A/N – Phew, chapter 3 is finally finished, drum roll please! More characters and even more laughs if I do say so myself. More Zack and Maddie angst in full swing. Hopefully, the remaining chapters will be way shorter than this, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Chapter 3: Bruised Egos and Accusations

"London?!" the twins and Maddie cried out in unison. London Tipton had just stepped into her very own lobby and was now looking aghast at the scene in front of her. Zack was still lying on top of Maddie and Cody was standing nearby looking like he wanted to vanish into the carpet. "What's going on here?" London demanded in puzzlement. "This clod pummeled me with a football." Maddie returned heatedly, throwing Zack off of her. "Yeah, Cody and I were playing football in the lobby and I accidentally knocked Maddie over." Zack explained hurriedly, dusting off his pants. "Did Maddie just call me a clod?" Zack asked himself in alarm.

"I've really gotta learn to just say no." Cody muttered more to himself. "London, what are you doing here? I thought your plane didn't arrive in Boston until 7pm." Maddie stated in confusion. "The plane chartered earlier." London explained simply. "But I was supposed to come pick you up at the airport!" Maddie exclaimed loudly. "Maddie, what's the big deal? I wanted to surprise you all. Now come here and give me a proper hug." London invited happily, stretching her arms out wide. When Maddie returned her embrace, London continued. "Maybe you should check your head for lumps or loss of brain cells," she responded snidely. Zack burst out into laughter, but shut up instantly when Maddie glared at him.

Just then Carey, Arwin and Mr. Moseby entered the lobby. "Who's been playing football in the lobby?" Mr. Moseby demanded angrily, his eyes sweeping the room. "Maddie! London! You made it!" Carey exclaimed excitedly, swooping down upon them and embracing them in a bear hug. "Carey, can't breathe." Maddie and London mumbled. "I can't believe you girls finally made it. What an exciting time." Arwin agreed, joining in the group hug. "Welcome back Madeline, how lovely to see you again." Mr. Moseby greeted amicably. "You too Mr. Moseby. It's good to be back." Maddie greeted back warmly, unsure of whether to shake Mr. Moseby's hand or not since he had a phobia about people touching him. "London, it's so wonderful to have you back! How was your flight?" Mr. Moseby asked of London with fatherly delight in his voice. "My flight was fine, I'm just happy to be home too." London replied happily. "Thank you for inviting me to the wedding, Carey and Arwin. It meant the world to me." London stated sincerely, beaming at them both.

"Well I hope you feel the same way after we put you to task London. Arwin and I still need a lot of help with the wedding." Carey remarked teasingly. "Well whatever I can do to help, let me know. I'm always happy to help." London replied with such sincerity that surprised everyone present. "I was hoping you'd say that. If you and Maddie don't mind, I'd really like to gather everyone in 20 minutes time in the ballroom to discuss what still needs to be done.' Carey said briskly and business-like. "Excellent, now let's get your bags upstairs. Now where is that bell-boy? He's supposed to be on his post." Mr. Moseby remarked in an annoyed tone. "Oh that's right, I thought I didn't see Esteban anywhere. Where is he?" London asked curiously. "London, Esteban's no longer the bell-boy at this hotel. Didn't you hear the good news? Esteban emailed me a month ago: he's recently qualified for his pilot's license with Virgin Atlantic. But he will be landing in Boston in a few days time to attend the wedding." Mr. Moseby announced proudly. "Go Esteban!" Zack remarked in an impressed tone. "That's so great for Esteban. I always knew he could 'pilot' his own life." Cody replied with a wink. Zack rolled his eyes at this. "Well I guess Zack and Cody will just have to carry my bags upstairs then." London remarked simply. The twins laughed at this. "Good one London." Zack returned knowingly. "I'm serious, get to it!" London barked loudly.

"I'll kill whoever invented luggage bags." Cody muttered hoarsely before collapsing onto his bed. "Man, how many bags did London have anyway, 15?" Zack asked hoarsely, plonking himself onto his bed as well. "23." Cody corrected from under his pillow. "What was up with Maddie anyway? She totally dissed me back there." Zack murmured thoughtfully. "It might be on account of you hitting her in the head and then bum-rushing her." Cody answered callously. "No, it was more than that. Before London arrived, we were getting on great." Zack went on anxiously. "Maybe she was concussed." Cody put in helpfully. "You're no help Cody!" Zack retorted heatedly, getting up from his bed and pacing their room. "Aargh, my abdomen hurts. Maybe I gave birth to my colon." Cody muttered painstakingly, ignoring Zack completely. "I don't get it Cody. I thought Maddie would be happy to see me after all these years. Maybe our night together and that kiss on Prom Night meant more to me than it did her." Zack mused dejectedly. "Maybe." Cody remarked, nonplussed. When Zack made a threatening advance towards him, Cody changed his tone. "Or maybe she just doesn't know how to act around you now since the kiss. Maybe you should talk to her and…you know, clear the air." Cody continued wisely. "You're right Cody, I should just talk to Maddie. Then everything will go back to normal. Thanks Cody." Zack stated graciously. "Don't mention it. Now come on Loverboy, we're due in the ballroom in 2 minutes." Cody answered briskly and got off his bed. Zack groaned aloud and followed Cody out the door.

At the end of the corridor on the 23rd floor, Maddie could be heard hanging her clothes in the wardrobe and humming softly. London strolled in through the open door and beamed from ear to ear. "All settled in?" London asked casually, shutting the door behind her. "Pretty much, I can pack my shoes away after the wedding meeting. You're already unpacked?" Maddie asked in disbelief. "Not even close. I'll just get the maid to help me later. This room is…nice." London complimented doubtfully. "Thanks, but I'm sure it doesn't compare with yours. I take it Moseby gave you your old suite?" Maddie inquired nonchalantly while brushing her hair. "Naturally. Moseby arranged everything to my liking just as before. Except for that swimming pool I put in there once when Lance was teaching me how to swim." London mused aloud. "Naturally." Maddie remarked sardonically.

"But that's not why I came over. I wanted to know about that little episode I witnessed in the lobby earlier. Did you and Zack have time to rehearse your stories?" London inquired with wide eyes. "Time to rehearse? What are you talking about?" Maddie asked in confusion, reappearing from the bathroom. "You know, where he was lying on top of you in what looked like a passionate embrace," London responded slyly, fluttering her eyelids. "Ever the drama queen London. It was exactly what Zack said happened. He and Cody were playing football in the lobby yet again and he knocked me off my feet. Literally." Maddie explained dryly. "In more ways than one apparently. I saw the way the two of you were looking at each other." London stated seriously.

Maddie sighed aloud and sat down on her bed. "I know, and that's why you've got to help me." Maddie stated morosely, looking at London. "Now what are you talking about?" London asked Maddie anxiously, sitting down beside her. "When Zack collided with me earlier, he caught me off guard completely. I let my guard down with him, just like with Prom Night when he kissed me. I shouldn't have done that. I don't think I can handle being around Zack by myself right now." Maddie explained jadedly. "So what do you want me to do?" London asked curiously. "Just keep me away from Zack for the meantime. Or just appear every time it looks like he wants to get me on my own." Maddie responded with a manic look in her eye. "Maddie, even if I wanted to be your personal bodyguard 24-7, it's still not a very good plan. You can't avoid Zack forever Maddie. You've gotta face him eventually and have that uncomfortable conversation." London answered wisely, putting her hand on Maddie's back and rubbing it soothingly.

"You're right London, I know I have to talk to Zack soon. But I just can't deal with that angst right now. Maybe if I hold off talking to Zack for a few days until Brett flies here from New York, then I can figure it out from there." Maddie remarked thoughtfully. "Well that sounds like a much better plan to me. Let's talk about something else other than Zack." London suggested wisely. "Like what?" Maddie asked casually. "Like all the other hot guys we're gonna flirt with and abuse shamelessly until your hunk of a boyfriend gets here." London responded excitedly with a sly grin. When London was greeted with a raised eyebrow from Maddie, her grin evaporated. "Okay, maybe just me then." London said with a pout. "Come on, we'd better go. We have to be in the ballroom in 2 minutes." Maddie remarked briskly, getting off her bed. London acquiesced by rising too. "Maybe we should take the stairs for good measure," Maddie suggested with a sheepish grin, which London rolled her eyes at.

"Okay everyone, let's begin." Arwin announced in a firm voice. "Carey and Arwin had gathered the twins, Mr. Moseby, London and Maddie in the Tipton's ballroom to discuss the wedding plans. "Hey, where's Muriel?" Cody asked curiously, referring to the former Tipton maid, whom he and Zack had found asleep in their hotel room on their second day back. "I excused her from the meeting. She's taking a nap on the terrace; and at her age, she needs her sleep." Carey explained cautiously. Maddie was standing on the farthest end of the room just to avoid standing next to Zack. "We'll keep this brief since I know you're all tired and or busy. Carey, take it away." Arwin commanded abruptly, pushing Carey forward. "Uh okay, thanks Arwin. So basically, the ceremony and the reception are all taken care of in the way of invitations, finding a priest, catering etc. It's just the minor details left to be taken care of. There's the floral arrangement, the entertainment (which I won't be doing of course on account of getting married). And Zack, I want to ask you to do something for me. Arwin and I really wanted to get an ice sculpture for the reception, but the artist we originally hired to do the job is charging through the roof for supplies. So I was wondering if you would make a sculpture for us." Carey finished off quietly.

"You want me to make an ice sculpture?" Zack asked in disbelief. "Can you even do that??" London asked quizzically of Zack. "Of course I can do it!" Zack exclaimed indignantly. "I mean…with the right equipment and a suitable chunk of ice. Of course I'll need an appropriate storage facility for it in-between sculpting periods so that it won't melt." Zack went on pensively while pacing the room. "You can use the deep freezer room at the back of the kitchen to store the sculpture in," Mr. Moseby suggested helpfully. "Excellent, then you've got yourself a deal. I'd be happy to do it Mom, Arwin." Zack replied sincerely. Carey and Arwin smiled graciously back at Zack. "Of course, we'll also have to discuss the matter of my fee," Zack went on conspiratorially. "I'm kidding," he replied hastily when he received a puzzled expression from Arwin and a frosty glare from Carey. "Sheesh, tough crowd. You just can't earn any cash with family." Zack mused to himself.

"Moving on. I'd also like to ask you something too Zack. And you too Cody." Arwin interrupted politely. "Me too? What is it Arwin?" Cody asked quizzically. "Well here goes: boys, I would be really honoured if you two would be my best men." Arwin went on in a quiet voice, not making eye contact with the twins. Now it was the twins' turn to look puzzled. "Really? Us?" the twins asked in unison. "Yes. I just figured it would be appropriate since we're gonna be family soon. And even so, I love you boys. Always have and always will." Arwin concluded, his eyes looking suspiciously moist. And so were the twins as they stepped forward towards Arwin. "Gee Arwin, of course we'll do it." Zack replied in a soft voice. "Yeah Arwin, we'd be really honoured." Cody agreed quietly, his voice sounding strangely husky. The twins and Arwin hugged one another briefly before returning once more to a stiff and awkward standing position.

"Okay, my turn. Maddie, London, I'd really love it if you'd be my bridesmaids." Carey continued with a warm smile on her face. "Really?" London asked in awe. "Carey, that's so sweet. But, isn't there someone else you'd like to ask?" Maddie asked cautiously, not wanting to sound ungracious. "Well my sister Marie will be my Maid of Honour and there's my old college roommate Denise, that will be another bridesmaid. Besides, I've known you girls a long time and it would mean so much to me if you were a part of the ceremony." Carey replied patiently. "Well in that case, I accept." London responded without hesitation. "We both accept." Maddie corrected with a smile. "Great, I was hoping you'd say that because we need to put you to task right away. With all the other things left to do for the ceremony, Arwin and I won't have time to organize a bachelor and bachelorette party before the wedding. So we were hoping you five would be able to put something together for us a few days before the wedding." Carey announced, both her and Arwin beaming. "Party?" Maddie and Zack chorused; the difference being that Maddie sounded overwhelmed while Zack sounded intrigued. "The five of us???" Mr. Moseby asked in horror, looking around the room. "Well, not just the five of you. You can bring as many hands on deck depending on your needs. Carey and I are just adamant about the parties not being the night before the wedding." Arwin remarked firmly. "Uh, and we're also adamant about their being no strippers at either party," Carey put in. "Why did you look at me when you said that?" Zack asked Carey. "Don't sweat it Carey, leave it all to us." London put in smoothly, a big grin on her face.

"Okay, then there's the first dress fitting for myself and the bridesmaids on Sunday. The dressmaker has very kindly agreed to leave her boutique open all day if need be." Carey continued. "This Sunday? Uh Carey, do you mind if I'm a little late? It's just that I've got to go to the airport." Maddie responded hurriedly. "Are you leaving us again so soon Maddie?" Arwin teased us with a chuckle. "No, my boyfriend Brett is flying in from New York for the wedding. I said I'd pick him up at the airport." Maddie explained. "Boyfriend?" Zack murmured in disbelief.

"Oh wonderful Madeline. Would you like him to stay with you in your room or be placed in a different suite?" Mr. Moseby asked cheerily

"Boyfriend?"

"What time is his flight?" Cody inquired politely of Maddie. "Around 9am." Maddie answered promptly.

"Boyfriend?"

"Perfect. The dress fitting begins around 10am, so you can take Brett back to the Tipton and meet us girls later. And then I'd love to meet Brett afterwards if he's not too tired from his flight." Carey stated cheerily. "Sounds great, thanks so much Carey." Maddie responded graciously.

"Boyfriend?" Zack demanded of the room at large, but to no avail.

"You know Bailey, my girlfriend, will be flying in on Saturday night." Cody put in. "Yeah, you said that 50 times already Cody. Now Maddie, when you say boyfriend…" Zack interrupted loudly, edging towards her. "Look, when Brett gets here, you can ask him all your burning questions then. But if you all don't mind, I'd really like to fit in a bath and a nap before dinner." Maddie cut in briskly. "Of course, we'll see you all later for dinner in the restaurant this evening." Arwin greeted everyone. "I'll walk you to your room Maddie. I wanna run some possible ideas by you for the bachelorette party," London added, giving Carey a dramatic wink. "But Maddie…" Zack called out, but to no avail. Maddie and London had already exited the ballroom. "As fun as this has been, I've got to get back to work. Cheerio!" Mr. Moseby greeted all too readily as he too, leapt out the door. Arwin put his hand around Carey's waist as they too left the ballroom, beaming and content with the world. The twins were left all by themselves. Zack whipped around to face Cody for the first time in 20 minutes. "Boyfriend?!" he exclaimed loudly. "Looks like I'm not gonna be able to fit in a bath and a nap before dinner," Cody muttered sarcastically to himself.

"Boyfriend?!" Zack exclaimed for the tenth time in the 5 minutes it had taken him and Cody to get back to their room after the wedding meeting. "I am familiar with the concept Zack. Perhaps you should consider using other words in the English language to describe your emotional turmoil." Cody suggested sardonically while flipping through channels on the TV. "I can't believe this, Maddie has a boyfriend? And she didn't tell me?" Zack demanded angrily while pacing the room. "And he's flying out for the wedding?" Zack asked curiously. "That is the general picture Zack." Cody put in helpfully. "How long has she even been seeing this guy for? I mean, she really should've said something when I asked her how she'd been." Zack went on in a calmer tone. "Maybe it just slipped her mind." Cody suggested wisely. "I guess. I mean I was just as surprised to see her too. I wonder what she sees in this Brick guy." Zack murmured more to himself. "Uh, I think Maddie said his name was Brett…" Cody remarked carefully. "Whatever." Zack returned dismissively.

"Cody, what am I gonna do? You said I should talk to Maddie and try to clear the air. I don't think I can handle seeing Maddie with this guy," Zack stated in a quavering voice. "Zack, calm down. You're just in shock about finding out about Maddie's boyfriend, that's all. Besides, you're Zack Martin. When have you ever been afraid of a little confrontation? You'll have the talk with Maddie, you'll meet her boyfriend. And everything will be fine." Cody replied in a soothing voice. "Wow Cody, you're really good at these kinds of pep talks. You're right, I've just gotta be cool, that's all. Triple C: cool, calm and collected. I can handle Maddie, I know exactly what makes her tick. But this Brett guy, I know nothing about. I need to start digging. Thanks Cody." Zack went on conspiratorially, a cunning look in his eye. "Zack wait, that's not what I meant at all," Cody interrupted hastily, seeing the look in Zack's eyes. "Cody, I've said it a million times, you are a genius." Zack praised aloud. "You've never said it." Cody replied curtly. "Well then I mean it this time. Come Sunday. I'll give Brett a proper welcome to Boston. And then I'll work on Maddie, my precious." Zack remarked in a high-pitched seedy voice. "Oh brother," Cody remarked dryly, clapping his hand to his head.

Thursday morning, 4 June found Maddie and London entering the Tipton lobby after dining on breakfast in the dining room. "Now that was an excellent breakfast. I'd completely forgotten how good it was here." London praised out loud, walking with a bounce in her step. "Can't say I ever had breakfast here until this morning. But it was delicious." Maddie agreed evenly. "Still avoiding Zack?" London asked conversationally, planting herself down onto a comfy sofa in the lobby. "Yip, I barely spoke to him all through dinner last night. Just 3 more days and then Brett will be here." Maddie stated happily, clapping her hands together. "I just hope you know what you're doing, bringing Brett into this ridiculous equation." London remarked dryly. "No sweat London, I know exactly how to handle Zack. And Brett will be here too, and everything will be perfect." Maddie said with satisfaction, lounging back in her sofa chair. "This sucks; your hunky boyfriend's coming to town, Bailey's coming to visit Cody. There's no one here to see me," London wailed despairingly. "That's not true, you're not the only one here without someone. There's Zack, Muriel, Mr. Moseby…" Maddie pointed out without any conviction. "Oh big whoop Maddie. Zack's alone because he's too busy stalking you. Muriel's a gold-digger who only chases 20-year old toy-boys. And Moseby's…well Moseby." London returned sarcastically. "Good point." Maddie agreed readily, thinking of Mr. Moseby. "And speaking of the second devil," Maddie thought to herself when Muriel came walking towards them.

Muriel, now an elderly woman, used to be a maid at the Tipton once upon a time. How she had gotten the job, no one knew except Mr. Moseby because no one else had ever seen Muriel so much as look at a dust-bunny, let alone clean rooms. Muriel had been dismissed eventually (or retired in her own words) around the time when Zack and Cody had begun high school. Since then, Muriel had come into some money, but refused to say where she'd gotten it from.

"Hey girls, what's hanging?" Muriel inquired casually in her raspy voice, taking a seat besides Maddie and London. "Nothing much Muriel, London and I were talking about my boyfriend coming to Boston on Sunday morning." Maddie informed Muriel evenly. "Boyfriend huh? Is he loaded?" Muriel inquired conspiratorially, leaning in closer. "Muriel! Brett Walker is intelligent, handsome and a perfect gentleman. Money isn't everything, but yeah he's loaded." Maddie finished off sheepishly. "Did you say Brett Walker? Cute tush, smart girl." Muriel commented with relish. "Yeah, well what about me? I don't have a guy who is handsome or loaded." London quipped despairingly. "Well what is he then, a janitor?" Muriel asked quizzically. "No Muriel, what London means is that she isn't currently dating anyone." Maddie explained patiently. "Oh. Well don't your extensions in a tangle over it London. You're loaded, that's always a good place to start. The men will soon follow." Muriel responded knowingly, her head lolling slightly in her chair.

"I think I can do one better. Check out that hottie over there." London remarked in a seedy voice. Maddie and Muriel turned to where London was looking. A tall statuesque man with tanned skin and jet-black hair was being attended to at the reception desk, a travelling suitcase standing beside his leg. "How can you even tell? He's got his back to us." Maddie pointed out doubtfully. "Oh trust me, I can tell." London stated firmly, a sly glint in her eye. "Well whoever he is, his dress sense is pretty good." Maddie remarked softly, staring admiringly at the man's faded blue jeans, a black leather jacket and black Converse sneakers. "Sorry girls, but you're out of luck with this one." Muriel interjected lazily from her chair, her eyes half-closed. "And why is that Muriel?" London demanded impatiently. "Because that hottie you're checking out is Esteban." Muriel replied calmly. "Esteban?!" London and Maddie cried out in unison. "There is no way. Besides, how do you know it's him Muriel? You can't even see his face." London interrogated. "True, but I'd recognize that cute tush of his anywhere." Muriel commented with relish. "Okay, ew Muriel. I'm still not convinced it's Esteban." Maddie put in doubtfully. "Oh yeah? Watch this girls. Hey Sweet Cheeks!" Muriel bellowed at the top of her voice. Almost everyone in the lobby turned to face her, including Maddie and London and the men whom she addressed. "Esteban?!" London and Maddie exclaimed for the second time in 5 minutes. "Muriel, is that you?" Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya De La Rosa Ramirez asked in astonishment, coming towards her.

"As sure as it's daytime. Come over here and gimme some sugar." Muriel greeted with a smirk. "Whoa, watch your hands garcon. I have a trick hip!" Muriel exclaimed in fright when Esteban picked her up in his arms as if she were a pillow case. "Muriel, it's so wonderful to see you again. Maddie, Ms. London?!" Esteban exclaimed in delight, putting Muriel down haphazardly and embracing Maddie and London instead. "Esteban, it's so great to see you!" London greeted him excitedly. "I think you gave me a wedgie," Muriel complained hoarsely, collapsing into her seat once more. "Esteban, you look great." Maddie complimented him earnestly. "Oh thank you Maddie. I guess I do look different out of my old bell-hop uniform." Esteban teased lightly. Esteban spoke with both eloquence and confidence, his English vastly improved with time, leaving only a few traces of his foreign accent. "And you finally 'loosed' your accent too." London put in brightly with a wide smile. "I believe the term is 'lost' Ms. London. And yes, I finally found myself a good accent coach who wasn't from Texas." Esteban explained dryly at the last part. Maddie and London laughed appreciatively at this inside joke. "It's so wonderful that we're all together again after such a long time. And how are the leetle blonde peoples? I would love to see them." Esteban commented lightly. "You're in luck Esteban, they just entered the lobby." Maddie pointed out casually, indicating with her finger in the direction of the candy counter.

"I can't believe you don't even have 5 bucks to pay for your own chocolate bar." Cody remarked exasperatedly. "I told you already Cody, I don't have any change. Just loan me 5 bucks please, I'll pay you back." Zack said in a winning voice. "Gee, if I had a nickel for every time you'd said that in our entire existence, I'd be rich by now. Cody retorted sarcastically. "You and your sweet tooth," Cody muttered begrudgingly, handing over a 5-dollar bill to Zack. "What can I say Cody? I've got an itch that only chocolate can fix." Zack remarked airily with a smile. Just then a young girl in her late teens emerged from behind the candy counter. "I take that back, there are only two things that can fix my itch," Zack continued in a seedy voice, eyeing the new candy counter with a leering twinkle.

"Hey sweet thang. I've got an itch that only you can fix." Zack remarked by way of greeting to the attractive blonde candy counter girl in front of him. "Excuse me?" the candy counter girl asked in confusion, blushing slightly at Zack's comment. "I'm in desperate need of some chocolate and you're the only one can help me." Zack went on in a soft pleading voice, leaning forward. "Oh here we go," Cody muttered sardonically. "Well, what chocolate would you like?" the candy counter girl asked Zack in a seductive voice, biting her bottom lip slightly. "I'll have the one with the nougat and hazel nuts. And a smoothie if you have one. Oh wait, what am I saying? I'm the only smoothie around here for miles." Zack stated demurely with a chuckle. The candy counter girl laughed at this joke and handed Zack the chocolate bar. "You know, I've got a thing for candy counter girls in uniforms." Zack remarked slyly, giving the girl identified on her badge as Laurie the once-over. "You need therapy Zack." Cody remarked despairingly. "Or a body-guard," Cody suggested weakly when he noticed Maddie's frosty glare from clear across the room. "Little Blonde Peoples!" Esteban screeched and within seconds had picked up both Zack and Cody with both arms. "You know, these reunions are already getting tiresome." Zack remarked dryly.

But then Zack changed tune when Friday brought with it the arrival of several old friends. While Cody was embracing and slapping high-fives with Tape Worm, Bob, Max and Barbara, Zack noticed a third young woman exit the cab outside the Tipton. "Say, who's your friend?" Zack asked, biting his lower lip. Bob, Tape Worm and Barbara looked at each other in confusion. "Let me take this one," Max put in knowingly. "Zack, that's Agnes." Max pointed out. "Ha ha, good one Max." Zack laughed while staring at the attractive girl coming towards them with her luggage into the reception. "Cody-kins, Zacky-kins? Is that you?!" Agnes shrieked, coming towards them. "Agnes! Great to see you too. You look…" Cody stammered in awe. "Hot!" Zack put in, his mouth wide open. "I know." Agnes replied airily. Gone were the glasses and the braces, yet the curly hair still remained. As Zack made to open his mouth, Agnes cut him off. "Let me guess, you're about to say one of two things: 'Hey sweet thang' or 'Baby's got it goin' on'. Let me save you some time. I'm done with guys with the propensity to ill-treat me. You didn't appreciate me when we were kids Zack, so you can forget it now. The only ones who are going to appreciate all this," Agnes said, motioning yo her body with her hands, "are me and Josh Du Hammel." Agnes concluded. "Okay." Zack replied quietly. "But I hope we can still be friends Zacky-kins, for old times sake." Agnes put in reassuringly, patting Zack's arm. "Sure." Zack agreed uncertainly. "Don't sweat it Zack, she said the exact same thing to me on the cab ride here." Bob stated reassuringly, patting Zack's arm sympathetically.

After this extremely surreal reunion, there were only two more arrivals left (unless you counted Lance Fishman suddenly drifting into the Tipton lobby unannounced): Cody's girlfriend Bailey and Maddie's boyfriend Brett. Cody found himself at the airport on Saturday evening, 13 June with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a reluctant Zack standing beside him. "When does Bailey's plane land anyway?" Zack demanded impatiently, glancing at his watch several times. "Oh I'm sorry Zack, am I cutting in on your private flirting time with Laurie the Candy Counter Girl?" Cody retorted sarcastically. "For your information, there's an episode of Sunset Tan on E! in 15 minutes that I wanted to watch." Zack explained in a dignified manner. "Since when? I thought you said reality shows are lame, save for Who Wants to be a Millionaire." Cody persisted. "Not when hot blondes are manning a tanning salon." Zack concluded with relish. "Well you can keep your fake blonde bimbos, 'cause here comes my girl." Cody stated softly, finally catching sight of Bailey making her way through the busy crowd.

Bailey still had the same dark brown hair with honeyed highlights from hers and the twins' days on the SS Tipton at boarding school. She wore comfortable skinny jeans, a short-sleeved green top and beige ankle boots. From the time Cody had known her (even when she had pretended to be a boy), he'd always known there was something different about Bailey. In his eyes, she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes upon. Cody had tried unsuccessfully for a whole semester to ask Bailey out, but to no avail. Yet they remained close friends throughout. Then both Zack and Cody had opted to go back to Boston for their senior year of high school and Cody and Bailey had parted ways for the time being. But through a variety of long-distance phone calls, web-cam and email, they managed to stay in regular contact with each other. Perhaps it was merely the time spent apart, but Cody and Bailey began to realise that their feelings for one another would never again be that of platonic friends. And so plans were made in the way of college and narrowed down to two: Harvard and Yale. Cody finished his senior year in Boston and Baileys here somewhere in the middle of the Mediterranean and met in Boston after graduation, now a couple. They had been dating for 3 years, going on 4 commuting between Yale and Harvard on a regular basis to be together. And now Bailey had finally accepted a great job as an intern at the Boston Herald with hopes of becoming a journalist.

Bailey's eyes met Cody's as she came walking towards him slowly, her mouth curled into a dimpled smile. "Gosh, that never gets old," Cody thought to himself with a goofy grin on his face watching her smile at him. He then began walking slowly towards her and within seconds, flowers and luggage were abandoned on the tiled floor as Cody and Bailey intertwined their bodies together in an intimate embrace. "Hey stranger, I've missed you." Bailey whispered softly in Cody's ear, her hair draped all around his face. "I've missed you too pretty girl," Cody whispered, taking in the scent of her perfume and holding her close. Zack cleared his throat loudly from behind the two of them. "Zack? Oh my gosh!" Bailey exclaimed excitedly and enveloped Zack in a warm embrace. "Hey Bailey, you look good." Zack complimented lightly. "Ever the flatterer Zack. You look great too by the way. Have you been working out?" Bailey asked airily, while punching Zack's bicep. "Ahem, what about me?" Cody spluttered in mock annoyance. "Oh I guess you're alright to look at." Bailey retorted in mock complacence with a small smile. "Gee, thanks." Cody replied with a grin, planting a tiny kiss on Bailey's lips.

"Hey, do you two mind hitting the pause button on the soft porn? Sunset Tan isn't gonna watch itself you know." Zack retorted irritably while Bailey and Cody were kissing. "Ooh, someone's a tad irritable. What gives?" Bailey asked shrewdly. "Don't mind Zack, he's just mad 'cause Maddie's all up in someone else's grill and not his." Cody explained malevolently. "Am not. Maddie wishes she could win this prize." Zack retorted nastily. "The Maddie? And she's seeing someone else? Wow Zack, that sucks. You wanna talk about it?" Bailey asked in a concerned voice. "No need. All the talking starts tomorrow when Brick gets here. Then we'll see who has the last laugh." Zack stated mysteriously. "For the last time, his name is Brett." Cody put in impatiently. "Why do I get the feeling that some sort of plan is being hatched?" Bailey asked wearily. "Trust me, the less you know the better." Cody stated wearily, putting an arm around Bailey's shoulder and leading her away. "Oh great, I'm carrying more bags belonging to yet another chick who can't pack light," Zack muttered sarcastically, heaving Bailey's luggage and flowers onto his arm. He followed the pair at a distance, trailing behind them with a pang of envy at how happy they looked together.

The next morning (14 June), Maddie found herself standing in the exact place where Zack had been roughly 14 hours prior at the airport on Sunday morning. Her hands twitched nervously at her sides as she scanned the arrivals screen. "Will the plane ever land?" Maddie asked herself impatiently while checking her watch. Maddie couldn't be in any more of a rush to see Brett, take him to the Tipton, introduce him to everyone, and then hopefully avoid Zack till Monday morning if all went well. On a different note, Maddie really wanted to meet Cody's girlfriend Bailey whom she'd heard so much about. She hadn't yet had the chance since Bailey and Cody had ordered room service the previous night. Maddie had a feeling that she and Bailey would get on well.

Just then Maddie spotted Brett's dark hair coming towards her through the crowd. His face broke out into a wide smile the closer he came towards her. "Hey honey," Maddie greeted Brett softly, putting her arms around his waist and smiling up at him. "Hey beautiful," Brett greeted back in a husky whisper, pulling her in for a long kiss. Maddie kissed him back readily, but pulled away fairly quickly afterwards. Something felt off. Maddie couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to with Brett's kiss, which had failed to get her blood pumping after not having seen him for 2 weeks. "What's wrong with you? You're being absurd. You're probably just tired, that's all." Maddie reproached herself silently, while looking deeply into Brett's eyes. "I'm so glad you could come," she stated softly, swiftly ending the battle with her conscience. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Brett responded eagerly, matching her gaze. "Well come on, let's get a cab. You must be exhausted." Maddie stated in a concerned tone. "I love it when you take care of me," Brett murmured in a low voice, pecking Maddie gently on the lips. Maddie laughed nervously as they made their way to the exit. "I wonder if it's too soon to consider becoming an alcoholic," Maddie thought in dismay to herself.

Sunday morning and afternoon passed swiftly as if some unseen hand had rotated the planet on its axis twice as fast. After ensuring that Brett was comfortably settled into his hotel room, Maddie dashed off to the dressmaker's. The dress fitting itself had gone remarkably well, considering that London had suggested that the bridesmaids wear teal dresses instead of turquoise to bring out the colour of her eyes. It was now 8pm and almost time for dinner to be served. Zack had dressed meticulously for the occasion, inwardly goading himself into a confrontation with the man who had stolen Maddie from him. Zack sat himself down at the round table reserved for their party, focusing only on Maddie and Brett's absence from the restaurant.

"I hope you're not playing 'Eye of the Tiger' in your head right now." Cody muttered so only Zack could hear. "I wish they'd get here already. I can't face off with an imaginary opponent." Zack mumbled, ignoring Cody's quip. "Opponent implies that you're on the same level as Brett Walker Zack." Cody remarked dryly. "Whoa, Maddie's dating Brett Walker? I love that guy!" Bob exclaimed excitedly. "I hate that guy!" Zack hissed. "That's not what you said a month ago." Tape Worm put in. "Oh put a sock in it Tape Worm!" Zack retorted waspishly. "Zack, calm down. Have a bread roll." Max added, carelessly tossing him one.

Just then Maddie and Brett entered the dining room, hand in hand and laughing together. "Hi everyone!" Maddie greeted heartily to the entire group. "Everyone, this is Brett Walker. Brett, this is…everyone." Maddie stated in a bubbly voice. "Brett, this is Carey and Arwin." Maddie introduced with ease. "Nice to meet you." Arwin greeted politely, shaking Brett's hand vigorously. "It's so great to finally meet you. Maddie's told us so much about you." Carey added brightly, shaking his hand too. "I hope only good things," Brett murmured with a chuckle. Zack mimed sticking his finger down his throat. "Please have a seat. How was your flight?" Arwin asked politely. "Fine, I'm just happy to finally be here with all of you." Brett stated sincerely. "These are my sons, Cody and Zack." Carey introduced the twins with a smile. Cody rose from his seat and warmly shook Brett's hand. "Great to meet you." Cody greeted happily. Zack took his own time in rising too and shook Brett's hand, letting go immediately. "Brick was it?" Zack asked facetiously. "Uh, it's Brett actually." Brett corrected politely. "Okay." Zack remarked with a forced smile.

"Great to finally meet you guys. Maddie's told me so much about you, especially Zack." Brett stated keenly. "Really?" Zack asked suspiciously, glancing over at Maddie who didn't return his gaze. "What did she say exactly about me Brett?" demanded lightly. "Oh, just stuff like what a great guy you are and how funny you are." Brett answered calmly. "Yeah, he's a riot." Mr. Moseby stated sarcastically from the other end of the table. "Let's order." Bailey broke in firmly, holding up her menu. "So Brett, Maddie tells us that you've been doing some work with the Houston Rockets of late," Arwin began in an interested voice. "Yes that's true. Some of the players were being harassed by hysterical fans." Brett agreed casually. "Oh I heard about that. I feel so bad for poor Yao Minh. No one deserves to be treated that way. He's just so hot and…ripped." Barbara added in a sultry voice. "Barbara, take a cold shower." Agnes retorted maliciously.

"Well it's good that you're there to represent these sportsmen." Carey put in lightly. "Hey, I'm just good with words. But Maddie here, now she's the real pro." Brett replied earnestly, kissing Maddie's cheek. Maddie turned crimson in the cheeks. "You're so sweet." Maddie murmured softly to Brett, nuzzling her forehead against his for a moment. "What heart-felt words Brett, it was just so poetic. Kinda like Langston Hughes. Did you know he's Maddie's favourite poet?" Zack demanded lightly of Brett. "No, I didn't actually. But Langston Hughes really is a terrific writer." Brett responded evenly. "You know Brett, it's just so refreshing to see a well-rounded guy such as yourself come up in the world. What do you make roughly? 6 figures?" Zack asked, feigning curiosity. "Zack!" Carey hissed reproachfully. "No Carey, it's okay. Actually I am making good money these days." Brett replied nonchalantly. "Good for you buddy. You must drive a really nice car. You know what they say about rich men and their sports cars? Trying to compensate for smaller things." Zack stated softly. London, Agnes and Barbara snorted into their wine glasses while everyone else stared at Zack like he was nuts. Maddie on the other hand simply looked mutinous.

"Well thank goodness I don't drive a sports car." Brett joked lightly, which drew a few laughs from the table at large. "Why don't we order the starters so long?" Arwin asked of the group while rapidly snapping his fingers to get the waiter's attention. "So Maddie and Brett, how long have you two crazy kids been seeing each other for?" Zack asked politely. "2 years." Maddie answered promptly, looking Zack dead in the eye. "2 years? Sounds like a ball and chain to me, but I guess you guys must enjoy it. You two must know so much about each other by now." Zack went on conversationally. "Yip, we know each other really well." Maddie answered hurriedly. "Really? Maddie, does Brett know your middle name?" Zack asked pointedly. "As a matter of fact, I don't." Brett stated, casting an amused eye at Maddie. "Zack, don't go there," Maddie mumbled between gritted teeth. "Oh come on Maddie, you've never told me and I always wanted to know. Zack, you tell me." Brett urged pleasantly. "Oh did I say middle name? I meant plural as in Madeline Margaret Genevieve Katharine Fitzpatrick." Zack responded triumphantly. "I've said it a thousand times, Madeline is a hideous name." London pointed out with her fork. "Wow Maddie, that's…quite a mouthful." Brett replied uncomfortably. Maddie looked like she wanted to melt into the carpet.

"I always swore I'd get revenge on my mother for that," Maddie muttered venomously. "Well I think it's a lovely full name." Mr. Moseby remarked sincerely. "Ditto, although Atlantis would've been better." Lance agreed. No one knew how to respond to that. "Zack, would you like another bread roll? Put it in your mouth." Max suggested crisply with a smile plastered onto her face. "Brett, did Maddie ever tell you that she once worked at a fast-food outlet called the Cluck-Bucket?" Zack demanded cheerfully, relishing Maddie's expression of horror. "No she didn't. You worked where?" Brett asked Maddie, his mouth twitching madly like he wanted to laugh. "The Cluck-Bucket is a chicken franchise downtown. I was a cashier there." Maddie answered hurriedly, giving Zack a 'drop-it' stare. "But Maddie, that's not the only post you held at the Cluck-Bucket. You were the mascot too, uh what was its name again?" Zack asked, feigning concentration. "Yeah Maddie, what was its name?" Brett urged. "Hilary Hen." Maddie replied in mortification. Everyone seated had to fight the urge not to burst out laughing, including Mr. Moseby. "Who wants a drink?" Cody demanded loudly, looking at everyone. "I'll take that drink Cody. I do so love it when we share. Cheers." Zack toasted with a wicked grin.

In the middle of dessert, the conversation had switched to less embarrassing points of discussion. Maddie however, took very little part in it, fixated only on glowering at Zack across the table. Zack took no notice of her, having lost interest in the conversation as well, poking moodily at his food with a fork while everyone else chatted amicably together. "Would you all please excuse me? I need some air." Zack stated politely and left his seat. Maddie watched him go and waited 5 seconds before she too left her seat. "Excuse me, I need to use the ladies." Maddie excused herself sweetly. It took Maddie a matter of seconds to locate Zack on high heels, who was leaning against a pillar near the men's bathroom.

"You jackass, how dare you?!" Maddie exploded, coming to stand in front of Zack. "Excuse me?" Zack asked coldly. "You heard me. I can't believe you pulled that little stunt back there. Brett has done nothing but be friendly to you and all you did was antagonize him to no end." Maddie stated accusingly. "Funny, I thought I was being honest, which was something you clearly forgot to do with either him or me." Zack responded callously. "What is your problem?" Maddie demanded angrily, hands on hips. "My problem? My problem is the fact that you've been ignoring me since you came back. And to add insult to injury, you flaunt a boyfriend in my face knowing how I'd feel about it. Were you ever gonna give me an explanation?" Zack demanded heatedly. "I don't owe you one. Besides, what do you care anyway? I thought you were too busy putting the moves on unsuspecting minors like Laurie the Candy Counter Girl." Maddie retorted maliciously. "What do you care anyway? I'm single, I can flirt with whomever I want." Zack returned defensively. "Good, you do that. Because my love life is none of your business." Maddie retorted loudly, turning red in the face. "Noted. Are you finished yet?" Zack asked coolly. "Not even close. Just stay away from me. You plan your super cool wedding party and I'll plan mine." Maddie suggested coolly.

"Super cool? You're joking right? You and super cool shouldn't be allowed in the same sentence." Zack spat venomously. "What is that supposed to mean?" Maddie demanded angrily. "Only that Mom's night of fun will consist of a kitchen tea and renting out Travelling Pants movie." Zack quipped sarcastically. "Oh, you think just because you've frequented every club in the Tri-State area that you know how to throw a good party?" Maddie retorted rudely. "Yeah, pretty much." Zack remarked arrogantly. "Listen here frat-boy, I bet you I can throw a better party for Carey than you for Arwin." Maddie stated airily. "Are you challenging me Fitzpatrick?" Zack asked with a hint of malice in his voice. "You bet I am Martin." Maddie retorted. "Sweetheart, I've been doing this too long. You can't beat the master. You'll only embarrass yourself." Zack stated lightly, dusting dirt off of his shoulder. "Ooh, you talk a big game. Here's the stakes: we'll see who plans the most kick-ass pre-wedding party. If I win, you leave me and Brett alone." Maddie stated roughly. "Fine. But if I win, you have to do whatever I want." Zack replied coolly, staring Maddie down since he was finally a foot taller than her. "Deal." Maddie agreed heartily and with that, they both stalked off in opposite directions of the hotel.

A/N: Phew, that's finally over! I'm seriously the slowest typist in the world : ) But here it is, Maddie calling Zack out. Ladies and gents, fasten your seatbelts! The planning for the perfect party starts now and the jokes will only get funnier. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed and favourited my story, my heart feels so full.