Saving Ms Gothel, page 5
part #7 of Middleton Prep Series
Sweet! What about running a race?
A race?
Yeah, the Humane Society is sponsoring a fun-run in a couple weeks. It’s three miles. Wanna go?
Awww ... I didn’t know you were into animals.
I like dogs as well as the next guy I suppose.
I’m more into cats. Or lizards.
Lizards?
I had a chameleon when I was a kid. It was great.
I see.
Zellie smiled and waited for him to say more.
So ... is that a yes or a no?
I have never run a race like that and I think it sounds fun. So, yes. I would love to go.
Perfect. I’ll send you the details.
CHAPTER 6
Zellie scanned the park as she tied her shoelace. From her position on the ground, it was difficult to see through the crowd. Where is he? A small knot of anxiety ran through her as she stood and began stretching her calves in preparation for the race.
“Z!”
Zellie jerked in the direction of that deep voice which always seemed to send goosebumps through her. “Hank!” She breathed in response. Her tense muscles melted at his boyish grin and she found herself smiling back. “I was starting to get concerned you wouldn’t make it,” She teased.
Hank smiled wider, showing off his dimple. “Never doubt a Fitzherbert.”
Zellie laughed. “So noted.” She switched legs. “Are you ready to go?”
Hank bounced on his toes a little. “Ready as I’ll ever be I guess. I don’t want you to feel too bad when I come in ahead of you though.” He winked. “Not everyone can keep up with Speedy McHank.”
“Oh my gosh!” Zellie laughed again. The more she got to know Hank, the more she loved his carefree sense of humor. “You’re crazy.” She shook her head; still smiling. “Come on Mr. Speedy. Let’s line up.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He saluted as they walked to join the throng at the starting line.
The blast of a horn burst through the morning air; signaling the start of the race. Zellie and Hank took off dodging and weaving through the slower runners and large groups.
Hank came up next to Zellie’s shoulder. “Alright, Miss Z. Loser buys lunch.”
Zellie grinned. “Deal.”
Hank flashed his dimple then took off, stretching his long legs for maximum stride length.
Haha. He’ll never see me coming. Zellie swerved to the other side of the course and snuck around a few people, eyeing Hank’s progress. Every time his head swiveled in her direction, she would duck down, doing her best to remain out of sight. Using these methods, she tailed him for most of the race.
As they closed in on the last half mile, Zellie’s back was slick with sweat and her breathing was labored. Sheesh. He’s better than I thought he would be. She watched Hank glance around one last time, a triumphant smirk on his face when he didn’t see her.
Got him now. Zellie couldn’t seem to help the competitive streak inside of her. She had always been driven by physical activity, which is why being a P.E. teacher had been such a perfect job for her.
Forcing her lungs to take in more air, she sped up her pace and shot past Hank on a direct route to the finish line.
“Hey!” Hank called out behind her.
Zellie let out a small giggle but focused on keeping her pace. She heard heavy footsteps begin to catch up behind her and it caused her to grit her teeth. No way. Not happening. She pulled out every trick she knew. She hunkered down her upper body, streamlined her arms and forced her legs to do shorter, faster strides.
“Woohoo!” She raised her arms and gave a yell as she passed through the finish line. Turning around, she looked to see how close Hank had been, only to laugh when she found him heading straight for the grass before plopping unceremoniously down in a heap.
Zellie was panting as she walked over to him, her legs were tired and a bit shaky, but the thrill of victory was overriding everything else at the moment.
Hank flattened himself on his back, spreading his arms and legs wide. His chest rose and fell in harsh breaths and sweat made his t-shirt cling to his muscles.
Zellie forced herself to look away as her ever-growing attraction flared and her already hot internal temperature threatened to go through the roof.
“You must really want a free lunch,” Hank said between breaths.
“Ha!” Zellie barked back. “Maybe I just don’t like to lose.”
Hank smiled though his eyes were still closed. “A bit competitive, huh? I’d have never guessed.”
Zellie sat down next to him and began stretching her hamstrings. “Really? Why not?”
“You’re too nice. Nice people aren’t supposed to be competitive.”
Zellie scowled. “That’s a very interesting perspective. If you thought I wouldn’t be competitive, why did you challenge me in the first place?”
“You might not have cared about the free lunch, but I certainly did.” His mouth quirked in a half grin and Zellie felt her stomach flip at the sight.
“I see. So food is your only motivating factor?”
“That and pretty girls,” Hank said.
Zellie gave a soft laugh. “Well, one out of two isn’t bad,” she said under her breath.
Hank cracked open an eye and frowned at her. “What are you talking about?”
Zellie shook her head, ashamed he had caught her sarcasm. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
Hank groaned and sat up. “No. Not nothing. Were you saying you aren’t pretty?”
Zellie rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Hank. Just let it go.” She stood up.
“Girls and their stupid insecurities,” Hank grumbled as he followed suit.
Zellie reared back as if slapped. “What?”
“You heard me! For some reason, girls see fit to believe anything mean someone tells them, especially when it comes to their personal looks. It ridiculous.” He swiped his hand through his sweaty hair.
Before Zellie could answer, he continued. “Men just use their own best judgment. You know, we look in the mirror and think ‘hey, not too bad’ and we move on. Anyone who tells us otherwise is obviously jealous.” He smirked at her. “Same for girls. You’re beautiful Zellie, no matter what anyone else has said.”
Zellie had trouble catching her breath as she stared into his ever-changing eyes and it wasn’t because she had just finished a race. “No one has ever said that to me before and honestly, meant it,” she said in a soft voice.
Hank’s face softened and he put a hand on her shoulder. “Stick with me kid and I’ll show you the world.”
Zellie huffed and rolled her eyes. “Okay, what do you want?”
Hank mimicked her eye roll. “Well, I was trying to get a free lunch, but since that didn’t work out, I’ll take your lovely company.” He smiled. “Should we go shower before we eat?”
Zellie looked down at her leggings and jacket, then back up at him. “Probably, I have no idea what I smell like.”
Hank’s mischievous grin should have given her some warning. Stepping towards her he leaned down into her neck. “Mmm ... fresh as a daisy.”
Zellie laughed uncomfortably and backed away. I can’t think straight when he’s that close. “Where do you want to meet?” She asked, trying to change the subject.
“Well, I wasn’t planning on paying, so I had originally thought of going to The White Wall.”
Zellie’s eyes grew big. The White Wall was the most expensive restaurant in town.
“But now that it’s coming out of my pocket, I’ll have to figure out somewhere else.”
Zellie rolled her eyes. “Please tell me you didn’t honestly believe I would have taken you there?”
Hank batted his eyes and put on a puppy dog face. “Not even if I begged?”
“Men!” Zellie threw her arms in the air and headed for her car. When her back was to Hank, she let the smile she had been hiding cross her face. I’m in so much trouble. Every time we spend time together, I fall more and more under his spell.
“I”ll meet you at The Lunch Bucket in an hour!” Hank called after her with a laugh.
Zellie waved a hand behind her, letting him know she heard but didn’t stop her progress. I have got to get myself under control. This guy has me in knots and my mother is going to be able to see right through me.
She still hadn’t told her mother her dates with Hank. Zellie knew she was old enough to make her own decisions regarding men, but she also knew her mother well enough to know what kind of a reaction she would get.
As she parked the car in the garage, she fortified herself for an interrogation before going in.
“Where have you been?” Cassia screeched as soon as Zellie walked in the door,
“I ran in a charity race for the Humane Society,” Zellie answered, hoping she sounded nonchalant.
Her mother blocked Zellie’s way in the hall. Leaning against the wall, Cassia had her arms folded across her chest and a severe look on her face.
“And that was more important than taking care of your chores at home?”
Zellie barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. “I have never done a race like this before. I figured you would be fine for one morning.”
Cassia narrowed her eyes. “Who was there with you?”
Zellie gulped. Just tell her. You’ll feel better if you just say it. “A ... friend.”
A single eyebrow shot up. “A friend?”
“Yes,” Zellie said as she straightened her shoulders. Coward.
“Just who is this friend?”
I don’t see—”
“I’m your mother, I have every right to know,” Cassia interrupted.
Zellie grit her teeth in frustration as her mother’s years of holding her back were finally snapping to the forefront. “You might be my mother, but I’m a grown woman. I have every right to meet with friends you may or may not have met.”
Cassia slow stood from the wall, her arms dropping to her side. Tilting her head, she raised an eyebrow. “I see.”
Zellie felt a prick of panic. “I didn’t—”
Cassia held up her hand to stop Zellie’s comment. “You don’t have to say anything. I see how it is. You’ve decided to take my advice and throw it away. It doesn’t matter that I actually know what I’m talking about. It doesn’t matter that I’ve had my heart broken by one of them.” She spat the words out more viciously the longer she spoke. “It doesn’t matter that I was trying to save my only daughter from the inevitable heartache a man brings. Noooo! She has to throw it all back in my face. Has to see for herself.” Cassia sneered. “Fine, then.” She straightened up and smoothed her hair. “I can see how much I mean to you and it’s fine. I’ll just keep my mouth shut and let you go about ruining your life. After all, you are an adult. It’s your life, I suppose.” She turned to walk away, then paused, glancing over her shoulder. “But when he breaks your heart, which he will, don’t expect me to have any sympathy for you. Just remember, you brought this on yourself. After all, someone like you won’t hold his attention for long.”
Zellie watched, open-mouthed, as her mother strutted down the hallway, turning toward her bedroom and slamming the door.
Anger mixed with shame burned through her chest and Zellie wasn’t sure what to do. On one hand, she felt two feet tall after that rant. The other part of her wanted to stick her tongue out and say, ‘Fine! I will’.
After a moment, a deep sadness broke through the other two emotions. Zellie dragged her feet to her bathroom and paused in front of the mirror. “Other than that one instance, you have always been a good girl Rapunzel Gothel. You have done everything your mother has asked and all it has done is left you lonely and scared.” She narrowed her eyes and allowed the earlier anger to surface. “You deserve the chance to see this through. No more doubts, no more holding back. Hank is handsome, funny and kind and a friend. He won’t hurt you. Time to let it go.” Giving herself a decisive nod, she turned around and started the shower. Time to actually be fresh as a daisy.
HANK GLANCED AROUND when he walked into The Lunch Bucket and it only took a minute for him to realize that Zellie wasn’t there yet. He searched for an open booth but was only able to find a small bistro table. Better than nothing. He walked over and snagged it before anyone could.
He positioned himself so he could watch the door and slouched in his chair after taking off his coat. Dang, I’m gonna be sore from that stupid run. He chuckled as he thought of Zellie sneaking past him at the last minute. “Who’d have thought,” he muttered.
The bell over the door rang and Hank’s eyes darted to the sound. Sitting up straight, his jaw dropped open and he blinked rapidly as he took in the sight in the doorway.
The afternoon sun glinted through the glass doors, highlighting the long strands of bright blonde hair, creating a halo effect around the beautiful woman who had just entered. She stood, looking uncertain as she glanced around the crowded cafe. Her slim legs were highlighted in skinny jeans tucked into short heeled boots. Her cropped leather jacket stopped just right to showcase her small waist and the slight curve of her hips. Her bottom lip was bright red as she chewed on it in her nervousness and the grey of her eyes was brought to the forefront from the black liner she had used over her eyelids.
When her eyes finally landed on Hank, he froze. Air! I need air! But his lungs refused to cooperate.
A small smile crossed her face and she began to walk towards his table, her steps confident now that she had seen him.
“Hi,” she said before pulling out the opposite chair and beginning to sit down.
Move! Hank’s brain yelled at him. He sucked in a deep breath and sprang out of his chair, but he was too late to be of use. “Sorry. I should have helped with that.” He sat back down, but he could tell his eyes were too wide as he took in her appearance. She was always beautiful, but holy cow. He clenched and unclenched his fists, fighting the desire to reach out and touch her long, golden strands.
“That’s okay, thank you,” Zellie murmured as she settled in.
“You—” He cleared his throat against the sudden dryness. “You let your hair down.”
Zellie gave a coy smile and Hank thought his heart would stop. What is she up to?
“Do you like it?” She asked with a tilt of her head.
“Yeah ... “ His voice trailed off as he continued to study her. It was as if he couldn’t get enough. She’s different. And it’s not just the hair and clothes. Every movement caught his attention and sent a zing of attraction through him. Dude! Get a grip! What is wrong with you? You’re only spending time with her to help as a friend.
“So ... “ He coughed. “You certainly cleaned up nice from your shower.”
Zellie giggled. “Thanks. My time at home was ... motivating.”
Hank tilted his head and cocked an eyebrow, waiting for her to explain further.
Zellie pressed her lips into a thin line and gave a small shake of her head, before picking up the menu and looking it over.
Must have been her mother. Wonder what happened. “Is everything okay?” Hank dared to ask.
“Yep. Fine.” Her eyes never strayed from the choices in front of her.
Okey-doke. “Find anything that looks good?” Hank grabbed his own menu.
Zellie smiled again and Hank felt like he had hit the lottery. “Lots of things. Maybe I’ll order one of each on the menu, then save them for later in the week.”
Hank laughed. “I never thought of that. Now I know how to take advantage of a free meal. Thank you for the lesson.”
“You’re welcome!” Zellie said airily.
Hank chuckled before looking back down to pick out his lunch.
ZELLIE WAS FLOATING. Despite her mother’s tantrum, Zellie felt better knowing she wasn’t lying to her mother anymore. In fact, she felt wonderful, but most of all ... free. Hank is a good guy and I enjoy spending time with him. That’s what friends do. Zellie ignored the fact that the more time they spent together, the more her heart wanted to be more than friends.
After she finished eating, Zellie wiped her mouth and put her napkin down on the table. “Whew. That was delicious, but now I’m super full.”
“You and me both.” Hank was leaning back in his seat, one hand on his belly. “You all done then?” He asked.
“Yep,” Zellie responded.
After Hank had paid for their meal, they stood up and headed toward the door. Hank slipped in front of Zellie and grabbed her hand, leading her outside.
I love it when he does that. She sighed in contentment. Even if he doesn’t mean anything by it.
Hank looked over his shoulder and grinned. “Wanna take a walk?”
Zellie raised an eyebrow. “You don’t think we put in enough mileage today?”
Hank chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I ate more calories than I burned.”
Zellie pursed her lips and nodded. “You club sandwich was impressive.”
Hank smiled and started walking again. “Come on, you can tell me what we’re doing next on the ‘life list’.”
Zellie laughed lightly and followed Hank down the sidewalk.
HANK HELD ONTO ZELLIE’S hand and let their arms lightly swing as they meandered down the street. Her hand is so small and soft. He fought an internal battle. Every time they got together, he found himself more and more attracted to Zellie, and today’s little show of confidence was making it harder to fight. We’re just in this as friends. I’m only here to help her get out and do things. Nothing more. He looked at Zellie through his peripheral vision; her long hair swaying as she walked and the content smile on her pink lips. But man, it’s hard when she keeps taking my breath away.
“So ... “ Zellie began.
Hank turned his face towards her. “Yeah?”
“I’ve uh,” Zellie bit her lip.
“Come on, don’t be embarrassed. Just say it!” He nudged Zellie with his elbow.
Zellie looked up at him and smiled. “All right. I’ve never been to dinner and a movie. Would you like to do that with me?”
Hank’s breath stuttered for a moment. Dinner and a movie. Zellie tucked beside me in a dark room. Shoot. That’s gonna be rough. He brought his eyes back to hers and winced. She must have taken his hesitation for rejection.
