started with a lie ➳ raura revised

Chapter Twelve

"Um, who are you?" I ask the dark-haired man in the car. He's handsome and young—cute, actually. But what was hedoing in the car? Was he one of Ross's friends? 

He chuckles. "Me? Who are you? You're the one in my car."

 "I don't think so. This car is Ross's, isn't it?" 

"No, honey. This is my car. I'm Zac." The stranger takes out his hand for me to shake. "Zac Efron. Just kidding.I'm Zac Marcelo." 

I smile at his joke. Maybe all rich guys weren't so rude. I shake his hand as I grin. "I'm Laura. Sorry for my intrusion. Ididn't mean to hop into a stranger's car. No hard feelings, right?" 

The door suddenly opens and Ross stands there. "Laura, there you are. I kept trying to tell you that our car was on theside but you just ran into this car. Get out." I listen and get out to his side. Ross puts his head back in the car. "I'm so sorry— Zac?"

 "So you're the Ross," Zac says, his voice cold and hard now. What happened to his goofy smile and fun personalityearlier? He just sounded like he was staring at the person he hated the most.

 "Zac," Ross says in a mutual tone. "How long has it been?" He doesn't sound too happy. Why do they both sound sohateful to each other? Are they brothers? No, they don't have the same last name. 

"Years, hasn't it?" Zac says through gritted teeth.

 Their expressions scare me. I tug on Ross's shoulder and when he looks over, his expression falters to a softer one."Let's go, Ross," I whisper. "We don't want to be late for your party." 

"Of course, dear," Ross replies. Wait, what? Why is he acting all lovey-dovey? "Zac, I see you've met my girlfriend, Laura.We'll see you later, okay?"

 Zac keeps his fists clenched by his side. "Bye, Laura. Nice meeting you." He throws me a smile. "And, see yousoon, Ross." 

Ross slams the car door—a little too hard—and we both walk to the car we were supposed to be in. He takes a seat withme in the backseat and he remains silent, calming his breathing. I don't say anything. I think it might be a touchy topicwith him. I remain silent to the ride there. 

Throughout the ride, I think about Zac. Who could he possibly be to enrage the youngest billionaire on Earth? Is he apast friend that ended their friendship roughly? About a million possibilities run through my mind. 

I'm in the middle of one when the chauffeur opens my side of the car door. I thank him and step out only findraindrops hit my head. I stand before a beautiful tall building with all the lights on. It's starting to drizzle and it feelsamazing. The air smells like wet pavements and lights blur into one.

 New York City is beautiful under the rain. 

I would stay here a bit longer if it wasn't for the fact that Lee was already inside and waving over to me to come inside.I ran inside and thankfully my dress or hair isn't ruined too much. 

 Ross gives his name and party name and the person at the desk gives him a room number. He walks to the elevatorand I step in with him. The doors close and leave us to ourselves.

 "Who's Zac?" I blurt out. 

Ross looks a bit taken back. "Nobody important." 

"Oh," I say, disappointed into not being able to get information out of Ross. If he wouldn't tell me, I'd have to takematters into my own hands.

 "Now, remember everything on the script? The people and what you're supposed to say to them? Don't mess up onthis. It's too important," Ross informs me. "Just remember the person I told you about. Madam Jong."