Chapter 17 Outing Them(1)
“Are you getting used to Tokyo?” I asked Zoey, “I love coming here, but it’s always quite a change. And I need to get used to things, you know. Learning things all over again.”
“Some things are quite different.” She agreed, “It would help quite a lot if I spoke the language and could read things properly. I get confused at the supermarket, a lot.” She confessed with a sigh, “But this isn’t permanent. We’re going back home in a few months.”
“You miss it?”
She smiled, “I do miss my apartment.” She confided in me, “Also, I’m a New York girl, you know.”
I smiled, “I understand.”
She leaned back against her chair, “There is also a lot I need to take care of privately when I get back.”
I didn’t question her because she didn’t want to tell me. Zoey and I weren’t close enough to share personal things like her having a relationship with Evan. I didn’t mind it either. Everyone had that one person in their life they shared everything with. Brandon was mine, Evan was Nick’s person and I’m sure Zoey also had that kind of person.
“I’m sure it’s tough to do it over the phone or via email.”
Zoey agreed, “Some things you need to take care of face to face.”
I’ve been through something like that just a few days ago. Meeting my dad after so many months and making things right. I knew exactly what Zoey was talking about, so I agreed with everything she said, knowing from experience she was right.
“You’re right.”
We talked some more about her life in Tokyo so far when Nick and Evan suddenly announced they had to leave. They pushed that upon us without discussing it first. Chris was tagging along with them, I figured Zoey had to leave too, but Nick told her she didn’t have to attend their meeting. I suppose they wanted a guy talk. They were probably going to the club first to talk business and afterward discussing their women problems. Whoever said men don’t gossip was so wrong about that. They did, they just didn’t refer to it as gossip.
I shifted my gaze to Zoey, “You don’t have to stay with me. If you need to take care of things, go right ahead. I understand.”
She shook her head at that, “No, I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other better. Maybe explore the city together?”
“Sounds good to me.”
Nick reached for his wallet, handing me some cash, “Don’t force yourself okay? If you’re tired just admit it and take a break.”
Taking the money I put it away in my purse, “Thanks. I’ll be fine, Nick. You guys can go and do your thing. Zoey and I will be on our way too soon.”
Zoey faced my fiancé, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.” She promised him.
“I can take care of myself.” I reminded them.
Zoey looked at me, “I know that, but caveman here isn’t going to leave until he is sure his pregnant fiancée is going to be safe and sound while he is away.”
Nick’s eyes gleamed with amusement, his lips twitching as he stared Zoey down, “Caveman?” He asked, “Guess when you’re dating one it’s easier to pick up on things like that.”
We all fell silent, knowing Nick just outed his best friend and Zoey. To get back at her for trying to make fun of him. I’m sure she’d never do it again. Nick was the only one who could do that and get away with it as well. Pressing my lips together I tried hard not to laugh or even smile because of the looks of utter shock that were displayed on Evan’s and Zoey’s faces.
“Ready to go?” Nick asked, stepping to me and kissing my hair, “See you at home.”
“Have fun,” I told him, watching the guys leave.
Zoey needed a minute to put herself together, but once she did we rushed out, ready to explore the city and bond a little. We didn’t mention the elephant in the room, Nick had already done that. We had fun though and I didn’t mind spending more time with Zoey. She was cool and great company. I didn’t have many female friends, but I think Zoey and I were getting on pretty well. Maybe soon we’d be friendly enough to have movie nights in and gossip moments like the guys had.
***
Nick and I had dinner together in our room, both too tired to be social and have dinner at the restaurant. We were propped up against the headboard with a pillow behind our backs, sitting side by side while eating dinner. I was sipping from my miso soup which I enjoyed very much, Nick was finishing off his udon noodles.
“This is so good!” I told my fiancé who chuckled, “I had a very big lunch with Zoey, but who can say no to Miso and noodles?”
“I’m sure there are a lot of people who’d disagree with you on that one.”
“Yeah, the crazy ones!”
Nick shook his head at me, “I’m glad you had fun.”
“How about you?” I asked curiously, “Did Evan get pissed at you?”
“No, Evan knows this was going to happen. It just surprised them we caught them before they were ready to admit things to us. They’re still figuring things out, but he tells me they’re both thinking of making things official.”
“So it’s not official yet?” I asked confused.
“I guess neither one of them wants to say it first.”
I rolled my eyes at that, “Are they both too proud? They’re wasting time.”NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.
Nick’s lips twitched, “I told Evan that, so maybe I convinced him to make the first move.”
“I hope you did.”
We finished dinner, freshened up and settled in bed. Like always Nick held me close while I drifted off. This felt like our own little peaceful moment. I knew once we were going back home that peaceful moment was gone. My mom was coming to see us and I dreaded it. I knew it was easy to tell her to fuck off, but facing her would bring back memories I really didn’t want to get unleashed from the box in my mind.