"Zianna... that's a pretty name." Theodore says.

I push a stray piece of hair behind my ear. I give a small smile, and my cheeks heat up. I try to hide it, but it doesn't work. He chuckles.

"I'm serious." He says with a soft smile.

"I wouldn't think so but... thank you," I say, smiling back.

His emerald eyes shine. Small creases appear next to his mouth from smiling. His cheekbones are high, but in a good way. He's cute.

"I-I should head home.." I say.

"No, please, let me take you to my house. Just to clean up." He says.

I hesitate, pressing my lips together. What would Garte think? Theodore and I wouldn't do anything but... I'm sure he wouldn't like me being with another man.

"I-I'm sorry, I can't-" I say, trying to turn around.

He gently grabs my arm, "Please, just for a few minutes."

I sigh, "Okay."

He smiles, the creases next to his cheek show once again. I give a soft smile back, unsure of what I'm doing. He gently takes my hand and leads me away.

~•~

"Make yourself at home," he says as he hangs his coat up.

I look around the small house. It's not much, just a small cottage with a little bit of furniture here and there. Even though I haven't experienced this in years, I kind of like it.

"You have a nice place," I say. He smiles.

"Its not much," he comes up to me. "But it's just me."

"You're not married?" I ask.

"No, are you?" He asks.

I hesitate, not wanting to lie. I bite my bottom lip, unsure of what to say. I can't betray my husband, but if I say that I do have a husband he probably won't accept me or try something else.

"I-I do but... he's not the greatest guy, I guess..." I say, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Does he hurt you?" Theodore asks.

"Define hurt." I say, with a sigh.

Theodore looks at me, eyes concerned and head tilted. He cares a lot for a woman he just met. I smile at him, trying to give him the most honest answer I can.

"Verbally. He's not physically abusive but... he's been stressed." I say while looking down.

"D-Do you have any kids?" Theodore asks awkwardly. He sits down on the sofa.

I sit down next to him, "Yeah, I have two boys."

"How old are they...?" He asks.

He may be extremely nice, but he's pretty nosy.

"Four and two," I say quietly.

Theodore smiles softly. I glance at him and awkwardly smile back. He's strange, but in a slightly good way. He's cute and caring.

"I-I'm sorry, I probably come off as creepy." He stutters.

"No, no. It's okay." I say, giving a soft giggle.

Theodore's green eyes sparkle with happiness. His tan skin seems to almost glow. I can feel my cheeks getting hotter and hotter the longer I stay.

"Riley, he's amazing!" I told my best friend, who was Garte's cousin, Riley.

"Ew." She says, scrunching up her nose.

"His eyes, they're gorgeous." I said in a giddy tone.

"Zianna," she puts her hand up. "You're being disgusting. That's my cousin." She laughs.

"I'm not being gross." I take a sip of water. "You're just thinking that because he's your cousin."

"Are not. He's weird." She says.

"No, he's cute." I smile.

I wonder what would happen if Riley caught me talking to another man, alone in his house. I decide to leave, it's almost time to go back anyway.

"I need to go back home," I say, turning around.

He gently grabs my arm, "C-Can I see you tomorrow?"

"Sure." I say, smiling.

He genuinely smiles back and opens the door for me. I nod, walking out. I hear the door closing behind me. Walking away, I smile. He sure is a nice guy.

~•~

I walk into the door. A little Zane walks over to me, smiling like crazy. He's such a momma's boy, it's cute.

"Mama!" He says as I pick him up.

"Hey, buddy. How are you?" I ask.

"Good." He says.

"That's good." I put him down. "Do you know where daddy is?"

His little arm extends as he points in the direction of the office. I smile and ruffle his black hair. He's really sweet, too.

"Thanks, bud." I say, walking back towards Garte's office.

If I tell him I met this man, he will automatically get jealous and try to kill whoever he thought it was. I didn't do anything other than meet him, so there's really no need to tell him. I'd rather keep Theodore safe than tell Garte and make him think we did something we didn't do.

I approach the door to his office. He doesn't look up, he's mumbling something. I listen closely, he's mumbling the words to a song.

"So bye, bye Ms. American pie," is what hes mumbling.

I gently knock on the door. Garte jumps as though he's startled and turns to look at me. His intelligent, dark blue eyes look at me. He gives a soft smile.

"Hey, are you okay? Where were you?" He asks, in a concerned tone.

He's very mood changing, I'll tell you that.

"I-I just needed a minute. I'm fine, I swear." I say nervously.

"Are you sure?" He asks, looking back down and beginning to work again.

I nod, "Yeah. I'm fine."

"Good." He says.

I walk over to his desk, putting a hand over his work. He looks back up at me and sighs.

"Zianna..." he says.

"What were you mumbling?" I ask.

"Nothing. I really have to-"

"You were mumbling something. C'mon, I won't tell." I say smiling.

He gives a small smile back. His eyes show a mix of happiness, thoughtfulness, and a little bit of danger. He was always adventurous and fearless.

"It was nothing." He says. "Now, please, I have to get back to work."

I sigh, taking my hand off the paper and standing up completely. I walk towards the door and stop at the doorway. Turning around, I look at him.

"Please, take a day off sometime." I say with tears only slightly burning my eyes.

"You know I can't so that." His monotone voice says.

"Just try?" I ask.

He looks at me, "Zianna. Please."

I sigh and walk out of the room and close the door. I bury my face in my hands and shake my head. Tears don't fall, though. I've spent too much time crying about this.

But if I still love him, how can I meet Theodore?

••••••••
K so I've been listening to two songs while writing this.

Drug Dealer and Downtown.

Both by Macklemore.

I need help.

Btw, the song Garte was mumbling was American Pie by Don McLean, in case anyone wanted to know.

Thanks for reading! Bye!
••••••••