Chapter 177
Just past nine o’clock, the plane finally touched down at Ashford Airport.
Jet–lagged from the long haul flight back from the States, with a layover in Lakewood, Zach felt like he had run a marathon. The hours up in the sky had taken their toll, and he was drained. But the thought of his sister waiting for him injected him with a second wind. As soon as he disembarked, he was off like a shot, his suitcase wheels barely touching the ground, leaving Leo and Collins trailing behind..
Collins watched Zach’s figure speed away and muttered under his breath, impressed by his stamina. He urged Leo to pick up the pace before chasing after Zach, calling out, “Hey Zach, hold up, man!”
Instead of slowing down, Zach quickened his step. Collins was flabbergasted, then turned to Leo and whispered, “Is it just me, or is Zach acting a bit off?”
Leo looked ahead at Zach, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. Weird was an understatement. The entire flight had felt like a rollercoaster, complete with unexpected chills that seemed to emanate from Zach. “Maybe he’s just homesick,” Leo finally said after a thoughtful pause.
Collins, keeping his eyes on the fast–moving Zach, had to agree. After all, no one knows you better than your own brother.
But soon, the homesick Zach slowed down and waited for the two to catch up. Then he asked, “Hey Leo, you guys are using the VIP exit at the airport, right?” He cleverly didn’t mention that Mirabella would be there to pick him up.
Leo, about to explain that there were no fans aware of their itinerary and that they could just use the regular exit, was cut off by Zach’s hasty suggestion.
“Let’s just meet up at home then. It’ll save us the hassle of waiting around and bumping into your fans, Zach said, adjusting his glasses, feigning concern for Leo’s convenience.
Collins chuckled and joined in, “Why don’t you just use the VIP exit with us, Zach?”
Zach choked on his response, realizing his oversight. That wasn’t an option. Mirabella was waiting at the arrivals gate, but Zach didn’t want Leo tagging along.
He cleared his throat and waved dismissively at Collins, “No worries, it’s not necessary.
“It’s no trouble at all, man. The VIP exit is twice as fast as the regular one,” Collins interjected. Zach was internally screaming. Was Collins a professional at ruining plans?
He paused, and then Collins added, “Besides, the company car is already waiting in the parking lot.”
The resentment behind Zach’s lenses was almost palpable. Why hadn’t he just sprinted away from them earlier? Why did he have to shoot himself in the foot?
Chapter 177
Taking a deep breath, Zach, trying to keep his cool, insisted, “It’s okay. My driver is right outside waiting.”
His “driver,” standing inconspicuously at the arrivals gate, was none other than Mirabella, who was surely raising an eyebrow at this point.
Hearing this, Collins‘ expression showed a flash of understanding, and he didn’t press the issue. After a brief moment, he turned to Leo, “Why don’t you just ride back with Zach then? Fans won’t recognize you in that disguise, and you can slip through the regular exit unnoticed.”
Zach was internally facepalming. Seriously? Was that an option now?
