Page 132 of Rose
Because Sarai was right.
And that scared her more than anything.
“I’m not ready for that,” she said, barely above a whisper.
“And he understands that,” Sarai said, her tone soft but firm. “My brother’s patient, but he’s got a heart too. A fragile one, even if he hides it under all that steel. I love you like a sister, Zii, but don’t break my brother’s heart just because you’re scared to feel something youclearlydeserve.”
Her voice dropped with weight. “I’ll kill you if you hurt him.”
Ahzii nodded, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “I’d do the same if it was A’Mazi.”
“I’m not trying to hurt him,” she added after a beat, stirring her food. “It’s just… the more I push him away, the harder he pulls me close.”
“Then stop playing tug of war with him and let him love you already.” Sarai laughed as Ahzii rolled her eyes.Easier said than done.
She set her fork down. “Can we talk about the reason I called you?”
“Yes, what’s up? Something about an art showcase?” Sarai asked, slicing into her food.
“Yeah. I went to an art museum last week with Savior,” Ahzii paused, after saying his name, “—and it inspired me. I want to start doing showcases again. But I want to host one here.”
“Really?!” Sarai lit up, her excitement immediate and real.
Ahzii blinked, surprised. “Why areyouexcited? You’re the one with the popular restaurant.”
“Exactly,” Sarai grinned. “I love art, and a showcase here? That’s good energy, good press, more people through the doors. I’d behonoredto host your show, Zii.”
Ahzii smiled, warmed by her enthusiasm. She didn’t expect it, but she should’ve. Sarai was one of the brightest lights she’d found since moving to Miami, fitting perfectly into her world like she'd always belonged.
“So,” Sarai asked, “when are you thinking?”
“Maybe two weeks from today.”
Sarai froze mid-chew, then raised her brow. “So… Savior’s birthday?”
Ahzii blinked. “His birthday’s in two weeks?”
“He never told you?” Sarai asked, surprised.
“No,” Ahzii murmured, more to herself than Sarai.
“Makes sense. He don’t celebrate it. Never did.”
Ahzii’s face fell. “Not even when he was little? No parties? No cake?”
“Nothing,” Sarai said, her voice quieter now. “Not a single candle. Not even a Happy Birthday text.”
Ahzii sat back in her seat, her chest tightening. She’d had birthdays under bridges, in parks, abandoned buildings, but she’d always made themsomething. She and Mazi used to sneak leftover cake from the diner she worked at, split it down the middle, and light one candle to share. No gifts, but always joy. Always hope.
Savior had a whole family, and somehow still hadnothing.
And for a moment, that truth broke something open in her.
“Nope. My Aunt Marley used to bake him cookies, but that was all he got. Me and Sin tried to celebrate him when we got older, but he always refused. It was just another day to him… because that’s all it ever was.” Sarai’s voice softened with hurt.
She hated how their parents treated Savior. Always had. She was fiercely protective of him because he was the first person who ever protected her. Sincere was the brain, the talented twin. Sarai? She was the baby. The one everyone thought needed saving.
But Savior never treated her like glass. He gave her freedom. Loved her fiercely. Taught her how to fight. How tobe.
