I didn't get many reviews, but the ones I got were encouraging, so here is another chapter. I hope you like it. Thanks and please Review.

*I don't own Suite Life or its characters. I do own this story.*

Chapter 2

"So talk to me." Zack keeps his stormy blue eyes focused on the road, waiting for Maddie to answer.

"There really isn't much to say." Maddie heaves a sigh, still staring out the passenger side window. "Greg and I are in the same field of study for our graduate program. We've ended up in most of the same classes and participated in the same study groups. It didn't take him long to decide I would make a great girlfriend for him and future wife. To be honest, when I first met him, I thought he was kind of cute but his personality started grating on my nerves before long. He keeps asking me out every chance he gets and goes on and on about how 'perfect' we are for each other. Greg's about a half step away from being considered a stalker. When I saw him come into the library while we were talking, I just snapped. I couldn't take dealing with him again so I panicked." She glances over at Zack nervously. "I really am sorry I dragged you into this and am really glad you were there."

"It's okay, Maddie. You know I'm always here if you need me." Zack flashes her a smile. "Want me to go threaten Greg to stay away from you? I can be pretty intimidating when I want to be." Maddie, looking at Zack, could readily believe with his muscle definition. Zack's body looks lean and powerful and oh so yummy… 'wait I did not just think that about Zack, did I?' Maddie groans to herself.

"I wish it were that simple and I appreciate the offer but I don't want you getting in trouble. Greg comes from a rich family with plenty of connections. I doubt he would hesitate to use those to make your life miserable if you got in his face." Maddie rejects his idea.

"Well, what do you want to do then?" Zack asks.

"Do you think you could just continue to be my boyfriend until Greg gets the hint and gives up?" Maddie asks.

"I suppose we could do that, after all, he already thinks I am. All we'd have to do is be seen hanging out together being affectionate." Zack grins over at Maddie. "So my lovely new girlfriend, how would you like to watch me and my band play tonight? We can grab a bite afterwards."

"I didn't know you were in a band, though it's not real surprising considering your parents." Maddie exclaims. "I'd love to hear you."

"That's good because we're here." Zack laughs. "And I'm not driving you all the way back to campus right now." He hops out of the car and jogs around to open the door for Maddie. After she gets out, he gets his guitar case and a bag from the back, grabs her hand and leads her inside. As they walk in, Maddie recognizes it as one of the hottest clubs in town, Ice.

"Wow, Zack! You guys must be really good if you're playing here tonight." Maddie says impressed.

"We do alright." Zack says modestly, but ruins it by winking at her. She follows him to the low stage set up in the back of the large, open room. Everything is decorated to fit the club's name in various shades of blue with crystal and glitter accents. Midnight blue drapes frame the stage where Zack's band is setting up. Setting down his guitar and bag, they walk over to the small group of performers.

"Hey guys." Zack greets them. They look over at Zack and acknowledge him with smiles. Everyone stops what they are doing when they notice Maddie standing behind him still holding his hand, which none of them miss. Zack pulls her up beside him. "Everyone, this is Maddie. Maddie, this is Evan, George, Rachel and Maya." He points at each person in turn and they each wave at her, still staring and silent. Maddie starts to twitch, uncomfortable with so much attention.

"Uh, hi everyone." She mumbles, looking up at Zack in askance.

"Uh guys? You're starting to freak Maddie out." Zack waves his hand to get their attention, which seems to have broken the spell. They all rush forward with smiles and friendly hellos, each wanting to meet Zack's apparently, new girlfriend. After chatting for a few minutes, they relax enough to goof around like they usually do before a gig to release tension. Several teasing comments were batted back and forth, eliciting laughter and friendly threats. Maddie is enjoying hanging out with Zack and his friends.

"So, Maddie" Maya sidles up next to her. "How did you and Zack meet?" Maya has purple streaks running through her black hair which is done up in two oversized pigtails. Her hazel eyes are accented with smoky eye shadow and black liner while her mouth is painted a deep shade of red. A sleeveless black tunic with a slash of purple across it diagonally covers her form along with faded, designer skinny jeans and four inch purple sandals.

"When he came up to me to buy candy and said 'Hey there, Sweet Thang'." Maddie laughs. "I wasn't sure if I should be flattered or appalled since he only came up to my shoulder."

"Shoulder?" Maya asks, looking from how short Maddie is to how tall Zack is. "Was he sitting down?"

"No." Maddie laughs again, enjoying the girls confusion. "He was eleven at the time."

"Oh." Maya says, catching on but then looks surprised. "So, you have known each other for a long time then. Why haven't we met you before now?"

"I went away to college and just transferred here for my graduate studies." Maddie neglects to mention that she hasn't actually seen Zack in the last four years and hopes no one will ask.

George, who had been listening in on their conversation, gives a devious look to Maddie. "So, I bet you know all kinds of juicy, blackmail stories on Zack. Share and I will make it worth your while." George has short, spiked blonde hair with brown eyes and a lanky build. He's dressed in ripped jeans and a black tee with neon green writing on it proclaiming him to be 'Delicious!'

Maddie pretends to think about it before responding. "What's in it for me?"

"Oh no you don't." Zack comes up from behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. "No telling tales, Sweet Thang." He whispers softly into her ear, causing a pleasant shiver to race down her spine. The familiar endearment wrapping around her heart.

Maya watches them and sighs at the sweetness. "You are so cute together." Zack and Maddie both blush at the comment and steps away taking her hand in his.

"We have a table here next to the stage." He holds out a chair for her. "Do you want something to drink?"

"A root beer would be great if they have it." Maddie smiles up at him. "Thanks."

"Not much of a drinker, huh?" Zack teases.

"Not unless you want me passed out on the floor before you even begin to play." Maddie rolls her eyes.

"Root beer it is." Zack walks over to the bar where a handsome bartender is wiping down the bar top. Zack returns with her drink and several bottles of water, which he passes out to his band mates. "Jack is opening the doors in thirty minutes so we should get warmed up." Zack walks over to his bag and guitar case, pulling off his shirt exposing a spattering of hair across his chest leading down to an impressive washboard stomach. Maddie tries to look away but is mesmerized by the play of muscle as he moves to put on a royal blue tee-shirt. She blushes and looks down before he catches her staring at him, probably drooling. 'Come on, Maddie. This is just Zack. Remember? Annoying, adorable kid who always used to hit on you and is three years your junior. So what if he's grown up into a total hottie, he's still Zack.' Maddie berates herself.

Zack warms up on lead guitar with George as base. Maya is set up on drums, surprising Maddie. Evan has keyboard and Rachael is warming up her voice, so she must be the lead singer. They are talking low amongst themselves, listening to make sure everyone is in tune and all is in working order. Zack and George, do some vocal warm-ups with Rachael. As soon as they are satisfied, Zack jogs back to Maddie.

"You doing okay?" He asks.

"Yeah, I'm great, can't wait to hear you guys." Maddie grins at him in excitement.

"Good. I have a surprise for you." He has a mischievous glint in his eye as he looks behind Maddie. "And here she is to keep you company." Maddie turns and, for a moment, is speechless.

"Maddie? Oh my God! Maddie!"

"Bailey?" Maddie jumps up and the girls hug. "What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since the cruise ship." Bailey hasn't changed much since Seven Seas High. Her face is a little leaner and her figure is a little curvier but she still exudes friendliness and a wholesome nature. Maddie checks out Bailey's pencil line black skirt and forest green blouse with a deep vee neck. "You are looking good, girl."

"Thanks." Bailey smiles at the compliment. "I go to school here and try to make it to Zack's performances when I can." She walks over and gives Zack a small kiss on the cheek. "Hey, why didn't you tell me Maddie was coming?" Bailey bats his arm.

"I'm opening the doors!" A guy yells from up front.

"I didn't know she was but I'm going to let her explain it. I have to get on stage." Zack gives Bailey a quick hug and swiftly kisses Maddie on the lips. "Let me know what you tell her." He whispers so only she can hear, before rejoining his band. Bailey stares at Maddie with her mouth open in shock.

"Did I miss something?" Bailey asks incredulously.

"Uh yeah, you could say that." Maddie blushes and looks away.

Bailey sits down next to her. "So spill."

Maddie decides to tell the truth to Bailey knowing she can trust her. She explains what happened in the library earlier, about the trouble she's having with Greg and Zack agreeing to help her out. When she finished, Bailey is quiet, mulling it all over.

"Maddie, you know I like you and I sympathize with you about Greg. He sounds horrible and I'm glad Zack is helping you out, but be careful." Bailey looks are her seriously. "I don't want Zack to get hurt."

"I don't want him to either." Maddie confesses. "I tried to warn him about Greg's family so he won't confront Greg directly."

"While I'm worried about that too, it's not what I'm talking about." Bailey sighs, wondering if she should explain. Her concern for Zack wins out. "I'm talking about what you do to Zack."

"What I do to Zack?" Maddie asks, her confusion evident. "What do you mean?"

"Last time, you nearly broke him." Bailey admits quietly. "After you left the ship, he wouldn't come out of his room for days and, when he finally did, he wasn't the same. He hardly ever pulled pranks. He never hit on girls. He rarely spoke, unless you asked him a question directly. He actually did his homework, for which Mr. Moseby almost had a heart attack. It took months before he would even smile again. We were all worried about him. It was as if, when you left, you took a part of his soul with you."

"I didn't know." Maddie says sadly. "I never wanted to hurt him like that. I really didn't know that I could."

"The only positive thing that came out of it was that Zack realized just how smart he really is." Bailey said, a hint of pride in her voice. "That last year, he pulled straight A's, almost beating Cody."

"I always knew he was smart. No one could have come up with the stuff he pulled without some brains." Maddie says with a slight smile.

"I don't want to see that happen to him again. He never did explain what had happened between you two and I didn't want to push it. Just take care with him, okay? He's one of my best friends." Bailey is interrupted by people coming in from the front door and anymore serious conversation is going to have to wait until later.

Please Review and let me know what you think. Thanks. If I get enough reviews, I'll keep going with the story.