Disclaimer: I do not own the Suite Life Series, or Maddie, or Zack, or the hotel lobby, or Hershey's (I wish I had one right now though)! I don't own anything of any concern! Or I hope it doesn't concern someone because I don't own it!
Another Summer Ships story! I'll probably have another one up in a bit, because Lorraine (ILoveWillRiker) and I are writing right now! She's just put up a new one too, Rose and the 10th Doctor (Doctor Who), so read that one!
Maddie Fitzpatrick handed the customer a Hershey's bar and clicked the cash register, putting in the $2. It was a strange way to make a living, but it was the only way to pay for college.
"Hey, sweet thang," a voice said. Maddie froze. It was weird how long it had been since she'd heard that, yet it still sounded the same – just the same.
"Zack!" Maddie exclaimed, looking up. Zack was taller and older, yet he was the same Zack. She burst out laughing, even though there wasn't even anything funny. Maddie flung her arms around him, even though she never would have years ago.
"Maddie! You're still sweet and pretty," Zack said, making Maddie hug him again. "You're still working here too."
Maddie smiled, though she hated that she worked there. "Yeah, it's paying for college," she admitted, glancing around.
Zack grinned. "So my woman in in college now!"
Maddie rolled her eyes and smiled. "I'm not your woman, Zack."
"Not yet," Zack said, leaning on the counter just like he used to. "Someday."
"You said that when you were 12," Maddie reminded him. "And it still hasn't happened."
There was a silence, but it wasn't even painful. It was nervous sort of, but not apprehensive. It was like they both knew what was going to be said, so they didn't even have to say it. Except they did.
"That's what I came back for," Zack said quietly. It was unusual, for him to be quiet about anything. It was also unusual for him to be serious, but he was.
Maddie looked around the lobby. It looked just like it had or years, but this was different. Zack had always hit on her, but he'd never been really serious. He was old enough now, but the fact that she had to say "now" might seem like he was too young still. But if she believed in crazy stuff like that, she wouldn't have gotten anywhere. And she liked Zack. Standing there, looking at him leaning on the counter, she knew that. She always had, she guessed.
Maddie didn't know what to say, so she hugged Zack again. She sighed, because she knew that wasn't a sufficient answer. Before she knew what was happening, she'd kissed Zack.
The world was a beautiful place, really. Magical, like the wind in the summer. Magical, like her and Zack, together.
Did you like it? I hope so!
I have my poll on my profile (Which Doctor Who companion do you like the best?) and ILoveWillRiker's and my Summer Ships collection! We don't co-author stories, but we're both doing them! I have a Community of that! Also, I'm accepting Beta requests if you ever want that?
Linley :)
