❇ Rachel's POV ❇

"I'm sure the long pink chiffon maxi skirt is in here somewhere.." I muttered as my hands rummaged through the drawer.

"Ah! Here it is!" I let out a breath of relief as the skirt was in sight.

Now, all I have to do was to find something to pair with the long pink chiffon maxi skirt. Giving the clock a brief glance, I realised there wasn't a lot of time to think. Greg would be here any minute.

To stop dwelling on the subject of my clothing, I quickly grabbed a white long sleeve crop top and put it on. After applying some lipstick and tying up my hair into a ponytail, I left the apartment.

Seeing that Greg have not reach yet, I relaxed a little. I didn't really like to let others wait for me, it just didn't feel right. I stood outside my apartment building to wait for Greg.

At exactly 7pm, Greg's car stopped in front of me. I was having a mental debate whether I should take the passenger seat. Frustrated at how indecisive I was this evening, I opened the passenger seat door.

"I thought you fainted at the sight of my new car." Greg quipped with a playful wink.

"Oh. I didn't notice you changed car." I replied honestly and sadness was evident in Greg's light brown eyes.

"I guess my new car isn't flashy enough." Greg said dryly as he drove out to pick up Katie and Bianca.

"Greg.. I.." I stammered as it was not my intention to offend Greg.

"Relax. I was just joking." Greg chuckled while giving me a sideway glance. "You look beautiful tonight," he said.

I looked away nervously, but could not hide the red glow that came over my face. Greg rarely compliment anyone, he seemed to do that quite often these days. To me.

"Um, thanks. You look handsome tonight too." I politely responded with a smile.

"Rachel," Greg started. He only continued when I turned to face him. "I was wondering if you're free next Saturday?"

"Why?" I answered him with a question of my own. I was purely curious because Greg had been asking me out for a couple of times. I also politely declined him every time he asked. I explained to him before why I did that, yet he was still so persistent.

"You're not making this easy for me, aren't you?" Greg bit back a sigh as he glued his gaze to the road.

"Greg, you know that I'm not ready for any relationship commitment."

"It's been 3 years, Rachel! God damn it." Greg tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

"So?" My jaw clenched in irritation. Greg gave me an audible sigh as he knew the conversation wasn't going the way he wanted.

"Look, I'm sorry for the bad attitude," I said.

"So, you're free this Saturday?" Greg shot me a hopefully look and I didn't have the heart to disappoint him. A small nod was all Greg needed as a full blown grin was etched on his face.

Within minutes, we have reached Katie's 2 storey cottage house and she was standing at the porch. Greg honked the car to get her attention.

Bianca, who live a few houses down from Katie's. I could see her walking at a very fast speed. I lowered the window and stuck out my hand to wave at her. A smile lit up Bianca's face as she saw me.

"Hey! How long did you guys wait?" Bianca asked when she reached the car, a little out of breath. Katie was already in the car and gestured for Bianca to get in.

"Don't worry, we've just reached too." I managed a smile for Bianca as the car pulled out of Katie's cottage house.

The ride to our destination was short as the home of Fusion Heights CEO was nearby. As Greg parked the car, I reached for the door handle. Greg grabbed on my elbow before I could open the door. Katie and Bianca took it as a cue to leave.

"Hey, I don't wish what happened just now cause any weird feeling between us. Alright?" Greg flashed me a megawatt smile which would make any girl blush.

"Yes, sir!" I mockingly saluted him as I felt the lie rolled off my tongue.

I climbed out of the car as quickly as I could and caught up with Bianca and Katie. Mrs Wright had arrived and was chatting with our host today. She spotted us entering and waved to us. The four of us head over to where Mrs Wright stood.

"Happy Birthday Mr Quaid!" I shook his hand with a smile.

"Thank you, my dear. I hope you'll enjoy the party." Mr Quaid shot me a playful wink which reminded me of my father. They're both almost the same age and Mr Quaid have always treated me kindly.

I got to know him when Gracefully Poise and his company were working on a charity event. Even though he's sixty five, he definitely looked a decade younger. He is very down to earth and easygoing. Despite being one of the most influential and richest guy in Los Angeles.

One of the waiter came and offered us drinks. I asked what were the drinks and politely declined after knowing all of it contained alcohol.

"Lighten up and enjoy, Rach." Katie whispered with a light nudge to my side.

"I am."

"Ha! Like real! Then why aren't you taking a drink?" Bianca asked as she took a sip.

"I just don't take -"

"-alcoholic drinks." A familiar voice helped me finished my sentence. I spun around to find Zachary handing me a glass.

"Oh, thanks." I murmured as my hand took over the cup, our fingers brushed against each other in the process.

"How do you know that isn't alcoholic?" This time it was Greg who spoke out. He pursed his lips into a thin line.

"Because.. I trust Zach."

"Did you just call him Zach? You know him?" Greg and Bianca questioned in unison. It was hard not to smile at their astonished faces.

"Yeah. We are from the same high school. How are you guys? Bianca.. And Greg, right?" Zachary's eyebrows furrowed a little as he tried to recall their names.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking." Bianca replied before she took my elbow and pulled me aside.

"What the Sam Hill is going on? You and Eva's ex boyfriend were school mates?" Bianca asked incredulous.

"Yes.. We.." I wanted to tell her we were not only school mates, but it didn't feel right to say that.

"Don't tell me both of you were high school sweethearts."

"How did you know?" Now it was my turn to be surprised.

"Oh my," Bianca laughed as she seemed delighted to guess correctly. "I mean it's obvious with the way both of you looked at each other."

"What? I don't understand."

"Rachel, lying isn't exactly your forte." Bianca grinned and gave my shoulder a friendly squeeze.

"Hey everyone. If you don't mind, cast your gaze on this old man here." Mr Quaid used a spoon to knock on the glass cup several times. He successfully attained everybody's attention.

"For starters, thank you all for turning up tonight," Mr Quaid said, "I'm not one who's a fan of making a great deal over a birthday. But, as my children always tell me, birthday is the only day you can call it yours. Well, I do agree with them. Money, fame, et cetera, are just temporary. You never really own it, you're just luckier than others to be able to hold it in your hands for awhile." There was a round of applause from the audience which made Mr Quaid paused his speech.

"After years of persuasion, I finally agreed to let my children plan this," Mr Quaid motioned around his home, filled with guests. All the guests could tell that Mr Quaid was proud of what his children had done.

"Before you all fall asleep over my birthday speech, please go and enjoy yourselves tonight. Put aside any work in hand, live a little." Mr Quaid finished off with a polite bow and soft laughter could be heard from the audience.

I was too immersed in Mr Quaid's birthday speech and didn't realise how close Zachary was standing next to me.

"You look stunning tonight, can you share the secret to your youthfulness?"

I turned to stare into Zachary's dark eyes, dancing with amusement. I could already feel the heat creeping up my neck and cheek, because of our close proximity. My breath was hitched at my throat as I inhaled the familiar scent of Zachary's aftershave. For a brief moment, Zachary flickered his gaze to my lips. Oh no, how should I react if he lowered his head any further? I mean it would be insane to kiss right in front of my boss, colleagues and strangers. Right? My palms began to sweat and tried to swallow down the ball of sandpaper that seemed to be lodged in my throat.

As if he was reading my thoughts, Zachary took a step back with a crooked grin plastered on his face. He reached out to brush back a strand of hair that had escaped my ponytail.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything that will make you feel uncomfortable," Zachary said.

"I appreciate that.." I murmured, and looked down to stare at my shoes.

"Hey Rach? I think Greg is looking for you." Zachary pointed at Greg who looked like he lost something important.

"Huh? Oh. I better get going then," I started to walk away when I remembered Zachary's question. "I miss seeing your smile, Zach. Well, there you go, that's my secret to youthfulness." As I walked towards a frowning Greg, I could hear Zachary chuckled at my answer.

Author's note :
Hey guys! :) Thank you all for reading In Time 😘 I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Vote, comment or share the story, if you like it! ♥