The Guardians by Katie Ashley Page B

backstage. I’ll meet you at the car.”
    The boys nodded and then headed out of the auditorium. After I grabbed my bag from behind the curtain, I started down the steps. I got to the auditorium door and skidded to an abrupt stop.
    Zach was waiting for me.
    “Hi,” he said with a smile.
    “Hi!” I replied, a little too enthusiastically as he held the door open for me.
    “You’re Cassie, right?”
    I nodded.
    “I’m Zach Johnson.” He continued smiling as he started walking me out of school. “You have an amazing voice.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Didn’t I see you at the coffee house last night?”
    “Yes, you did. Speaking of singing, you’re not so bad yourself.”
    “Oh that? That’s just me messing around,” Zach said modestly.
    “I’d say you’re pretty good for just messing around.”
    When I saw Elijah and Rafe waiting for me at the car, I started to walk off. “Wait a minute,” he said. I looked back at him. “I was wondering if you might wanna get some coffee with me or something?”
    Suddenly, I didn’t know what to do or say. Was I supposed to go get coffee with him? Was this part of “helping” him? In my hesitation, Zach grinned. “I know a great place where we could go.”
    “Yeah, I guess you do.” Before I could say anything else, I met Lauren’s gaze across the parking lot. It burned with such an intensity of pain, jealously, and underlying sadness, it took me off guard.
    “Um, that sounds nice, but what about your girlfriend?” I motioned to where Lauren looked like she might start crying.
    Zach threw a quick glance over his shoulder before he turned back to me. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
    “Are you sure?” I questioned.
    “Yeah, we just, you know, hang out.”
    “Oh, okay.”
    “So are we on for coffee?”
    The more that I looked at Lauren, the more I realized I probably should say no to Zach’s offer. Helping him should never be at the expense of someone else’s feelings. My mind told me to tell him thanks but no thanks. But somehow the words came tumbling out of my mouth, “Okay, sure.”
    Rafe eased the car up to where Zach and I were standing. “Are you coming, Cass?”
    “In a little while,” I answered.
    “Are you absolutely sure about that?” he pressed. I caught his eye just as he jerked his head in Lauren’s direction.
    An exasperated sigh escaped my lips. “Yes, I’m sure .”
    “Okay then.” Rafe sized Zach up from head to toe. Then he narrowed his dark eyes at him. “Dude, you better watch your back with my sister. I can totally describe you if the police need a description!” Zach’s horrified expression must have been too much for Rafe because he burst into a fit of laughter. “Just kidding with you man!”
    “Oh I got you,” Zach replied and exhaled in relief.
    “See you later,” Rafe called. Then he and Elijah drove off.
    Zach opened the car door for me and shifted his guitar to the back seat. “Hop in,” he urged.
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight: CASSIE
     
    We made the short drive through town to A Cup of Joe’s. When we got inside, Zach led me to a secluded table in the back where lavender colored candles burned in crystal dishes over the cream colored tablecloth.
    AJ waltzed over to the table with a wide grin. “So we’re playing the part of a patron tonight?”
    “Yes sir, no singing for my supper tonight,” Zach replied.
    AJ motioned to me. “And who is your friend?”
    “This is Cassie,” Zach answered hesitantly.
    AJ shook my hand. “I’m AJ, Zach’s older and better looking brother.”
    I laughed. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “And where’s Lauren tonight?” AJ asked, innocently.
    Zach shot him an aggravated look. “At home I guess. You should know better than I do since you make the work schedule around here.”
    AJ nodded. “That’s true. She is off tonight…fortunately.” He paused dramatically . “So, what can I get you and your lovely lady friend this evening?”
    Zach raised his eyebrows at me. I