Chapter 23
Natalie
The last day and a half has been amazing and Zack’s celebration night has to be at the top of the charts in the best nights ever. I feel myself falling deeper and deeper in love with him, and I’m not afraid. Not one single bit. He’s now at a meeting before his tournament starts, so I take the time to get on the phone with Sophia. The phone rings and rings. I’m at the point of thinking it’s about to go to voicemail when she answers, “Hey Natalie!”
“Hey girl, how are you?” I reply back.
“I’m good. Natalie, I’m so sorry for going dark on you. I just yeah, there’s really no excuse,” I can hear the emotion clogging her voice.
“Did something happen in Vegas? It’s just not like you to run away without talking to me,” I prod a little bit, trying to get her to open up.
“I got a text message the night before, when you were with Zack and God, Natalie I’m such an idiot. I thought, I fucking thought Nick was the one for me, like he told me he’d wait for me, that we’d make a long distance relationship work. I was so fucking naïve, Nat. I’m so glad I found the truth out before I gave myself to him,” I hate that I’m not physically in front of Soph while she’s breaking down.
“What do you mean the truth? I thought he was a stand-up guy, what happened?” I rapid fire questions, needing the answers and praying to God nothing bad happened to Sophia.
“He sat there and told me how he wanted me and only me, that he’d wait until I was settled in New York and follow me out here. Only I found out he was screwing the town whore, Joleen,” she’s sobbing at this point.
“Doll, I’m so sorry. I wish I was there with you, want me to come to you? I’ll book a flight right now,” I state vehemently. I would do anything for Sophia, and I know she would do the same for me.
“No, you’re with Zack and all the company I would be good for would be to eat ice cream and cry on your shoulder,” she’s trying to calm her crying down and that breaks my heart for her even more.
“Only if you’re sure and you know if you change your mind I’d be there in a heartbeat,” I truly would. Sure, it would be hard to be away from Zack, but for Sophia there wouldn’t be a second doubt.
“No, no, no. I promise I’ll be fine. I’m hoping this new fashion designer will keep me busy in the coming months. I guess only time will tell. All of this is just, ugh, it’s making me second guess everything. Should I even be in New York? Is this the right career for me?” she questions herself and after her having a crush on Nick for years, and then him giving her the thoughts that it was just the two of them. That has to hurt.
“You’re doing what you dreamed of. Don’t let that little fucker make you question yourself. He’s not worth it,” I’m getting heated and part of me wants to get on a plane and knock some sense into his tiny brain.
“I know, I shouldn’t let him get in my head. I’m sorry, Natalie. I swear I won’t go weeks without talking to you,” she states.
“Good, because I’ve missed my best friend and we have so much to catch up on, but right now let’s talk about your new job,” I suggest and that’s how we spend the next three hours, on the phone talking about non sense and what’s the next best show to binge watch.
Chapter 24
Zack
2 months later
I enter the hotel room and see Natalie is already passed out on the couch. I didn’t think today would last as long as it did. Of course, that could have something to do with the heavy ring box in my pocket. The last couple of months have been a whirlwind in the best of ways. We’re on the last leg of the tour and I already let my manager know I’ll be taking a break. So much of a break I told him to get back to me in six months. I want to breathe, have it to where we’re not always moving and going. Where Natalie can actually work in a designated office in a home rather than a counter or a hotel couch. I know she doesn’t mind working remotely, but seeing her hunched over a laptop with her glasses she wears when working are constantly sliding down her nose because she’s bent over her computer. Yeah, she deserves more than this hotel life.
I go to the couch and push her hair out of her face, gently stroking her cheek as much as I don’t want to wake her up, she can’t sleep on a couch. Her neck would really be crying tomorrow. I squat down and slowly wake her up. I kiss her forehead, she snuggles deeper into the couch instead of waking up. I know Natalie’s a deep sleeper, but after nudging her a little more she’s not moving. I decide to pick her up and carry her to bed. She finally wakes as I jostle her into my arms.