Zara wasn't hungry but she didn't feel like declining Ash's invite, she had been good to her even though she sometimes got bitchy with her. Oddly enough she felt this warmth from Ash and somewhere inside she wanted to reciprocate it back. Not because she looked like this wounded animal under all that armour which she had, but somehow Zara understood her.
They were waiting for Aly who wanted to drop the dogs with her for a moment. He seemed to be in a sour mood and when he saw Leo with her, his mood became worse.
'Aly, we are working on the same project you know. At the museum,' she told him.
'Oh' was all he said.
He didn't say anything to both of them and just shook hands with Leo giving him a nod. Zara knew instantly that something was wrong.
'Where are you going?' she asked him again clearly concerned. He was dressed in his black joggers his hair were a little matted. He must have worn his hoody on the way, she thought.
'I just need to meet with a friend at the flower square for a pint, i will be back in like half an hour.'
'Is that okay?' he asked her looking a bit troubled.
'Don't worry, we have just ordered our food and it will take some time.'
He went over to the table making an unending eye contact with Leo, and bent down on his side and tied the dogs near Leo.
'Sorry, i will leave them here under your care for a few more minutes,' he said smilingly.
'You mothefucker' said Leo as he broke the chopsticks in his hand.
'Thanks Bro. '
'See you later Ash,' said Aly and left them.
'He seems very troubled today,' spoke Ash a little too quietly.
Zara looked back at the entrance from where Aly had left a couple of minutes ago.
'You haven't eaten much, ' her attention was drawn back by Leo's comments.
'Why didn't you order a full meal?' asked Ash.
'No i am good, i ... have a dinner reservation for later and i am planning on going with Aly,' she replied looking down. For some reason she felt guilty but wait why should she? Aly is her bestie and they always went out for sushi. And seeing the air of animosity between the two, she needed to talk with him and tell him how things were developing between her and Leo. She wanted to know how he felt. But she wondered what would be good time, he seemed to be in a very bad mood which was very unlike him. He was always in a jolly mood.
She looked up to find Leo narrowing his eyes at her, he had this maddening stare but then he suddenly breathed out and just went back to his food. For a minute Zara though he was going to say something but he did not.
Man, he can be really petty thought Zara as she watched Leo eating his food silently.
Zara had finally sat down after taking care of the ruckus which the crazy fellow had caused awhile back. She sure was irritated by Maria but she had learnt how to ignore her. She felt bad for the poor kid and was helping him up . When she came back to the table, Leo had this look on him and then started calling Maria flirtily. Zara felt a jab at her heart but then he shifted the mood completely and made quite a hilarious comment about her breasts which she was flaunting proudly.
She tried to stifle a chuckle and so did Ash, but what Leo did next was so unexpected. He threw a Gyoza right between the centre of her cleavage. He did it deliberately, it sure was very childish and evil of him. Zara felt that he took his revenge on her for the last time when she had thrown ice on them. She tried her best to control her laughter while she pulled of the dogs from her. Maria got up and gave her a hard stare and ran away from there.
Whereas he sat there quietly smiling and eating his food. She did not know what to make up of him. His mood was always fluctuating and it was hard to know what he was planning. He seemed a little dangerous at times, especially the way he had twisted Maria's hand. She caught a glimpse of wildness in his eyes which sent shivers down her spine.
At one moment he was cursing the dogs and next moment he had caught hold of her hand in front of Ash. She wasn't used to PDA, it kind of felt nice but at the same time she wasn't used to so much of attention. She felt uncomfortable, especially with they way the dynamics between them were shifting and changing as days were progressing.
And then suddenly he withdrew his hand when asked about family. She felt something, but maybe she misjudged and he really was hungry.
After the whole incident was done and dusted, Zara didn't know what to say to Leo so she looked expectantly at Ash who had a strange smile on her face.
'Don't be alarmed Zara, take it as a daily doze of entertainment when you are with us.' she told her.
She looked up to see there faces and it seemed they did not want to dwell on what happened just minutes back anymore. But that didn't change the fact that they were the center of attention and people were still staring at them. Especially at Leo, Zara felt a lot of stares at him. He really did grab female attention.
That was when she noticed Aly mopping around outside, smoking. But he wasn't coming inside and looked sad. Zara knew that look, she knew him too well to know that something serious had happened.
'Excuse me. I have got to go.'
She took out 50 kuna note, but as she was about to place it on the table. Leo caught hold of her hand and wrapped his fingers around hers.
'Don't' he said with so much authority that Zara recoiled and then put the money back in her purse.
'I know we were supposed to head out to my studio.'
' But can we reschedule.'
She found Leo watching her carefully and he just waved his hand, ' sure.'
And that was all.
'Don't worry. We can carry on next time,' said Ash and gave her a quick smile.
'Thanks,' said Zara looking expectantly at him but he did not look up. He seemed unbothered by her leaving and Zara felt a little unsettled. Then she looked out and saw Aly. Her friend needed her and so she excused her self hurriedly quickly getting her things and hurriedly ran out.