Chapter 33:

"Nick, what are you doing here?" Zoe asked but Nick didn't answer as his eyes were fixated on Max who had his hand around Zoe's waist.

"Sorry, am I missing something?" Max asked sensing that there was some history between the two.

"Max, this is Nick. We used to date, before you came along." She said as she gave Max a pitying look.

"Oh, you the Nick Jordan."

"Do you know of any more?" Nick asked in a sarcastic manner.

"No." Max gave a simple reply which then caused a long silence to follow after. Max gripped Zoe tighter as he had heard about Nick and Zoe from various members of staff. This made Zoe slightly uncomfortable as she knew that Nick felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Going anywhere nice?" Nick asked as he spotted the suitcase in the corner of the room.

"Liverpool. Max won tickets to go to the match and then to a Spa Hotel." Zoe replied.

"So, you two are..." Nick couldn't even get the words out as it broke his heart to see Zoe with another man. Zoe couldn't even find the words to confirm what was going on between her and Max so instead she just nodded.

"I see. Well don't stop on my account. I only popped in see how everyone is, seeing as I was at a conference a block away." Nick said reaching towards the door handle.

"Nick." Zoe called as she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I've missed you." She said to which Nick returned the embrace. As they pulled apart they remembered Max's presence and then created space between them.

"How long are you here for?" Zoe asked quietly and in an embarrassed tone.

"I've booked two weeks but it could potentially be longer. I have this conference and then I have come to help a friend out who is ill." Nick replied.

"Nick Jordan has a friend?" Zoe asked in an overexaggerated manner which made Nick laugh as he loved her sarcasm.

"It's Yvonne's mother. She has terminal cancer and I have come to see her as she only has days." He said looking towards the floor and Zoe hugged him again.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't realise. If there's anything you need, you know I'm always here for you, night or day." Zoe said which sparked a slight smile from Nick.

"Apart from this weekend as you two are living it up in Liverpool. Say hi to your mother for me."

"I will." Zoe said picking up the suitcase and walking out of the staffroom.

HAPPY CASUALTY DAY EVERYONE (Tonight, 8:30). Thank you for all the lovely reviews. Let me know what you think, please R&R and I will update when I get 118 reviews