Mad Love

Mad Love Chapter Eleven

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<P>Big, giant author's note!!!</P>

<P>Okay, thank you all so much for following the story!  I'm so glad you like Maddy and Jamie!!!  </P>

<P>I want to thank all of my fans, new and old, lol!  If I haven't thanked you for fanning yet, I promise, I'll get around to it.  My internet is acting wonky, but I assure you - my appreciation is sincere.  Thank you for the votes, comments, and fans.  The support I have received blows my mind!  You rock!  </P>

<P>Just when I think, 'nah, no way, this story isn't well liked' you prove me wrong!  I've had some of the best compliments and reviews EVER!  Thank you all so, so much.  Y'all are amazing.  XD</P>

<P>Anywhoozles, go ahead and read!  Hope you enjoy, and if you do - let me know!!!</P>

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<P>I watched Zack move around my kitchen, occasionally stirring the sauce pan, then checking the oven. He was a flurry of activity, the entire time managing to hold a conversation about his college courses.</P>

<P>"And then, Professor Johnson wanted the paper four pages shorter, saying I was too longwinded. There's no making that man happy," he continued with a sigh. I giggled at his exasperation and he turned to smile at me. </P>

<P>"Just think, soon you'll be done with school," I told him, "and you'll only have to worry about paychecks."</P>

<P>It was Friday night, and Zack finally had a night off. It was hard to find time between our busy schedules, so when an opportunity arose, we grabbed it. I suppose I partly felt guilty, also. I hadn't been texting or returning Zack's calls very much. </P>

<P>Work had been unbearable. Correction - my boss was unbearable. Our last confrontation in his office had subdued both of us. I was treading carefully, and we made sure to avoid one another. The majority of our communication was via email. I hadn't been addressing him as 'asshole', and he hadn't been making me bring him coffee.</P>

<P>The constant tension was wearing me down, and a night with Zack was just what I needed. He offered to make me stir-fry at my apartment. What girl could turn that down?</P>

<P>Serving up heaping portions on two plates, he settled down on the couch next to me. I sat cross-legged and at an angle facing him. </P>

<P>"Mmm, this looks so good," I told him, my stomach grumbling hungrily.</P>

<P>"Thanks," he said. "I don't get the chance to make dinner for two very often. It's usually just me." </P>

<P>"I know what you mean. When I lived with Em, we pigged out on so much fast food, it was horrible. I've been bringing my own lunch to work," I continued, "so that helps cut costs, too, now that I've moved out." </P>

<P>"So how is work?" he asked.</P>

<P>"Ugh, horrible," I said before I could help myself. I slapped a hand over my mouth, eyes wide. </P>

<P>At his concerned look, I lowered my hand, mumbling, "Well, I hate to say 'horrible'. It's actually pretty great. I've always wanted to work for my Dad," I explained, "But my boss is a total idiot."</P>

<P>"Mismanaging?" he asked interestedly, biting into his food.</P>

<P>"Mmm, not really. Business-wise, he's excellent. He really has great results, gets the jobs done in an orderly fashion," I told him. Never let it be said that I don't give credit where credit is due. "However, get him in the office, and he turns into a tyrant. Especially to me," I griped.</P>