My eyes light up as Zack's mom places two heavenly looking milkshakes filled to the brim in front of us.

"Vanilla?" he asks with a disapproving shake of his head.

"It's good," I argue, taking a long sip. My eyes nearly roll into the back of my head. Delicious.

"It's boring," he retorts, reaching over and taking a swig of my milkshake.

I give him a look. "Obviously you don't really think so," I mutter. His lips quirks up in response.

"So you must be Amelia," his mom pipes up. My mouth opens in awe.

"Yeah, I am," I reply, looking over at Zack for explanation but he's suddenly very interested in his milkshake.

"It's nice to meet you. You can call me Carrie," she says kindly. If one of my friends ever called my mom by her first name, she would probably have a heart attack.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Carrie. Your diner looks amazing," I compliment. It does. Simple, clean, retro. I love it.

"Thank you, honey. I'm just glad that it's all finished." She gives Zack a wink. "Zack's been working very hard to help me out. I'm very proud of him."

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes but I can tell he likes it.

"Yeah, he works really hard," I agree and her eyes sparkle.

"You know, I'm so happy to meet you. Zack's never introduced me to a girl bef-"

"Ok, mom," Zack interrupts as I'm trying- and failing- to contain my smile. "I think those people need their order taken." He refers to the people at the door who are still discussing the menu.

"Alright, I'll take the hint. Let me know if you need anything," she says and sends me another wink before leaving us.

The second she's gone, my smile takes over my face. "I like your mom," I say cheekily. She's given me some valuable information.

"Of course you do. She birthed me," he says.

I punch his arm and he gives me a smirk, not even flinching.

"Well, I like Tommy, too," I add and look over at Tommy. "Hey, when are we watching Rugrats?"

"Add me on snapchat and I'll let you know," Tommy replies without missing a beat.

Another laugh escapes me as Zack shrugs proudly. "He's a player," Zack says.

"Definitely has more game than you," I remark and take Tommy's phone to add myself on snapchat.

Zack turns to him. "You're really doing this? What about bro code?"

"You're not dating her," Tommy says. "You just have a crush on her."

Despite knowing that it's just teasing, my cheeks redden.

"Funny. Why don't you go wipe down tables or something," Zack says and Tommy rolls his eyes dramatically before running off.

Once Tommy leaves, it turns silent.

"How did you know this was my mom's diner?" Zack asks, taking another sip out of my milkshake. He's practically drunk half of it but I don't protest.

"Jaden told me. I think he wants to come by tomorrow but I don't think I can," I say. The lightness on Zack's face fades.

"I don't know if this is the best place for a date," he remarks.

I roll my eyes and reach for his shake. "He's just my friend. It's because of people like you that stupid rumors keep spreading." I take a sip of his chocolate shake.

He grimaces "Hey, I'm sorry people are talking about you. If I find the fucker started that rumor, I'll beat their ass." His voice sounds dangerously serious.

"I'm sure there's better ways to end those rumors," I reply. His body loosens up along with his face as he leans closer to me.

"If you were my girl, that'd end those rumors," he says, his voice silky-smooth. My heart does a little flip but I brush it aside. Why does he joke like this?

"You don't even do relationships," I point out.

He looks straight at me, eyes bright. "Things are different now."

My mouth turns dry, not that I know what to say anyway. Luckily, I don't have to find anything because he asks, "are you coming to the game on Friday?"

"Huh?" I clear my throat. "Oh, uh ... I don't know."

"Come."

I raise an eyebrow.

"I want you to come," he adds.

I have to press my lips together to hide my smile but I stay nonchalant as I sip my shake. "Fine. But you better win."

Clearly satisfied, he leans back in his seat and grins. "Amelia, sweetie." He shakes his head in mock disappointment. "I'm Zack Darrington."

He doesn't say it but I can practically hear it.

Zack Darrington always wins.

A/N: hello lovely readers! reads, votes, comments r all loved :)