zoey no longer sobbing, pulled back. Sniffing softly, “I think I just made the biggest mistake of my entire life.”

“Why? Did you have an earth shattering realization that your shoes and your dress don’t match?” Diane cringed playfully, attempting to lighten the mood

“Diane this is serious!” Zoey huffed

“You think I don’t know that?” She rolled her eyes, “I just let you cry my ears off and drain me in tears and I saw your twin storming out of here like a tornado ready to erupt. Believe me sister, I KNOW.”

“Tornadoes don’t erupt.” Zoey said through another sniff, “that’s volcanos.” trying to settle down.

“Do not test me sister!”

“There she is.” Zoey giggled softly, feeling elated after twenty minutes of nonstop crying.

“I thought I was suppose to be making you feel better?”

“You did.” Zoey sighs, “Diane, I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” Her mood returned to somber.

“If you don’t tell me what happened, I can’t help.” Diane soothed

“It’s so bad, I cannot even repeat it.”

“Try.” Diane encouraged, “I know it must be really bad if you’re finding it hard to do what you’re best at. Talking about yourself.”

Zoey sighed, still unable to put into words the fight she just had with Luca.

“Luca stormed out of here faster than dad’s response rate when a new pair of kicks hits the market.” Diane shook her head, “I swear I had no idea Luca had any other setting than the pace of snail.”

Zoey took a deep breath, trying to steady her breathing, “I told him he couldn’t be in my life anymore.” She stammered, alot of that had been happening to her lately

“Now why would you do some stupid shit like that?!” Diane hissed.

“Because Cash and I got into some arguments before getting here and the whole family throwing Luca in his face did very little to help once we got here….”

“Wait a minute, you mean Cash is the reason you broke up with your twin?”

“Cash thinks it’s necessary and I was all confused…”

“Zoey!”

“I know! I’m a terrible person to even do this to my best friend but it’s not like I exactly had too much of a choice.”

“I meant, I can’t believe how much of a tool Cash is.” Diane moved closer to her sister, “I might love him.”

“I will never understand how your mind works. Why are you like this?”

“Fear is my weapon of choice and I like it.” Diane smirks at her sister,

“Good for you.” Zoey sighed, the feeling of the world ending weighing down on her.

“but don’t worry, I think you’re pretty terrible too.” Diane gave her sister a gentle nudge.

“You make no sense.”

“Hey, I’m just trying to speak your language.” Diane shrugs, “besides, making sense is overrated.”

“I just think ..I didn’t think any of this through,” Zoey starts pacing, her nerves flaring up. ”I really hurt Luca and by doing that, I think I pretty much just hurt myself.”

**************************************************************

After a long night out drinking with Charlie of all people, Luca sluggishly made his way into his overpriced hotel room. he was absolutely miserable, everything reminded him of her. “I thought drinking was supposed to help you get rid of your problems?” He whines groggily to himself

Just his luck that in trying to use alcohol to num his pain it only made him feel it harder. He flopped carelessly on the bed, looking sideways at the alarm clock on the nightstand, he realized it was six am in the morning.

"shit!” He really did waste the night away.

He forced himself up, brushed his teeth, and afterwards; he splashed his face with cold water to wake him up. He planned to catch the immediate flight out of California.

He should stop by at home to greet his family but he won’t, because; then he would have to answer all the Zoey questions his mom is surely to ask. New York it is….

Calmly, he dried his face and waltzed back to the bed, he eased onto the edge of it and slept back on it. The sunrise streamed through the window and kissed his face, but all it did was remind him of all the happier Californian days he shared with his best girl.

What was he going to do now? Is there really a world without Zoey? Could he handle it? Did he want to? And more importantly, he didn’t have a choice…? Luca held up his hand up to the part of his chest that usually ached whenever he thought of her lately and he felt nothing. It felt numb.

There was nothing left of his heart to break. It had all shattered hours ago when he walked away from her.

A low chuckle escaped him thinking about the giant irony that has turned out to be his life. He never pursued a serious relationship with Zoey because he feared the off chance it could cost them their friendship and yet, he still lost it. “I’m the dumbest human in existence,” he mumbled.

He really should have told her exactly how he felt after their first night together. How he was able to take risks with everything else in his life but Zoey always baffled him.

He doesn’t play it safe with anything, no one ever wins by playing it safe on the side lines, that was his motto in life, he preached it far too much but was never able to implement it when it came to his relationship with her. He applied to his business, and it sure as hell applies to his current predicament.

He felt restless, he stood up and walked over to the window, he gazed out at the steep landscape of Los Angeles. In no time, his mind drifted back to that beautiful night in Santorini… as it often does.. that was definitely the problem. He needed to talk to someone and he knew just who to call.

Luca picked up his phone and dialed the only one of his guy friends he was truly comfortable opening up to.

“Yo..”

“Sup’ Dougie”

“Wow you don’t sound so good plus you’re calling me long distance? Who died?” Doug whispered groggily

“No one died,” Luca sighs, “I need to talk to someone.”

Doug rose up immediately, “For you to admit that, I’m all ears.” He excused his sleeping bride and went into the common area to talk freely…. Luca went on to tell him the entirety of his problems.


“well damn!” Was all Doug could mutter after the hour long talking Luca did. He told him everything, “at least no one can claim you’re not brave,” Doug snickered “Why the fuck would you tell that story to that dude about his fiancé?”

“All I did was tell the truth.” Luca shrugged, failing to see the big deal.

“Subconsciously you wanted to get under his skin,” Doug snickers some more, “I’m surprised he didn’t throw hands,” he admitted.

“Why would he do that? It wasn’t that serious.” Luca frowned.

“Sure. And my wife doesn’t own the key to my heart.” Doug replied sarcastically, he couldn’t help his laughter.

Luca shook his head, thinking back to their disastrous dinner date, he realized everyone had gone quiet and somewhat uncomfortable after his stroll down memory lane. He shrugged again, “If Cash is insecure about my friendship with Zoey, that’s his problem, not mine.”

“Apparently it is your problem because now he’s forbidden Zoey from seeing you.”

“Back to that,” Luca sighs, “He can’t do that right? He shouldn’t have been able to do that and I can’t believe Zoey agreed to it. We’ve been best friends since forever there's gotta be a code against ...”

“Not to be the bearer of bad news when you are already so down, but I gotta do it.” Doug interrupted, “can I?”

“Go for it.” Luca said hesitantly,

“I might have only joined the club a minute ago but the one thing I am certain of at this point is that marriage is a list of compromises.” Doug sighs, feeling empathetic toward his friend, “Sure, you’re her best friend, but if the man she wants to marry is uncomfortable with you being in the picture, then what do you think she’s going to do?”

“Just because they are getting married, it doesn’t give him the right to dictate who gets to be around her”

“Maybe not, but fortunately or otherwise, depending on perspective, it’s part of the perks of being the love of her life.”

“The love of her life?”

“I mean she did agree to marry the dude, didn’t she?”

Luca bit his tongue, holding back on responding.

“Look, I told you I hate to be the bearer of bad news but since you did give me the permission to go for it, here goes another truth bomb. It’s like this,” Doug continued. “If Jazz had a problem with my relationship with someone like say, Ana for example..”

“Ana’s a stretch, Jazz loves Ana.”

“It’s an example Luca, Ana is obviously not a singular best friend to me.”

“I know it is, just pointing out that it’s a terrible example.”

“Just let me finish.” Doug hissed, “My point is, If say Ana was my best friend and Jazz had a problem with our relationship, don’t get me wrong, I would do everything within my power to get them to be cool but if that didn’t work, then I’m sorry, but I’d have to let her go. It’s as simple as that.”

Luca hated to admit it, but Doug made sense. However; he had a hard time accepting Cash as the so called love of Zoey’s life, even so, he had to mean more to Zoey than just a mere friend right?

Zoey… her name rang continuously in his head, apparently he was no more to her than a disposable friend. His mind kept wondering and replaying the days event over and over like a never ending movie on a loop.

Maybe Zoey saw him as suddenly disposable because a guy like Cash has money and power. But then Zoey herself was no pauper, so that logic made zero sense.

“Love of her life, humph.”

“What was that?” Doug asked.

He had forgotten he was still on the phone. “Nothing.” He shook his head.

“You know, things could be worse,” Doug continued, “you could have told him the full story about Santorini. That would have been Epic.” He chuckled

“Haha, very funny”

“It’s hilarious actually,” Doug continued laughing.

Luca fell silent and contemplated his existence….

“I know you told me you two got a bit wild and all in Santorini and that's crazy, but you two never actually went all the way to sex right?” Doug asked, suspicion dripping from his tone. “Right?”

Luca didn’t respond.

“Luca?”

“Yes?” He finally responded.

"did you two ever..."

"Doug I called you to help clear my head not fuck it up some more." Luca deviated.

“I know you called to get some kind of easier perspective on things and I got only one.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Take it easy on yourself,” Doug said, “I’m sure this is as hard as any real break up.”

“I hate that I was so upset with her.” Luca said, gentle remorse in his tone.

“Hey, you were upset about losing someone that's not just your best friend but your best human. It’s understandable.”

“What am I suppose to do, just accept that from here on out she and I no longer exist in each others lives?”

“Seems so.”

“That’s just wrong.”

“I agree.”

Luca sighs, “I can’t seem to make that register as a reality in my head.”

“Look, here's the silver lining as I know it. If this were about any other two people, I’d say let it go and move on with your life but with you two?… Lets leave it on to be continued…”