Page 141 of Tainted

27

Zara

Dropping my bag at my locker, I regretted not accepting Kenyon’s offer. I was exhausted and didn’t feel like coming in tonight. He confidently reminded me that fuckin’ the boss had its perks. I declined, but it didn’t sound half bad now. Especially after the Chinese food I had last night still had my stomach upset.

“Hey you,” I sang, answering his call.

“Wassup Babygirl?”

“Nothing, getting ready for work.”

“You get a boyfriend and suddenly don’t sound excited about work anymore,” he teased.

“What can I say? It’s easier to rest when you know somebody won’t let you fall.”

“Cute, how’s your stomach feeling?”

“I guess we’ll see when I’m twirling on the pole. I should’ve just stayed home with you.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m not home either.”

“And to think I could’ve been laying in bed with the thermostat on seventy-five in peace.”

“The day that thermostat reads seventy-five, you’re gonna have a problem,” Kenyon warned, “I gotta go. I’ll be home late.”

“Later than my shift?” I asked.

“Maybe. I love you.”

“I love you too,” I replied, slowly hanging up.

“Aww, aren’t y’all so cute,” Rajah sang, lying on the couch near my locker.

“Hush it,” I warned.

“I tell you what, you’re better than me. If I was fucking Keyes, the last thing I’d be doing is hitting that pole.”

“I’m regretting it, but I missed you.”

“Kind of?” Rajah exclaimed.

“Sorry, I took my frustration out on you.”

“If you’re really sorry, let’s do brunch this weekend since you missed my fuckin' birthday. Some sister you are.”

“Wow, I’ve been upgraded to sister!” My hand wiped away my fake tears. “First and foremost, I want to thank God! Without him, none of this would be possible!”

“Alright now!” Rajah chuckled, tossing a pillow at me. “Don’t make a big deal about it before I change my mind!”

Rajah told me all the drama at her birthday party while I changed into my costume. I wasn’t feeling my best, but there was money to be made. After my last performance on stage, I called it a night. Sticking around for table dances wasn’t on my priority list. Unfortunately, Kross was out, so I had to clear it up with Megan. When she said yes, I fled to my car before she changed her mind.

Brandy was home with Banana Girl, so I could spend the night with Kenyon. I was looking forward to cuddling with him, but when I got home, he wasn’t here.

Me: I’m home. Where are you?

Kenyon: Set the alarm. I don’t know what time I’ll be back.

Hauling myself to my feet, I showered, trying to figure out what Kenyon had to do at this hour. My mind wanted me to believe the worst, but my heart refused to accept the idea that Kenyon was with another woman. The constant battle made it hard for me to fall asleep.

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