Page 153 of Rose
Savior paused, turning slowly. “My woman.”
Saint rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Right. Your aunt mentioned you had someone. Didn’t know it was serious.”
“You would’ve known—if you’d shown up to the dinner partyshethrew for me.”
Saint nodded once. “Your mom really wants you there.”
Savior let out a bitter laugh. “Funny. Last time I saw her, she slapped theshitout of me.”
Saint sighed, shaking his head. “Just come, Sav. We need to talk.”
Savior stared at him for a moment, then nodded once.
“I’ll think about it.”
He walked out, heading straight for his truck.
???
Ahzii had just left Gold after planning her upcoming art showcase with Taylor and Sarai, and she couldn’t stop smiling. For the first time in a long time, things werefinallycoming together. Her spirit felt light. Her future felt full. She was happy, and that had once felt impossible.
The nightmares had stopped. The grief that used to swallow her whole was beginning to loosen its grip. She wasn’t fully healed—wasn’t fully whole—but she was getting there. Step by step. Breath by breath. Becomingherselfagain.
She sat alone at Kyre’s favorite soul food spot, scrolling through her phone, still riding the high of creative energy and friendship. But a strange chill crept up her spine, tightening the back of her neck.
She looked up.
And froze.
A man sat across the restaurant. Same hoodie from the park a month ago. This time the hood was down, revealing just enough under the hat that sat low over his eyes. He nursed a drink, his posture too familiar. Broad shoulders. Relaxed hands. That same quiet, commanding stillness.
Her stomach twisted.
William?
No.No.
It couldn’t be. William wasdead.She had grieved that truth, swallowed the ash of it, buried it with her tears. She was finally learning how to live again, and she wasn’t going to let paranoia drag her back into darkness.
“Order for Rose!” a worker called from the counter.
Ahzii stood quickly, grateful for the distraction. “Thank you,” she said, grabbing the bags of food.
She turned around.
The man was gone. No sign of him. No drink on the table. Nothing.
Just an empty seat and the uneasy pounding of her heart.
She shook it off and headed out, sliding into her car and pressing play on her favorite Drake playlist to soothe her nerves. She wasn’t letting this ruin her day.
Kyre’s office smelled like vanilla, productivity, and whatever high-end hair product she’d used that morning. She was on the phone when Ahzii walked in, food in one hand, sunshine in the other.
“Set up the meeting for Thursday… Tiff, just push it till after lunch. I’ll talk to you later,” Kyre said, ending the call.
“Bestie Boo!” Ahzii beamed, walking in with her usual chaotic sparkle.
Kyre stood from her chair, eyes welling with tears, but her smile was radiant.
