Page 50 of Zimyra

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I want a family. A husband. Children. I want all of that. I don’t have the luxury of waiting until I’m in my late forties to decide that I want a family. My eggs will be powdered sugar by then.”

He grins and asks, “How old are you, Zimyra?”

“Sorry,” I say standing. “You’re out of questions for tonight.” I stretch and say, “And I have to get going. I’m meeting my sisters tomorrow for brunch.”

“I thought you didn’t have sisters.”

“My brothers’ wives. They’re my sisters.”

“Ah. Gotcha.”

“Yeah, and I need to be well rested so I can be prepared to talk about you.”

“About me?”

“Yes. You met Nykendy. I know she’s going to say something, and who knows the damage Jeremiah has caused already.”

“He just saw you with me tonight.”

“Trust me—that’s all it takes.”

“Alright. I suppose I’ll let you go, but save some time for me tomorrow. I get two more questions.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.”

I shake my head. “You must be an only child.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because you can’t take no for an answer.”

“You never saidno.”

“Okay, well, it’s the way you’re persistent—the way you practically demanded that I give you a job and now, you’re finagling your way into asking me two more questions.”

“Do you know why I’m persistent, Zimyra?”

“Why?”

“Because it works. You should know. You’re the same way.”

There’s nothing I can say to refute that statement. All I do is smile.

As we approach my car, I say, “Well, it’s been real. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time out here at The Promenade.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time withyouat The Promenade, and I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“You won’t see me tomorrow, Axel, but definitely on Monday at the office.”

“We’ll see,” he says, then reaches to shake my hand.

I reach to accept his grasp. He squeezes my hand in his and while I don’t think he’s applying pressure, I feel it. Boy do I feel it. His hands are strong.He’sstrong – mentally and physically. He’s a force to be reckoned with.

When he releases my hand, he opens my car door for me and says, “Drive safe.”

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