The diamond before the fall

*The Confession*

Heiley leaned in, a curious glint in her smile. “Troy, are you seeing anyone?”

Troy’s expression turned thoughtful, vulnerability creeping in. “I love someone, but... I don’t know if she feels the same.”

Heiley’s eyes widened. “Who is she? Troy, I know you. You’re amazing. If she doesn’t see it, she’s blind.”

Troy hesitated, his voice dropping. “It’s Zoe. I liked her when I first saw her at your graduation party, and... yeah. I don’t know if she’s into me too.”

Heiley’s face lit up, then broke into a huge smile. “Zo?! Oh my gosh, Troy! She’s so great!”

Troy’s eyes locked onto Heiley’s, hope flickering. “Do you think she likes me?”

Heiley nodded. “Definitely. You guys would be amazing together.”

Troy exhaled, a weight lifting. “Thanks, Hei. I was worried you’d be... I don’t know, weird about it.”

Heiley tilted her head, confused. “Weird about what?”

Troy hesitated. “Well, we’re kinda... engaged. And I’m crushing on your best friend.”

Heiley laughed, relieved. “Troy, we’re not really engaged. Our parents’ idea, remember? We were kids. And honestly, I’m happy for you and Zo. I know she’s crazy about you, too.”

Troy’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Heiley grinned mischievously. “Really. Now go tell her how you feel.”

Troy’s expression turned uncertain. “But when I talk to her, she doesn’t show any interest in me. I don’t think she likes me, Hei.”

Heiley smiled knowingly. “Troy, she’s my bestie. I know when she loves someone. I see the way she looks at you... she’s totally got feelings for you.”

Troy raised an eyebrow. “Really? How does she look at me?”

Heiley teased, “Like she wants to eat you alive... in a good way. Trust me.”

Troy chuckled, a spark of hope in his eyes. “You think so?”

Heiley nodded. “I know so. And you won’t find out if you don’t confess to her.”

Troy took a deep breath, determination in his eyes. “Alright, wish me luck. I’m gonna go find Zoe.” He stopped in his tracks. "But what about the engagement, Uncle Harris. Will he agree to call it off?"

Heiley grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. “Good luck! Go get Zoe. I will talk to my dad later. He will understand.”

Troy laughed, shaking his head as he headed off. He found her in the kitchen, chatting with Nancy as she sliced fruit.

Zoe looked up, smiling. “Hey, Troy! What’s up?”

Troy’s heart skipped. He looked at her. “Just wanted to... talk to you about something.” Nancy excused herself, leaving them alone.

Zoe’s eyes met Troy’s, curiosity sparkling. “Talk to me about something? What is it?”

Troy stepped closer, his voice a murmur. “It’s about... us. About how I feel about you, Zoe.”

Zoe’s expression froze for a split second, then her cheeks flushed pink. “Troy... I...”

Troy’s heart raced, but he pushed on. “I like you, Zoe. A lot. I wanted to see if... maybe... you feel the same way?”

Zoe hesitated, her eyes darting to the side. “Troy... I... Heiley is my friend. You’re going to be engaged...”

Troy’s heart sank for a second, but he pushed on. “Heiley and I... we are like siblings. We told her dad, Zoe. But I can’t help how I feel about you.”

Zoe bit her lip, unsure. “Troy, this is complicated. I value Heiley’s friendship... Plus you heard Uncle Harris the engagement has to go on.”

Troy stepped closer, his voice soft. “I value it too. And she’s okay with it, she's gonna talk to her dad.”

Zoe’s eyes met Troy’s, emotions swirling. “I need to think about this, okay?”

Just as Zoe looked like she was about to say more, Heiley walked into the kitchen, a big smile on her face.

Heiley’s eyes bounced between them and she read the room instantly. “Hey, guys... am I interrupting something?”

Zoe looked at Heiley, guilt and uncertainty on her face. “Heiley... Troy just told me how he feels.”

Heiley’s smile widened and she walked over, putting a hand on Zoe’s shoulder. “Zoe, it’s okay. Troy’s like a brother to me. You don’t need to deny your happiness because of me.”

Zoe’s eyes widened, then a smile crept onto her face. “Really? You’re not... mad?”

Heiley laughed. “Girl, I’m happy for you both. If anyone deserves it, it’s you two.”

Troy’s face lit up with relief and he stepped closer to Zoe. “I told you. She is okay with this?”

Heiley nodded, pushing Zoe gently toward Troy. “Totally okay. I want you both to be happy. Now, are we gonna get a hug or what?”

Zoe laughed, and Troy wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug as Heiley joined in, making it a group squeeze.

As they pulled back, Zoe’s eyes met Troy’s, and they shared a smile that said it all.

Heiley grinned, stepping back. “Alright, I’ll leave you two to... talk.”

Heiley slipped out, closing the door behind her with a wink at Troy. The kitchen went quiet, just Troy and Zoe standing there, anticipation in the air.

Zoe looked up at Troy, her eyes sparkling. “Guess we have things to talk about.”

Troy smiled back, his voice low. “Guess we do.”

Troy stepped closer, their faces inches apart. “So... what do you think? About us?”

Zoe smiled, shy but sure. “I think... I like it.”

Troy’s eyes locked onto Zoe’s, excitement in them. “I like it too.” He leaned in, his voice barely a whisper. “I like it a lot.”

Zoe’s breath caught as Troy’s lips brushed hers, the touch sending a shiver down her spine. The kitchen was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the fridge.

Just as things were getting intense, Zoe’s phone buzzed, breaking the spell. She jumped back, her cheeks flushing as she pulled out her phone. “It’s Mom,” she said, answering the call.