CHAPTER 21
Falling Hard
ARIENNE CALLOWAY
I slid into my seat beside Zayn, not exactly thrilled about the arrangement but also not in the mood to argue over it. Cole and Fay were already lost in their own little world, talking about his race earlier, while Blair and her boyfriend whispered to each other, completely absorbed.
Just as I picked up the menu, my phone buzzed in my lap. I glanced down and saw a message from Blair.
Blair: Sooo... Fay says you're going on a trip with Zayn's family?! What's the tea, missy? Spill.
I swallowed, pretending to focus on the menu as I quickly typed back.
Me: Fay has a big mouth, that's the tea.
Blair: Girl, don't dodge. How did that happen? Are you two like... close now? ð
I rolled my eyes and put my phone face down on my lap. Not like I could just text back Oh yeah, I accidentally hugged him today because I got too excited and then ran away like a fool.
Zayn was scrolling through the menu beside me, his posture relaxed, but I could feel him sneaking glances. "You good?" he asked casually, voice low enough that only I could hear.
"Yeah. Why?" I said, flipping a page in the menu even though I'd already decided what I wanted.
"You're staring at the menu like you're trying to memorize it for an exam."
I shot him a glare. "I'm just trying to make sure I don't regret my order."
He smirked. "Doubt that. You'd eat anything."
I gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me? I have standards."
"Sure, foodie," he teased.
I narrowed my eyes at him but didn't argue. He wasn't wrong. The moment the waiter arrived, I was the first one orderingâappetizers, a main course, and dessert. Fay shot me a knowing grin while Cole chuckled under his breath.
"Remind me never to bet against you when it comes to food," Cole said, watching in amusement.
I shrugged. "A girl's gotta eat."
Zayn leaned back in his seat, his black shirt fitting a little too well for my liking. He hadn't worn his usual varsity jacket tonight, which meant there was nothing to distract from the way his sleeves clung to his arms. I forced myself to look away.
Blair sent me another message.
Blair: You guys look cute together, not gonna lie.
I choked on my drink.