Page 81 of Zimyra

“I am.”

“I mean, this is huge, man.Howcan you be so sure?”

“I don’t know.”

“So, you’renotsure?”

“I am, Murphy.”

“Then tell me how you know she’s the one.”

“I can feel it. I feel it in my body, in my bones, in my blood. I know for a fact it’s her. I think what happened last week made me realize that even more.”

“What happened?”

“She was attacked on the job while giving a tour. I’m glad I was there because I beat the crap out of the dude, but before I could get to her, he managed to put hands on her. The whole time I was punching him, in my mind I was telling myself he deserved every lick for putting his hands on my woman. That’s what I kept saying.My woman. I didn’t have time to process it then. I blanked. Later, I knew why.”

“Whoa. That’s crazy, man. I’m sorry that happened to you, but, hey, it probably wouldn’t hurt to take a step back so you can think clearly. You’re probably just acting purely off emotion instead of using your brain.”

“Murphy—”

“Wait. Listen to me. You like the girl, okay? I’ve seen you likemanygirls.”

“Not like this.”

“Wait…hear me out. You ain’t never in your life come out your mouth and say anything remotely close to this. This ain’t like you.”

“It’s not, but I know it’s her, and I don’t need to take a step back to think about anything. You know how I know for sure? I’ll tell you. I was sitting across from her in a café while she was studying. The entire time we were together, I had trouble taking my eyes off her. It was at that moment I decided she would be mine. That I wanted to give her the world. She’s working for me and doesn’t even know that. She’s not privy to the fact that I have what it takes to give her everything her heart desires. I smiled internally and that realization because I knew that, one day, she would.”

“Man, this is wild.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Does she know how you feel?”

“No. She’s angry with me right now, but I’m going to sort through all of that tonight. She’s a strong woman, but she’s no match for me. She thinks she is, but she has no idea.”

“Ha! No, she doesn’t.”

I see some of the tenants coming out of the building with their goodie bags and masterpieces. I glance at my watch. It’s 9:30. The party’s over.

“Ay, Murphy, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later, bruh.”

“Alright, man.”

With my seat reclined, I wait patiently for the moment Zimyra emerges.

Ten minutes go by. More people come out. Another ten minutes pass. Then fifteen. It’s after ten now.

Finally, Zimyra comes out with a huge bag and her purse. She locks the door and heads for her car. I’m parked right beside her, so I know she sees me.

She pretends she doesn’t.

She starts up her car.

I start mine.

She pulls off.

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