Chapter 38

**Zac**

When leaving the library and the campus, a part of me knew that Alyssia was lying to me. And while I wanted to press the matter further, I knew by doing that I would only make things worse. Another part of me wanting Alyssia to come clean all on her own.

My phone buzzing, which catches my attention. My hand quick to grab it only to see a text notification from Starlight. The text reminding me of our reservation. A small smile soon rising.

“Why are you smiling?” asks Alyssia. Her presence calming even after fucking her within the campus library.

“Because I’m having lunch with the most beautiful woman around” I say. A blush rising at the comment. “Come, my car is this way.”

“Oh, Okay.”

Then without further argument I move to open the door. Alyssia wasting no time in sliding into the passenger seat. My body soon leaning down as I move to buckle her in. Our eyes locking with the other even as I lean forward and kiss her. A soft whimper rising as I do.

Breaking the kiss, I move to whisper softly. “Better buckle up baby. Safety first.”

Blushing again, Alyssia nods. A chuckle rising as I quickly kiss her forehead before closing the door behind me. My feet quick to head for the driver side before moving to climb in. My own hand quick to buckle up before moving to start up the car. Alyssia and I finally heading for Starlight.

~Starlight~

When slowly approaching Starlight do I quickly notice the scenery. Alyssia currently gazing out the car window even as I park the car.

“We’re here baby”

Blinking, Alyssia moves to look at me. “Already?”

“Yes baby. Already. Come, let us eat so our little one will be happy for you. Can’t have you two starving before next period comes around.”

Smiling her beautiful smile, do I move to turn off the car. Quick to climb out before dashing for Alyssia’s side. Repeating the process as I move to open her door. My hand reaching for hers even as I move to help her out of the car.

Once out of the car do I move to lead her straight inside the restaurant. My movements slow and gentle, not wanting to rush or cause any discomfort for her or the baby within her growing belly as we finally enter.

“Hello, and welcome to Starlight. How may I help you today?” asks the voice of the woman as she moves to greet us at the front door.

“Yes. I have a reservation for two.”

“Of course. What’s the name?”

“It’s for Zac. Zac Hunter”

“Hunter. Ah yes. Right this way.”

Giving us a small smile does the woman move to take us to our seat. The place relatively empty, which gives us the perfect place for privacy. “Here you are, a table for two. Will that be all for now or did you need something else?”

“No, thank you. We’re fine for now”

“Of course. Your waiter will be with you shortly then.”

Then, with nothing further does the lady turn to leave. Making sure to hand us our menus as she does. Alyssia quick to scan over the menu along with me. Alyssia and I contemplating on what to order.

“So, what type of pizza do you like baby?”

“Ham and pineapple with bacon on top”

At the mention of ham and pineapple upon the pizza do I move to look over at her slowly. My silence enough to draw her focus over to me. “What?” asks Alyssia. Alyssia now second guessing her choice in pizza.

“Nothing. If that’s what my girl wants it’s what my girl gets” I counter. Not one to tell her no when she was carrying my child within her belly.

“Are you sure? I mean, we can always do a half and half. Half ham and pineapple and half something else if you like” offers Alyssia in hopes of compromising.

“Nonsense. If that’s what you want then its what we’ll have. I won’t sit here and deny my woman anything” I say just as our server arrives to take our order. Our focus now on him.

“Hello. My name is Omar and I’ll be your waiter today. What can I get started for you?”

“Hello. We’ll have an extra large ham and pineapple pizza with bacon on top.”

“Excellent. And for drinks?”

“I’ll do a coke”

“Sure, and for the lady?”

“A Dr. Pepper please”

“Sure thing. I’ll go put in the pizza order and be right back with the drinks”

With our food and drinks placed does Omar move to walk away. Alyssia now glancing towards the table as if suddenly nervous.

“Alyssia. Honey. What’s wrong?” I whisper. My hand now reaching for hers beneath the table.

“It’s just….” Pausing in her words does Omar quickly move to give us our drinks. Giving us the privacy we needed. Alyssia unsure where to begin as she slowly takes in a deep breath.

“Just what baby? Don’t be scared. I won’t judge you I promise.”

“It’s about Mr. Lane. Lyra’s father.”

Tensing at her words do I try and comfort her as best I can. “What about him?” I ask, hoping to keep my voice low and gentle so as not to cause a scene with those who were present within the restaurant.

“He….”

“He what baby?”

Pausing, Alyssia attempts to choose her next set of words carefully. “Remember that day you found me sitting in front of your apartment door?”

“Yes… Of course I do. You had me worried that something bad happened to you”

“Well…. Something almost did happen to me that day and I’m scared to tell you what. Because I know that if I do you’ll be mad and reject me. Or that you’ll no longer want me around” whispers Alyssia as she moves to squeeze my hand. My concern for her rising.

My thoughts now scrambling at what could have happened to her that day as I move to whisper back to her. “Never baby. I could never be mad at you. Nor would I reject you. I swear it. Your carrying my child and I would never be careless than to abandon you when you need me the most. Now then, tell me what happened to you”