Like some kind of freaky magnet, the second we step into the food court, girls flock to Zack like bees to honey. It's not until the fourth girl comes up to congratulate him on last night's game, all while gushing about "how great last night was" and "why didn't he call her back" and practically pushing her boobs into his face that I finally escape. Although I admire her tenacity, it's excruciating to witness.

I've just received my Hawaiian chicken bowl and am ready to take the perfect first bite when I hear, "where the fuck did you go?"

Like it does everything else, his attitude ruins my first bite. I stuff my spoonful of chicken and rice angrily into my mouth, giving him a spiteful look.

"You seemed busy," I say as I continue to eat, not bothering to look up at him. He slides into the seat across from me with a knowing smile.

"You don't have to be jealous, Amelia," he teases. Before I can comment, he leans forward so we're mere inches apart. I stop chewing. The scent of wind and smoke that I recognize from yesterday is intoxicating.

Coming to my senses, I lean away and shove another bite into my mouth.

"You're delusional," I state. The food has turned into glue in my mouth.

He continues, "Kylie's just a friend." If only Kylie knew how many other girls he dismissed in the exact same interchangeable manner. Would she still like him then?

My eyes flicker to his wide-set ones, framed by lashes any girl would die for, down to his straight-edged nose and chiseled jawline.

I stab a piece of chicken. Yeah, she would.

"Her name's Connie," I inform him. She's a senior in my third period History class who always cheats off of the kid next to her.

"Right, Connie. She's... talented." He looks me in the eye as if to make sure I understand his innuendo.

With a huff, I slam the lid of my chicken bowl shut and stand up. "Let's get your stupid food and leave," I snap and he grins.

"It's so easy to make you embarrassed."

I give him a look. "It's called having social decency," I counter.

"Yes, my apologies, princess."

"Stop calling me princess."

His face turns into a malicious smile and he stands up alongside me. "Why? Does it bother you?"

"Yes."

"Then it stays," he decides.

Why do I even bother?

---

He orders two full-on meals for himself, which doesn't super surprise me. Obviously, manners are not a thing in his world. However, the cashier ends up giving him the food for free because of how great last night's game was. She doesn't hide her staring and I catch her phone number on the receipt, which he crumples in his back pocket as if this is a common occurrence. No wonder his ego is the size of Texas.

"All that just to get your meal for free," I mention as we start to walk over to my car.

"Can you blame her?" he replies.

"Cocky much?"

"What? You don't think I have the right to be?"

"You're not all that," I lie. Sure, he's an insufferable narcissist but you wouldn't know that at first glance. He definitely resembles a young Johnny Depp. I'm going to have to burn my copy of Edward Scissorhands when I get home.

Something turns off in him. His face darkens and when he speaks his tone is harsh. "Yeah, well, you're pretty plain yourself."

I don't have a response to this one. Whatever light energy was between us before has now evaporated into dead silence.

Neither of us says a word on the way back.

A/N: don't forget to vote and comment ;)