"Hello Ria."

I swallowed hard and blinked before engaging my brain properly. "H-hey Tilly."

"Who is I- what the fuck happened?" Zak asked her making me want to facepalm.

Subtly with a sledgehammer that man.

"It's a long story." She replied.

"C-come in." I stepped aside and moved Zak with me as she came in slowly holding herself.

Zak's eyes met mine and I shook my head. I knew he was silently asking me what happened, but I had no idea myself.

I walked behind her and almost had to help her sit down on the couch as Zak looked between us.

"I'll leave you both alo-"

"No, no. Sit." Tilly answered.

"I- okay." Zak sat beside me and took my hand. Something I was grateful of because right now I was freaking out.

"I got a message... From Aaron. Said you got hurt one night?" She asked.

"I'm on the mend now. It's only bruis- Tilly sweetheart what happened?" I asked.

My friend was every colour apart from her skin tone. She looked like hell and her once blonde hair that reflected the sun looked dirty and limp.

"I have left... Joey's."

I felt Zak's hand tighten on mine, I was tempted to bite my other hand to even out the pressure.

"I- I was jumped. Leaving work.. They took everything. I uh.. I had to checked because they didn't know if I was sexually assaulted."

"Owh." I whispered as Zak's hand went tighter on mine. He eased up slightly letting me move my fingers.

"There was some men.. My drink. It was spiked. I should have known but low self esteem from leaving him. (She meant her ex who we shall not name.. Bit like Voldemort... Shit) they were nice.. You know? I left work feeling a bit woozy, and the next thing you know I have the city workers who empty the bins putting their coats over me and holding my head telling me to remain calm and still."

This time it was me that tightened my grip on Zak's hand as tears pricked my eyes.

"The eye patch?" She lifted it up making me hold back a gasp.

"I got bottled.. I'm lucky I'm not blind but they have had to cut my eye.. My
Iris will always be different then the other. I had glass sticking out of my eye."

I covered my mouth and looked down blinking a few times.

Don't cry. Do not cry. Don't you dare.

"Three broken ribs, a busted nose, a shattered wrist and spinal bruising. Not to mention all the other bruising. And that's what happens..."

"Tilly I'm so sor-"

"Don't say sorry. Don't. I was covering your shift and you know what I thought when I was laid up in hospital?"

I shook my head.

"At least it was me. Because I needed this for me to realise I needed to change. What are we even doing Maria? Joey's is an amazing place to work but it's not a career is it? There's a big world out there and Aaron said that you didn't want to leave. Well I'm telling you. You have to. Because this is the shit that waits for you.. Ria I have seen you put grown men on their asses. Throw two men out, get in between fights and even get involved in them when one of the girls get hurt. You have no cut off point.. We all love you for it but I'm now scared for you."

"She's leaving the place. I've told her." Zak spoke looking at us.

"I'm so glad you two finally sorted it out.. All the sexual tension gave me whiplash." She smiled revealing some missing teeth.

My heart was breaking every second of being near her.

"I know, I'm Frankenstein's monster right now but I'm telling you babe. You've had a lucky escape." She gestured to my ribs.

"Don't let this be your hard lesson as well."

I nodded and wiped my eyes quickly.

"Joey, bless him. He's taking it so hard. But we got them.. The police have all the men involved, just too little too late, that it's happened. He's stepped up security, indoors and out. But I've made my decision that I'll never go back.. Never."

Aaron was sending me a harsh reminder, that this would happen to me if I didn't step away. What happened to me was inside the club. But I was still black and blue with my pants undone and was nearly assaulted. What happened to Tilly was my reminder of what can happen outside, where nobody can help you.. Nobody can hear your screams under the hundreds and thousands of screams of laughter and joy from revellers at night.

------

After Tilly had left I just went into the spare bedroom and used Gracie as my comforter. She seemed to know when I was upset and always offered her coat as my tear absorber.

"Maria?" Zak spoke quietly coming in.

"I get it! Okay! I get it! I need to leave as well!"

"I'm so sorry sweetheart that she got hurt, but that's how I imagine you if you were to work there.. I'd have to sit in there every tonight to make sure it didn't happen.. Then whilst I'm away?" He shook his head.

"I've never wanted to change you. Never. I don't want to either, I have fallen in love with the mouthy attitude riddled little lady. I've seen her softer side but the reason why this is important to me? Is because I want to protect you, like a boyfriend should right?" He asked making me shrug.

"Maria, I don't want to see you fall through the door covered in blood. And I know you will say it's only been a one off, or it rarely happens or you'll tone it down. But I think you know that there is not enough money in the world to prepare you for what Tilly has just experienced. She's terrified.. Even now."

"I know." I mumbled.

"I think it scared you as well."

"It did."

"And although you are protesting I think it's time you accepted to yourself that you're better than pulling pints. It's okay as a job but like Tilz said, it's not a career."

"I know. I'll just miss somethings that's all."

"Like your regulars? Like Bud."

I smiled thinking of him.

"I'm not saying never visit. But just leave before you're really hurt because that made me decide that no matter what... I never want to see you like that. Whether we are partners, friends of enemies. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.. And I'm pretty sure Gracie doesn't want to nurse you that much. Although she's doing a fantastic job at soaking up your tears.."

She licked my cheek before sniffing my eye making me giggle. I kissed Gracie on the head and then Zak. Before he pulled me in under his chin and began playing with my ear.

"Just give it some serious consideration sweetie." He whispered.

I had.... I was leaving.

**********

I woke up the next morning in the spare room, after yesterday I explained to Zak I needed time to think things over.

He was a bit upset that I didn't sleep in with him but I would have tossed and turned all night. I didn't want to wake him.

So when the sun was up I showered, changed and took Gracie with me as we went to Joey's...

I needed some support and if I took Zak he would have been horrible in some alpha male protective bullshit way.

She put me at ease with the whole dogs head out the window on the drive over, I had her leash on her so that she wouldn't jump out when we past the fast food chains.

I didn't even want to imagine the conversation with Zak on why Gracie would resemble a pot belly pig if she got in the doors of the Golden Arches and began eating.

"We won't be long, then I'll take you to the park." I told her.

We got out and went into Joey's, I didn't miss the cleaner frowning at me when Gracie made an appearance..

"Is that Zak's dog?" She asked.

I knew she was a huge Bagans fan. Completely gushes over the him.. I'd hate to tell her I've seen him... Every single inch of him.

But nobody likes a big head.

"Y-yeah."I answered.

She flipped her blonde hair back and pouted. It was ironic someone thinking they are higher than me when she's currently mopping up vomit. Of course this was her spending money job cause her real job (as a model.... Apparently) pay was going into her house.

Excuse me if I'm wrong but you wouldn't need two jobs of you're some big shot model now.. Would you?

No didn't think so. Anyway.

I left her before she could speak again, Gracie's collar clinked beside me. I opened the office door and held it for her.

"Little lady first." I had to give her the idea of going inside.

We ended up going in together. After she became wary... Baby.

"Ri! Hey how it is?!" Joey asked jumping up and hugging me.

"He- a little sore Joey."

"Oh. Sorry." He let me go and sat down gesturing for me to sit.

"I've been expecting you, I know what's happening.." He spoke making me blink.

"R-really?"

"I know how hard it's been for you to walk through that door as well."

I lowered my head and looked at Gracie. I bought her with me for a distraction really.

"I'm not mad Ria. Not at all.. I would probably do the same as well. I can't say that I'm happy with letting you go. You're one of my favourites." He threw his thumb behind him at all the photos we've taken as a team, from parties, fancy dress Friday's, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, even Christmas meals.

"But I always knew you were way too good to be a bar tender." He smiled.

"Joey.."

"Tilly came over didn't she?"

I nodded.

"Yeah, it was pretty tough, I went to the hospital with her.. She uh. Did she say anything... About me?"

Now I was curious "No why?"

"It's nothing. But I uh.. I might have declared a few things in the heat of the moment." He replied looking nervous.

"What do you mean? Joey what did you say?" I asked.

"That.. I uh. Maybe. Just a little bit.. But I."

"Joey." I snapped.

"I told her I loved her."

I sat back dumbfounded "I did not see that coming Gracie. Dang!"

"We were taking things slow.. But I- I think she's the one you know?" He asked.

My heart gave a little squee!

"You'll be a hot couple." I smiled.

"I fired her ass as soon as she agreed to be my girlfriend." He stated making me laugh.

"That doesn't surprise me."

"She wanted to leave but I made it harder for her to say the words so I got her another way.. You don't let someone like that go." He smiled standing up. I watched him pull a photo off the wall and hand it to me. It was of them both last Christmas.

You could tell he only had eyes for her and the level of love. It was beautiful.

"I got the girl." He grinned.

"I'm happy for you. Told you she digged you." I threw in.

"Yeah yeah." He answered putting the picture back on the wall.

"So I'm guessing Zak is aware you've got Gracie or have you hit a new level of crazy and actually stole her?" He asked.

I snapped my fingers "Dang it. I should done that than sleep with him." I joked.

"Aaron came in last night. Explained a few things."

"Like what?" I asked looking up from Gracie's brown eyes.

"Like how you wouldn't leave this place unless you were being nailed in and being put 6 feet under."

"He's right.."

"Well accept this. You're fired. On the grounds of I want better for you. I also have hired a shit ton of security and had all new cameras placed in as well as a second set of door staff. But I want you out. I love this place and you're becoming an extra fitting.. I won't have that. So you'll always be on the wall of fame. I'll love you like the rest but you gotta hit the road and spread those wings. Besides.. I heard you started working for your other half."

"I don't work for them."

"Not yet." He grinned.

"Well.. I will accept the dismissal. But I want a farewell party."

"Done." He grinned. "Now get here."

I went over and gave him a hug as the door opened.

"He's just fired your ass too?" Tilly asked coming in.

"Yep and why didn't you tell me about you two? Mega cute may I add." As I returned to my seat Tilly walked over and sat on his knee.

"Says the girl who's dating a celebrity." Tilly threw back.

"Move in with him as well right?" Joey asked.

"Uh huh. Beautiful home."

"She's going bright red Tilz. She's blushing." Joey teased.

"Shut up, and he's not a celebrity."

"Oh really?" Tilly asked.

"Yeah."

"Then who is he? Really?"

"He's Zak." I shrugged.

Just my Zak.

Feeling like I was interrupting something I made my excuses and left Joey's.

I was leaving on good terms, which was exactly how I wanted it to be.. No bad blood.

"Well that went well ba-"

"You stole my dog." Zak spoke. I looked up to see Zak sat on my car looking at us.

"I left a note."

"A very.. Very small one. On the front door." He added making me giggle.

"You saw it though."

"Hmm.." He pulled me in for a kiss. I got a gentle one making me smile.

"Good morning beautiful." He whispered.

"I- Gracie needs a wee." I blurted out in response.

He looked down at Gracie who was wagging her tail looking at her master. I probably did the same looking at Zak..

"And she's telepathically connected to my dog. She's a keeper." He spoke to Gracie who began her own dialect.

"Okay chewy. Let's go." He smiled taking the lead from my hand.

"Uh. Where are you going?" I asked.

"For a walk."

"The hell you are around here. Gracie baby." I opened the door to my car and she hopped straight in.

"Where are we going then?" Zak asked following her.

"Somewhere I find relaxing." I replied.

--

Zak's hand slipped around mine making me smile as I held Gracie's lead. I insisted..

"So this is it?" He asked.

I nodded.. My relaxation spot was a dog park, it was filling with people but I kept walking enjoying it.

We walked around for a while, I let Gracie off after Zak insured me that she would come back..

She didn't at the lodge! A whistle and she was off. But the beauty of this place was it was all fenced in. There was a large duck pond which never held ducks.. It held dogs. Dogs who dived in and left their owners with an expression I simply laughed at.

Enjoy the smell of wet dog!

I say that but I knew Gracie loved swimming..

I went further down the park and trailed off slightly from the path. We were almost excluded from everyone on our own little section.

"Why doesn't anyone use this bit?" Zak asked looking around.

"Because I scare them away... I'm joking. Because all the women here sit on the benches thinking some hot dude is gonna run by with a dog and the whole love at first sight moment will
happen, plus they sit by the pond so their kids can grow bread into the pond.. Which the dogs eat." I informed him.

"So I gotta run down there?" He asked looking across the hedgerows.

"Do it and you'll be sorry." I sang.

"Jealousy! That's what I like!" He laughed bopping my nose.

Zak tossed the blanket on the floor and spread it out for us. I sat down beside him and watched Gracie playing with the other dogs.

"Maria. Are you happy?" Zak asked making me look at him. He'd done his hair today, which meant tonight after a shower... I was allowed to play with it because it would be all fluffy.

"With what? What are we specifically talking about?" I asked.

"With everything. Okay with me?"

I frowned "Of course I am. Why would you think I wasn't?" I asked.

"I- I'm being stupid." He waved it off but I insisted until he gave in.

"I just, I'm not this massive romantic. I've never had to be. I just got women you know?" He asked.

"I do."

"So if I do something wrong.. You'll tell me right? If I do something that makes you really angry or even turns you off slightly?"

"Okay..." I frowned.

"It's just you said we're moving too fast the other day. But I am really really into you. Like... I-"

"You're trying to ask me if I am feeling suffocated?"

"Yes!"

"Then no I don't, and yes I will tell you how to be a little more romantic and I have noticed that you do little things for me already. Like putting the toilet seat down. Pick up your wet towels and make sure your shoes aren't in the way oh and I have space in the wardrobe."

His face went crimson.

"Woah okay you're really really observan- you're friends with Aaron. Of course you are." He nodded.

"How you always make sure I'm covered with the bedding, that I have enough room, that you always give me my food first. That when we're asleep you are always touching me, even if it's just a fingertip."

"You can stop.."

"I notice loads. You're a bit more romantic then you give yourself credit for.. But I am disappointed." I sighed.

His eyes went wide "Why? What did I do?" He asked.

"You actually haven't asked me on a date yet or even asked me out." I sighed again.

"Then I'll fix that." He replied.

"Good."

I stood up and looked across seeing the ice cream man less than 100 feet away just outside the dog park.

So doing my best Terminator impression I told him "I'LL BE BACK!" And took off running.

The ice cream mans face look a little alarmed at how fast I was running.. At him.

I came to a haunt giving him chance to exhale.

"Two cookies and cream, and a special vanilla please."

"Absolutely!" As he sorted the ice creams I pulled out some money and put it into his tray.

"Keep the change."

"R-really?" He stuttered.

"Yep. Have a good day!" I sang and went back to Zak with the ice-creams.

"Oh well I am being spoilt." Zak grinned as I sat down beside him.

"That's yours.." I gave him an ice cream.

"This is mine." I smiled.

"And..." I held out the ice cream with a small bone biscuit on top."

"Gracie's?" He asked just as she bit the ice cream completely.

I watched as she smacked her chops together eating it, making a mess. I watched her and giggled as she continued biting it but finding it too cold she would drop it and snarl her lip back to eat it.

I looked at Zak who was engrossed in watching us.

"W-what?" I laughed.

"You've got the most beautifulest smile." He commented.

I took a lick of my ice cream and smiled at him. "I like your smile too."