"How was the date?" Chris' voice asked.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I muttered as I continued making an order.

"No, you know exactly what I'm talking about, Zayn. In fact, I even saw you two. Sitting in the same restaurant as me and my wife. What are you doing? You know you could get fired?!" He whispered, concern in his voice.

"Yes...I know. But god, I really really like her. And I kinda kissed her..." I whispered back, nervously. He sighed.

"Zayn...you gotta stop seeing her. You gotta stop taking her orders." I almost threw the cup of steaming hot coffee at his face.

"What?! No...I'd rather get fired than stop seeing her." Okay, I really don't wanna get fired, but, I'd never stop seeing her.

"Well then, looks like you will, because I'm not keeping this from Tess." He frowned and walked away.

"Evil son of a-"

"You okay, Zayn?" I turned to see Harry looking at me with worry written all over him.

"Chris is gonna tell Tess about me and Ari." Harry's eyes widened.

"So it's true?!" He whispered in amazement. I nodded.

"Yeah...I went out with her the other night." Harry immediately frowned like a kid who didn't get his candy that he wanted.

"That prick belongs on a cactus. I won't let him tell her." I shook my head as I drizzled hot fudge over the whipped cream on the drink.

"No...I gotta face it. Thanks though, Harry." He looked at me with sad eyes as I gave a customer his drink and put the cash in the register. I sighed as my eyes went to the small TV on one of the counters. It was an ad for some dating site.

"Umm...Zayn?" I turned at the sound of her voice.

"Ari?" It was 9 am...she wasn't supposed to be here until 12:36...why was she here?

"Hey....um...I have something to tell you." She looked really scared as she readjusted her white beanie.

"Yes, what's wrong?" Her eyes started to water up.

"I uh...have to leave. My Mom is dying...she was diagnosed with cancer and...she only has a little time..." I couldn't resist the urge...so I went with it. I hopped over the counter and wrapped her inside my arms.

"I wanna...spend as..." And she choked out broken sobs into my chest.

"Shh...I'm so sorry..." I ran my fingers through her hair as she cried.

"I-I, really like you Zayn. And I wish I didn't have to go...but she needs me. And-"

"It's okay, it's okay. Please, go, you need each other." I was in shock. In pain. But I knew what was right and what I had to do.

"I know its only been like, 4 days since we've been in actual contact...but I really do like you Zayn. And I'll call every chance I get, okay? Because I'm not gonna just forget you." I nodded and squeezed her tight once more. We got worried stares from everyone, because Ari was indeed, still crying.

"One last time, can you kiss me?" She wiped her eyes as she asked.

"Nothing would make me happier." I cupped her soft face in my own two hands and brought my mouth down to hers. The kiss was unreal. It was so raw, and full of emotion, and I'm glad we opened ourselves up to each other in this moment, because even though I don't want it to happen, she might just forget about me.

"I-I...have to go now..." She whispered after our lips separated. I bit my lip as I felt my eyes water. Damn my sensitivity.

"It's gonna be okay. I have your number, you have mine. I'm gonna call. I promise." She hugged me one last time and before I knew it, out she walked out of the door. And out of my life.