"What's up mate?" Babsie asked.
Zac gave her a strange look.
"Y'know, in all the years I've known you, I think that's one of the first times I've ever heard you call someone 'mate'."
"Point being?"
"Nothing, it's just, never mind."
"Y'know, not all Aussies go around sayin' 'g'day mate' to everyone they set eyes on. In fact, that's a stereotype dude. You of all people should know about that!"
Zac smiled.
"Yeah, ok… I know. I wasn't trying to… don't worry."
"What is bothering you Zac?" Rita asked, changing the subject.
He sighed.
"Zac?"
"I just got off the phone with Beryl. We broke up."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I was the one who did the dumping."
"Why? I though you two had hit it off?" Babsie asked.
A small smile appeared on Zac's face.
"Oh, I don't know. It just wasn't really working out. Besides, I kinda, well…"
"Well what?"
"I guess you could say, I met someone…"
"Aww." Babsie teased.
Zac and Rita smiled.
"So, who is it? Or don't we know her?" Rita asked.
"You know her. Remember Lanie?"
"Lanie - the supermodel?" Rita was wide-eyed.
"Yeah… we've kept in touch ever since, y'know, and… well… yeah…"
"So, did Beryl freak when she found out about Lanie, or didn't you tell her?" Babsie asked almost gleefully.
"You're right, she probably will."
"And Kel, well, she'll go off the wall."
Zac didn't reply.