Chapter 18...for Ashley
“Guys!!!” I opened the front door of the house and gave Zee a gentle nudge inside. “We’re here!”
“Give me a second, I’m in the kitchen!” I heard Nisha yell. I grinned at Zee.
“Nisha, Joe’s fiancé.” I said and she smiled back. I closed the front door and placed her suitcases on the floor. “You wanna have a seat?”
“Sure.” She made her way over to the couch and sat. I could hear Kevin and Joe racing to descend the stairs, just as Nisha entered the room.
“Hey guys, this is Ze’eva. Or Zee.”
“Ah, the girlfriend. Nice to meet you, I’m Kevin.” Kevin extended his hand. However, Zee and Nisha seemed to be locked in some sort of staring contest.
“Nisha?” Joe nudged her, and she snapped out of her trance.
“Nisha, hi, I’m Zee.” Zee stuck her hand out and Nisha shook it warily. I didn’t understand why the atmosphere in the room had suddenly changed. Kevin looked uncomfortable, while Joe, who was either oblivious or was choosing to ignore the tension, grabbed Zee in a big bear hug.
“Zee, we’ve been hearing so much about you.” Joe said.
“Only good things, I hope.” I opened my mouth to speak, but Kevin beat me to it.
“Are you kidding??? He won’t shut up about how wonderful you are.” Finally, Kevin and Zee shook hands.
“Zee, dear, would you be a doll and help me in the kitchen for a few minutes? Give Nicholas a chance to put your bags in your room, and let the boys have a moment to gossip amongst themselves.” Zee looked at me, then at Nisha and nodded. Nisha smiled, but I could tell it was forced. Then the two girls disappeared into the kitchen.
“What’s up with them?” Kevin asked me. I shrugged and picked up the suitcases, just as puzzled as he was.
Meanwhile…in the kitchen
“Nick never told me he was dating a werewolf.” Nisha said.
“Well, he never told ME that his brother and his brother’s fiancé were both vampires.” Zee countered.
“You haven’t told him, have you?” Nisha asked.
“I don’t think we’re that serious yet to tell him.” Nisha nodded, although she suspected the girl in front of her was lying.
“Then that would explain why he didn’t tell you about us. If he knew what you are, he would feel better about telling you. I’m sure once you tell him, everything will smooth itself out.”
“Sure, right.” Zee agreed aloud, but she knew there’d be no way she was telling Nick the truth. Being a vampire might work for Joe and Nisha, but being a werewolf was different, and she didn’t want to risk her relationship with Nick by revealing her true identity to him.
