The List

Chapter Sixteen

Maxey decided to take Zea to a small burger joint just off of the park. It was actually a burger van with outside chairs and benches. Very quaint and popular, all the seats were practically filled.

As they went to sit down, he pulled a chair out for her. Again, it took her by surprise and she didn’t know how to react to all of his chivalry. She was hoping he wasn’t trying too hard, that could be a turn off too, if he was just ‘faking’ it for now.

“Thank you Maxey!” she said happily for now, enjoying the attention. She couldn’t help herself though she had to give him a dig.

“Where is all this chivalry coming from?”

“What do you mean?” he asked as he sat down across from her.

“Where I come from, that’s what guys do.” He explained. Once again Zea felt stupid for underestimating this guy. His parents must be great role models for him. She decided to make it up to him with a compliment.

“You’re just awesome Maxey! I don’t understand why some girl hasn’t nailed you down!” Then she felt embarrassed for saying that. She felt her cheeks blush. Maxey just smiled and grabbed her hand.

“I think some girl has.” He said quietly. They looked at each other intensely. Zea’s stomach did a flip flop and she looked away. The feelings she was having for Maxey were a bit scary to her.

“Oh really?” she whispered back. “She must be pretty lucky then.” She looked back up at Maxey. He squeezed her hand lightly.

“Ya…Layla…” he smiled.

Zea frowned.

“Huh?”

“My dog... Layla, She’s an English Bulldog.” He smiled again.

“Oh…” Zea looked away.

“Zea… I’m teasing you… ha ha…” he laughed and squeezed her hand harder.

She blushed.

“You are horrible!” she laughed back and and slapped his hand away. Maxey laughed again.

“I’m sorry Zea, you’re just too easy to tease! It’s fun!”

She looked into his eyes with a little fury, but not meaning it. She was beginning to realize, not every tease was meant to hurt her. Hearing it from Maxey made it okay.

She was just about to ask him about his past girlfriends when a voice behind her screeched.

“Foster?”

“Oh god!” Foster muttered.

Zea looked at him quizzically and turned around.

“FOSTER!” again the screechy voice with a hint of southern accent.

Zea got a better look. It was a tall blonde with unending legs and big boobs. Zea was trying to figure out who this girl was.

“Zea…I’m so sorry ahead of time…” Maxey explained.

Zea turned back around and stared at him curiously. Blondie was now at their table and had her arms wrapped around Maxey’s neck.

“How ya doing baby!” Blondie screeched happily and glared at Zea. Maxey detangled himself from her arms and scooted his chair towards Zea. Blondie glared at Zea even harder.

“What ya up to sugar?” she drawled an even harder southern accent. Zea frowned back at her. Maxey coughed. He seemed very uncomfortable.

“Well are ya gonna at least introduce me to your friend here?” she waved a wobbly hand towards Zea.