Chapter 21: Camera On

 I grinned. "I pretty much asked him the same thing which was why he video called me. And yeah, it's definitely him."

"Girl, you're so damn lucky, I'm jealous." He tried to sound agitated but I could hear how delighted he was for me. "If, for whatever reason, you two don't work out, you know I'm jumping straight on that, right?"

I snorted in amusement. "That's fine. We can tie him up and take turns on him." I paused, realising what I'd just said. "Did I really just say that? I'm sick in the head, aren't I?"

Zach shrugged. "I must be too because that sounds like a fabulous idea." We shared a laugh. "So are you two going to meet up or what?" He folded his legs underneath him and I do the same; we're both sitting on the sofa, Zach where the corner meets and me on the end with my back against the arm.

"He's mentioned getting the courage to ask me out," I revealed to him. Zach clapped his hands together and squealed in excitement. I continued. "I think he wants to do it but he's nervous. Which is kind of weird because who'd have thought a guy as hot as him could get nervous about a girl?" | scrunched up my nose at the thought.

Zach shook his head, disagreeing with me. "When a guy truly likes a girl - or in my case, another guy - he gets nervous. Don't matter how good looking they, or I, are."

"Aww," I cooed, my bottom lip sticking out. "You get nervous asking someone out? Really?" I wasn't taking the píss, I genuinely thought it was cute but I found it hard to believe, mostly because Zach always acted so confident, sometimes over- confident, but maybe that was just an act.

Zach shrugged and tried to brush it off even while his cheek turned red. Again, aw. "Yeah. Anyway. Are you gonna say yes? When he asks you, I mean."

It was my turn to blush. "Uh, yeah, I think so. I mean, why not?"

Zach's expression turned to amusement. "I love how you're acting all nonchalant about this but I can see how much you want to burst in excitement." He waved to fingers in front of my face. "Your eyes give you away, my dear."

Giving in, I let my excitement show and sat up on my knees, feet tucked under my bum. "Okay, okay, I know. But I'm trying not to get too...hopeful until he actually asks me. As far as I know, he doesn't actually mean it."

Zachs features turned sad. "Sweetie, you need to stop thinking every guy out there is going to let you down or break your heart."

"I don't..." I frowned. At least I don't think I do? I've always thought I was quite optimistic considering my past relationship and absent father.

"Yes, you do," he argued gently. "You always assume something bad is going to happen. Hell, I bet you freaked out when you realised Julian had your picture."

Something you still won't admit to doing, Zach, I thought inwardly. "No," I denied immediately before rolling my eyes at myself. "Okay, yes," I sighed. "But it's not a bad thing, is it? I just like to prepare for the worse." Was I sounding defensive? I didn't mean to.

Zach placed his hand on mine which laid stretched out on the back of the sofa "I don't mean to upset you, sweetie. Hell, I understand it. I can be the same way too. I think we both need to learn to be more trusting."

Our lips twitched miserably at each other. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Zach let go of my hand and slapped his legs. "Right, we'll start now! Tell me, when-" He began, purposely using the word 'when' instead of 'if'. "- Julian asks you out, and you guys get serious, are you still gonna be talking to clients?" He wanted to know, curious.

Huh. I hadn't thought that that one. Would I continue to do this job? My head tilted as I considered his question. I liked doing this. It was good money for minimal effort. I got to stay at home all day which was awesome for an introvert like me. I didn't even have to get dressed if I didn't want to, and I really liked chilling in my P.J's. But I wouldn't want to hurt Julian by getting other men off all day long. I know that I wouldn't like Julian doing that with other women.

"I don't know," I answered, unsure. "I mean, I like this job...but it's not a dream job or anything. I don't think I have one of those." Well, maybe an ice cream taster. That would be epic. "So if I had to give it up, I don't think I'd care much. If Julian didn't want me doing it, I suppose I'd stop with no hard feelings."

Zach nodded, looking as if he understood. Then a slow smile broke out on his handsome face. "Would you go back into retail?"

My eyes widened and I shook my head, horrified at the thought. "Oh god no. I hate people too much. That job was awful."

Zach laughed, most likely because he'd expected that reaction from me. He knows exactly what I was like with crowds of people, and boring as hell chores. "I know. I'm just messing."

My lips curved and I shook my head. I adored Zach. He anchored me. It was strange really. If someone asked me if I believed in true love, I'd say yes because that's exactly how I felt about Zach. We may not fancy each other, and we'll never date or anything like that, but there was still love between us. If I never found someone to be with, I'd be just fine as long as I had my best friend.

"Hey, have you spoken to Danny recently?" | asked him, the thought suddenly occurring to me.