The only good thing about this dinner is the food. Spicy Tuna roll is the only thing that makes me happy right now. Everything else is depressing.
I mean, look at them. Looks like they forgot that I am here.
Even if I try to concentrate on my food, I can't. It's hard not to look at them.
I feel so unloved right now.
The truth is, I don't mind sharing this dinner at all. I don't meeting his girlfriend. But do I really have to see the way he looks at her? I remember he used to look at me that way. Why didn't I appreciate it?
This is Corrie's fault! She didn't tell me Zack's got a girlfriend! And to think she kept on teasing me about him! How can she not tell me! Maybe that's why she was asking me those odd questions. She knew it.
This is worst than the time when London set me up on a date with a dork!
Okay, just to be fair, she tries to engage me in a conversation every now and then and she seems very nice but…
I can't like her. She stole my "spotlight!"
Or maybe it's all an act to impress Zack.
"I've been hearing a lot about you." Trish said.
"Really." I hope that didn't sound sarcastic.
"Yeah. Zack talked about you a lot."
I glanced at him. "What did he say about me?"
"He said you're—" Zack glared at her. "What?" she asked
"Don't tell her. Are you crazy?" he said.
"What is it?" I asked, looking at them both.
"It's nothing." Trish rolled her eyes at him.
Okay. Whatever. It's not like its life changing or anything.
I noticed that Zack has mustard on his face so I offered him a napkin. "You got something on your face." I said. "Can you wipe it?" he asked.
Is he kidding? In front of his girlfriend?
I glanced at Trish and she didn't seem to care.
I hesitantly wiped the thing off his face.
"Thanks." He said. I just smiled.
--------------
The dinner ended finally. I don't know how I sat through it. It was torture!
When we reached the Tipton, I said goodbye.
"Thanks guys. It was so much… fun." I said.
To my surprise, Trish hugged me. "It was really nice to meet you!"
"Same here." I said. "Goodnight."
I left them and I entered the Tipton.
When I reached London's suite, I found her fast asleep so I tried not to make noise. I slipped on my PJs and went outside the balcony to get some fresh air.
What's goin' on with me?
It's strange that I reacted this way about his girlfriend. I'm not supposed to care. I'm not supposed to feel insecure. I'm not supposed to get… jealous. If anything, I should be happy for him, right? Cause he looked happy and I have always encouraged him to find someone his age.
Now, I feel like the joke's on me. So it's now my turn to have a crush on him and his turn to ignore me? Very funny!
How come it was so annoying when Zack looked at me that way but when I saw him do that to someone else, it looked so cute?
I looked down from the balcony and I saw them talking!
Oh c'mon! Do I have to see them everywhere?!
I better sleep now. I just hope things will get better tomorrow.
Moral of the story: Don't hurt the feelings of someone who admires you even if you don't like him. You'll never know if you'll fall for him one day.
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"Why did you go out with Zack last night? Am I missing something?" London asked. We were talking while enjoying the breakfast that was delivered to us.
"What's wrong with going out with him? He's my friend! And he was the only one who was nice enough to ask me out. If you had asked before he did, I would have gone out with you." Or... would I?
"Oh. Okay. I thought something fishy was going on."
"What if there is, is it a problem?"
"Yeah. Cause I wanna hook you up with this guy I know you'll like! Maddie, he's hotness! And he's smartical so you two will get along well!" she excitedly explained
"Uh… I don't know London." I really didn't come here to meet guys. Seriously.
"C'mon. I already set up a double date! Trust me, I know this guy. He's totally not a dork! He's looking forward to meet you! And guess what, he's also from New Jersey!"
"I'll think about it."
"Don't tell me you're seeing someone!"
"No."
"Then there's no reason to decline!"
I paused for a second.
"Right. Okay, I'll come."
"Good girl"
---------------------
After breakfast, I decided to go to the counter and ask Corrie the question I've been wanting to ask her.
"Corrie, why didn't you tell me that he has a girlfriend?"
She furrowed her eyebrows. "Who?"
I looked around to see if anyone's listening before I continued. "Zack!"
"He has a girlfriend?" she said, looking totally clueless.
"Yes!"
"I didn't know!"
I couldn't believe she didn't know. "You didn't know? You're supposed to know! When I was in your position, I know everything that's been going on around here!"
"I'm sorry. Is it a crime that I'm not interested with Zack's lovelife?"
Before I could respond, someone interrupted us.
"What about my lovelife?"
When I heard his voice, I felt my heart skipped. He stood right next to me and I turned my head to face him. Putting a smile on my face, I greeted him. "Hi!"
"Talking about my lovelife, huh?" he said, teasing us.
"N-no... its not you... its a different Zack that we know." That was the lamest excuse I've ever made in my whole life. But he seemed to buy it, so we're off the hook.
"Zack, how was your dinner with Maddie last night?" Oh God. Why did she have to ask?
"It was awesome!" he looked at me as if asking for my approval.
"Yeah. It was!" I said with a plastic smile.
"Maddie, can you come up to my suite really quick? Cody wants to see you." Zack said.
I shrugged. "Okay."
I glanced at Corrie before entering the elevator and she gave me this sly smile again. Oh I hate it when she does that.
-----------
I went up to the suite and saw Cody seating on the couch. books on the table in front of him. He's still very studious.
"Hey Cody!" I greeted
He looked up and gasped. "Maddie! You're back!"
"I know!" I said, and sat next to him. "What are you doing?"
"My literature homework." He sighed. "This is racking my brain!"
"Let me see." I read the homework quickly and continued. "Oh, I know this. I can help you."
His face lightened. "Really? I mean, I know you're on vacation and..."
"Yes, she is." Zack interrupted. "She's on vacation and she's here to have fun and not to help you with your stupid homework!"
"No, its okay. I'd love to help Cody." And besides, this is better than going out with him and his girlfriend.
"Thanks Maddie."
In the corner of my eye, I saw Zack shook his head at his brother and went out.
"So Cody, can you tell me something about Trish?" I asked. I can't believe I'm actually curious about this girl.
"How do you know her?"
"Met her last night."
Cody closed his book for a second. "Oh, well, Trish is a very naïve girl. Many people say that they're a perfect match cause they're like the total opposites."
With that said, I felt a little stab in my heart. Just a little.
"Oh. That's kinda nice."
"Can't believe she chose him." he said.
Not me. I'm not surprised. Any girl will choose Zack.
"You're not surprised, you said?" he blurted.
God. Am I saying my thoughts out loud again?
I began to stammer. "Yeah. I am not. He's quite a charmer. I mean, you gotta give it to him, Cody."
He shook his head. "Zack, a charmer? Look at you, you can't even like him. Of course that's totally understandable. I don't blame you."
At that moment, I feel like I need to tell my little secret. "Cody, can I make a confession? This is odd, okay. Don't freak out or anything."
"Sure."
"Is it weird if I say that I actually like him?"
He laughed. "Yeah right. No really, what's the secret?" he asked without taking his eyes off of his homework.
"That's the secret, Cody. I'm crushing on Zack. I told you its odd."
He turned to face me. "Odd? Maddie, that's bizarre! Unbelievable! Strange! A shocker!"
I gave him a strange look and laughed. "I think you're overreacting a little bit."
He rolled his eyes. "Well, I guess if you dig womanizing, egoist, arrogant douche bag, then that's your thing."
I just shook my head. He'll never understand why girls like his brother despite of those traits that he possess.
-----------------
Zack went back after awhile. I just finished helping Cody with his homework and I was about to leave.
"I'm planning to see a movie with Trish. Can you go with us?" He asked.
Oh no, not again! Another torture?
"I don't think so.."
"Please?" he said with a puppy-dog eyes.
"I don't know…"
He frowned. "You don't wanna hang out with us anymore. I see."
"No, its just that…" I sighed. "Okay, I'm coming on one condition."
He smiled. "Anything!"
----------
"CORRIE, YOU HAVE TO GO WITH US!!!"
I immediately stormed to the counter after I told Zack that I'll only come if Corrie's coming. I explained to her that I'm not going with them if she's not going.
"But my shift…"
"I'll talk to Moseby! I promise! I just need you to say yes!" She has to say yes! Or I'll have to take London! Which is impossible coz she'd rather shop than watch a movie.
"Why do you want me to go with you?"
"I don't wanna get stuck with them! I feel so left out!" I said.
"Then don't go!"
"But I don't want him to get the impression that I'm tired of hanging out with them. After this, I'll never go out with them!"
She glared at me for a second and shrugged. "Okay. I'll go!"
"Thanks Corrie!!! I owe you one!"
"Maddie, be honest with me. Do you like him?"
I looked down and I nodded.
She stared at me for a second and said "Whoa."
"Yeah. Whoa is the word."
"If he has a girlfriend, that's tight."
"I know, Corrie. And I feel like I'll never get him to like me again." I said. "But its okay, I guess. It's never going to work out between us anyway."
"Why not? You're still you, you haven't changed a bit."
"But he has."
She gave me a sympathetic look. She suddenly smiled. "I have an idea Maddie. I think I know what will make him fall for you again!"
"What is it?"
"Let's bring back your candy counter look!" she said with all excitement.
Is she serious? "Corrie, you're crazy." I said, and walked away.
"C'mon, what have you got to lose? Who knows? It might rekindle his feelings for you!"
Silly, silly, silly. This is silliness. Am I really going this far?
I stopped and turned around. "No. I'll look stupid!"
"You won't!" she said, and walked towards me. "Listen, you can have my shift tonight! You can be the candy girl again that he once loved!"
Although I'm not really sure about this, she's right. What have I got to lose? "Okay."
AN: Thank you very much, I appreciate your comments:)
Nely, Estel, Lizzy, tvwatcher, chocoroses, orbajomadness, GG7HEverwoodHSMfan, Miss Frenchie, Lennie, Estebanita, stessa, obviousrandomness, LiveLaughDisney
Don't worry, I'm not rooting for Zack-Trish either. It's going to be Zack and Maddie eventually. :)