The car ride to the civil court was more than awkward. We had been driving for more than ten minutes, and neither of us could utter a word. I mean, what could we say after that stunt the twins pulled?
Even just thinking about it made me want to crawl into a hole and hide. Four years... it had been four years since I was last intimate with a man. Not even a kiss had happened since then.
My first time ended in such a way that made me shy away from romantic relationships completely. With the twins to raise and bills to pay, a man was the last thing on my mind. But now... he was the only thing on my mind.
"Do I wind down the window?" Zayne asked without taking his eyes off the road.
"What?"
"The window. Do I wind it down? You look flushed."
It was clear where the twins got their bluntness from. "Uh, yeah... thanks." He wound down the window, and I relaxed a little in my seat.
"So... the witness. Who is it going to be?" That was my failed attempt at striking up a conversation, and clearly, he noticed.
"You don't have to be so stiff with me." He chuckled. "I thought we were making progress."
I sighed. "We were—are... we are making progress."
"The witness is a friend of mine—James. We'll be meeting him there."
"Okay." I nodded, appreciating the distraction. "Is he a doctor as well?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "Cardiologist."
"Cardiologist? Wow!"
"How come you're more excited about that than you were when I told you I'm in pediatrics?"
"Unbelievable," I scoffed, unable to hide my snickering. He was just like Zeal when pouting. A needy child. "I was excited when you told me."
"I clearly remember you saying 'You? A doctor?' when I told you." He made it a point to imitate my high-pitched voice.
"I did not say it like that."
"Wanna bet?"
"As if?" I rolled my eyes. "How do you still remember my exact words... it's been four years."
"Ah, so you do admit those were your exact words," he smirked. "I remember everything about that night... couldn't forget it even if I tried."
What was I supposed to say to that? I didn't know how to respond— didn't want to respond. And yet... "Me too... I remember everything too."
I watched as a gentle smile tugged at his lips. It shouldn't have had an effect on me... but it did. And now, I was fighting back a smile of my own while pretending that didn't just make my heart flutter.
"I'm glad."
We rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence, and less than an hour later, we arrived at the courthouse.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." I nervously wiped my hands on my dress then quickly stopped out of fear of staining it.
"You'll be fine." Zayne got out of the car and walked over to open the door for me. "Are you ready?" He stretched out his arm for me to take.
I hesitated for a moment, but then I took his hand. It wasn't easy. My body tensed, unsure if this was something I was ready for, but his touch made me feel like maybe... maybe I could be ready for this. Maybe I could take this step.
"I'll be ready if I drink a bottle of wine."
"Then you wouldn't be here with a conscious mind."
"Right." I exhaled loudly and allowed myself to follow his lead as we walked to the door.
We had barely made it to the main door when a man approached us. "Glad I'm not late to the party." He waved at us brightly.
"Not everything is a party, James." Zayne gave him a half-hug.
"And not everything should be serious." James countered, bringing a giggle out of me. Turning to me, he smiled. "I finally get to put a face to the name. James, pleasure to meet you." He shook my hand.
"Lia. Pleasure to meet you as well."
"Oh, I know. I've heard so much about you."
I turned to Zayne questioningly, "All good things, I hope?"
"Not to worry, this guy would never say a bad thing about you—"
"That's enough, James." Zayne cut him off. "I think we should head inside now."
"How do you deal with this guy?" James whispered into my ear as we walked inside.
"I don't know." I whispered back, giggling. I could already tell I'd like this James person.
As we walked through the courthouse together, Zayne and I slipped into a quiet rhythm. His hand brushed against mine every now and then, and each time, my heart did a little flip.
I tried not to look too much into it, but every time I felt his presence near me, I couldn't help but notice the way my chest tightened— just a little.
When we reached the lobby, Zayne's fingers brushed against mine again, but this time, neither of us pulled away. Hesitantly, I wrapped my fingers around his, allowing him to take my hand fully. There was a slight tremor in my grip, but he didn't seem to mind.
Few seconds later, he let go of my hand and said, "Let me go sign something real quick, I'll be back."
I nodded. "Sure,"
I could feel James fall into step beside me. He had a relaxed, almost mischievous air about him that felt like a stark contrast to the serious environment.
"So," James began, leaning slightly toward me, "You'll be Mrs. Aster in an hours time. How does that feel?"
"I try not to think about it. And besides, it'll be over in a year." Saying that pained me more than it should have, but I ignored it.
"Anything could happen." James winked.
I shot him a quick glance. Clearing my throat and changing the subject, I said, "I'm still curious about what things you've heard."
James smiled, his eyes glinting with humor. "Well, you're the one who got away.
four years ago... Miss L."
I froze for a moment, my heartbeat slightly quickening. The one who got away. That phrase felt heavier than it should have. I tried to shake it off but I just couldn't.
"You're the only person to ever move the immovable Zayne," he continued, almost teasing. "Do you know he beat himself up for not getting your number that night? It was all he could talk about."
A strange feeling settled in my chest. "Really?" I asked absentmindedly. It was my choice to leave. I thought of dropping my number, but... Real has consequences. I told myself that, that night. But now? I wished I hadn't run away.
"Mmm," James nodded, pulling me back to the present. "He was going through a lot that time and in just one night, he said you felt like his escape... don't tell him I said that." He whispered.
"I won't." I chuckled. Deep down I was wondering what happened four years ago... what was the hard time everyone was referring to.
Hearing all these things about Zayne was making me see him in new light. A light that made my heart flutter.
"He cares about you, you know?" James continued, "Much more than he'd like to admit."
The thoughts spun in my mind, but I kept my face neutral, hoping James wouldn't notice the slight shift in my expression.
Before I could respond, Zayne caught up to us. "What were you two talking about?" He asked.
"Nothing," I said quickly, my tone too casual.
James shot me a sly wink, his grin widening as he looked at Zayne. "Just getting to know Lia better."