147 How long can we keep this up?

Ryan and Veronica both looked at her waiting for an answer. Zara couldn't meet his eyes so she looked elsewhere. "I didn't put her up to this." Ryan turned to Veronica and answered, "I appreciate your concern, V, but rest assured Reb isn't as bad as you think. 

In fact, she has helped me several times and I value her as much as you guys." He said the last line while looking at Zara, "As for dating her, it's my life really, so don't worry, I know what I'm doing. She is important to me." With that, he hit Veronica's shoulder playfully and ruffled her hair before walking away. 

Zara started to feel the dull thuds of her heart yet again as she watched him walk away from her once more. This time though she didn't run to stop him. He had made his choices very clear and she had to make hers.