Page 114 of Zimyra

CHAPTER 38

I pull up toThe Astor Hotel, one of Columbia’s upscale hotels. It’s a beautiful place. In my line of work, I have a great appreciation for well-maintained properties. I knew Zimyra would only choose the best for this prom she’s throwing for her tenants. She designed the invitations. I was pleasantly surprised with her skills in doing that as well. Everything she touches turns to gold. That’s how I know this event will be a success for her. She’s a winner. I need her on my team, and I have her. She’s my girl, my woman, my wife. My purpose here today is to remind her of that. I’m letting her know out the gate that I’m not going anywhere. Not anymore. I gave her a week. Now, I’m back to claim what’s mine.

I have yet to spot her anywhere in this ballroom, making me question if she’s arrived. My search is interrupted by her brother, Zander, who appears to be making a beeline straight for me. I know he’s not too fond of me, but there is nothing he can say or do that will keep me away from his sister. If we have to throw hands about it, then we’re throwing hands about it.

“Axel,” he says, approaching me. “I’m glad I ran into you. I think it’s time for us to have a talk.”

“What about?” I ask, my guard already up because I don’t have time for any of this today – not with the way I’ve been feeling. I’m missing my girl. All I want to do today is talk to her and come clean about my motives for moving here. I wasn’t trying to run into her brothers –especiallyZander.

“Let’s step into the lobby.”

Reluctantly, I head that way with him and as soon as we’re standing in an isolated corner away from guests and registration, he asks, “What’s going on between you and my sister?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, she’s taken a liking to you and I want to know what your goal is where she is concerned.”

This is like déjà vu. I’ve already communicated what my intentions were with Zavier. Now, his twin is in my face seeking the same answers. It’s like I’m telling the same person twice.

I say, “I love your sister.”

He frowns. “You love my sister?”

“Yes, I do.”

“How do you know that?”

“Man, what makes you think I owe you an explanation? The only reason I’m talking to you now is out of courtesy. I came here to talk to Zimyra.”

“So did I,” he says. “My sister hasn’t been herself this past week?”

“How so?” I ask, my heart beating rapidly.

Zander says, “I usually hear from her at least once a week. Last week—crickets. So, if you love my sisterlike you say, what have you done to make her go into a shell and ignore her family?”

“What makes you think I’ve done anything?”

“Because you’re the only person she’s invited into her life recently. She’s cool with everybody else. It’s always the new person that starts trouble, so let’s hear it, maintenance man. What trouble have you started?”

Zander crosses his arms over his chest, looking like he’s ready to throw hands. I can’t help but admire his love for his sister. The truth is, something is wrong with Zimyra and it’s all my fault. The weight of that realization consumes me. Something I’ve done has hurt her, and that’s not okay.

“I’m just going to be real with you,” I tell him.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

I release a sigh and say, “Zimyra feels like I lied to her.”

“Did you?”

“In a way, yes, I did.”

“How’s that?”

“Look—you were right to be suspicious of me. I don’t even fault you for that, and I’m glad that Zimyra has someone like you in her corner. With that being said, the only reason I came down here to get a job at Atlantic Properties was to find out why the place was doing so well since she’d taken over as property manager.”

“Why would you be interested in how well the place was running?”

“My father owns the company that owns Atlantic. I’m the chief operating officer. When I came down here, I had to be in a position where I could watch her work all the time, so I could see the day-to-day operations. So, I paid off the old maintenance crew and applied for the position. I then hired someone to work with me because I knew nothing about maintenance. Everything was a ruse. The way I feel about her is not. I didn’t come down here expecting to meet someone like her, and I definitely didn’t come down here to fall in love, but that’s what I’ve done. And Zimyra loves me. Well—at least sheusedto before she found out all of this.”

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