Page 74 of Zimyra

“I agree.”

“Are you and Zimyra dating, or—?”

“No, ma’am. I was there when it happened, and I just wanted to make sure she was okay. She’s not answering or returning my calls or text messages.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a visit from you. She’s at my son’s house. Do you know Zander?”

“I met him briefly yesterday.”

“Good. Well, go on by there. I’ll text him and let him know you’ll be stopping by.”

“Okay. I appreciate that.” I take out my phone and ask, “What’s his address, by the way?”

I key it in my GPS app as she tells me and with my coffee and pie slice, I’m out the door.

CHAPTER 21

“Capri, I’m okay.Stop talking about what could’ve happened. I’m good.”

“You’re not good. You’re all bruised up.”

“Capri—it’s just a bruise. Nothing hurts.”

I didn’t want to talk to her on Facetime because I didn’t want her to see the bruises on my face, but she insisted. She said she needed to see me. That was the only way for her to know I was okay.

“Ooh…this makes me so angry. My God…what is this world coming to? Why can’t women live in peace? Everywhere we go, we’re always being stalked, whistled at, or stared at. You can’t even be safe at work anymore!”

“Capri—can we talk about something other than this? What about your engagement? We haven’t had a chance to celebrate or talk about it. Where’s the ring? Let me see that rock.”

She holds her left hand in front of the camera. “Oh my goodness, girl. It’s beautiful. Look at Dorian trying to make a statement.”

“Yeah. I think helooooovesme,” she says and bats her eyelashes. “Oh, hey, Myra. I’ll call you back later. I have to jump on a call.”

“Okay. Bye.”

I hang up the phone and see that I have missed text messages. One is from Nykendy:

Girl, yo man came up in here looking for you.

There’s another one from my mother:

Hey, Myra. Hope you’re feeling well, baby. I met Axel today. He seems nice…handsome, too!

My stomach flips. How is it that he’s met my mother? Really?

I place my phone on the counter and grab a bottle of water. Zander comes to the kitchen and asks, “How are you feeling this morning?”

“Like I’m ready to be let out of prison. You can’t keep me here forever, Zander.”

“Says who?” he asks, crossing his arms. “You’remyresponsibility.”

“No, I’m not. I’m a grown woman.”

“Yeah, asinglegrown woman. I’m the man who protects you.”

I breathe out frustration and say, “You’re trippin’ hard.”

“Am I? Look what happened when I let my guard down.”

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