Who: Zayne Vandriel What: Not in hiding anymore When: A few days after the party Where: Coffee shop
Zayne looked up. Was it just him or were more people walking by the coffee shop? Today seemed busier than normal but Zayne hadn’t thought much of it. Or rather, he was looking forward to it, taking it as a distraction from the waiting when the news hit. Zayne rinsed the cup and hung it up. Then he heard the soft giggle.
“I mean, he does sort of look like him,” a voice said.
“If I squint, I can totally see it,” there was that giggle again, “I had, like, the biggest crush on Alistair. I always dreamt that we would get married.” Another giggle.
“That’s ridiculous! Besides, it was him plus Olivia, always!” Zayne closed his eyes. This was what he was expecting. The talk and the way people felt like they knew his life.
“Olivia? God no. She was a social climbing whore. Alistair deserved so much better!”
“Like you?” Another set of giggles.
“So do you think it’s him?”
“Totally. I mean, when you think about it? It totally makes sense.” Zayne opened his eyes and walked into the kitchen. He couldn’t listen anymore. So the news was out. He took a moment. He headed back out and found one of his employees. He told them he was going home. They were surprised. Zayne never went home early. He promised to be there early the next day. He stepped outside. He felt everyone’s eyes on him. He was sure he was imagining it but he couldn’t help it. As soon as he got home, he curled up in bed, pulling the blankets up. He had never intended to go back to the public. He had no plans. He liked his quiet life. But this was bigger than him. This was more important than him and what he wanted. If this helped everyone on the island, if they could get more support, then he could do this. Right?