Disclaimer: see chapter 1
A/N: OK, so I know a lot of people are wondering... no, she's not on her way to Zach. Eventually, she will get there, but I've got a LOT more up my sleeve before we get to that point. Enjoy the Zen Ride!
She got out of the car and slammed the car, taking a deep breath. It was a relatively nice day this early in the year, but being that it was late morning, the park was fairly empty. She had just gotten in her car and driven – dealing with Babe alone all morning had made her about crazy – well, it might have more to do with the memories at every turn, but she really, really, really wanted to blame all this on Babe.
She strolled through the park and sat down on the bench near the play area, staring at the empty swing set and slide, knowing that, before too long, kids would be ruling this area. She looked over and smiled as the hot dog vendor made his way into the park for the day.
"You crack me up."
"What's so funny?"
"You."
"Me, what, eating a hotdog?"
"Yeah, actually. I have seen you eat quail…"
"Mm-hmm."
"Sushi, pheasant, but a red-hot with all the fixings? Never thought I'd see the day."
"When I first became Zach Slater, it's the only think I could afford. And my vegetables were sauerkraut and relish. Uh-huh."
"Hmm. Well, at least you had a cold beer to wash it down, I hope."
"I did. Relax. I'm not making the moves on you. Just had some mustard on your face right there."
She sighed, remembering the feeling of his fingers on her face. That was the first time she could really remember just the slightest touch from him making her heart beat faster. The buzzing of her purse brought her out of the memory. She dug her phone out of her purse and sighed, seeing the number on the ID.
"Hello Mother… yeah, no everything is fine. Babe was just grating on my last nerve and I… I know, I know, but she's refusing, trust, I've tried… Lunch? Yeah, I could do lunch. You want to meet now?... Valley Inn in about 20 minutes… Yeah, I'll see you there."
TBC…