Page 28 of Zimyra

I pull up my calendar on my computer and make a reminder for tomorrow morning to complete the maintenance report since I won’t have time to complete it before closing. I do this while pretending not to notice Axel is still standing in the lobby, staring at me.

Just leave. Just leave. Just leave.

I close my laptop and put it in my briefcase. I also take my notebook and textbook from the desk, and after placing them in the briefcase, I close it up.

His inescapable gaze finally gets to me. I say, “Mr. Jennings, I said you can go.”

“I’ll walk you out,” he says.

“That’s totally not necessary.”

“It is. I need to talk to you about something.”

Of course, you do…

“What might that be?” I ask, walking past him with my purse and briefcase, heading to the door.

He follows.

I turn off the light switch and then step outside with Axel.

He says, “I watched you do several tours today—well, I don’t mean I actually watched you. I mean, I saw you taking several people on tours.”

“And?”

“And, I think it’s a little odd for you to be taking people—strangers—to view an apartment. It’s an enclosed space. You’re restricted.”

“I took you on a tour,” I remind him.

“You did, and at the time, I thought that was dangerous. You didn’t know me. I’m a lot bigger than you—stronger than you—yet I’m sharing these close quarters with you. I think it’s unsafe.”

“Why? Because I’m a woman?”

“Yes, but not only that. A man can put himself in a compromising position as well. I think there should be two people on tours for that reason.”

“That’s funny—like the company isreallygoing to hire two people to work the front office. It’s unheard of, and actually, I don’t blame them. Go to any apartment complex around her and you’ll see the same thing—one person works the office while maintenance takes care of the property. This ain’t nothing new. It’s the way it is, and it’s the way it has always been.”

“Okay, well, as long as you’ve got it under control.”

“I do. You focus on your work, and I’ll focus on mine.”

“Yes, ma’am. I hope you have a good evening.”

He finally walks to his vehicle.

I go to mine. I’m tired. My head hurts from studying, or perhaps it’s justhim. Whatever the case, I head home with dreams of eating salmon and rice for dinner, taking a prolonged shower, and going to bed earlier than usual. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be yet another long day.

CHAPTER 9

I had to spin theblock a few times before I found parking on the street outside of Hott Stuff Coffee Bar. Zimyra suggested this place – said it was owned by her sister-in-law. I figured I’d give it a shot this morning since, according to her, it’s the best coffee in Columbia.

It must be.

This line is out the door. I had to wait ten minutes before I was finally at the front to place an order.

I say, “Hi. I’m a first-timer. What’s your most popular order?”

“The most popular is a large regular with HWC, a dash of cinnamon, and two Splendas.”

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