Forever (Time for Love Book 1) by Miranda P. Charles Page A

to have you?"
    He snickered. "You're biased, Gran. But thank you for your comment. Anyway, where's Rebecca? I thought the two of them were helping you."
    "Oh, the poor dear woke up with a migraine. Apparently, she's still recovering from it so she won't be joining us tonight."
    Disappointment stabbed at Zach, followed by guilt. Did Rebecca's affliction have something to do with his rebuff last night?
    *****
    Z ach fidgeted in his seat, unable to concentrate on the show. He was trying to stay till the end for Magda's sake, but he was worried about Rebecca. He didn't know if she had a real migraine or not, but if Sarah's attempts at ignoring him were anything to go by, he'd say he was the cause of it.
    He couldn't wait anymore. He pretended to check his phone and leaned over to Magda. "Gran, I have to make an important phone call."
    "Now?" Magda whispered with a frown.
    "Yes. I need to go."
    Magda sighed in resignation. "Make sure you come back."
    Zach smiled and left quietly, ignoring Vicky, who asked where he was going.
    *
    Z ach made his way to Rebecca and Sarah's room, hopeful and nervous at the same time. As long as Rebecca didn't shut the door on his face, all would be good.
    He knocked and waited. When there was no answer, he knocked louder. Still no answer. Was Rebecca asleep? Was she really not feeling well?
    The thought of Rebecca in bed made his body heat up. He rolled his eyes, smiling wryly. If she wasn't feeling well, he wouldn't touch her. Well, maybe he'd kiss her. And hold her. But he wouldn't undress her. Unless she wanted him to. Oh, Lord...
    He tapped his foot, wondering what he should do next. If she was sleeping soundly, he didn't want to bother her.
    A faint ringing came from inside her room. He recognised it as Rebecca's ring tone—one they'd chosen together months ago. He smiled. She hadn't changed it.
    He pressed his ear on the door, listening for signs of movement inside. The phone simply kept ringing and there were no other sounds he could hear.
    His heart pounded as worry enveloped him. Was she all right in there?
    He banged on her door, calling out her name. Nothing.
    He hurried back to the theatre to get Sarah—or her room key. Even if Rebecca had taken medication that knocked her out, surely she would have woken up from his knocks and the ringing phone?
    People were milling outside the theatre when he got there. The show must have finished. Damn. How the hell would he find Sarah among all those people?
    He spotted his grandmother, then the rest of the group, and he breathed a little sigh of relief. He hastened toward Sarah just as Alix approached her too with a worried frown on his face.
    "She's not answering, Sarah," Alix said. "Maybe we should check up on her."
    Zach's face darkened. It had been Alix who was trying to call Rebecca. He'd have to tell that man to leave his Bec alone.
    "Oh, maybe she's out getting some fresh air," Sarah said. "She did tell me she was going to do that."
    "Where?" Alix asked, echoing Zach's question.
    "I don't know. Rebecca likes being left alone when she's recovering from her migraine."
    "She should have taken her phone with her," Alix said, again saying what was on Zach's mind.
    Zach stared at Alix, realising he had another serious rival for Rebecca's affections.
    "Zach! There you are," Magda said. "I'm glad you're back. We're all going for some coffee and sweets."
    "Sure," Zach answered. "Sarah, would you like to invite Rebecca to join us? Maybe she's feeling better."
    "Good idea," Magda agreed. "Why don't you ask her, dear?" she said to Sarah.
    "Um, I think she wanted to rest tonight," Sarah said hesitantly.
    "I'd like to check up on her," Alix said with determination. "There could be something wrong."
    "What could be wrong?" Magda asked, alarmed.
    "She's not answering her phone," Alix responded.
    "I'll go see how she is," Sarah said. "I'll be back soon."
    "I'll go with you," Zach and Alix said at the same time.
    "Well, we're all worried about her. Let's all