"Really?" Anna asks softly. "Are you trying to encourage me or discourage me?" Zack's laugh comes out rougher this time, laced with genuine amusement at her directness. His competitive nature enjoys the verbal sparring match immensely. "Both," he answers without hesitation, the smirk audible in his voice. "I am encouraging you to push my limits because I love seeing how far you will take it. But I am also warning you that if you show up looking too good, I will not be able to focus on driving safely." He adjusted his position in the driver's seat again, clearly struggling to maintain composure while imagining their encounter Saturday morning. The city lights below reflect in his dark green eyes as he gazes out the windshield. "You are playing a dangerous game, Anna. You know I lose all sense of self-control when you get like this." His tone becomes more serious for a moment. "But honestly? Seeing you so confident and happy about our weekend together– that is better than any victory in a fight."
"I am happy and excited," Anna said softly. "Because I get to spend time with you." Zack feels a calmness wash over him at her heartfelt admission. The aggressive driver persona from moments ago fades away, replaced by something softer and more vulnerable. "God, Anna," he murmurs into the phone, his voice losing its earlier edge. "When you say things like that, it makes all this bullshit with my dad worth it." He leans his forehead against the cool glass of the driver's side window, watching the city lights below with newfound clarity. The familiar skyline suddenly seems less imposing that usual. "I have been thinking about this weekend the whole week," he continues quietly. "Imagining what it would be like to have you all to myself without anyone interrupting or judging us." His hands rests on the gear shift besides him, fingers tapping nervously against the plastic surface. "Even my dad's lecture earlier could not ruin my mood tonight because I know tomorrow, I will be waking up next to you instead of arguing with him."
"Are you and your dad okay?" Anna asks softly. Zack lets out a short, humourless laugh at her gentle inquiry. The mention of his father bringing back the earlier tension in his shoulders. "Not even close," he answers bluntly, sitting upright in his sear. "He is probably still stewing in the living room right now, replaying that scene on the couch over and over." He runs both hands through his blond hair in frustration. "We will never be 'okay' until her accepts that I am not twelve anymore. I am not going to sit around waiting for permission to live my life or date whoever I want." His voice hardens with resolve. "This weekend with you– it is not just about sex or fun. It is about proving to myself and everyone else that I can make my own decisions without my dad breathing down my neck."
"But he is still your dad," Anna said softly. "Just– just don't be too hard on him. He might deserve it but be the better person." Zack falls silent for a moment, processing her gentle advice. Her calm maturity cuts through his frustration more effectively than any argument could. The familiar competitive urge to defend himself wars with something deeper– respect for how she handles situations differently. "He does not deserve your compassion," he says finally, his voice softer than before. "But you are right. Being the better person would piss him off more than anything I could say." A small smirk touches his lips at the thought of irritating his father through kindness. "You are too good for me, Anna. Seriously. Where did you learn to say stuff like that?" he leans back against the headrest again, feeling some of the tension drain from his shoulders. The distant city lights seem less hostile now that he is talking to someone who believes in him even when he is being difficult. "Fine," he concedes with a sigh.
"Good," Anna says satisfied. "So, I will see you tomorrow. Get home safe, so I don't waste money on flowers for nothing." Zack laughs at her final jab about wasting money on flowers. A grin spread across his face as he pictures her buying expensive bouquets just to torment him further. "Oh, you are definitely buying those flowers now," he laughs into the phone, starting the car engine again. "I am going to make you carry them everywhere Saturday just because you threatened me with that." His tone carries clear affection beneath the playful threat. "And don't worry about me getting home safe– my driving skills are legendary even when I am pissed off." He pulls out of the parking lot smoothly this time, navigating back toward his neighbourhood with renewed purpose. The earlier anger at his father has mostly faded thanks to their conversation. "See you tomorrow morning at nine sharp," he confirms as he approaches his street. "And try not to pick out anything too ridiculously sexy for our drive. I need to focus on roads not your curves."
"I will consider you advice," she said with a playful tone. "Love you." Zack's grip on the steering wheel tightens at her casual use of 'love you'. It is not the first time she has said it, but hearing it spoken so naturally sends a jolt through him that has nothing to do with competition. "Don't say things like that unless you mean it," he retorts automatically, his voice cracks slightly on the last word. The protective instincts he usual reserves for fights kick in unexpectedly. "You can't just throw around the L-word and expect me not to get attached." He pulls into his driveway sharply, parking in front of the closed garage. "Say goodbye properly," he commands gently through the phone, leaning his head back against the sear as if trying to delay ending their conversation. "No more flower talk or threats about tomorrow. Just– tell me goodnight like you actually miss me." He presses the button on the remote that automatically opens the garage doors. "I do mean it. And that is how couples say goodbye…" she says in a sweetly playful voice. "I do miss you."