❇ Rachel's POV ❇

"I.. I am as surprised as you guys," Nicole said softly as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"That's not the point here. Since when did you both started dating?" Zachary asked.

"Well.. Um.." Nicole stuttered and avoided his gaze.

"Not long after high school graduation," Jake entered the room with a smile.

"And.. You both kept it secret? From us?" This time it was Ella was spoke as she slowly registered what was going on.

"It was Jake's idea," Nicole replied.

"But why?" I asked then realised I wasn't specific enough. "I mean why neither of you mention anything to us?"

"I didn't think I could give Nicole the type of relationship she wanted. Besides, it's hard to explain it to you guys when we kept on breaking up and getting back together," Jake blurted out the reason so fast we were all having a hard time to catch his words.

"So now you think you're ready?" Nicole tilted her chin as she silently challenged Jake with a fierce spark in her eyes.

"Yes," Jake answered with a huge grin spread across his face.

Nicole rolled her eyes in disagreement. Jake quickly rushed towards Nicole and took her hands into his.

"I know you're mad at me for being such a coward. But, I really thought I'm doing you a favour. You deserve someone a thousand times better than me. It took me long enough to know that you don't need that someone. You need me."

Hearing Jake's words brought tears to my eyes. Once upon a time, I also wanted a particular someone to say those things to me. As my gaze wandered and landed on Zachary, I bit back a sigh.

"Nicole, will you give me another chance?"

"On one condition," Nicole wriggled her forefinger in front of Jake.

"You have to stop being so secretive about our relationship. It hurts me when it seems like you didn't want anyone to know about us."

"Well, you don't have to worry about that Nicole. We already know about you two," Helen said with a wink.

I was smiling from ear to ear as Nicole and Jake embraced in a tight hug. I couldn't be more happier for the both of them. Even though we were all stunned by the sudden news, everyone was glad it happened.

After we were done with our dinner, I slipped away when no one was looking. I did enjoy myself today, but sometimes I just needed to be alone for awhile.

There was a beach located beside the restaurant. Only a few people were scattered around the beach because of the late timing. Personally I like it when the beach isn't crowded with shirtless men and women in bikini.

I took off my shoes and felt the sand squeezed through my toes. Back in LA, all my time was dedicated to work. At first it felt great to be busy because it served as a distraction for my problems.

Now, I just wish to stay at home and read my long forgotten books. I bought those books when I first moved to LA. But, I didn't get the chance to read finish all of them, yet.

I shivered at the cool breeze and pulled my cardigan closer to me. I silently chided myself for not wearing something warmer. The cardigan was barely providing me any warmth.

I was rubbing my arms to fight off the coldness. I saw a shadow behind me and turned to see Zachary putting his jacket on my shoulders.

"Oh, thanks," I smiled as Zachary took a seat beside me.

"No wonder I couldn't find you in there," Zachary hooked a thumb at the restaurant.

I chuckled softly as I beginning to feel warmer. Neither of us spoke for quite some time. Strangely, it wasn't awkward at all.

It was a clear day, and I could see the horizon with moonlight reflection in the dark water. I could hear the waves crashing against the shore. I hugged my legs close to my body and placed my chin on my knees.

A soft chirped came from my smartphone. The lights from the restaurant behind us allowed me to find my smartphone easily. When I saw who messaged me, I nearly screamed in frustration.

Greg.

"What's wrong?" Zachary arched an eyebrow with concern written all over his face.

"Um, nothing much. Just some work issues," I avoided his gaze and kept my smartphone.

"Really?"

"Yeah," I responded and looked at Zachary straight in the eye.

"Rach, you really suck at lying." Zachary's eyes were twinkling in amusement as the corner of his mouth lifted up into a grin.

"Hey! How dare you accuse me of lying?!" I folded my arms across my chest and tried to appear angry.

A few seconds past and we both laughed out loud in unison. We could be real childish for someone who's turning 30 this year.

"Okay, okay. You're right, there's someone at work who I used to have a dinner or two with."

"And he's bothering you?"

"Yeah.. He didn't agree with me about us remaining as friends."

"Do you need any help?"

I was genuinely taken aback by Zachary's question. It warms my heart that Zachary is still the same caring and sweet guy.

"Yeah you can pretend to be my intimidating boyfriend to scare him away," I chuckled at my own lame joke and immediately regretted it.

I mentally face palmed myself for being so insensitive. I had no idea that Zachary would be affected by my words. He looked so sad out of a sudden.

"Hey, I didn't mean to er.. You alright?" I touched Zachary's forearm lightly to get his attention. Both of his eyes were fixated at something in front of us.

"I'm alright," Zachary flashed me a grin which seemed forced.

Before I could say anything else, the rest of the group came to look for us

"Rachel? Zachary? Are you guys over there?"

Both of us stood up at the sound of Helen's voice. I quickly wiped away any sand that clung onto my pants. I took off Zachary's jacket and returned it to him. But he slightly shake his head and said, "Later. Keep yourself warm."

I simply smiled and wore his jacket as another chilly wind blew at us.

"Guys, there's this cafe my friend recommended for us to go. Let's go there?" Nicole suggested as excitement lit up her chocolate brown eyes.

"You guys go ahead.. My legs are aching after walking all day," Helen massaged her legs as she spoke.

The group was split into two as Helen and Dylan decided to head back to the hotel. The car ride to the cafe was prolonged due to an unexpected jam.

"Rach?" Ella nudged me in the elbow.

"Yeah?" I turned to face her with an arched eyebrow.

"Is the Greg guy still bothering you?"

Before I could open my mouth to answer, Jake who was in the driver seat asked, "Who's bothering Rach?"

Yet again, I was not able to answer my own questions. Zachary beat me to it, "A colleague of Rach's"

"Wow how am I the only one who doesn't know about him?" Jake turned around briefly with a pout as the car came to a stop.

"You're not the only one. You and Dylan can form a club," I answered with an eye roll.

"Ha ha very funny. But seriously, why is he bothering you?"

I took a deep breath in before launching on the boring story between Gregory and I.

By the time I was finished, the cafe came into our line of sight. We were lucky to find a seat for the 5 of us as the cafe was packed with patrons.

"I think you should do something about it, Rach," Nicole said as her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"I did. I specifically told him why we should just remain as friends. The problem is, he can't or refuse to understand," I sighed and blew out a puff of air.

"But, from what you said, we're worried that he'll hurt you," Ella said.

"Zach here will protect Rach right? Since they're living in the same city," Jake winked at both of us as the corner of his lips twitched up into a sly smirk.

"Jake Anderson! I'm being serious here!" Nicole smacked his upper arm which earned a chuckle from all of us.

"Nikki, I can take care of myself and I will be careful."

"Rach, Nikki is right. Just give me a call anytime. Better be safe than sorry," Zachary said with concern lacing in his voice.

"Yes sir!" I smiled at Zachary gratefully and saluted him.

I had no idea how long we've talked. All I know is that it was one of the best nights of my life. It has been so long since I've laughed till my stomach hurts. We chatted until the owner had to chase us out.

My eyelids were getting heavier by the minute. As I pushed open the hotel room door, Zachary called out for me.

"Yeah?"

"Goodnight, Rach. Sweet dreams," Zachary's mouth curled up into a sleepy grin before heading into his room.

Well damn, now I'm wide awake.

Author's note:

Finally an update after nearly 2 months 🙃 I hope this chapter is worth the wait! I know it's frustrating for me to update after a long gap from the previous chapter.

But I didn't want to rush out a chapter, because I know it's not of the best quality. So, thank you for your patience ♥️ I also wanna thank all those who've added In Time to your reading list!

Vote, comment or share the story, if you like it!! 😊