Sleep evades me entirely as I stare at the door flabbergasted. My feet trudge against the floor and depositing myself onto the couch, I cross both my legs and arms with Zander's words echoing in my head loud and clear as if someone set off our conversation on repeat.

What the hell? How could Zander KNOW? And that's if he knows!

Raking my brain to recall anything I've done or said in the past to give myself away I come up short. Am I so supremely awkward that I give myself away by just being little old me?

Yesterday's events flash through my mind once again; my verbal declaration to admit everything to Zander seemed like such a good idea but now...I grudgingly admit to feeling at a loss; I no longer have the upper-hand to meddle with Zander's affair in secret and to top everything, the ball is no longer in my court - Zander probably knows everything about me now.

Even if our friendship is growing, everything seems to be happening way too fast that I can't keep up! I've met his parents, his sister, his best friend, his Dad's secretary, got invited to a party on behalf of Gwen and live next door as his neighbour. I've become so submerged into Zander's life that it's all crashing down on me before I can even stop and figure out where to draw the line.

"Are there really no boundaries?" I mumble out to no one in particular.

Zander's aware of the one secret (besides my identity as a Matchmaker) I've kept bottled up tight; I had lost a dear friend, was severely bullied and mourned for my family all alone. I've laid everything hidden out for him to discern and he's walked right into my life to stay. He chose to enter into an emotionally broken girl's life, yes a girl, I could never refer to myself as a woman, not yet anyways; I just don't feel accomplished enough to give myself that title. And it's a girl's trauma I'm carrying with me, so until I've come to terms with a bleak past, I'll never become Catherine, the woman.

Meanwhile, Zander must be surrounded by strong, independent women or socialites but he picked a girl who's pretty much penniless and friendless. And these very thoughts make my eyes well up with tears, and swallowing hard I look up to the ceiling, staring at the blank white space, my body going numb.

I'm undeserving of Zander.

Sighing heavily, I shut my eyes momentarily and put my frantic mind to rest before going about my morning routine, changing into 'proper' clothes since I can't spend the entire day in duck pyjamas, I set out with an agenda - I'm going to confront Zander. Walking into the kitchen with a heavy heart, I throw on an apron and decide to bake at least a dozen cupcakes and a chocolate cake to ease some of my anxiety. 

The cake entirely for myself to consume.

After nearly two hours of baking, I wipe the sweat on my brow and smile weakly at my efforts. The cupcakes and cake turned out extremely well, better than I could imagine but now I have nothing else to distract me from my depressive thoughts. Sighing miserably, I make a cup of tea and grab a cupcake to go along with a slice of toast and nibble on my small breakfast, not having an appetite for once.

Glancing at the cactus placed on the table, I stare at it with the cupcake in mid-air, a side of my cheek crammed from the bites I've taken into it.

Swallowing hard, I picture Zander's amused eyes as he walked out the door earlier this morning and groan out loud,"This is all your fault! Why couldn't you just straight up tell me if you know or not!" I whined, pointing an accusing finger at the cactus.

Quickly finishing my measly breakfast since I couldn't even taste what I was eating, my stomach forms knots as a result of anxiety, my nerves on edge by the minute and I bite my bottom lip and decide to grow a backbone for once.

Miraculously finding a container (Patrick had taken all the containers last night) and a plate, I cut out a few slices of cake and pack the cupcakes before heading out the door not bothering to look back, briskly walking the few steps it takes to Zander's apartment. With shaking hands, I knock twice, jumping at the sound of my own knocks in the empty hallway.

The door flings open, a look of surprise on Patrick's face, "Well look who it is. And you brought me goodies!" Rolling my eyes, I give a small laugh and place the 'goodies' into his outstretched hands. Moving aside for me to enter, I hesitate for a moment and Patrick notices, giving me a pointed look, an eyebrow raised.

Biting my lip, I take a cautious step inside while my hands ball into fists; I was now in the lion's den. Somebody help me!

Darting my eyes around the apartment to look for Zander, my gaze lands on the red stain on the carpet, now worse than before. Frowning, I lower my back to inspect it further only to yelp out in fright when a finger pokes my side nearly making me jump a foot in the air.

Breathing heavily, I turn around with wide eyes to come face to face with a laughing Zander, his hand tightly clutching his stomach, "Oh man, you should have seen your face!" Laughing even harder, his shoulders shake. 

I can't help but pout in response before my mood turns sour and I'm scowling unamused. He finds this funny? How can he laugh when I've been feeling down in the dumps since he left!

"Ha ha. Are you done making fun of me?" I asked acidly, crossing my arms over my chest for added measure.

"No..." Taking in my raised eyebrow, he clears his throat and glances away, "I mean, yes."

"That's what I thought," I grumbled out cooly, wrenching my eyes away to avoid his twinkling ones.

"What brings you here Cat? You usually never willingly come over."

So he's noticed. Slightly turning, I give him a sheepish look before pointing towards the kitchen, "I need my containers back and wanted to pay Patrick back for dinner." My eyes travel to Patrick, my jaw hanging open as I take in his face that's smeared and covered in chocolate frosting while he moans from the decadent dessert, engulfing chunks of it at a time.

"Oh yeah! This cake is A-MAZE-ING! Damn it Catherine, can I please marry you? I promise to supply you with a dream kitchen to make cake everyday."

Startled, I tilt my head and look at him incredulously, "Are you proposing Patrick?"

"Right...no man should do that without a ring. Give me a few hours and I'll be back with a ring. Err, what metal do you like Catherine? Silver or gold?" He asked between mouthfuls of cake, pausing to meet my gaze.

Deciding that this conversation was ridiculous, I shake my head stifling a laugh while noticing the scowling figure next to me, "I like rose-gold I guess," I declare seriously, ignoring Zander's heated stare.

Patrick's eyes light up when he glances between me and Zander offering me a thumbs-up, "You got it future wife."

Sighing dramatically, I place a hand against my chest and let my face form into mild concern, "I didn't realise I was getting married so fast."

"If I wasn't so against this, I'd be Pat's best man," Grumbling, Zander narrows his eyes at me first before glaring at Patrick.

With chocolate covering most of his face, Patrick scoffs and crosses his arms defiantly, "Against it? You object to our marriage?" He asked squarely, rising from his spot in the kitchen and making his way to a chair that's far enough to keep him out of harm's way and by that, I mean Zander.

"What's wrong if me and Patrick get married?" I asked confused, scrunching my nose a little then realising that Zander was taking this little prank seriously. We were only joking! Him of all people should know that!

"You have got to be kidding me."

Grinning broadly, Patrick snickers coaxing Zander further, "If you haven't noticed Pal, me and Cat get along great."

"Yeah right," he grits out, his look darkening with every passing comment. Uh oh. This is a Zander I've never encountered before...except at the mall when he met -

"I'm probably her type."

"I doubt that."

"Go ahead and tell him Cat."

I'm still deep in thought when I notice both sets of eyes on me, one extremely amused and the other gleaming with restrained rage, "Hmm, you're definitely good looking Patrick," I concede, stating it as a fact that needed to be accepted. 

Smirking, Patrick moves to slap Zander on the back shaking his head at his friend's shocked expression, "See!"

Not even reacting to the slap, Zander jerks around to face me completely, his eyes narrowed into slits, "What? You find him good looking!"

Telling myself to calm down from his wrathful look, I play along with Patrick, my voice never betraying me, "He can cook, loves animals, and has decent taste in movies."

"In yo' face best friend!"

"Seriously?" Zander asked, frowning at me.

"What else? Go on future wife, put Zander in his place."

Tapping my chin, I consider Patrick's suggestion and list the things I've added to his profile, "Hmm, you get along with Celia and - "

"ENOUGH!" Snapping at us with clear anger, I wince from the sound of Zander's voice and side-step him to hide behind Patrick who doesn't even notice the tension that's forming, instead he takes it up a notch and grabs my hand lightly, going down on one knee, "Catherine Lewis, do you swear to be my lawfully wedded wife?"

Gasping theatrically, I place my hand into his and smile down at him, "I thought you'd never ask!"

"Pat. Leave." My spine goes numb from Zander's icy tone, my eyes widening when Patrick rises to wrap a protective arm around me.

"What? Oh c'mon we were just having some fun. Dude, you need to relax."

Glaring at his friend, Zander points an accusing finger at us, his eyes firmly set on where Patrick's hand was resting against my arm, "Don't make me pry that hand off." Yet after a moment, his mouth sets in a firm pout, staring angrily at Patrick's hand as if willing it to disappear.

"Violence is never the answer! Cat, you can add that onto my list of attributes."

Nodding my head in affirmation, I try to ignore Zander and look up at Patrick with a small smile, "I'm glad you liked the cake, I'll make a nicer one next time."

Shaking his head in disbelief, he does the unthinkable and plants a kiss against my forehead and then my cheek, "That's it. We're getting married today." 

Stunned, my mouth hangs open and I'm so shocked that I don't even notice the hand that pulls me away to one side until the sound of Patrick's groans get my attention. Glancing up, my eyes travel between the two lovable idiots with rising panic to see Patrick on the ground with Zander twisting his arm.

"OW! What the hell was that for?"

"You don't get to marry her! What kind of best friend are you?"

"That's for Cat to decide you idiot."

Not knowing how to stop them, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, "I think he's good husband material."

There's an awkward pause as both of them become still, ceasing their banter but of course Patrick can't help himself and decides to continue our little charade, "See! Thank you, babe."

"Anytime," I muttered, still in minor shock. I should be used to them by now, but I don't think I ever will.

Throwing his head back to send me a menacing glare, Zander quickly straightens himself before pointing at me, "Fine. You two want to get married. Then get married!"

What the heck is his problem? "I don't see what the big deal is, you're engaged too," I exclaim defensively, placing a hand against my hip.

Opening his mouth, he runs a nervous hand against the back of his neck before looking at me with a hurtful expression, "Yeah...no - no it's not like that!"

"But you said - "

"Forget it!"

Frowning, Patrick slaps Zander again to receive a scowl in response, and rising from the ground he shakes his head in disapproval, "Hey! It's one thing to yell at me, but don't yell at Cat."

"Thanks hubby," I mumble out softly, garnering a scathing look from Zander and a pleasantly surprised one from Patrick.

"Anything for you wifey." Winking at me, Patrick gives Zander one last stern look before walking away down the short hall to his bedroom.

Fidgeting with the hem of my apron, which I didn't even realise I was still wearing, I risk a quick peep at Zander to find him wallowing in his own vexation. Rolling my eyes, I move closer and tilt my head to get his attention,"You know we're joking right?"

"You're taking your joke way too far." He responds coldly, his eyes staring at me with a guarded look.

"How so?" I asked perplexed, not knowing how a little harmless joke could get him so pissed.

"You entertained the thought of marriage, let him call you babe, wifey, and future wife! That's taking things way too far...it's not fair! That's cheating!"

My eyebrows furrow creating deep lines against my forehead and I can only chew my lip baffled, "Um, I don't really see how but okay."

"You don't see how - " He begins but cuts himself off, grumbling something incoherent while tearing his eyes away from me.

"What?"

"Maybe I should start calling you something other than Cupcake."

"Uuhhh..." I stutter out, confusion written all over my face. Oh god, please tell me Celia hasn't told him about her stupid nickname. I can't be called Kitty Kat! Anything but that! Just thinking about it makes me want to gag.

Frowning, Zander sighs heavily before running a hand through his hair out of frustration, "Never mind, I guess I'll have to be patient. So what's up Cat? Did you only come to see Patrick?"

Remembering I was here on a mission to confront Zander about the truth, I glance at him nervously before choosing my words cautiously, "I thought you wanted to go Matchmaker hunting?"

Surprised, his eyebrows shoot up, "Oh that! You're up for it already?"

"Yeah...since you do need to find her right?" I draw out slowly, searching his face for a sign, anything that might prove that he knows who I really am.

"Okay then...well I guess we should get some work done. Let me grab a few things first and we can head out."

Nodding my head silently, I wring the hem of the apron, my grip on it tightening as he leaves me with my own thoughts. Well that was a weird experience, I didn't know egotistical Zander couldn't handle not being a part of a little joke. I thought he lived for jokes! He's always teasing me! But why was he so upset? And does he know who I really am? Why is he pretending then? 

I'm so engrossed with the questions that filter through my mind that I'm unaware of Zander eyeing me, his figure leaning against the wall casually.

"Ready to go?" Jolting out of my thoughts from the sound of his voice, I glance at him timidly before nodding.

He points at the door, and I follow Zander's lead walking down the hall before entering the elevator, my eyes finally regarding the backpack slung over one shoulder and...wait, is that a tent?

"Why are you bringing a tent?" I asked, dumbfounded by the chuckle that escapes his lips.

"Because Cat, we're going camping or I think the right term is glamping."

"Camping? In the middle of winter?" I yelled out, astonished.

Sending me a skeptical look, he shakes his head, "No. Camping in the middle of the lobby."

I suddenly realise what he's up to, my eyes widening, "Wait...you're going to have a stake out?"

"Yup."

"That's your genius idea? Camping out is your way of hunting the Matchmaker?"

"It's amazing I know," Zander declared proudly, not a trace of sarcasm in his tone at all.

"But then why do you need me? You could have done this with Patrick!"

Pausing, he turns to me before moving away to place himself in the farthest corner of the elevator, "I need...women's intuition."

"I thought you knew everything there was to know about women so why would you even need a woman's opinion on anything?" I whispered bitterly.

"Ouch. And because my Mom raised a good boy."

"Did she now? What's his name? I don't think I've met your brother."

"Ha ha. Real funny. And besides...it'll give us some bonding time."

The elevator doors slide open and we step out, Zander striding purposefully towards a particular spot in the middle of the lobby.

 The lobby itself was expansive with an elegant seating area for lounging, a bar and dining space off to one corner, and an indoor botanical room across the main entrance and at the centre stood a snaking dragon made of white marble, perched over a fountain, its blue topaz eyes lighting up whenever the fountain was activated, water cascading down. And to top off the opulence, there were numerous chandeliers strung across the ceiling, their crystals swirling and resembling rain drops; the overall look one of expensive and exaggerated.

Catching up to Zander, I give the Security Guard stationed at the reception box a nervous chuckle to assure him that we weren't insane tenants, my cheeks warming out of embarrassment when he shakes his head with plain disapproval. I completely agree with the man, a tent would be sorely out of place against the swanky vibes emanated around us.

Giving a loud constrained laugh my eyes widen, alarmed by the tent poles that land on the floor with a clang. I turn back to Zander with a growing sense of agitation forming within me, "What do you mean?"

"We're obviously sleeping in the tent."

"Together?" I asked incredulously, grabbing the instructions sheet to hold up for him.

"Yeah, that's the general idea."

"But why?"

"You said you wanted to nap," Zander said lightly, shrugging his shoulders.

"That was several hours ago!"

"So nap now if you want."

"What does that have to do with the Matchmaker? Won't we miss her if we sleep? And I can't just sleep on command!"

"I doubt we'll miss her and yeah...you could force yourself to sleep."

"Wah-why do you say that? Why do you think we won't miss her?" I asked nervously, flapping the three-page instructions.

"For several reasons but mainly because it's too early."

"So why don't we come back later?" I hissed.

"Because we can have some fun now."

"Huh?"

"19+ to be exact."

Narrowing my eyes, I give him a grave look, "You're going to be a creep in broad daylight in a lobby?"

Scoffing, he gives me an offended stare, "Correction, in a tent in the lobby glamping."

"Even worse. And there's nothing glamorous about what we're doing."

"Yeah I didn't think it would actually happen anyways. Can you pass me that pole next to you?"

Doing as he asks, I hold up a side of the tent as he assembles it, still at a loss as to the purpose of this stupid camp-out, "So what are we going to do?"

"I brought board games and cards, which do you prefer?"

Sighing, I shake my head before giving in. I'm obviously not going back upstairs anytime soon. "Cards."

He nods in response and we quickly finish setting up the tent having to place books on either corners to hold it in place since we couldn't hammer pegs into the marble lobby floor.

Pausing in the midst of pulling out a few board games and a deck of cards from his backpack, Zander gives me a worried glance, "Wait...don't tell me you're good at cards too?"

"I'm not, at least I don't think I am."

"Noooo! I can't lose this time! I won't!"

"Did I wound your pride that badly when I annihilated you at the arcade?"

"Shut up! I...let you win."

"And I guess when I beat you at cards you'll say that too."

"So you are good huh?"

Giving him a sly grin, I blow out some air making my hair shoot out before shrugging lightly, "I don't know, but considering how bad you are at arcade games..."

"You know the swimming pool is right around the corner. I could just dump you in the pool and walk away."

"What a sore loser! Why would you do something like that!"

His jaw hangs open in disbelief from my little outburst, "I haven't even done anything yet."

"But putting the idea in my head is as good as committing the crime! You have intent! Evil intent!"

"I intend to do many things to you Cat. Many," He muttered, shaking his head with a smirk.

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Just think about 19+ things and you'll know exactly what I mean."

"I should have walked with my cactus." I mumbled, casting my eyes to rest upon the inner zipper of the tent entrance.

"What? So you can throw it at me?"

"Yes."

"To think you want to ruin this beautiful face. I'm in shock, you might start the next war with threats like that."

Scoffing, I roll my eyes before sending Zander an icy glance, "There's no way anyone would fight in the name of your vanity, now are we playing slapjacks or crazy eights?"

"Neither. We're going really old school - we're playing go fish."

Of course. Groaning, I have to swerve around to face him and cross my legs and arms, a frown firmly set on my face, "I should have just stayed upstairs and brought colouring books for Patrick."

Visibly irritated at the mention of Patrick he gives me a black look, "Why would you even bring him up? Do you have more fun with him than me?"

"It's about the same but I think Patrick is a little more...err flexible?" I try to select my words carefully not wanting to deal with a bruised ego but realise I've made a terrible mistake by the bone-chilling expression Zander sends.

"And what does that mean?" He asked frostily, crossing his own arms.

"He's willing to do the things I like."

Throwing the cards away dramatically, he gives me a hard look as I gasp when they go flying in every direction landing around us."Fine. I guess I'll have to prove you wrong." Before I can even say anything, he storms out of the tent leaving me to clean up after his mess.

Observation: Zander Nolan hates being compared to his best friend.

I'm still muttering to myself when he barges back in, a triumphant smile on his face when he places a plastic bag holding a cylinder carton on the ground and pulls out a colouring book with a box of markers from behind his back.

"Colour all you want Cat."

"Um thank you? But what's this?" Pointing at the plastic bag, he gives me a sly grin wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Ice cream. And that's something Patrick would never do."

"Except make an entire meal," I stated matter-of-factly, amused by his dejected expression.

"But would he really save you dessert?" Zander asked bleakly, searching my eyes for a silent agreement.

"No...no I guess he wouldn't," I mumbled, shaking my head laughing.

"Do I win now?"

"Win what?"

"Win against Patrick?"

Shrugging indifferently, I quickly grab the box of markers trying to figure out which colour to use." I didn't even know you two were competing in anything. But if it makes you feel better, sure."

"Seriously? How hard are you going to make me work for this?" Zander's voice comes out hoarse and picking up on his frustration, I tilt my head perplexed when he snatches the box of markers out of my hand to get my attention.

"Work for what? And we're friends, you don't exactly have to work for anything. I was only joking, I like spending time with you and Patrick."

"But - "

Sighing, I refuse to let him finish and decide to end the poor guy's misery, "But we're closer, okay? Patrick doesn't know my life story...and he's never seen me cry," I add shyly, inwardly cringing when I picture my disgusting sobs and snot covered face. Ew, gross.

Nudging me, he gives me a weak smile. "So...I really do win?"

"I'll smear ice cream all over your face if you ask me one more time."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Now pass me the orange marker, I'm going to colour while you keep watch for the Matchmaker." Placing my right palm out flat, I wait for him to pass me the marker and open the colouring book.

"There's honestly no need for that."

Zander's voice is barely audible but his words slice through the air and jerking my head up, I stare at him tensely, "How come?"

"I think we both know why," He muttered softly, glancing away from me to look at the edge of the tent sombrely.

"N-n-no, no I don't. Wah, why?" I stuttered out, the marker sliding out of my hands silently.

Turning to me, green eyes soften with a serious gleam to them, "How long are you going to keep this up Cat?"

"I don't know what you mean...wah what?" My eyebrows form a tight knot, my eyes adamantly fixated on the small space between our feet.

"We both know who the Matchmaker is, I've known for a long time."

Inhaling sharply, my head snaps up to look at his stilled figure, my face rapidly becoming a sickly pale pallor, "How long?"

"Before I even moved here."

"I should go," I whispered with finality, practically ripping the tent zipper and making a run for it.

"Cat, wait!"

I can't stop myself, I let my feet take full control and blindly run for the emergency stairs hastily climbing them one at a time not wanting the enclosed space of the elevator to swallow me up. Closing my eyes a shiver runs down my body as I cling onto the railing, panting for breath. He knew! He knew this whole time! He played me for a fool! This whole time...

Why am I becoming emotional over this? Didn't I already have an inkling, didn't I already know that this would be the outcome? Yet despite all the rational questions and conclusions I come up with, I can't help but feel betrayed. I had felt emotionally pressured and overwrought with a sense of treachery that I might be committing against Zander that it never occurred to me that I would be in the position I had assumed was his.

Huddling in a corner, I rest my head against the emergency door of the fifth floor, biting my lip till it was numb. I'm acting like a stupid idiot but I can't help myself! I can't help this sudden onslaught of fear. I was meant to be the one to reveal the truth and now I feel out of sorts and thrown under a bus.

Covering my mouth with a shaking hand, I nearly yelp when a gentle hand turns me around and my eyes widen to see Zander look down at me with such raw emotion marring his face.

"Cat, I'm so sorry. But please. Please let me explain."

Shaking my head violently, I try moving away from his touch only to have him engulf me in a hug instead. "Catherine, I'm not letting you run away from me. I'm going to explain everything so hear me out okay? I don't want to create any misunderstandings, Cat."

Sniffling, I close my eyes demanding my damn emotions to settle down, his hug being a welcoming warmth of comfort. I want to hear his explanation as well, the curious side of my brain was telling me that I owed him this much; he was my friend and as his friend I should trust him. 

No matter how many times someone's walked all over me in the past, I should hear him out and even if Zander admits to have used me, if he admits to have done the same thing Shawn did, I'll have to do my best not to hold it against him because in all honesty, Zander has treated me better than either Shawn or anyone else who's attempted to be my friend other than Celia. 

We simply represented two polarising positions on a social spectrum; we might have been asking for too much to have thought this friendship could have lasted.

"Cat..."

"Wah-what?" I asked fearfully, looking up into soft twinkling eyes.

"I'm going to tell you everything but first...please don't get mad at me for what I plan to do next."

"What's tha - " I don't even get a chance to ask because he swiftly ends my words by doing something far more unthinkable than Patrick's peck on my cheek.