Page 52 of Zimyra

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Alyssa asks with narrowed eyes.

“Okay…y’all are both tripping.”

“Yeah, and you’re not answering our questions.”

Thank God the waitress shows up with my mimosa. She also takes our orders. I get the chicken and waffles while Nykendy orders fruit and pancakes. Alyssa gets eggs, sausage, and grits.

I reply back to Axel:

Zimyra: Not happening today. I’m busy.

Axel: So am I, but I’m willing to sacrifice some time for you.

Zimyra: Sacrifice some time for me?

Axel: Yes.

Zimyra: Axel, we talked about this.

Axel: I know

Zimyra: I have a routine on Sundays. Hanging out with you will greatly disrupt that.

Axel: ain’t nothing wrong with shaking things up a bit.

I look up again and see both of my sisters smiling.

I say, “Y’all are something else.”

“No, honey,” Nykendy says. “Youare something else. All this time we thought you were out here living your bestsinglelife and you got this man after you.”

“Men are always after me.”

“Okay, so what makes this one so special?” Alyssa asks.

“Girl,” Nykendy says. “He’s as cute as a button. And he’s tall, he—”

“He is cute and tall, but I’m not interested in him and he’s not interested in me,” I break in to say. “We talked yesterday. I told him I was all about my work right now and he said the same. Plus, he’s not from here. He’s from Bridgeport, Connecticut. For all I know, he’ll end up back there at some point. And, besides all of that, there’s no way I would ever date somebody I work with. I’m his manager. Do you know how awkward it would be if we were a thing?”

“I feel you on that,” Alyssa says. “I don’t think I could do that either.”

When the waitress drops off our food, I dig right in and say, “I ran into Jeremiah at The Promenade. I told him we needed to get together as a family and have a barbecue or something. I suggested we do it at your house, Nykendy, so ask Zavier if it’s a possibility.”

“That would be nice,” she says. “I know it won’t be a problem. He loves it when all the family can get together and shower Kaden with love.”

“Aw. That’s so sweet. I love their bond so much,” I say.

“Me, too. I never thought I’d meet a man who would accept Kaden as his own, and Zavier accepted him with open arms.”

“That proves that there’s someone for everyone,” Alyssa says.

“Right,” I say. “I’m sure I’ll find my someone one day when I’m finally doing what I love and—”

“Wait—” Alyssa says. “You think you’re going to find love when your life is perfect?”

“Well, not necessarily perfect, but it at least has to make sense.”

“What about your life right now doesn’t make sense, Myra?” Nykendy asks.

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