Page 86 of Tainted

I needed more of her. Something that would take me out of my own head. I leaned over and slipped my tongue into her mouth. It was sudden, desperate, but she didn’t pull away.Instead, she leaned into me, her lips soft and inviting, like she understood what I needed without saying so.

When we finally pulled back, she was smiling, a little shy and giddy, and I realized I probably had the same dumb grin.

Zara laughed softly, the weight of the night easing a little. Whatever just happened, it was exactly what I needed.

“But seeing you up there tonight helped. Thanks for asking about Mom.”

“It’s the least I could do after what you’ve done for me. I guess I just wanted to return the favor.”

“I have a secret to tell you.” She tucked her bottom lip and leaned in because Zara loved learning. It didn’t matter what the subject was. “Everything I do for you is so you miss me when I’m not around.”

“You’re such a flirt.”

“When I meet Shana, tell her I’ve been taking good care of you. I need all those brownie points.”

“Taking good care of me would include my rent,” Zara joked, or maybe she wasn’t.

“You killed it tonight for real.” My tongue traced the softness of her full lips, and a soft whimper escaped, “You were made for the stage. Never forget it.”

“What were you made for?” She asked, relaxing into the cushion of my lap.

“I don’t know yet,” I admitted but quickly turned the conversation back to her. “But I got stacks for youCowgirlsince you killed it tonight. That should cover your rent and more.”

Zara could feel me slipping, even though she didn’t know all the masks I wore pulling me back toward the light. Zara grounded me in a way no one else could, and it scared me if I’m honest. With her, I felt whole, even if it was just in the moments we shared.

* Today you look radiant, but your forehead is big

15

Zara

Brandy had been picking up extra shifts to help, but we were still short. Walking into Serenity Springs, I was reminded that the deadline was approaching, and we’d need to make post-discharge plans for her care if the balance wasn’t paid by Monday morning.

She didn’t seem as worried, walking into Nana’s room while I paused outside the door. Nana could always tell when something was wrong, and I didn’t want her to worry today.

“Hey, Nova. I haven’t seen you lately,” Ms. G said, parking her cart along the wall.

“Work has been keeping me pretty busy. How is my girl?”

“She has her days, but she’s getting there. If she continues therapy, I think she will be fine, but I’m just a nurse, you know,” she smiled, nudging my shoulder.

“Thanks. I should get in there and get my curse out over with.”

“Have fun.” Miss. G patted my shoulder.

As a child, I thought life would be much easier growing up. I’d finally be in control of myself and my choices. But I realizedthat no matter how old you got, life always threw curveballs. I pushed the door open and pranced inside to see my favorite girl.

“Banana Girl!”

She dipped her chin and then pushed her glasses back up with her middle finger. Just from that gesture alone, I knew she was about to say something crazy.

“You sound like my baby, but I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in a while. It’s all fuzzy from the stroke and whatnot.”

“Hmm, I guess I’m not the only one you’re avoiding,” Brandy said, forcing me to roll my eyes.

“Work has been keeping me busy.”

“Trying to cover my bill keeps you busy,” Banana Girl corrected.

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