Self

Chapter 67

Zachary did not waste a second. He whipped out his phone and dialed Yara’s number,

“Hey, Yara, how’s it going? Listen, there’s something I need to talk to you about…”

There was a pause on the line after he explained his plan.

Zachary could almost hear her weighing her options, so he quickly reassured her. “Look, Yara, don’t worry, this one’s on me. It’s just about catching up as friends, a simple dinner. Yale won’t be there, I promise.”

“Okay,” Yara finally said.

Zachary ended the call with a casual shrug.

Sure, he said it would be just the two of them, but if Yale just happened to show up–that would not be his fault, would it?

Shane chimed in, ready to lend a hand. “I’ll let Yale know.”

“Deal!” Zachary was all in.

He would be the hero if he could pull that off and get those two back together.

The day was picture–perfect, not a cloud in sight.

Zachary had picked out the perfect spot at their favorite restaurant.

Yara would recognize the place in a heartbeat

She barely stepped through the door when Zachary spotted her and started waving like a madman.

A waiter escorted her to the table, and she settled into the seat across from him, dropping her bag by her side.

“Yara, I heard you nalled your grad exams. Congratulations! I’ve already ordered–all your favorites. We’ll toast to your success in a bit!”

Zachary might not have had the flashy background some of the others boasted, but he was top–notch when it came to being a friend.

He had come through for her more than once, and that was how their bond had grown.

“Thanks, I’ve always appreciated what you do.”

Zachary grinned. “Come on, Yara. We’re not strangers. Since when do we keep score on favors?”

With a snap of his fingers, the food started arriving, each dish as perfect as the next.

“Zachary? Is that you? What are the odds? A deep voice boomed from above.

Zachary craned his neck, and his grin turned to stone in a flash.

He peeked past Shane. Where on earth was Yale?

Was that not supposed to be a random run–in?

“Hey, fancy meeting you here!” Zachary snapped out of it, managing a strained smile.

Shane asked, “You don’t mind if I crash and sit with you guys, right?”

Zachary’s forehead might as well have had a giant question mark plastered on it, but he said, “No, go ahead.”

Chapter 67

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Shane did not wait for an invitation; he was already plopping down, his eyes slyly taking in Yara. “So, what’s the special occasion today?”

Zachary tried to grin. “Just arranged a little celebration for Yara…”

His eyes darted wildly, silently screaming. Where’s Yale? You were supposed to tell him and bring him along, remember?

Shane just chuckled, ignoring the silent plea, and casually turned to Yara with a raised eyebrow. “Oh? Celebrating what?”

He

e was clearly asking her, and though she hardly knew Shane, staying silent would just be rude.

Yara replied, “I’ve just wrapped up an exam.”

Shane mused for a beat. “Judging by the time–grad school exam?”

Zachary thought, ‘What’s with the act?”

However, he had to admit–Shane played the part well

Yara nodded.