Time Goes On
by Chelle

~ CHAPTER 7 ~

"Melissa! Who are you going out with?!" Lacey screamed into the phone. She had returned my call while I was doing laundry. "His name is Zac. The neighbor I told you about," I answered. Lacey's voice had calmed now. "Do I know him?" she asked. Lacey had spent a few years living in Tulsa."Well," I was somewhat hesitant to say anything, but continued. "He's Zac Hanson. Remember?" She sighed and I could almost see her expression over the phone. "The drummer from the band? Didn't they, like, quit?" she finally asked. "Yes and sorta. He said they are recording new songs." I replied. "Oh," Lacey sounded a bit confused. "Well, what are they like now?" I sighed as I took a load of clothes out of the dryer. "Normal really. They look a bit different. But I haven't heard any of the new songs yet sooo..."
I sat on the couch and started folding the laundry. Lacey said "Well, I hope you have a good time. Listen, I gotta go but call me tomorrow night ok?" I put a folded shirt on the pile and said "Ok. Talk to you then. Bye Lace." I heard a quick "Bye." And then we hung up. I finished folding the clothes and had taken them to my bedroom and put them away.
I was beginning to clean the kitchen when there was a frantic, loud knock on my door. I cautiously walked into the living room and over to the door. Looking outside I saw Zac, sweaty and anxious-looking, pacing up and down in front of the door. I quickly opened it. "Zac, what's the matter?!" I asked, shocked by his expression. He walked into my house quickly and shouted "The stupid jackass has been going behind our backs! We're screwed! It's over! Dammit, I swear if I could just get my hands on him I'd kill that lying son of a bitch!"
I had never seen such anger on one person before. "Zac," I said calmly, "come over here and sit down." I ushered him to the couch and then got him a glass of water. After he'd taken a few sips, I asked quietly, "Do you want to talk about it? I'd like to know what has you so worked up."
He looked up at me and ran his hands through his hair. He stood up and, taking my hand, led me back to the couch and pulled me down next to him. "Melissa, this is such a fucked up mess." he said with his hands rubbing his face. "We had a meeting today with our producer and he told us that our manager hasn't been paying him the money he's already owed and that our contract with him now is no more than a piece of paper with a few signatures on it. We went to our manager's office and got our finance records. We've just spent the last two hours with our accountant and the money that was supposed to be used for studio time and crew, our manager hasn't paid to any of them. We owe the producer and two other band members for the recording we've done so far. God, how did things get so messed up? How could we let ourselves get screwed again? Shit, what are we gonna do now. The producer and other band members have backed out. They think we were behind it. They think we were dragging them along all this time with no intention to pay them a fucking penny!"
I watched and saw worry and then more anger cross his face. He put his hands over his eyes and leaned back and sighed. "Tell me this is not happening. Just tell me I'm dreaming. Please, just say I'm dreaming." I felt so helpless, watching him. "Zac, I'm so sorry. I wish this wasn't happening. Is there anything I can do to help you?"
He looked at me and smiled. "Yeah," he answered sitting back up on the edge of the couch. "There is something. Rub my neck, please, it's so stiff." I put my hands on his neck and started to rub the knots out. "Mmmm, that's better." he said slowly as I too felt his muscles relax. "I knnowwww." I said with a giggle. He looked over his shoulder at me, smiled and said "Smart ass." We both laughed and then he said "Rub my shoulders too, please. Just very easy." I began to rub both shoulders and he dropped his head down. I couldn't help but smile. "So," I tried to end the moments of silence, "Where are you taking me tomorrow night. 'Cause you know I'm not that easy to please." I smiled as did he. "Oh really?" he asked raising his eyebrows. "Don't you worry little lady, I'll take care of everything." I smiled at him as he stood up and walked toward the door. "I'll pick you up at 7. Be ready and dress in something pretty." I giggled at his comment. "Ok."I said as I walked toward him. With a quick goodbye hug he walked out and toward his house. I began to feel butterflies in my stomach. I knew that this was going to be the best date of my life. And it was.
From the beginning, Zac was a complete gentleman. He'd opened doors and pulled out my chair. He was funny and sweet and had commented on my dress four times. I had chosen a red wrap dress, black strap heels, and silver jewelry that included a pair of hoop earrings that Lacey had given me the year before for Christmas. I had debated on if my hair would be up or down. My bangs were long and often got in my face a bit too much for my tolerance. I had finally settled on pulling my bangs back with some more hair in a black hair clip, and leaving the rest down."Wow!" had been Zac's reaction as he'd looked me up and down twice at the door. Of course I couldn't help but say the same thing about him. He was dressed in black slacks, black dress shoes and a button down blue shirt. We sat in the booth as soft piano music played, talking the whole time about everything, it seemed. We had a wonderful dinner and sipped wine.
When we left, Zac tipped the valet and drove me to a beautiful lake not far from our homes. We sit on the car and stared in amazement at the stars and moon. It was a warm night but there was a breeze blowing. Zac was holding my hand and suddenly had hopped off the car and went to the driver side. "Zac, what are you doing?" I asked as he opened both the passenger door and driver door. After a moment, I saw him smile at me and then suddenly, soft music came from the speakers. He walked over and held out his hand. I took it and hopped off the car. He pulled me close to him and slowly slid his hands around my waist. I put my hands on his shoulders and we danced to 2 songs before breaking apart.
Then we got back in his car and started home. He walked me to the door and had accepted my invitation to come inside for a little while. We were sitting on the couch talking and laughing. He glanced at his watch and said "I really need to get home." As we stood and walked to the door, he said "I want to see you again. Can we spend the day together tomorrow?" I nodded and smiled saying "Sure, I'd like that." He opened the door and a breeze blew inside. He gently reached up and brushed the hair out of my face. His hand then slid down to my chin. He lifted my head toward his and slowly leaned toward me. He was looking right into my eyes with a questionable expression on his face. I could tell he was wanting approval. I slowly nodded and he leaned in closer and kissed me. His lips were so soft and sweet. We stood embraced in a gentle kiss for a few moments. Then as he pulled away, no more than a few inches, he quietly said "I really better go." I smiled and said "Yeah. You better." He smiled at me and then walked out to his car. I knew if I watched him leave I'd try to stop him so as soon as he got to his car I closed the door. My stomach began to turn flips and all I could think about was that I wanted him to kiss me again... and not leave.

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