Song of the chapter: Wanted - Hunter Hayes

"I'm making some waffles now. How many do you guys want?" I yelled out to my friends.

We were in Tyler's home for a feast Friday, people vibing and conversation flowing. Aidan and I occupied the kitchen while the rest of the gang set up shop in the living room, waiting patiently to be fed.

"Make as many as possible, Zoe. Paisley is joining us as well," replied Ty, manning the drink orders.

Paisley. Lord knows I hated that girl. Why did she have to be included in everything involving my friends, I ranted, sounding overtly possessive.

"I'll make the toppings, Zoe. What do you think they'll want?" Aidan called over from his sous chef side of the kitchen.

"Everything. I know you, my greedy friendy, will want everything so you might as well," I instructed with a smile.

He had been handling the chopping, searing, baking, frying and grilling with me calling out instructions, breathing down his neck.

"Remind me again who's cleaning up?" he'd asked, dirty dishes awaiting the dishwasher and the tiled floor dotted by grease spots.

We had been holed up in there for at least two hours, slaving away for our greedy and ever so hungry family members partying up a storm in the other room. We, more Aidan than me, on the other hand, dipped our fingers into every serving bowl, sampling every food item, with the occasional food fight in occurrence. Because he wanted to feed his starved as I'd been strict on eating before everyone else, he shamelessly violated all my orders.

The fruits of our labour quite satisfactory, Aidan took on the task of placing the hearty feast on the set dining room table. I left the kitchen to call everybody to dinner.

"Come, everyone! Let's eat," I announced with an exuberant smile.

Immediately I noticed Paisley cuddled next to Mitchell, a throw around their shoulders. He seemed to be teaching her a few chords to play on Ty's grand piano. Cue the hair flips and giggles, I snorted.

Being the great hostess I am, I had to make my guests feel at ease and comfortable. I couldn't afford to be upset. Not now. Not yet. I gestured to everyone else paying attention to me who quickly took their places around the table, leading the way in an annoyed silence.

I placed myself next to Ty and deliberately adjacent to Min, who had a habit of eating out of people's plates. Mitchell slid in next to me and Paisley next to him.

I felt my stomach churn, feeling hurt by Mitchell for flirting with her in front of me and angry at Tyler for inviting her.

He placed his left hand on my thigh and winked at me, moving his sock clad foot up my leg. I was in no mood to play footsie. I subtly pushed it away and moved my chair closer to Tyler, making sure to remain calm. He noticed though. That was my intention.

Food was swiftly passed around, large heaps of stir-fry, tacos, slides and homemade pizza slices, infused with Asian flavours, remaining in every wake. The table was engaged in conversation and they were soon laughing at Cam having a difficult time using chopsticks for Chow Mein.

I was picking at my food, my eyes becoming glossy from tearing up. Without a word, I ran off to the nearest bathroom and I cried by the sink, mascara and eyeliner applied for work earlier running down my face. I looked like a wreck and I felt horrible.

He knew about my insecurities, especially when it came to blonde, drop dead gorgeous, stick thin, lean, bronze skinned models. Paisleys. I was a freckled 5 foot 2 inches with wild black hair. I didn't want to compete with her because I knew she'd win. They always won.

There was a soft knock on the door followed by Mitchell's head poking into the room. "Zoe, are you okay?"

"Don't worry, I'll be out in a minute. I was feeling a little flushed," I lied, wetting my face to mask the tears.

"I know you've been crying," he said, closing the door behind him. "You look all pink and blotchy when you've been crying. You can't lie to me anymore. I know you all too well now."

He walked over and pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping protectively around me. I burst into tears again, his smell making me simultaneously hate and love him more than ever in this moment.

"Why do you always seem to have fun with her? Every time she's around you're laughing and acting silly. And I know she likes you too. She's always blushing and flirting back," I cried into his chest.

"This is about Paisley? Zoe, I don't like her. We're just friends and she has a boyfriend. I like you, Zoe, more than anyone in this world."

"You have a girlfriend but that doesn't seem to stop you two from canoodling," I retorted, pulling away from him. "I'm not going to have my heart broken by you, Mitchell. I won't allow myself to be hurt by you."

"Zoe?" he grabbed my hand, turning me towards him and cupped my face. "I love you, Zoe. Only you. Not Paisley. You," he professed, giving me that look, his green eyes scouring the depths of my soul. "Say you love me too and take me back. Cameron doesn't love me anymore."

I slapped his arm for making me laugh when I was angry at him. I couldn't stay mad at him. I always forgave him because although he was an idiot and childish at times, he was my idiot and my baby.

I loved him much more than I hated him and I knew that I'd regret this attachment. He wiped the tears away and kissed my forehead before leading me back to the table.

"It's that time of the month," he answered before anyone could ask why I had been upset. "And yes, I know her cycle. She's my best friend for fuck's sake."