Seven//You'll be my honeysuckle, I'll be your honey bee

Ronnie and I were anxiously awaiting where Tom and Taylor were taking us. We seriously had no clue where we were going. All we could hear was Tom and Taylor talking about the upcoming pre-season games in the next few weeks. It started to slowly hit me that Tom would be going back to Montreal soon. I don't know what we're going to do, but I do know that we're going to get through this. We were going to have to make a decision soon about what to do. I could do what Ronnie does and fly out and see him every couple weeks, or I could try and start a salon in Montreal. Either way, I needed to talk to Tom and my family about it. A few minutes later the car stopped and I could hear the doors opening. My door opened and I was being pulled out of the car. Still being blindfolded, Tom took my hand as we walked.

"Alright, I'm going to help you sit down." Tom said as he helped me down on what felt like a blanket.

"Okay girls, on the count of three we're going to remove the blindfolds!" Taylor said.

"1, 2, 3!" they both yelled out. Before us stood a huge white screen on the back of Tom's house.

"Babe, whats this?" I asked giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"We're going to play you girls' favorite movie once it gets dark." Tom said wrapping his arms around me.

"Really?!" Ronnie's eyes lit up looking up into Taylor's eyes.

"Yeah! We're serious!" Taylor said as Tom and I started laughing.

"Taylor, lets go get the food." Tom said as they both got up from the blankets.

"Do you need any help guys?" I asked.

"Nope! You two just sit there and relax!" Tom said going up the stairs of the deck.

"Alright thanks babe!"

"So any clue as to what we're eating?" Ronnie asked laughing.

"None whatsoever! Hey do you want to check out some of the photos that got taken last night?" I said pulling out my camera.

"Definitely! Pass it over girl!"

Ronnie took the camera and started looking through the photos.

"These are really cute, Zo! I love this one of you and your cousins! The boys actually look decent!" Ronnie said laughing.

"I know right?! That hasn't happened in years! I'll have to get these developed soon."

"For sure!"

"Hey girls! Are you ready to eat?" the boys shouted above from the deck.

"We're coming!" we both shouted as we ran up the stairs. The four of us brought out the food and set it out on the table.

"So what did you guys make?" I asked trying to peak beneath the foil on the dish.

"Chicken parm!" Tom said whipping the foil off.

"This looks awesome!" I said giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you so much!"

"I made the salad!" Taylor shouted as we all started laughing at his outburst.

"Aww good job baby!" Ronnie said patting him on the back.

"No kiss for me, Tom got one!" he said making the most ridiculous sad puppy face at Ronnie.

"Fine you little baby!" she said as she laid one on him.

"Okay guys, you can come up for some air!" I said as Tom and I started laughing at them.

Ronnie started to blush as we all started laughing and talking. The boys bought a few bottles of wine (that were quickly opened) as we were waiting for the sun to set. We took a few photos since it would be a long time before the four of us could hang out like this with Taylor being all the way in Arizona. I was on my second glass of wine whenever my cell phone started going off. It was the salon manager so I had to answer.

"Hey Hillary, how are you?"

"I'm good! How are you, Zoey?"

"Excellent! Just hanging out with Ronnie and our boys. What's new?"

"That sounds like fun! I was just calling to see if you and Ronnie could possibly come in at noon tomorrow for a staff meeting."

"That should be fine! I'll be sure to tell Ronnie!"

"Okay, thanks girl! Enjoy your night!"

"Will do! Have a good one too!"I closed the phone as they were all looking at me.

"So what did Hillary want?" Ronnie asked.

"Oh she just wants us to be there for a staff meeting at noon tomorrow, no biggie."

"Lovely! Hopefully it's not long and boring as usual."

"Agreed!"

"How about we get this movie started then?" Taylor asked.

"Lets do it! Ronnie and I can bring the food inside while you two get it set up."

"Excellent plan, honey." Tom said giving me a kiss on top of my forehead.

Luckily we didn't have too much to bring inside and the movie was just about ready. Ronnie and I decided to make some popcorn to bring outside. We made sure to make a huge bowl since we knew the boys would eat almost all of it themselves. I carried out the popcorn and Ronnie grabbed a few pillows for us.

"All set girls!" Tom yelled out. We all got situated and comfortable as "You've Got Mail" began. It was a good thing that the boys brought some blankets out before because it was starting to get chilly. The movie was about ten minutes in whenever I could see bright headlights coming from Tom's driveway. Who the hell could that be? Jumping out of the dark SUV was Olivia holding some kind of tray while Jordan was the one driving.

"I brought some cheesecake guys! Eric and the fam send their love!" Olivia yelled out coming towards us. Her and Jord were adorable together. This summer had been the best thing ever for both of them. I hadn't seen either one of them happier.

"This looks delicious!!"

"Oh it is! Here you guys take this! We had plenty over at Eric's. We were on our way to Jordan's and we figured we drop some of for you guys." Olivia said setting the tray down between Tom and I and Taylor and Ronnie.

"Aww thanks! Are you sure you don't want to stay?" I asked.

"I'm heading back to Pittsburgh tomorrow night." Jordan said looking down at the ground.

"Ugh that sucks!" I said getting up giving them both a big hug. "Don't get pregnant!" as soon as I said it everyone was howling with laughter.

"Don't worry, it won't happen!" Olivia said smiling. "I'll see you guys later! Goodnight!"

"Bye!! Thanks again!"

I layed back down with Tom as we continued watching the movie. By the time the movie finished, the four of us had managed to eat the entire tray of the cheesecake. Stuffed couldn't even describe how full I felt. Being wrapped up tight in Tom's arms felt so warm and amazing. I didn't want to leave. Taylor and Ronnie got up to leave so we both crawled up to say goodnight to them.

"Well I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow! Hopefully it's something good" as Taylor and Ronnie climbed into his car.

"Be careful driving home guys" Tom said taking my hand. Taylor and Ronnie honked the horn at as while they drove down the driveway.

"Thanks for everything tonight, babe. It was really sweet of you" I said giving him a kiss. Tom broke apart the kiss. "Anything for you Zo." as we kissed again. I grabbed the blankets and pillows and put them in the garage. Tom took apart the big screen and put the dvd player away.

"Ready for bed, boo?" I asked giving him a hug wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I'm ready when you are." Tom said wrapping his arms around my hips as I nodded my head yes. Hand in hand we walked up the stairs to the deck area and inside his house. We ran back the hall to his bedroom.

Tom's Point of View

Zoey and I ran back the hallway into my bedroom. With the door shut behind us we quickly jumped onto the king size bed. We climbed underneath the sheets and I started tickling her. Her laugh was cute and irresistible. Then I kissed her goodnight since it was getting late and I knew she had the meeting in the morning.

"Goodnight baby, I hope you have a good meeting tomorrow."

"Thanks honey. Don't let the bed bugs bite!" she said kissing me again wrapping herself into my arms.

I held her tight in my arms as we fell asleep listening to a gentle rain come down. I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else but her for the rest of my life. This feeling will never go away, I just know it. You know when you love somebody.

Six//We're Just Like You, Only Prettier

There she was standing right before me... Jocelyn. The biggest bitch in Thunder Bay, of course one of Lindsey's best friends. Her parents owned a few stores in town, so she always had everything handed to her. I don't think she had ever worked a day in her life. She always treated me horribly in high school thinking she was better than everybody else. How my sister got to be best friends with her doesn't really surprise me. Even though Tom and I were dating in high school, she still felt the need to flirt with him. Ronnie couldn't stand her either since she tried doing it with Taylor as well.

"Sorry, we're not open yet." Ronnie said.

"Well I knew that." Jocelyn said in a snobby tone. "I came in to see Tom."

I just stood there rolling my eyes slightly becoming frustrated. Of course she would want to see Tom now that we're together again.

"Jocelyn, didn't you hear Ronnie? She said they're not open yet."


"Then why are you here getting your hair cut?" she said coming closer to Tom. "Especially with Zoey doing it."


"Look she's my girlfriend and she does an excellent job. She works unlike you."


"Thanks babe." I said leaning over to give him a kiss.

"I think it would be best if you leave." Ronnie said pointing towards the door.


"Don't worry I'll be back...later!" Jocelyn said as she walked out the door.


"God I hope she's not back when I'm here." I said as I continued cutting Tom's hair.


"Babe, don't worry about her. She's an ugly skank that trolls around town."

"I know but still. I don't trust her at all."


"Zoey, I don't think any women trust her here besides your sister. We should take her down." Ronnie said laughing.

"My god, I would not want to mess with you two." Tom said laughing.


"On second thought, I hope she does come in while we're here. I have a plan." I said with a smirk on my face.

Ohhh I can't wait for this." Ronnie said as she sat in the next chair over.


"I'm thinking pink will look great on her, don't you think so?" I said looking over to Ronnie.

"I'm thinking so" Ronnie said giving me a high five.


"You two better get a picture of this." Tom said.

We definitely will!" I said as we all started laughing.

A few minutes later I finished up Tom's haircut.

"Well what do you think?" I said as I spun the chair around so Tom could see his haircut.

"Zo! It looks great! Thank you so much!" Tom said as he jumped up giving me a hug.

"You're welcome babe." I said giving me a kiss.

We turned on the radio since there were only about 5 more minutes before we would open up the salon for the day. Taylor came into the salon to get Tom for their workout.


"Hey bro! Ready to go?" Taylor said.


"Yep. Ready when you are."


"Alright. You ladies have an excellent day at work." Taylor said giving Ronnie a kiss.


"Don't forget about dinner tonight! I'll pick you up at 6." Tom said giving me a kiss.

"Okay babe. I'll see you later!"

The rest of the morning Ronnie and I got swamped with customers since the receptionist called off. Luckily we were able to get Laura to come in after lunch to help out. Of course as soon as Laura showed up we had slowed down significantly. Ronnie ordered a cheese pizza for our lunch. Oh the perks of working down the street from the best pizza shop. We decided to give each other french manicures for our date tonight. About ten minutes later Jocelyn had showed back up at the salon wanting to get her hair dyed.


"So how long is this going to take you?" Jocelyn said sitting down in the seat as I put the cape over her.


"About an hour. How light were you thinking of going?"


"As light as you can get it. If its dark, I'm not paying."


"Don't worry about it, this one's on the house."


"Really? I would never ever expect you to do it for free, especially since Tom loved me FIRST."

"Seriously don't worry about it." I said rolling my eyes. Why is Tom even being brought up? What a jealous bitch.


Jocelyn sat down with her Cosmopolitan while I started processing her hair. Pink was going to be fun for sure. I had only done it once so I had Ronnie help me.


"This is going to look great Jocelyn! I'm sure you're going to be thrilled with the results!" I looked over to see Laura at the desk about to burst out laughing. We let her in on it while having the pizza. We knew that we couldn't get in trouble if the owner's daughter agreed to it. While rinsing out the color we took a photo and sent it to the boys. Ronnie then took her back to the chair to blow dry and style it. When I could see Ronie was about done with it I came over to help spin the chair around to the mirror. We stood there waiting if she was going to say anything. She didn't even look. Ronnie and I stood there puzzled. Jocelyn got up out of her seat and just walked out of the salon.


"Now that wasn't weird" Ronnie said as she started to laugh.


"No, not at all!" I said as I began laughing as well. The other hairdressers for the next shift were already here so Ronnie and I decided to leave a little bit early.


"Hey I'll see you tonight girl!" I said as we walked to our cars.



"Hey do you know where the boys are taking us?" Ronnie asked.


"Nope, no idea. What are you going to wear?"


"Umm probably jeans and a top. Hopefully its not somewhere fancy." Ronnie said laughing.


"I know right?! Oh well if we do, we'll both look funny together."

"Alright see you later Zo!"


We both got into our cars and made our way out of the parking lot. I turned on the radio and was back at the apartment before I knew it.

"Hey Olivia!" I said as I walked in.


"Hey girl! How was work?"

"Excellent! Ronnie and I dyed Jocelyn's hair bright pink."

"You did not!" Olivia said jumping up.


"I kid you not. It was the best ever." I said laughing. "Where's Jordan at?"

"That is amazing! He's over at Eric's helping outside. I'm going over there soon since Tanya is having a little picnic."

"Aww that's nice of her. Tom and Taylor are taking Ronnie and I out somewhere for dinner tonight."


"A surprise I take it?"


"Yep! Help me pick something out?"


"Yeah sure!" Olivia said as she walked with me into my room.

"Do you think this would look good?" I asked.

The outfit:

"I love it!"


"Thanks!"

"No problem!" Olivia said as her phone started going off.


I decided to take a nap before I could even put my head on the pillow my phone started vibrating. Text from Lindsey. Well hell this has got to be good.


"PINK? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?"


I just had to laugh at that one.


I texted her back with "Take a chill pill, it'll wash out after 5 washes." That'll shut her up. I finally got around to taking my nap and waking up at 5 to get ready. I straightened my hair pulled it up into a high ponytail. I then washed my face and reapplied my makeup. I got changed into my outfit and decided to turn on the tv since I still had some time to kill. Before I could find something good to watch Tom was knocking on the door. I quickly opened the door to let him in.


"Hello my love" he said giving me a kiss.


"Why hello there handsome."

"Are you ready to go angel?" Tom said taking my hand.


"Absolutely." I said smiling from ear to ear. We walked over to his car to find Taylor in the driver seat and Ronnie in the passenger's seat with a blindfold on.







Her outfit:



Tom opened the door as we got into the backseats.

"So you're not going to tell me where we're going?"

"Nope!" he said as he pulled out a blindfold for me.

Five//Mine

Tom and I went into the camp looking for Lindsey. She was nowhere to be found and that scared me tremendously. We started searching for her in the bedrooms, but to no success.

"Where could she be?" I asked Tom.

"Do you think she could be in the bathroom?" he suggested.

"We might as well check."

We walked over to the bathroom hoping that we would find her there. I opened the door and poked my head inside. There she was lying on the floor. It looked like she had just thrown up. This was just going to be a lovely trip back to Mom and Dad's. I wish she would just go back to Chicago.

"Babe, do you want to grab some bags while I carry her out?"

"Yeah, that would be great. Thanks boo." I said giving Tom a kiss.

I went out to the kitchen and grabbed a few paper bags. While grabbing the bags I ran into Ronnie.

"Hey Zoey, I'll see you tomorrow at work. I hope everything goes well tonight." Ronnie said giving me a hug.

"Thanks doll. I hope you and Taylor have a great night as well."

Tom walked out holding a passed out Lindsey in his arms. I went head of him so that I could open the door. Tom sat down on the porch swing with her while I walked to the car to bring it to the front of the camp. I quickly pulled the car out front. I put it in park and opened the back door. Tom carefully placed Lindsey into the backseat so that she wouldn't wake up. He quietly shut the door and opened the passenger's door. I called up Mom and Dad and let them know that we were on our way. Thankfully they lived about ten minutes away.

"Thanks for carrying her out here babe."

"It's no problem, anything for my Zoey.

"Aww thanks babe. I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"Oh really?" I said with a smile on my face.

"Of course! I'm so lucky to have you back."

"I am as well."

"Do you work tomorrow?"

"Yep, I'm there from 9-3 with Ronnie."

"Perfect! I want to take you somewhere really nice for dinner. Maybe Taylor and Ronnie can come along."

"That's so sweet of you. I can't wait!" I said as I pulled into my parent's driveway.

"I want to make this up to you."

"Tom, you don't have to. You being here is enough for me." I said giving him a kiss.

"But I do. I went crazy this summer without you."

"Silly, don't go crazy. Crazy Lindsey is enough for me." I said laughing.

"That is true." Tom said laughing.

We got out of the car and got Lindsey out. Tom carried Lindsey into my parent's house.

"Where should we put her?"

"Umm let's just put her in her old room. She can't bother anyone there."

Tom followed me as we walked down the hallway into Lindsey's room. We carefully laid her down making sure there was a garbage can right next to the bed.

"She's definitely going to need that in an hour."

"Good, I don't want to be there for that." Tom said as we started walking out into the living room.

"Hey Mom, Lindsey's back in her room."

"Thanks guys. It's so good to see you back here, Tom." Mom said.

"It feels great to be back here." Tom said giving me a hug.

"Alright well you two enjoy the rest of your night. I'm going back to bed."

"Okay goodnight Mom."

Tom and I walked back outside and into my car.

"Do you want to go back to my place? I'm pretty sure Olivia and Jord will be at the camp."

"That sounds excellent babe." Tom said as we began kissing.

I turned on the engine of the car and we were on our way.

About twenty minutes later we were back at the apartment.

"Remember this place?" I said jokingly.

"How could I forget it?" Tom said kissing me.

We made our way into the living room as I turned some music on the stereo.

"I'm going to go get changed. Please stay..." I said.

"I'm not going anywhere! I might have to chase you though"

"Don't do that yet!" I said laughing. I went into my bedroom and changed into this:

I made my way back into the living room to find my amazing boyfriend sitting on the couch.

"ZOEY!"

"Well yes, that is my name" I said laughing.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you baby." I sat down on the couch and put my arms around Tom's neck as we began kissing. "You look incredible as well."

We then decided to get into bed and get some sleep. Tom had training in the morning and I had work.

I turned off the music as we went into my bedroom. Tom stripped down to his boxers. He looked damn good. We climbed into my bed as we laid there and cuddled. Laying there in Tom's arms felt incredible. I remembered how good that felt before.

"Goodnight babe." Tom said giving me a kiss.

"Goodnight boo."

//the next morning//

My alarm went off at 8.

"Goodmorning beautiful girlfriend."

"Goodmorning handsome boyfriend."

We both got up and starting getting ready to leave.

"Do you want me to drop you off somewhere babe?"

"Can I just go to the salon with you? Taylor can probably pick me up since we're working out this morning together."

"That sounds great."

I got changed into this:

"You look great babe!" Tom said giving me a kiss.

"Aww thanks! What do you want to eat for breakfast?"

"I know this is going to sound lame, but do you have any cereal?"

"Umm yeah why wouldn't I?" I said laughing.

" I don't know. Just wanted to make sure." he said laughing.

We sat down at the kitchen table and made ourselves some bowels of Captain Crunch.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yep, I'm ready when you."

Tom and I made our way out to the car and off to the salon. About ten minutes later we arrived.

"Hey Ronnie!"

"Hey girl! I see Tom is here too." she said laughing.

"Oh yes. Taylor is coming by to pick him up soon. By the way, great outfit!"

Her outfit:

"Aww thanks!"

We started talking as we got the salon set up because it didn't open for half an hour.

"Babe, will you cut my hair. I think it needs it." Tom said.

"Yeah sure. How short do you want it?" I asked.

"I don't know, long enough for you to run your fingers through it." Tom said grinning.

"Alright too much information Tom!" Ronnie said giving him a push.

"You love it Ronnie!" Tom said.

"Well am I going to cut it?" I said laughing.

"Yep!" Tom said making his way to the seat.

I started cutting his hair as an unexpected person came into the salon. I couldn't believe she was here right now.

Four//Why You Gotta Bring Me Down

I went into the bathroom waiting for Tom to knock on the door.

*Knock*Knock*

I heard the door open as Tom slid into the bathroom. We quietly pushed the door shut and locked it. Tom put his arms around me as I put my hands around his neck. It felt so amazing to be back to where we used to be.

"I've missed you so much babe." Tom said as he gave me a gentle kiss. "This whole summer was really hard without you."

"I really missed you too. Everything will be fine again, I promise."

"That sounds great to me boo." Tom said kissing me again.

"Do you want to head out of here pretty soon?" I said with a smile across my face.

"I'd really love that. I want to spend as much time with you as I can before I have to go back to Montreal."

"Lets get out while we can! We'll stop and say bye to the guys and then take off." I said while giving him a quick kiss and opening the door. We started walking toward the porch where we could see my cousins and Olivia.

"Zo, you're so smart. Plus it looks like Lindsey isn't done for the night."

"What do you mean?"

"Looks like someone is very drunk."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"I wish I was. You would think she would have learned her lesson last summer with the DUI."

"You would think, but remember this is Lindsey we're talking about."

"That is true babe. You never know what she's going to do."

Jordan, Marc, Eric, and Olivia were all out on the deck as we finally made our way out of the camp.

"Hey we just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you again, Jord. Tom and I are going to get going." I said giving Jordan a big hug.

"Thanks for everything, Zo. And thanks for the new yellow hat, it's perfect. Tom, I'm leaving her in your hands, you better take good care of her."

"Haha I knew it would be." I said starting to laugh.

"Staalsy, you know that won't be a problem." Tom said.

"Oh I know it won't be. We have a bigger problem than that." Jordan said.

"Hmm let me guess..." I said. Everyone looked down with their heads shaking. "Just say it guys, I know it's coming."'

"It's Lindsey." Tom said quietly under his breath.

"Maybe we should call a cab to take her home" Eric suggested.

"We can't do that, she'll get even more pissed off." I said holding my head. I decided to take a seat on the swing to think about what to do with her.

"Tom, what should I do?" I said sinking my head into his chest.

"I really don't know babe." he said as he started rubbing my back trying to calm me down.

"Zoey are you alright?" I heard a familiar voice.

"I guess, it's stupid Lindsey in there." I said looking up. "Ronnie? I didn't know you and Taylor made it?!"

Ronnie sat down and gave me a hug. "We just got here not too long ago. It'll be okay girl."

"She really needs help. My parents and I can only do so much for her."

"I know, doll. You guys have helped her so much just for her to turn around and act like an asshole." Ronnie said.

"Thanks Ronnie. You're a better sister than my own blood sister."

"Zo, you don't deserve her crap. She takes you for granted all the time. From all the things you've told me at the salon, I don't know how you do it!"

"Yeah but I don't want to get a phone call saying she's in the hospital."

"Babe how about we just drive her back to your parents place." Tom said.

"That's a really good idea, Tom." Ronnie said.

"Yeah I think we'll do that" I said as I got up from the swing.

New Character:
Ronnie Lewis
Age: 26
Girlfriend of Taylor Pyatt

Three//Times Square Can't Shine as Bright as You

Tom's Point of View

I took Zoey by the hand as we walked out to the porch. Don't screw up Tom. This your last shot to make things right with the most amazing woman in the world. You'll be leaving back for Montreal soon, you can't let her slip through your fingers. We sat down close to each other on the old wooden swing.

"Zo, first I just wanted to tell you that I didn't mean to put you on the spot like this tonight. I had to talk to you, and this was the only way I knew how. I'm really sorry how about how things came about this summer. I was completely wrong about the whole Marc thing and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I never wanted us to end, especially over a stupid war game with Marc. Do you think you could ever forgive me?"

I took Zoey's hand gently and prayed to God she could find some way to forgive me. Zoey took my other hand and looked at me with that gorgeous face.

"Thanks, boo. I really appreciate it, but I was wrong too. I should have trusted my great boyfriend instead of listening to stupid Marc. I guess what I'm trying to say is I can't always look to my cousins for advice and help, I need to look to you first and foremost. I'm sorry I didn't do that before and I want to try to fix this if that's alright with you."

"I would love too." I said pulling her face in closer to mine and kissed her. "Would you please be my girlfriend again?"

"I'll be your girlfriend again only if you'll be my boyfriend again."

"Of course I will." Oh how I loved her sass. It was incredibly sexy. We started kissing again as I pulled Zoey onto my lap. All of a sudden it got really quiet and dark.

"Tom! What the hell are you doing here and with my cousin?!" Shit, Jordan and Olivia had arrived. No wonder it had gotten quiet. I looked over to Zoey and saw she was about to bust out laughing.

"Well, lets go inside. We can talk about in there." Jordan said shaking his head. "You two were apart over half the summer, now you can't get your hands off each other!"

Zoey and Olivia looked like they were about to explode.

"I'm sorry, Jord. I just can't help it!"

Zoey and Oliva lost it. Zoey jumped off my lap and went over to Jordan.

"Happy Birthday cuz!" Zoey said giving him a hug.

"Thanks Zo, lets get inside and have a drink."

"Sounds good to me!"

Jordan unlocked the door. The door wasn't even half open and you could hear, "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN!"

"Lets get this party started!" Jordan screamed.

I took Zoey by the hand as we walked our way into the camp. They already had the music pumping through the speakers. I grabbed a few Bud Lights out of the fridge for us as we took a seat on the couch. Before I could blink my eyes, her sister Lindsey had made her way to the couch with us.

"So what is this here?" Lindsey said.

"Tom and I are back together." Zoey said with a smile on her face.

"Well what are you going to do when this bum goes back to Montreal? Did you think about that?" Lindsey said in a snarky tone.

"Nice seeing you too, Lindsey." I said rolling my eyes. How much did she drink already?

"Lindsey, just leave us alone. We're working things out, ok?" Zoey said. "Can't you ever be happy for me?"

"Fine. I'm getting another drink." Lindsey said as she walked away heading towards the fridge. Holy hell, like she needed another drink.

"I can't believe she actually came home for Jordan's birthday." Zoey said.

"Yeah I was going to say, what happened with her never wanting to come back here."

"It's called bi-polar." Zoey said.

"Now that is very true, babe." I said giving her a kiss. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too. Especially fun nights like this with you." Zoey said with a grin on her face.

"Hmm what are you implying here, Miss Staal??" I could feel a huge smile come across my face.

"Lets just say, I'll be in the bathroom and I might need some help" Zoey said getting up off the couch. She strutted her way to the bathroom. Give it a minute, give it a minute. How she shines like that, it's unreal.

Two//Nothing to Lose but Everything to Gain

Jared and I pulled into Jordan's camp by the lake. I started grabbing the bags of decorations and heading into the camp.

"Can I trust you with this cake?" I yelled out to Jared.

"I swear I won't drop it."

"That's what you said at Marc's birthday. Remember how that turned out?"

"Yep, I had to go buy another cake before anyone else found out."

"You did not, Mum made you clean it. And you whined the entire time." I said turning around making sure he didn't drop the cake again.

"Hey you know that cake was such a pain to clean up."

"Oh yes it was. Let's get this inside."

Jared and I carried the cake into the kitchen. I made some room in the fridge so that the cake would fit in. Jordan had spent most of the summer here nursing his hurt foot from the playoffs. Needless to say, camp needed a good clean up. Jared and I started cleaning up, about an hour later the place looked spotless. I began hanging up some decorations we had bought. I was so excited for the party, but upset that summer was coming to an end. The boys would be back playing hockey for the year while I was here in Thunder Bay. I hated to see them go, but I knew they were doing what they loved. Jared and I were about done and the place was looking pretty good. Jordan wasn't big on surprise parties, but he was always down for a party.

"ZOEYYYYYY!"

I knew it had to be Marc and Eric, only those two could say my name that loud and obnoxiously.

"Hey guys!" I said giving them both a big hug.

"The place looks great! I wish I got a party like this." Eric said.

"Oh Eric, it's not my fault your birthday is during the season."

"Well at least its not in the middle of winter in NYC." Marc said.

"Has the little shit helped you today?" Eric said.

"Jared! Where are you?" we all screamed out.

"What you guys?" Jared said poking his head out of the bathroom.

"Eww J, shut the door. So how was golfing, you two?"

"Eh, it was alright. I don't know how Jordan won." Marc said.

"That's because he probably cheated!" Jared said yelling out from the bathroom.

"That is very true." Eric said.

"Sounds like it. So when were you two going to tell me about Tom coming?"

"Well, that was going to be your surprise." Marc said.

"Don't be mad, please." Eric said.

"It's alright guys. I haven't seen him in awhile."

"It'll all work out, I talked to him about it." Marc said.

"Oh geeze, should I be afraid, Eric?"

"Nah, Tom really misses you. He's always talking about when you two were together." Eric said.

"I'll take your word for it. Thanks, Eric" I said giving him a hug.

"And you, don't you ever try to pull a stunt like this again. I'm the one who does the surprises in this family." I said giving Marc a hug.

"I'm going to get changed. I'd imagine your Mom and Dad will be here pretty soon."

"Oh you know how Mom is." Jared said

"That's why we love her!" I said walking into one of the bedrooms to get changed.

I looked like this:

I walked out to find Aunt Linda and Uncle Henry talking to the boys.

"Hey Zo! I can't believe you and Jared actually cleaned this dump up!" Aunt Linda said giving me a big hug.

"Oh yeah. We had to make it look good."

"It's looking amazing! That dress looks great on you, too."

"Aww thanks!"

"Could you help me set up the food?'

"Yeah sure!"

For about the next twenty minutes Aunt Linda and I got the food ready since people would be arriving pretty soon. I told her how Tom was coming and she was thrilled. Tom was like another child of hers since he had practically lived at her house while growing up. It's not like we had a bad breakup, it all started over a stupid argument between him and Marc. I'm not sure why I even got involved with the argument between the two. I had taken Marc's side and it just caused some problems between Tom and I. We decided to take a break and hadn't talked much after that. I always loved talking to Aunt Linda about stuff like that. She always had the best advice. We just finished setting the food out and we could hear cars pulling down the driveway. Olivia and I had told everyone to pull down to Eric's camp (the farthest away) so Jordan couldn't see them when him and Olivia arrived. The camp was getting packed and everyone was talking amongst themselves. I grabbed a plate of food to eat and sat on the couch. I felt someone come up from behind and kiss me on my cheek.

"Zoey, can we talk please."

I looked up to see Tom and instantly nodded my head yes. Looking up into those deep blue eyes, I melted inside.

One // Just Knowing You Found Me

Oliva and I had gotten up around 9 this morning to go shopping for Jordan's party later tonight. I started making some french toast and put on a pot of coffee while Olivia got in the shower. The summer had literally flown by. I've been looking for a place to start a salon even since I got my license. There were a few places I liked, but they weren't what I had in mind. For now I'm working at a salon called Trois since they do hair, nails, and makeup. The pay is really good and I'm learning so much from it.

"Hey Liv, the french toast is about done!" I shouted out to her.

"Alright, I'll be out in a few minutes!" Olivia said.

I sat down at the kitchen island and started to eat.

"Hey thanks for breakfast! I'm so hungry!" Olivia said.

Her outfit: http://product.images.fansedge.com/51-26/51-26490-F.jpg

"No problem! By the way, cute outfit! Are the Jays playing tonight?"

"Thanks! Yeah I figured I'd support them now since we'll be partying tonight."

"So true! What do we need to get at the store?"

"I talked to your Aunt Linda last night and she said all we need is basically snacks. She has everything else."

"Okay that sounds good! I'm going to hit the shower before we go" I said as I put my dishes into the sink.

"Alright! I'm going to the post office to pick up Jordan's gift. Thank god it finally came in!"

"Okay, I'll see you then!"

I went into the bathroom and got into the shower. The hot water pouring down my body was so refreshing. It always makes you feel much more awake and alive. I couldn't wait for the party tonight, I hadn't seen some of the people going in so long! I went into my bedroom and got changed.

My outfit: http://cdn.thefrisky.com/images/uploads/AnnaLynne_whitepants_9809_m.jpg

I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and put on my make up. I had been so busy at work lately that Olivia and I didn't get to hang out much. We needed a night out so bad! I poured another cup into my travel mug and turned on some music to listen to before Olivia got back. Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" came on and I started to sing along to all of Rihanna's parts. Every time I turned on the radio in my car the song was always playing. It was just one of those songs that sticks in your head for a long time, but I didn't mind.

"Having fun in there?"

I turned around to see Jared and Olivia standing there. "Of course I am! So are you coming with us J?"

"Yeah! Eric and Marc are taking Jord out to the golf course while we get things ready for the party" Jared said.

"Sweet! Are you two ready to go?" I asked.

"Yep!" they both shouted simultaneously.

"Well come on now!" I said as I grabbed my coffee and headed out the door. "I call shotgun!"

"No whining, Jared" Olivia said as we both stuck out our tongues at him.

"You guys are mean" Jared said.

"Oh just get in the car before we leave without you!" I yelled out to him.

"Fine!" Jared said climbing into the car. "Can we at least listen to some music?"

"Alright you big baby"

Olivia popped in the cd and we were on our way. Jared kept screaming the lyrics to every song obnoxiously making Liv and us laugh. A few songs later we arrived at the grocery store. In the store we picked up some doritos, tortilla chips, salsa, and queso. Next stop was the liquor store. We got a few cases of bee, smirnoff, and a bottle of Jack to get the party started. Olivia and I of course made Jared put everything in the back of her car.We were on our way to Jordan's camp to drop off all the drinks and snacks we had bought. Olivia was going to meet Jordan up at the golf course and take him out for lunch while Jared and I set everything up. This summer we had all grown closer to each other than ever before. Eric wasn't really around too much this summer. The Canes had him doing PR work for the upcoming season and All Star Game. Olivia dropped Jared and I back at the apartment so we could get my car to take back over to Jordan's. She ran into the apartment and into the outfit she was going to be wearing tonight at the party and also for lunch.

Her outfit: http://frillr.com/files/images/Lauren%20Conrad.preview_0.jpg

"That's real cute Liv! So we'll see you around 6 tonight?"

"That's the plan! Thanks so much for setting up everything up you two!" Olivia said walking out the door.

"It's no problem! Have fun!" Jared and I said as we shut the door.

"Hey are you hungry for some lunch?"

"Do you really need to ask me that cuz?"

"Well that is true" I said starting to laugh. "Do you want me to put a pizza in the oven?"

"That sounds delicious!"

I went into the kitchen and pulled out a pizza from the freezer. "Hey, help yourself to a drink from the fridge." I said as I turned the oven on.

"Thanks, what can I get you?"

"Just throw me a Mountain Dew, bud"

"Catch!" I turned around just in time to grab it.

"Thanks" I said as we took a seat at the kitchen island.

"So are you excited to go down to N.C. with Eric?"

"I'm pumped! I love it down there, it reminds me so much of home. Plus I'll get to see my little buddy Parker all the time."

"Don't be teaching Parker bad things, Tanya will have a cow."

"I know, I know. I really hope you come down to see us."

"You know I'll try my best to get there. Trust me, I'll find a way." I said walking back over to the oven to put the pizza in.

"You better! Believe me, you'll love it down there! You need a break from work."

"Oh don't worry about me. I'm a Staal, you know I'll be fine."

"Well that is true. Promise me you'll take a break."

I walked over to Jared and put my hands around his face. "I promise I'll take a break, you dork."

"Now was the dork part really necessary?"

"You betcha."

"So how's the love life going?"

"What the hell are you talking about? You know that's non-existent."

"Come on you know that's bullshit."

"Umm no, it's not."

"Oh please. I know someone who will be exicted to see you tonight."

"Well that's news to me. Who?"

"You do know Tom will be there tonight. Marc invited him."

"Our Tom Pyatt?"

"Yep. You do know he's still in love with you, Zoey."

"I need to think about this. I'm going to get the pizza out of the oven before it burns."

I couldn't believe that Jared had just dropped this bombshell on me right before the party. I guess it was better that he told me now instead of finding out at Jordan's. After our breakup earlier in the summer we really hadn't talked much. I still really cared about him but I would have never guessed that he was still in love with me. The truth was I thought about him the entire summer wondering if he was thinking of me.

"Well what do you think I should do?" I said to Jared handing him a slice of pizza.

"Zo, we all want you to be happy. I know for a fact that you two make each other so happy."

"So you're thinking I should go for it" I said taking a bite of pizza.

"Just see how it goes. I'm not saying jump right in it."

"Alright. Thanks for telling me."

Jared and I finished up the pizza. We started packing up my Charger with the decorations and cake. I went back into my bedroom and packed my bag with my outfit to change into later. I grabbed Jordan's birthday bag and went back into the living room.

"Ready to go?"

"I'm ready when you are."

"Alright, let's head out!"

Jared and I walked out to the car and got in. I turned up the radio and started to drive to Jordan's. The entire way there I couldn't stop thinking about what would happen at the party. Was Jared serious about Tom? Jared couldn't lie even if he tried to. I would have to wait and see in a few short hours.