Page 19 of Something Cheeky

“You stay away from my babies!” Zoe warned. She hadn’t forgotten that incident either. “And no touching my fabric shears.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t have a death wish,” he added.

He’d missed this energy between them. He’d missed Zoe. He couldn’t think of a better excuse to see her every day than working on their musical together. Eventually, he’d find the right time to tell her how he felt.

“I don’t know,” Zoe said after their laughter subsided. “I’ve put off launching my Viet-inspired formal collection long enough.”

“Think of the possibilities. The recognition you’ll get by designing costumes for the first musical to have an all-Asian cast and creative team. You’ll get lots of love here as a local. If we make it to Broadway, this show will get you national recognition for your upcoming fashion line.”

She gave a noncommittal huff.

“We’re inviting all the famous Asian celebrities to previews and opening night. Can you imagine meeting Phillipa Soo or Kelly Marie Tran or Michelle Yeoh and how they could flaunt your designs on their next red carpet event?”

He was laying it on thick, but he’d already imagined himself greeting half the Asian who’s who in New York and Hollywood. This was the show that would change both of their lives.

“Those are a lot ofifs.” Zoe dragged her shoe across the ground.

“Dream big, Z. I’ve kept our vision alive for both of us until you were ready to dive back in. Here’s your chance.”

“It would be fun to finally turn our fantasy into real life.” Zoe pursed her lips thoughtfully.

She was wavering. Derek almost had her. She’d always loved the challenge of designing for the stage back in college.

“Dip your toes back into my world. Nothing says you have to stay. Just one show, then you can focus on your shop,” he pleaded. He didn’t care if he sounded needy.

“Derek, I—”

“Zoe, we came up with the idea together. You and me, we’re going to change the world.” He swung his arms out dramatically forextra emphasis. The sleeve of his shirt snagged on the straw of his drink, flinging it toward Zoe.

She gasped and tried to block it with her purse, but it was too late. The plastic cup hit both her bag and Zoe. As if to insult him even further, the lid popped off and rolled away.

Zoe yelped and jumped off the bench. He groaned as his root beer transformed itself into a sweet, dark brown Rorschach mess on, well, everything. Not only was it all over the ground and bench, but Zoe was soaked. Her dress clung to the curve of her hips—he forced himself to look away.

“I’m so sorry!” Derek grabbed the flimsy paper napkins from their takeout bag and handed them to her. “Maybe there’s a public restroom and— Shit.”

He stood up and rubbed his forehead. She’d been seriously considering working with him and he fucking ruined the mood.

“I can’t believe I did that. I’m so sorry,” he repeated.

“Derek, stop. I’m not hurt.” She grabbed his arm until he looked into her eyes. “It’s only soda.”

“I know, but—” Derek howled as she splashed the remainder of his root beer onto his shirt.

“Got you!” she yelled and backed away so she was out of reach. “Now we’re even.”

“Oh, that’s evil, Z.” He brushed off as much liquid as he could and flung droplets at her.

She squealed as they hit her in the face.

“Pure evil,” he shouted playfully.

The laughter he heard was his. Zoe joined him. Their bodies shook until they collapsed on the bench. Neither cared that root beer was still dripping off it.

“Zoe?” he said as he tried to catch his breath.

“Yeah?”

“Is that your sketchbook in your bag? I think it got wet.”

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