Saving Ms Gothel, page 4
part #7 of Middleton Prep Series
Those green eyes twinkled in amusement. “I look forward to it.” Hank leaned back and once again looked down at his menu.
Oh my goodness, I’m in so far over my head ... and I LOVE it. Zellie worked to stifle the giggle wanting to break free, instead, she forced herself to figure out what she wanted to eat.
HANK STUDIED THE BEAUTIFUL woman across from him. She seemed nervous but was responding well to his flirting. He wanted to know more about why she refused to date and to help her live life a little. No one should be as secluded as she is, protective mother or not.
“So ... Zellie,” Hank frowned. “Is that your real name? Zellie?”
Zellie folded her arms. “What if it is?”
“Nothing,” Hank put his hands up in surrender. “It’s just unusual.”
Zellie deflated a bit. “No, it’s not my real name. My real name is worse, so I go by Zellie instead.”
Hank grinned. “What’s your real name?”
“Nuh, uh. I don’t tell people my real name.”
“Really? It’s can’t be much worse than Hank Fitzherbert.” He tilted his head and raised a challenging brow.
“Yeah, I noticed you got jipped in the last name department,” Zellie said with a giggle. “But still, I’ve never met anyone else with a name like mine, and I have learned it best to keep it a secret.”
“Ooh,” Hank put his hands on the table and leaned close. “I like secrets.”
Zellie’s lips twitched. “Well, considering that you behave like a middle school boy, I’m not surprised by that comment.”
“Middle school? Are you kidding me?” Hank scowled. “There is no boy, here, madam.” He sat back and waved his arm at himself. “And there hasn’t been for many years.” He gave a dramatic sigh and rested his chin in his hand. “What you see here is all man.” He gave her a mischievous grin that showed off his dimple and pumped his eyebrows.
Zellie burst out laughing and the sound washed over Hank; filling him with warmth. Score one! And note to self, make Zellie laugh more often.
“If you say so,” Zellie said as she smiled.
“I do,” Hank responded with a wink. “And this man wants to know your name.”
Zellie gave an exasperated sigh. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Probably not, no.” His dimple winked, again, in his left cheek, giving away his amusement at the situation.
Zellie looked down at her lap and took a moment to spread the wrinkles out of the cloth napkin sitting there. “If you must know, my full name is Rapunzel,” she said in a light voice as if it were no big deal.
“Rapunzel.” What was her mother thinking?
“Yes.”
“For real?”
Zellie rolled her eyes. “Yes, for real. Do you really think I would make something like that up?”
“Well, I’ll admit it. You were right and I was wrong.”
Zellie’s blonde brows shot together. “About what?”
“Your name is worse than mine.” Poor thing.
Zellie sputtered, unsure whether to be offended or amused.
“We should never get married.”
“What? Where the heck did that come from? I hardly know you!”
Hank put on a serious face and leaned onto the table. “I’m serious. Think about it. Your name would be Rapunzel Fitzherbert.” He gave an exaggerated shudder. “That would be a nightmare.”
Zellie looked at him wide-eyed for a moment before bursting into laughter once again.
Yeah ... that laughter is worth the work. Hank felt his chest puff up like a rooster, proud of his ability to entertain the lovely woman with him. Picking up his water glass, he watched her as he took a drink. Her blonde hair was wrapped into an extremely large bun on the top of her head. I’ve never seen it anywhere except wadded up on top of her head. The mystery of how long her hair was had kept him up at night. Who knew a woman’s hair could be so appealing? Sheesh. Her eyes were an interesting shade of grey-green and right now they twinkled with amusement at their banter. Her body was slim but toned, attesting to her day job. Back off man. You’re only here to try and help a friend.
“So,” he set his glass back down. “Do you do anything besides teach P.E.? I think you mentioned helping out with summer sports, right?”
“Why? Isn’t it enough to keep the rising generation in good physical health?” Hank might have worried he had offended her if he hadn’t noticed her biting the inside of her bottom lip as if to keep from grinning at him.
“My hat is off to you! I could not spend all day teaching kids, I don’t have the patience for it.” Hank sat back as the waiter arrived with their meals. “Thank you,” he murmured when his plate was set down. “Whoa,” he said with a smile as he looked at Zellie’s plate.
A giant cheeseburger held together by a steak knife was on her plate, sitting next to a mountain of fries.
“Geez, that is one heck of a burger,” Hank said with a nod.
Zellie’s eyes were wide and her eyebrows raised as she looked from her plate up to him. “You’re not kidding! I had no idea it would be that big.”
“Hey, now! Where’s the spunky girl who just told me that she was a big eater? Surely, you can handle something as puny as that?”
Zellie continued to stare at her burger. “I’m not sure puny is the right word.”
It was Hank’s turn to laugh. “I’ll help you finish it if you need.” He could see the exact moment her eyes lit with a determined fire. Dang. That’s almost as attractive as her laugh.
“No, thank you,” Zellie put her nose in the air. “I’m pretty sure I can handle it.”
“I’ll bet you can,” Hank murmured with a grin. “I’ll bet you can.”
ZELLIE WALKED OUT OF the cafe, grinning as Hank held the door for her and shook his head.
“I’ll admit, I didn’t think you could do it,” Hank said as he chuckled.
Zellie put a finger in the air. “Never underestimate the appetite of a P.E. teacher.”
“Lesson learned,” Hank said. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Where’s your car? I’ll walk you there.”
Zellie gulped. “Is that what people do on dates?”
Hank’s smile widened. “Yes, but remember this isn’t a date. Let’s just say friends make sure other friends are safe.”
“Okay,” Zellie whispered. She could feel the heat from Hank’s body as they walked; their arms occasionally brushing. He was several inches taller than she was and Zellie liked the differences in their height. She found herself studying him out of the corner of her eye. He wasn’t bulky like some of the other guys she knew, Hank’s muscles were lean but definitely strong. She could see the definition of his chest and arms through the tight sweater he wore and the sight of it sent a warm sensation through her core. Stop it, Zellie. You can’t have him. You’ve had your night of fun, now it’s time to get back to the real world.
“This is me,” Zellie tilted her head toward the old sedan she had driven.
“Alrighty, then.” Hank smiled. “When can we accidentally meet up again?”
Zellie’s eyes grew wide. “W-we can’t.” She said flatly.
Hank scowled. “Why?”
Zellie’s shoulders deflated and she leaned into the side of her car for strength. “My mother would never allow it. I already had to lie to her just to come tonight.”
Hank jerked back. “Seriously? It’s really that bad? It wasn’t even a real date.”
Zellie sighed and tried desperately to keep the prick of tears at bay. “I’ve already told you she says no men.”
“I know, but I thought you were going to tell her that you were just meeting a friend or something. I wasn’t expecting to have to go all double-oh-seven or anything.”
Zellie bit her lip, unsure she if she should say what was on her mind. “If I had told her the friend was a guy, she would have thrown a fit and then made my life a living nightmare until I fell back into line.” Zellie sighed. “But I wanted to come tonight because I like you, Hank. You seem really nice and I wanted the chance to get to know you better.”
Hank reached out and gently took one of her hands. He toyed with her fingers for a moment before speaking. “I like you too Zellie. You seem really fun and I’d also like for us to get to know each other, everyone can use more friends.” Hank dropped her hand and crossed his arms over his chest.
“It’s true,” Zellie said with what looked like a forced smile. “But I think it’s best if we just keep things as they are. We can still chat or text, but I really can’t keep sneaking.”
Hank snorted derisively. “I still don’t understand all of this! Why don’t you just move out and live your own life?” He ran both of his hands through his hair.
Zellie bristled at his frustrated tone. “You’re right. You don’t understand. She might be a bit over-the-top, but she’s trying to protect me. She’s my mother!” Zellie glared at Hank and felt her fists clench in her anger. She could feel heat rising through her neck and cheeks and a prick in her eyes that let her know she was about to angry cry.
Hank put up his hands in a placating gesture. “You’re right. Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But it still remains that I just don’t understand. You’re beautiful, kind, successful and independent. Why do you live with someone who so obviously makes you miserable?”
Zellie opened her mouth to argue, but Hank cut her off.
“Don’t try to deny it. Every time you talk about your mom and her rules your eyes get sad.” Hank chuckled “I hate to break it to you, but your eyes are an open book. It was clear at the wedding that you were sad, which I’m guessing is because Tia has joined the world of matrimony. What is really holding you back from doing what you want? Like finding your own happy ever after?”
Zellie’s eyes narrowed as she studied him in the fading light. “Are you saying I should never play poker?”
Hank pursed his lips. “Pretty much. Anyone with any skill would mop the floor with you.”
Zellie grinned for a moment, but then her head dropped and she let out a long, sad sigh. Looking up, she glanced down the street. “Do you mind if we walk? I’ll tell you my story as we go.”
CHAPTER 5
Silence loomed around the couple for several minutes while they walked. Zellie could see Hank watching her out of the corner of her eye, but she was having a hard time working up the courage to share her history. Spotting a bench under a streetlamp, she walked over.
She sat on the edge of the hard bench. Her back straight and her hands fisted in her lap. Hank slowly sat down beside her, leaving several inches of space as if he didn’t want to crowd her. Zellie found herself grateful for his thoughtfulness.
She cleared her throat. “I’ve already told you why my mother dislikes men, but that isn’t exactly why I have obeyed her all these years.” Her eyes were fastened on her lap and she knew she if she looked up, she would lose her nerve. “Truth is, in high school, I didn’t obey. Once. It was my senior year and I was desperate to understand what it felt like to go on a date and have a guy hold my hand or dance with me.” Zellie bit her lip. “By some miracle, the quarterback asked me to prom. I’m still not sure why he did, and it probably doesn’t really matter. Determined to experience life for myself and prove my mother wrong, I snuck out and met him at the school. It was so wonderful!” Zellie looked up and smiled wistfully. “After a few dances, he led me outside and I thought we would be going for a romantic walk. I was pretty surprised when he pulled me under the bleachers and began to kiss me, but I wasn’t opposed.” Zellie let out a harsh laugh. “After all, it was my first kiss. But then he started to change and try to do things he shouldn’t.”
Hank growled and Zellie snapped her head that direction. To her surprise, Hank looked to be in pain.
Reaching out, she put her hand on his forearm. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, fine.” He pulled away from her and sat forward, leaning his elbows on his knees. “Did he hurt you?” Hank’s voice sounded strained and rough.
Zellie fought the ping of hurt from his pulling away. “Not really. I actually hurt him and got away before he could do much, but the experience cemented in my mind the reason why my mother wanted me to stay away from men.” She shrugged. “I haven’t gone out since.”
“Understandable,” Hank said. His head hung forward and his shoulders looked tight, but Zellie didn’t dare touch him again. Suddenly he sat up and looked straight into Zellie’s eyes.
She gasped at the intensity she found there.
“Thank you for telling me, Z. I’m sure that isn’t an easy thing for you to share. And as your friend, I won’t push you to do more than you are comfortable with. But also as your friend, I want to help you stop being afraid.”
Zellie frowned. “Who says I’m afraid?”
Hank raised a critical brow. “The fact that you haven’t tried again.”
Zellie huffed and folded her arms. “Maybe it’s not fear as much as it’s just a realization of the truth. Men are only after one thing.”
Hank rolled his eyes. “After seeing all your friends find love and get married you really think that?”
Zellie let out a puff of air and slouched against the bench. “No. Not really. In fact, it’s been a long time since I really thought that. Going through college and growing up has taught me a lot. But ... “ she chewed her lip again. “I’m not sure where to start. I’ve said ‘no’ for so long that I’m not sure how to finally say ‘yes’. And whether I think men are okay or not, my mother still hates them and will make my life horrible if I go against what she thinks.”
Hank leaned into the backrest and let his head hang back. “Don’t you think it’s about time you stood up to her?”
Zellie shook her head and gave a small, sad smile. “Probably, but honestly, I don’t want to deal with the consequences of it. She hasn’t budged on her stance in over twenty years. And you don't know what she’s like if you go against her.”
Hank brought his head back up. “You’re right. I don’t. But there’s a first time for everything, right Z?”
Zellie rolled her eyes. “That’s the second time you called me that. What is this? A new nickname?”
Hank grinned, bringing out his dimple. “Yep! Zellie is unique, Rapunzel is a mouthful, but Z. Well, Z is cute and quick.” He shrugged. “I think it’s perfect.”
Zellie felt her cheeks heat and hoped Hank couldn’t see her blush in the evening light. “It’s fine. I don’t mind it.”
“Awesome. Now ... what are we going to do?”
“About what?” Zellie’s brows scrunched together.
“About you moving on and living your life?”
“I thought as a friend, you weren’t going to push me,” Zellie scolded.
Hank put up his hands. “Hey, it’s your decision. But I’d like to help you give it a try.”
Zellie found herself stuck in a very familiar swirl of emotions. For years she had felt torn between keeping the peace at home and stepping out on her own, which she wanted to eventually include a husband and family. For years she had chosen to keep the peace. Keeping mother satisfied has only left me more lonely every year. Maybe it’s time to try the other direction.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Hank. “Okay.”
A small smile played on his lips. “Okay?”
Zellie sat up straight. “Yeah, okay. I would like to experience the normal things a woman my age should.”
Hank whooped and leaped up from the bench. Grabbing Zellie in a bear hug, he swung her around.
Zellie felt lighter than she had in what seemed like forever. She laughed at Hank’s exuberance. When he set her down and let go, she suddenly felt cold and it took her a minute to get her equilibrium back.
“Whoa, there,” Hank said, steadying Zellie. “Sorry Z, didn’t mean to make you dizzy.”
Zellie smiled. I don’t think it was the spinning. Keeping her thoughts to herself, she answered. “No worries. I’m fine.”
Hank grabbed her hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your car. It’s getting late and we can talk more tomorrow.”
Zellie nodded and did her best not to think of how warm his hand was, or how it sent tingles up her arm. Just friends. We’re just friends.
SO ... WHAT TYPE OF things do you want to do?
Zellie took a bite of her apple while she read Hank’s text.
What exactly do you mean?
I’m here to help you experience life. What things have you always wanted to try, but haven’t?
Zellie frowned.
“Do I need to have a talk with that young man?” Max growled from his corner of the office.
Zellie gave Max an exasperated look. “Seriously, Max? And just what would you talk about?”
Max cleared his throat. “First off, I would make sure he was treating you with respect.”
Zellie smiled fondly. “He is. And we’re just friends, anyway. Nothing is happening that you need to worry about.”
Max shook his head. “For now,” he muttered under his breath.
Zellie looked heavenward and whispered a prayer for patience. Good grief.
I don’t know that I just have a list of things I want to do sitting around my house.
Well, then make one.
Seriously?
Yeah, seriously. Call it your life list. Put down things you want to do for the first time.
Okay, I’ll think about it.
You can cross ‘first date’ off of it.
Zellie grinned. I thought it wasn’t a date.
Well ... a guy and a girl having dinner and a walk together. Most would count that as a date. Just go with it. :D
Zellie laughed. If you say so. Maybe I’ll put ‘be asked on a REAL first date’.
I’m sure we can work that out.
Good. Because I’m thinking of several more things to put on the list.
