Zeke Lopez

"Well, I appreciate you looking out for me. Take all the time you need," Jesse laughed. The more time he spent at this party, the more he had suspected that there was an ulterior motive to it. "I am just a little too popular tonight, aren't I? I'm beginning to think Juliette told everybody I have the answers to the universe or something."

"Anytime, man. Especially to save you from boring-ass conversations. Good man." Zeke smirked as he looked at Jesse. He wondered how many people had shot their shot tonight. He could add his name to the list. "Or maybe people are finally realizing one of the most eligible men besides me on the Upper East Side is free tonight. No dates, no baby, and no one stopping them from going after you."

"i'm used to partying, just the more european ways these days. i'll need to settle back into the american party vibe" she smiled, taking a sip of her drink "how much fun? have we been dramatic?"

"And the European way means you are used to smoking cigarettes and bad rave music?" Zeke teased before shrugging at her question. "More fun than I have been lately. Me? Never. I did make out with the host's older brother."

"you and everyone else at this pary. i don't know if juliette knows what she got herself into when she offered the house as venue" either way, agnes wasn't caring. "sounds like you've been busy. i've been drinking and laying small traps for those who wander into them"

"I mean, she had to have an idea. She knows most of us well enough to know that she needs to keep the booze running to keep everyone happy." Zeke would find another party if this flamed out. He kept himself busy, especially this close to summer. "Oh? Am I in one? Please tell me no. I cannot get out without help if I am."

Caitlyn was determined to play this cooler than ever. She wanted to be indifferent to him to prove that she could be. Still, she found her gaze landing on his so-called date and the look that crossed her pretty face was enough to startle her. It was no secret that Caitlyn Coates always went for the jugular and if Miss Low Rise Jeans over there didn't get the memo, it wasn't going to end well.

Zeke didn't know how she could always look like an angel even when she had an evil look on her face. He was sure his date was afraid but that girl was long out of his mind right now. When he had Caitlyn around, there was no point in focusing on anyone else. Unless he actually wanted to make her jealous. But he wasn't trying right now.

"Ah, the obligatory stint working for your dad's college bestie... We've all been there. Remember, it won't last forever. Unless you suddenly find a passion for the bottom line. If I'd known the situation were so dire, I'd have loaded it up with something even stronger." Nick let out a delighted laugh at his wink. "I could see Mrs Fitzherbert throwing her hat in the ring nonetheless. She might even get a couple of hits in before Caitlyn destroyed her. Now that doesn't sound so good. Trouble in paradise?"

"Is it a stint or a torture designed to force me to go to college? Dude, I don't even understand what the company does or what my job is supposed to be. I can't get fired. It's okay, I am going to get something much harder the second I get out of here." Zeke needed it after working tonight. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to be doing, but he had seen a few friends. "I feel bad because Cait would definitely hit an old lady and not feel bad. No, I haven't seen her since we broke up this summer for more than a few minutes. By now, we should be back together."

"Took the words right out my mouth," Zach smirked. He was secretly thrilled that Zeke Lopez had thought about him. That he still wanted him (probably, hopefully... whatever). "I don't know if there are anymore Archibalds that need arrested for felony charges, but I wouldn't mind another one shutting down this shitshow. Then we could get the hell out of here."

Zeke was having fun, he had a full dance card, but he definitely had some favorites. Zach was a recent discovery, he had always been around, but Zeke didn't think much about him until the Ball. "God, I wish I need to get the hell out of here. I can't even get the bar to give me a drink. I think this is my personal hell."

"Yes, you do," Bella smiled back, giving him a little nudge for good measure. There would always be room for Zeke Lopez with the Coates', there was no doubt about that. She poured them both a glass of champagne - if they were going to gossip about Cait, they'd need it - and shook her head. "No, honestly though. I have no idea what her deal is lately and you know normally, she could never resist a dramatic return on a holiday. And Valentine's Day... her favourite. She seriously needs to return to the planet before we have to host an intervention. Some of us don't have that kind of time."

Zeke had always been around the Coates' sisters. Even before they started their romance, he had been friends with Caitlyn basically forever. He grabbed the glass. He needed to get this off his chest, and he knew that Bella wouldn't judge him for anything he said. "I know, I fully expected her to show up and rock my world as usual. But instead, she is in what fucking Paris? It's weird. We have spent every Valentine's Day together since middle school. I do have the time, I think we might need to. I could get Raquel to help if we need to."

"Zeke," Caitlyn greeted, trying to sound as neutral as possible instead of annoyed as hell. "Good thing there's plenty of room for all of us." She painted on a smile at whoever he'd grabbed to join them before looking back to... to... um, Bobby? Billy? B-something. "Oh, wow. Ouch. I just got like, the worst pain in my neck there, you know? Like a total kink. I don't suppose you could put those big, strong, hands to good use would you? For little old me?" she made sure to bat her eyelashes over dramatically at Benny. He was, of course, all too keen to agree. She adjusted in the hot tub, facing away from him but very much towards Zeke. She deserved an Oscar for this performance.

Zeke hated her just saying his name, babe, or love of her life was his title in her life. Not his stupid name. "I guess, at least I still can get a view of you." He wasn't hiding his flirting. He didn't need to. If their new friends didn't get the game that was on them. "Oh please." He rolled his eyes. If she wanted to play dumb, then he would play aggressive.

"Thank you... you're just so kind."

Two could play this game. Zeke walked into the hot tub with the nearest body he could grab. "Oh, hey babe, didn't see you come in."

Are Zeke and Caitlyn back together yet, GG?

"it's been fun. nice to catch up with friends and to get here in time for the party. it'll take some getting used to since i've been away but if i'm going to dive fully back in to the upper east side then i'm glad it was juliette's party. how's your experience been?"

"Well, if you want to get used to partying again, then you are in the right place and with the right people." Zeke smiled as he looked around. "You know I always have fun. I am drinking, and all my favorite people are around."

"a boss? gross. go deal with him and i'll catch you at the party later. i expect a full on riot at this party, i'll be disappointed otherwise"

"I know, trust me. I am trying to get fired." Zeke smirked. "I got it, don't worry. Just make sure you are there." He walked away, already texting to get the party ready.

"Emergency only I can handle," Jesse repeated, shaking his head solemnly. "So sorry, you know how it is... Official bestie duties always come first. Thanks again, though!" With that, he followed Zeke as fast as he could. "Aw man, you totally saved my life there. Thank you so much."

Zeke almost laughed as he pulled Jesse along with him. He had to keep them together. "Can't let people monopolize you too much tonight." He had seen all the people going after Jesse tonight. "Plus, I gotta make some time with you too."

zeke was a good time at a party, she couldn't fault him on that. the centre of a party was where agnes would be when there's one in full swing. "what kind of fun have you been having around here? other than trying to drink the bar dry on your own?" she needed something to entertain her.

Zeke smiled at Agnes, this was not the first time they had partied together. Both of them enjoyed the attention. "I am just testing Juliette's preparedness. If you invite the best partiers in New York, you better be prepared. Stealing kisses, dancing. And you?"

Fucking hell. Tripp's brain short-circuited at the implication of Zeke's question, and it took him a few moments to reconfigure it. The second he had pulled himself together, though, his charming smile was right back on his lips. "Bold of you to assume I'm so easily seduced." It was no secret that he was. "Did you miss the part where I said this was an antique?"

Zeke loved watching his words sink into Tripp. He had actually messed with Tripp Vanderbilt's head. This was a proud moment, one for the books. "Oh yes, you are so unobtainable. I forgot." He didn't move back, letting his lips ghost over Tripp's. "Bill me. Now should I leave or?" His hand moved from Tripp's chest to his waist.