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Disclaimer: All characters belong to the creators of All My Children.
Author’s Note: This story starts with the Zach/Greenlee kiss that was much talked about, but that we never saw and goes from there. A very unconventional couple I know, but based on the past couple of days, this is where I think their relationship is going, especially considering that once rescued, Zach moved closer to Greenlee and caressed her cheek. Also, since the original Greenlee is making a comeback and Sabine got totally ripped off, Greenlee is played by Sabine Singh in my fic. Review and let me know what you think.
Against the Tide: Chapter One
“What’s wrong?” Zach asked. Greenlee shook her head and managed a small smile.
“Nothing. I’m just still cold.” He tucked the blanket more tightly around her then sat back, leaning against the wall.
“We’ll get out of here.”
“No, we won’t.” He looked over at her and she turned her head to do the same.
“How do you know?”
“You’re being nice to me. As soon as you started that, I knew it was over.”
“Maybe I realized that Kendall and I were wrong and that I was wrong about you.” She laughed and, without thinking, brought one of her hands up and caressed his arm.
“Zach, we’re running out of air not brain cells. I know we’re going to die down here.”
“Hey, we are not dying down here. I need you to trust me.”
“Now I know you’re delirious.”
“Work with me. Talk to me.”
“Talk to you about what?”
“Aidan. You’ve already credited me with getting the two of you together, now tell me how you went from hating him to loving him.”
“It was after the first time we slept together. We both agreed it was a mistake, but one we wouldn’t mind repeating. And then things just developed from there. Aidan’s been the only person I could trust for months. He made me feel loved again, he made me feel safe again, he made me start dreaming again. The first time I told him I loved him was the night Kendall called and asked me to meet her. I thought he was sleeping, but he wasn’t. He told me a few days later that he’d heard me and that he loved me, too.”
“That’s nice. Finding someone that inspires you and always puts you first. It’s nice.”
“What about you and Kendall?”
“It was different with us. I married her and then I fell in love with her. Seeing her with Ian and Spike makes me love her more every day. Even after all the secrets we kept from each other the past few months, I still love her.”
“I really miss Aidan.” Zach looked up and when he saw the tears sparkling in Greenlee’s eyes, he turned so that he was facing her. “What are you doing?”
“I figured out a way to keep you warm.”
“What would that be?”
“We kiss.”
“I think that head wound is affecting your judgement. Zach, there’s no way I’m kissing you.”
“Are you forgetting that we’ve already kissed once?”
“Fine. There’s no way I’m kissing you again. It’s insane.”
“Just listen to me, okay? It’s an innocent kiss. You’re cold and missing Aidan, I miss Kendall and if we don’t make it out of here, at least we’ll feel something.”
“Fine. You win.” She moved closer to him and tilted her head as his lips tentatively brushed over hers. She nodded almost imperceptibly and he captured her lips in a full kiss, bringing one of his hands up and cupping the back of her head. Her lips parted on a soft sigh and he slipped his tongue inside, the taste that was uniquely Greenlee flooding his mouth.
As he stroked her tongue with his, a tiny moan escaped her and she put her arms around his neck. He slid his hand into her hair and gently pulled the tangled tresses so that she tilted her head to the other side, changing the angle of the kiss.
As the feel of the kiss changed and became more about them, he pulled her closer and wrapped his free arm around her waist. She lightly scraped her nails over his neck and he growled into the kiss as intense desire made him light-headed.
Slowly breaking the kiss, Zach held her close as he tried to bring his breathing under control. Greenlee did the same and closed her eyes, trying not to think about how good it felt to kiss Zach.
“Zach, I . . . ” She shook her head and he laughed as he finally let her go. “I can’t think.”
“I know. It’s okay.” She leaned against the wall again and was quiet for several minutes before she spoke.
“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I’m thinking the same thing. It was a good kiss . . . ”
“But it can’t happen again. I agree. Still, thank you. It was nice just to feel something again.”
“You’re welcome. Now try to get some sleep. I can tell you’re fighting it.” She nodded and closed her eyes as he pulled the blanket over her. “I’ll wake you up.”
“Zach, you need to sleep too.” He reached over and brushed his hand against her cheek.
“Shh, don’t worry about me. Just sleep.”
“Stubborn.”
“So are you.” She shivered and he slipped an arm around her and pulled her into his lap as she brought her arms up and wrapped her hands around his arm then laid her head on his upper arm. He used his free hand to sweep her hair away from her face then pressed a kiss to the side of her head.
“Zach, what?”
“Shh, just sleep.” She nodded and murmured something unintelligible as she finally gave in and let herself fall asleep.
“I know. I know. Go check on Greenlee. She isn’t breathing well.” Kendall nodded and made her way over to Zach and Greenlee, kneeling between them. When she saw Zach still caressing Greenlee’s cheek, she looked at her husband curiously then took his hand in hers and kissed it.
“You’ll be okay. We finally found you and you’re going to be okay.”
“Help Greenlee.”
“Okay, all right, we’re going to help both of you.”
“No, she needs more help.”
“I’ll help Greenlee. We’re on the way to the hospital right now, okay?” He nodded and closed his eyes as Quentin and Aidan joined them.
“You said you parked the van near the road, right?” Aidan asked.
“Yeah, but there’s no way I can get it out here.”
“All right, I can carry Greenlee and we can take Zach on the sled.” Quentin went to get the sled and Kendall moved over as Aidan picked Greenlee up.
“I’ve got you, baby. I love you. You’re never leaving me again.” Kendall smiled as she watched Aidan talk to his girlfriend then turned her attention to her husband.
“Did you hear that? Aidan has Greenlee, he’ll take care of her so I can focus on you.”
“All right, I’ve got the sled. Let’s go,” Quentin said. Kendall stood up and once Zach was on the sled, she grabbed the rope and helped Quentin pull.
Ten minutes later, they finally got to the van and Quentin opened the doors. Aidan put Greenlee inside then climbed in and took her hand in his. “I know you’re cold, but it’s going to warm up once we get the van started. Then we’ll be at the hospital before you know it.” He looked down at her arm and noticed the snake bite then looked back up at her. “What happened to your arm?”
“Hey, we’ve got one more.”
“All right.” Aidan got out of the van and helped put Zach in then let Kendall climb in. “Kendall, listen to me. Greenlee’s breathing is getting worse so I need you to let me know if there are any changes with either of them.”
“Yes, yes. Aidan, I will yell, I will scream. Just get to the hospital.”
“Okay, I’ll drive. Quentin as soon as we get service call the hospital and let them know we’re coming.”
As the van started, Kendall kissed her husband’s hand again then turned her attention to her former best friend. “Greenlee, I’m so sorry about everything I did to you. I have so much to make up for so I need you to get through this. Please, please, pull through this and be okay.” As tears filled her eyes, she kissed Greenlee’s cheek then laid her head on her chest.
She turned her head and squeezed his hand as she slowly opened her eyes. “Zach.”
“Hey, welcome back.” She looked up at him, her eyes glazed over from the pain medication and squeezed his hand again.
“Thirsty.” He nodded and stood up, pouring her a glass of water then helping her take a drink. When she laid back, he put the cup back on the tray then sat down again. “Thank you.”
“It’s nice to see you awake again.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came by to see if you were okay.” She shook her head, knowing there was something he wanted to tell her.
“Say it, Zach.”
“After Spike’s surgery, Joe went by the house to check on him and tell Kendall and Ryan what he’d found out. Spike’s deafness wasn’t caused by the accident, it was natural.” Greenlee sucked in a breath and pulled her hand away from Zach’s.
“Get out. All these months you and Kendall tormented me for no reason. You made my life a living hell and you tried to take away everything in the world that was important to me and all of it was for nothing.”
“I’m sorry. I...” She shook her head, cutting him off.
“Don’t you dare apologize. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just empty words. Whatever friendship we may have formed while we were stuck together is gone. Just get the hell out of my room. Get out!” She watched him go then turned on her side so that she was facing away from the door. As tears began cascading down her face, she heard the door open and someone walk in.
“Greenlee?” She reluctantly sat up and turned to face her visitor.
“Hey, Julia. Hey, Kathy.”
“Why are you crying?” Kathy asked. Greenlee smiled as she wiped her tears away.
“It’s nothing.”
“How long have you been awake?” Julia asked.
“About ten minutes. How long have I been out of it?”
“A week. We’ve all been really worried about you. Annie and Ryan even came by to see you a couple of times. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Hey, Kathy, I like your doll. She’s really pretty.”
“Thank you. Jack gave her to me for Christmas.”
“Why don’t you sit beside me and tell me all about your Christmas?”
“Aunt Julia, is it okay?”
“Yeah, it’s fine, sweetie.” Julia lifted the little girl onto the bed and she settled against Greenlee’s side.
“What’s your doll’s name?”
“Kaya.”
“That’s a pretty name. You know, when I was little, I had a doll with that name.”
“Jack told me. That’s where I got the name from.” Greenlee looked at Julia in surprise and the older woman couldn’t hep smiling.
“She’s been coming with Jack when he visits and he’s told her stories about when you were her age.”
“So, the three of you have spending a lot of time together?”
“Jack and Aunt Julia kissed.”
“They did?”
“We were going to tell you once you got of here. If it’s weird...” Julia trailed off and Greenlee smiled as she played with Kathy’s hair.
“It isn’t weird. If you and my dad are happy, then I’m happy for you.”
“Speaking of your dad, I should call him and let him know you’re awake. Do you mind watching Kathy for a few minutes?”
“No, not at all.”
“So did you have a good Christmas?” Greenlee asked.
“Yes. I got lots of presents and Annie helped me and Emma build a snowman and we had a big dinner at Jack’s house.”
“That’s sound like fun.”
“It was. That’s not all we did.”
“There’s more?” Kathy nodded and looked up at Greenlee seriously.
“We went to church on Christmas Eve and lit a candle and said a prayer for you.”
“Kathy, that was really sweet. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re better.” Greenlee smiled as she kissed the top of Kathy’s head.
“So am I. It’s no fun being stuck in the hospital.”
“Well, you’re going to be stuck here a little longer,” Joe said as he entered the room with Julia and Jack.
“How much longer?”
“At least a week. It’s nice to see you awake. You gave us quite the scare young lady.”
“Sorry.”
“How are you feeling?” Joe asked as he examined Greenlee.
“A little tired, a little weak.”
“That’s to be expected, but for the most part you look good. I’ll be back in a couple of hours to check on you.”
“Thanks, Joe,” Jack said as the doctor left Greenlee’s room.
“Hey, Jack. You got here pretty quickly.”
“I was already on my way when Julia called.”
“Kathy was just telling me about how she spent Christmas and about you and Julia.” Jack looked at Julia then at his daughter. Before he could speak, Greenlee shook her head. “It’s okay. I’m glad you’re happy. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you. Listen, sweetheart, there’s something you need to know.”
“If it’s about Spike, I already know and I don’t want to talk about it. Where’s Aidan?”
“I finally convinced him to go home and get some sleep. He’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“You look like you don’t feel good,” Kathy said.
“I’m just a little tired, sweetie.”
“Okay, well, we’ll leave and let you get some sleep,” Jack said, moving to his daughter’s bed and kissing her cheek. “Call if you need anything.”
“I will.” Kathy climbed out of the bed then handed her doll to Greenlee.
“You can keep Kaya while you’re in the hospital. She’ll help you feel better.”
“Thank you, Kathy.”
“We’ll see you later,” Jack said as he, Julia, and Kathy left. Greenlee smiled and once they were gone she laid down and finally gave into the tears she’d been holding back since Julia and Kathy had gotten there.
“I missed you, too,” he said, greeting her with a kiss.
“So, I heard you were pretty much a fixture here while I was unconscious.”
“I couldn’t leave you. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“That seems to be the general consensus.” Aidan smiled as he sat down on her bed. When he saw Kaya, he looked up at his girlfriend.
“Where did the doll come from?”
“Kathy gave her to me. She wants me to keep Kaya until I get out of the hospital.”
“That little girl really loves you. She spent hours in here every day talking to you and reading to you.”
“Jealous?” He laughed as he picked her hand up and entwined his fingers with hers.
“No. I am, however, glad you’re awake.”
“Did you really think I could leave you?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t worried about you. You were unconscious from the time I found you until a couple of hours ago.”
“But, I’m okay now. I’m safe and I’m never leaving you again.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
“Aidan, I need to tell you something.”
“This sounds serious.”
“It is so I need you to promise that you won’t do something stupid once I tell you.”
“Greenlee, what is it?” Just as she was about to speak, there was a knock on the door then Annie and Ryan came in.
“Hey, we’re interrupting. We can come back later,” Annie said.
“No, stay. I was about to tell Aidan something that both of you should hear anyway.”
“Why do I get the feeling my brother’s name is about to be mentioned?”
“Annie, I’m sorry. I know you want to believe your brother isn’t completely evil.”
“It’s too late for that.” Greenlee nodded and squeezed Aidan’s hand, drawing strength from him.
“A couple of days after Zach and I fell in the bomb shelter, Richie found us. He asked us who we were, told us he was going to get help, then he covered the hole up.”
“That’s why he was out there,” Ryan said.
“What?”
“The day after Thanksgiving, Richie was hospitalized with pneumonia. One of the volunteers on the search team found him passed out in his car and brought him here. He told Annie he was looking for you and Zach.”
“I can’t believe this. Greenlee, I’m so sorry. You almost died because of my psychotic brother.”
“Annie, it isn’t your fault and I don’t blame you. There’s no way you could have known what Richie was doing.”
“Besides, there’s no way he can hurt anyone now,” Ryan assured his wife.
“Ryan, he escaped once. How do we know he won’t do it again?”
“He won’t. You and Emma are safe.”
“Where is Richie?” Greenlee asked.
“The hospital psych ward,” Ryan answered.
“Aidan? Say something,” Greenlee said.
“I can’t believe he did this to you.”
“Aidan, it’s okay. I’m fine.” She took his free hand and placed it on her cheek. “You found me and I’m safe. So, please just calm down.”
“Okay, we just came by to see how Greenlee was doing so we’ll leave you two alone and come back later,” Ryan said.
“Alright. Thanks for coming by,” Greenlee said as they left. “Aidan, promise me you won’t do anything stupid.” He pulled her into a hug and she snuggled against his chest as he finally relaxed.
“I promise I won’t do anything that will get me taken away from you.” She pulled back to look at him, curiosity shining in her eyes. “You didn’t have to say it. I knew what you were thinking.”
“I’ve missed that. Having someone who knows me as well as you do.” She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes as he began rubbing her back. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Look, I know you hate me and you have every right to, but will you listen to me for five minutes?”
“Fine five minutes. That’s all you get and your time starts now.” He nodded and shut the door behind him, watching her as she continued going through her e-mail.
“You were right the other day when you said that everything Kendall and I did to you was for nothing. Even if Spike’s deafness had been caused by the accident, we still had no right to try to destroy your life. You’ve moved on and you’re happy and I see that now, but I can’t take back any of the things that I did. All I can do is hope that you’ll forgive me because your friendship means a lot to me and believe it or not, I do care about you.” Greenlee shut her computer and looked up, her eyes filled with tears.
“I care about you, too. That’s why I got so upset. I trusted you. I told you things that not many other people know about me and then you dropped this bombshell on me and...” She trailed off, not sure how to verbalize her thoughts.
“Yeah, I think everyone pretty much had the same reaction when they found out. Still, I’m really sorry for everything I did.”
“I know. Just do me a favor and don’t give me anymore life changing news for a while.”
“It’s a deal.” She smiled as he moved over to her and hugged her. “So when do you lose the i.v.?”
“Thursday. Joe wants me to have the extra nutrients and saline for a few more days.”
“I told you to drink more water.”
“Yeah, yeah. I should have listened to you, but considering the fact that you got hit by a car, I thought you were in worse shape than me.”
“I would have been if you hadn’t found me.”
“I saved your life, you saved my life. We’re even.”
“No, no, we’re not even until you suck snake venom out of my arm.” Greenlee laughed and shook her head.
“Sorry, snake and snake venom are not part of my diet.”
“Then I’ve got a proposition for you. When you get out of here, we meet for lunch once a week.”
“It’s a deal.”
“Good. So, I’ll get out of here and let you get some rest.”
“Please, sitting in this damn bed all day makes me more tired than having a constant stream of visitors.”
“You’ll be out of here soon enough.”
“And I can’t wait.” Zach smiled and hugged her again, both of them holding on to the embrace a little too long as the memory of the kiss flashed through their minds.
“All right, I have to go.”
“Hey, looks like I have good timing,” Annie said as she came into the room.
“Yeah, make sure she doesn’t try to escape. She’s getting restless.” Annie nodded and kissed Zach’s cheek as he left.
“So, am I crazy or did that hug look kind of intimate?” Greenlee smiled shyly and Annie couldn’t help laughing as she shut the door to Greenlee’s room then sat down in the chair beside her bed. “You two got really close in that bomb shelter.”
“Yeah, we did. Zach is like a completely different person to me now. And that hug was just a good-bye hug.” Annie smiled, not buying Greenlee’s explanation about the embrace she’d seen.
“Greenlee, it’s okay. I know there’s nothing between you and Zach except friendship, but friends can be intimate too.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just that all of this is still so weird. I mean, Zach and I are friends, Kendall and I are getting along, you and Ryan are here as much Aidan, and Erica and I actually had a two hour conversation the other day without trying to kill each other.”
“Really? You and Erica?”
“Yeah. I think that was a one time thing especially since she and my dad are no longer together.”
“So, what did she come by for?”
“To apologize for trying to have me committed to the psych ward and thank me for saving Zach’s life.”
“She tried to have you committed?”
“Yeah, she had Adam Chandler help her and she forged my mother’s signature. That’s what made Jack end their relationship.”
“I wondered what the catalyst was. He looks happier with Julia then he ever did when he was with Erica.”
“I think he is and Julia and I actually get along.” Annie laughed and Greenlee tilted her head, watching the other woman closely. “Annie, not that I’m complaining, because I really enjoy talking with you, but why are you here? You’ve been holding something back since you got here.”
“I can’t believe you all ready know me that well. I just wanted to apologize again for what my brother did to you.”
“Annie, I don’t blame you. As far as I’m concerned the only thing you and Richie have in common is that he’s your brother. You are nothing like him and you couldn’t be if you tried so stop beating yourself over this, okay?” Annie nodded and managed a small smile through her tears. “I want you to promise that you’ll stop making yourself guilty.”
“I promise. No more guilt.”
“All right. Come here.” Greenlee held her arms out and Annie climbed onto the bed, laying beside her new friend and resting her head on her shoulder.
“It was actually pretty good. Julia and Kathy were here and we had a lot of fun.”
“Are you still being a good patient?”
“Yes, I’m being very good. I promise.” He smiled then stood up to kiss her.
“I think I’ll ask Joe about that one.”
“Is that supposed to mean you think I’m lying?” Instead of answering, Aidan kissed her again and Greenlee parted her lips, allowing his tongue to sweep against hers. As the kiss became more passionate, Greenlee’s monitor began beeping wildly.
Julia rushed in and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that nothing was wrong. “Didn’t Joe tell you to take it easy for the next couple of weeks?” Greenlee laughed as she turned her head to look at the nurse and Aidan did the same.
“Sorry, Julia.”
“It’s okay. So, I think I can get you two some alone time, but if anyone asks, I don’t know anything about this.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Just remember, I’m completely innocent.” Once Julia was gone, Aidan closed the blinds then moved back over to Greenlee’s bed.
“Okay, where were we?” She smiled and pressed her lips to his as he sat down on her bed. As the kiss picked up and became more intimate, she moved so that she was closer to him. He placed his hands on her waist and she couldn’t help giggling. “I’m sorry. It’s just, now that Julia’s walked in on us, I keep imagining Joe or my dad walking in on us.”
“All right. You have a good point.” Aidan wrapped his arms around her waist and Greenlee sighed contentedly as she laid her head on his shoulder. As a comfortable silence fell between them, Greenlee’s mind drifted to the kiss that she and Zach had shared in the bomb shelter. She knew she shouldn’t think about it because she was happy with Aidan, but it was like staring at the sun, she couldn’t help it.
It had been a nice kiss and, she’d felt incredibly guilty about this immediately afterwards, sometime during the kiss she’d stopped thinking about Aidan and started thinking about Zach. The way he’d held her and looked at her after the kiss had said that he was thinking about her too. Still, it was a one time thing and they’d only done it to stay warm. “Hey, where are you?”
“What?” She looked up at Aidan, pushing the thought of the kiss out of her head and focusing on her boyfriend.
“You looked you were a million miles away. What were you thinking about?”
“I was just thinking about how happy I am to be back with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’d tell you if something was wrong, but everything’s fine. I’m with you. I’m safe and I’m happy.” He nodded and lowered his head, brushing his lips over hers. Just as he did, the door to Greenlee’s room opened.
“Oh, sorry.” She laughed and turned her head to see who had come in.
“See? I told you that would happen.”
“Did I interrupt something? I can come back later,” Kendall said.
“No, no, stay. You just helped me prove my point to Aidan.”
“I’m always glad to help.” Aidan pressed a kiss to the top of Greenlee’s head then stood up.
“I’ll leave you two alone and come back later.” As he moved toward the door and Kendall moved further into the room, their hands brushed and they both tensed and looked up at each other.
“Okay, maybe I should leave so you two can have the room to yourselves.” They both looked at her in surprise, wondering if she’d figured out that they’d slept together. Aidan was the first to speak, careful not to let anything slip.
“Greenlee, where did that come from?” She looked at him curiously then looked at Kendall.
“It was a joke. Why is there so much tension between the two of you?”
“It’s nothing. We just got into a couple of fights while we were looking for you and Zach. We’ll get past it.”
“Okay, if that’s all it is.” Aidan left and Kendall sat down in the chair beside Greenlee’s bed. “Zach told me about what you did. Kendall, you didn’t have to turn yourself in. You could have lost everything.”
“And you almost did. Because of me. When I found out that Spike was deaf of because of natural causes, the guilt that I was already feeling over everything I’ve done to you was overwhelming and I couldn’t live with it anymore.”
“I’m just glad you won’t be separated from your boys. They really need you.” Kendall smiled and reached for Greenlee’s hand, glad they were friends again.
“Well, it’s going to be a very belated celebration, but once you get out of here, we’re having a party at your house. All of us. Me, you, Annie, Zach, Aidan, and Ryan. It’s about damn time all of us are happy.”
“I couldn’t agree with that more.”
“So, good. I was going crazy in that damn bed. I’m so glad Joe let me out of there early.” Annie smiled as she sat down beside Greenlee and handed her a glass of water.
“Just don’t push yourself too hard. We don’t want you back in the hospital anytime soon.”
“I don’t want to be back in the hospital anytime soon.”
“Then listen to the advice that Joe gave you and take it easy,” Aidan said, sitting on the arm of the couch beside his girlfriend.
“Okay, you’re going to be in the hospital if you keep telling me that.”
“All right, I’m starving. Where’s the food?” Ryan asked.
“Um, I haven’t been home in almost two months. All I have is water, pretzels, and stale cereal.”
“Then I’m ordering pizza.”
“Chinese,” Annie and Greenlee requested simultaneously.
“You two are all ready that close?” Ryan asked, looking at the two women in surprise. Kendall looked over in surprise as well, but she was glad that Greenlee and Annie were getting closer. She knew that if her night with Aidan was ever exposed, her friendship with Greenlee would be destroyed beyond repair and she wanted her best friend to have someone she could turn to.
“Yeah, we spent a lot of time talking while Greenlee was in the hospital,” Annie responded. Ryan nodded and picked the phone up.
“Pizza and chinese, right?”
“Yeah, and none of that pineapple grass thing that you like to order,” Greenlee said.
“Excuse me, these pizzas are going to have like forty different kinds of meat on them.” Annie, Kendall, and Greenlee shared a skeptical look then burst into laughter.
“You better watch it, Ryan, they might start swapping stories,” Zach said.
“No, we won’t do that until they’ve been married at least two years. We don’t want to scare Annie away,” Kendall teased.
“All right, so four pizzas and Annie and Greenlee’s favorite chinese foods. Is there anything else?”
“No, I think that’s it,” Aidan responded. Ryan nodded and moved into the kitchen so he could make sure he got their orders right.
“I’m getting a drink. Does anyone else want anything?” Kendall asked.
“Champagne please,” Annie requested.
“Okay, that’s two champagnes and two beers for Aidan and Zach, right?”
“I’ll just have water,” Greenlee said.
“You aren’t drinking?” Zach asked.
“I can’t. Antibiotics.”
“Do you want regular water or flavored water?” Kendall asked as she poured the champagne into two glasses.
“Flavored, please.”
“Peach, right?”
“Yeah, peach.” After pouring Greenlee’s water and handing the guys their beers, she moved back to the couch and handed Annie and Greenlee their drinks.
“Okay, food’s on the way. It should be here in about forty-five minutes,” Ryan said, coming back into the living room.
“Great, I’m starving,” Greenlee said as she took a drink of water.
“What? Forty year old crackers and hospital food didn’t cut it?” Zach teased.
“No. I prefer food that actually tastes like food.”
“That’s why you spent three weeks in the hospital. Because you wouldn’t eat.” Greenlee glared playfully and threw a pillow at him.
“Don’t make me regret saving you.” Kendall smiled as she watched the exchange, wondering just how close Zach and Greenlee had gotten in the bomb shelter.
“No, I have everything I need. Everyone I care about is here.” Aidan smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of his girlfriend’s head. She smiled up at him and he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss.
“Hey, hey, none of that in front of the company,” Ryan said. Greenlee laughed and laid her head on Aidan’s shoulder, entwining her hand with his.
“Hey, I don’t want to hear any complaints from you after the way Greenlee and I caught you and Annie earlier,” Kendall said. Annie blushed and buried her head in her hands. Ryan laughed as he moved over to the table where they were keeping the beer and champagne.
“Sorry, Annie, we didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“It’s okay, you were trying to prove a point.”
“I’m making a beer run, does anyone want anything?” Ryan asked.
“Chocolate,” Annie requested.
“Anyone else?”
“I’ll go with you. I need to pick up a couple of things,” Aidan said, standing up.
“Hey, be careful, please,” Greenlee said. Aidan smiled and kissed her cheek.
“We’ll be fine.”
“I’m going to get a slice of pizza,” Greenlee said, standing up and moving toward the kitchen.
“I’ll go get it,” Kendall said.
“No, Kendall, I’m fine, okay? You just stay here and spend time with Annie and Zach.” Alone in the kitchen, she let out a breath and ran a hand through her hair as she leaned against the counter.
“Greenlee?” She looked up and smiled when she saw Zach.
“Hey, do you need something?”
“No, but I’m thinking you need to be back in the hospital.”
“Zach, I’m fine. I’m just still a little weak, that’s it. I’ll be fine in a couple of days.”
“Greenlee, you aren’t invincible. You need to take it easy until you get your strength back.”
“I wish everyone would stop treating me like I’m some damn porcelain doll. I know I have to set limitations for myself and having everyone constantly remind me of that fact doesn’t make it any easier.” The second she finished speaking, Greenlee felt horrible. “Zach, I’m so sorry. You saved my life and when I wanted to give up you wouldn’t let me. You’ve been nothing but great to me and I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on you.”
“It’s okay. I know it’s frustrating, but we all care about you and we don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I know and I appreciate it, but I still shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
“Come here.” He pulled her to him and she relaxed in his comforting embrace. “Just take it easy a little longer and then you’ll have your full strength back.”
“Okay, you win.”
“I win?”
“Yes, you win. I promise not to push myself.”
“Can I get that in writing?” She pulled back to look at him and couldn’t help smiling.
“Are you teasing me?” When he smiled in response, she stuck her tongue out and stepped out of his embrace.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist the opportunity. You and Kendall aren’t much for sitting still even when you know you should.”
“All right, point taken.”
“Come on, we should get back out there.” She nodded and followed him back into the living room.
“Hey, what did we miss?” Greenlee asked as she sat down on the couch.
“We were just discussing having everyone over to my house this weekend. Ryan and Spike have a date to build a snowman and I thought it would be fun to just invite everyone over,” Kendall said.
“That sounds like a great idea.”
“I’m glad you like because I want you to come over and help me make lunch.” Before Greenlee could protest her cell phone rang and she stood up to answer it.
“Hello.”
“What kind of wine do you and Kendall like?”
“White Zinfandel.”
“All right, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Greenlee laughed and hung up the phone. She turned to face her friends and when she noticed the red dot on Kendall’s forehead she turned back toward the window then back to her friends again. “Kendall!”
She ran toward her best friend and pushed her onto the love seat seconds before she fell to the ground. Kendall tried to sit up, but Zach pulled her back down. “Stay down.”
He slowly stood up and moved to the window. When he didn’t see anyone, he turned back to the girls. “Is everyone okay?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” When he only received two responses, Zach looked toward Greenlee, who was still on the floor. Kendall and Annie followed his gaze and instantly became concerned when they realized she was unconscious.
“Come on, Greenlee, wake up,” Kendall begged, cradling her best friend’s head in her lap. Zach felt for her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when he felt how strong it was.
“She’s okay. It’s probably just a deep graze.”
“Probably? Zach, she needs to get the hospital,” Kendall said.
“Give her a couple of minutes to wake up,” Annie said, reaching for Greenlee’s hand.
“Kendall.”
“I’m right here. I’m okay.” Greenlee pushed herself to a sitting position and looked back at the brunette. “See? I’m okay.”
“What about you? How are you feeling?” Annie asked.
“My shoulder hurts.”
“That’s because the bullet hit you. Can you stand? We need to get you to the hospital and get that wound checked out,” Zach said.
“Yeah, I can stand.” Annie helped Greenlee up then moved to grab her coat and purse. As Greenlee went to get her own coat, the room spun around her and she reached for the arm of the couch.
“Maybe you should sit down for a couple of minutes,” Kendall suggested.
“I’m fine. I just-” Greenlee trailed off as she collapsed and Zach took a step forward, catching her as she fell.