I drove home and took a shower, my mind still racing over what we had just done. It was an easy job compared to the things we'd come across in this lifestyle. When I was done, I applied lotion to my skin, slipped into my boxers, and sat on the edge of my bed.
I had to pray, even though it wasn't something I was familiar with.
Dear God,
I ask you to be with me, wherever I go, in every decision I make—even the bad ones. I need your guidance. You know how much I need you. You know I'm not the best at praying, but, Lord, I need you to show me the way.
I don't know what I'm doing wrong with Zee. I wish I could show her how much I love her, but she keeps pushing me away. Please, be with her. And be with me too. I know I'm far from perfect, but I need you.
Amen.
Exhaling deeply, I got under the covers and drifted off to sleep. I had a flight to New York the next afternoon for a business trip, and I'd be gone for two days with my PA.
Two Weeks Later
The trip was successful. We ended up staying for a full week since we had to open another branch there, which made my mom more than happy. To celebrate, she suggested we go to Cuba for the weekend. We got back yesterday. Cuba was breathtaking—the sights, the energy, the memories we made.
One memory stood out. I had brought a girl back to the hotel, but before anything could happen, my mom caught us. She sent her packing and told me straight up, "Stop messing around—you're too grown for this."
Meanwhile, those three cars we stole were already transported out of the country, and we scored good money from the deal.
I haven't spoken to Zinzi in weeks. I figured she needed space, but the silence was getting to me. My mom even suggested that I move to Port Elizabeth—to be closer to her. Maybe then, she'd see how serious I am.
I just hope she comes this weekend for Katie's birthday on Friday, though we'll be celebrating on Saturday.
POV: ZINZI
Life goes on, I guess.
The weekend passed in a blur, and Tebby came home looking completely drained. She's been shutting herself in her room, barely talking, and skipping classes. The past two weeks have been hell for both of us.
On the other hand, I've been ignoring Lloyd, and it's killing me. Sometimes, I sleep in the guest room where he used to stay, just to feel close to him. I even wear his clothes that he left behind. It's pathetic, but it comforts me.
I hold my phone, staring at his number, wanting to call—but I never press the button.
Tonight is Thursday, and I have night classes. I'm waiting for Zeny to pick me up. Things between us have improved; last week, he took me out. He was surprisingly warm and fun to be around. I just wish he'd always be like that. But that's Zeny—unpredictable.
As I was lost in thought, I heard a car pull up outside. It must be him.
"Tebby, baby, I'm leaving. Please eat something, okay?"
Silence.
What did I expect? She barely talks these days.
I stepped outside and saw Zeny's car. He got out, opened the door for me, and walked back to the driver's seat. I settled in, and as he drove, he broke the silence.
"You look deep in thought. Something bothering you?"
I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Wow. Is this the Zeny I know? Or do you have a twin I don't know about?"
He chuckled. "It's me. I know we didn't start on a clean slate, but you can talk to me. We've been working together for what, a month now? If something's wrong, I won't judge."
I sighed, looking out the window. "It's just… I'm going through a lot, and the one person I always turn to is a mess. I feel useless, like I'm not doing enough." My voice broke, and I buried my face in my hands.
"Zee, look at me."
I hesitated but turned to face him.
"I know you feel hopeless. We all do at some point. But don't give up."
"It's hard, Zeny."
"Nothing in this world is easy, Zee. You know that."
I wiped my tears.
"There you go. That's the Zee I first met. You're strong. Never doubt that."
I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips.
"Do you hear me?"
"Yes, sir," I said, teasingly.
He smirked. "Good. Now, get your pretty ass to class. I'll be here when you're done."
I laughed and stepped out of the car.
Class dragged on for three hours. When we finally got dismissed, I walked out to find Zeny waiting. He drove me home in silence, then left for his place.
Yes, his place.
I realized then—he never talks about his family. Not once.
When I walked in, I found Tebby curled up on the couch, the TV watching her instead of the other way around. Her eyes were swollen and red.
I dropped my bag and rushed to her side.
"Baby, please talk to me," I pleaded. "You can't deal with this alone. You barely eat, you skip classes… what's going on?"
Silence.
"I'm worried about you, friend. You've been like this since you came back from your boyfriend's place."
She didn't respond. Instead, she started crying.
I held her, letting her cry in my arms.
"I just wish you'd talk to me, but when you're ready, I'm here to listen."
She cried until she fell asleep in my arms. I fetched a blanket and wrapped it around us, falling asleep on the couch with her.
The next morning, my alarm woke me up. I carefully slipped away to avoid waking her and went to my room. After showering, I put on jeans, a brown bodysuit, and some flats. I packed my books and left a note on the fridge:
I didn't want to wake you. Hope you'll be okay today. I'll be back around 2. Please pack me some clothes for the weekend. Love you, friend. Bye.
Zeny was already waiting outside when I left.
"Somebody's in a good mood today," I teased as I got in.
He smirked. "I'm still just your driver. Don't forget."
"Damn, okay."
"You look grumpy. Did you eat breakfast?"
"No, but it looks like you had a good morning. Someone's glowing."
He chuckled. "I never stopped you from dating, baby girl."
"Speaking of that… can you drop me off at my boyfriend's place later?" I said, smirking.
His expression changed instantly. "What?"
"Please?"
"Does Mr. Maps know about this?" His tone was sharp.
I sighed. "Zeny, you just said I can date whoever I want. Why all the questions?"
"I asked you a question, Zee. Does he know?"
I rolled my eyes. "Can you pass by McDonald's? I want breakfast."
He ignored me, turning up the music instead.
Fine.
I texted Ntokozo.
Me: Hey, are you home?
Ntokozo: Yeah, but I'm about to leave. Why?
Me: Can you bring me breakfast? My driver is moody.
Ntokozo: Ouch, friend. I got you. Wait for me at the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Zeny suddenly took a detour and stopped at McDonald's. He looked at me.
"What?" I asked.
"You said you wanted food."
"Don't worry, I made a plan."
His jaw clenched. "I'm not your toy, Zee. You can't just toss me aside when you feel like it."
"What do you expect when you ignore me, Zeny? I'm not a mind reader!"
Silence.
Then, without another word, he sped off, dropping me at school.
This weekend was going to be interesting.