The Next Best Thing

Chapter 34

Song of the chapter: Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar

"Banoffee Pie sounds awesome right now, Ty. Please ask your mom to make some to go as well. I'll eat it on the way to the airport," I yelled to Tyler, running down the stairs to answer the door.

"Zoe, I really hope you don't throw up all the way there. Let's put that on hold till after the first day at least," she yelled back, returning to her phone call.

It was 10 pm and we getting ready for our dawn flight the next day; this explained Tyler's mom checking if we wanted anything to eat. Having dedicated the entire day to packing, we had skipped all meals necessary for daily function. Fortunately, Mrs. Kinsley offered to prepare us a very homely meal to compensate for the day.

I ran up to the door and opened, not bothering to check who it was. Since Tyler had buzzed whoever it was up, I assumed it was Min or Rae coming to check on us.

It wasn't.

"Nicolas?"

"Zoe. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nicolas?"

My mouth fell wide open, almost dislocating my jaw. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming or hallucinating because that is what hunger does to people.

It was neither of those things - Nicolas Dumas, my first/ex boyfriend was standing in front of me at my friend's New York apartment in New York City in America. A long way from home, right? I definitely thought so.

"What? What? WHAT?" I stumbled, tripping over my words.

"Cat got your tongue, babe?" he grinned.

That ridiculous grin on his stupid, handsome face made my skin crawl and my blood boil.

"What are you doing here!" I shouted finally, my hands planted firmly on my hips.

"Tyler asked me to come over. And to answer your next question, I'm working with her and her mom. I forgot to mention who it was I was going to be working with when I visited here," he replied, running his fingers through his pretty hair. He looked down at me, his broody hazel stare making my heart race.

No! No! NO!

"My Tyler? Why?" I shot back.

He inched closer towards me and unclenched my fists. "Why do I detect hostility in your voice? Aren't you happy to see me?" He ran a finger down my lips and licked his, something he always did when he was going in for a kiss - I yelped, jumping back and shooting him a deadly stare.

This is for you, Mitchell.

"DO. NOT. TOUCH. ME!" I punched him in the stomach and ran into the apartment, screaming for Tyler.

She rushed down the stairs two at a time, asking if I was okay and whether to call 911. She stopped halfway down the staircase, and had a very confused look on her face.

"What the hell is going on?"

Nicolas was doubled over, my attack having been both lethal and unexpected. I was standing on the couch, fists in the air.

"I think your friend is completely insane," he choked. Tyler ran towards him and moved him into the house. He regained his strength and threw me a perplexed glance. "Please explain."

"This is Nicolas," I said, pointing at him.

"I know his name, Zoe. I invited him to my home." Tyler had a lost expression on her face, trying to understand what I was trying to tell her.

"I mean this is Nicolas," I repeated his name with emphasis.