Page 117 of Zimyra

She goes back inside and slams the door so hard, I’m surprised the glass didn’t shatter.

I enter behind her, watching as she weaves her way through the crowd and disappears through the lobby exit. I imagine she’s heading to the restroom, but I don’t follow her there. I don’t want to disturb her party more than I already have.

For the rest of the evening, I steer clear of her but watch every move she makes. She dances in the middle of the floor with the tenants. Nykendy and Alyssa are right there with her. The twins are standing off to the side observing me. I don’t know if they know I’m aware that they’re doing so or they just don’t care.

I take a sip of champagne as Ms. Zayda approaches me, saying, “I hardly recognized you, Axel. How are you doing?”

“I’m okay. What about you?”

“I’m ‘bout to go out there and show these people how to get down. Are you not dancing?”

“I’m not really in a dancing mood tonight.”

“I tell you what—you better go on over there and dance with my daughter before one of them old men thinks they have a chance.”

I grin and say, “I’ll consider it.”

I stand back and continue watching Zimyra. I know she didn’t have a prom date back when she went. She told me her brother had gone with her. This one was supposed to be special. It was supposed to be me and her dancing under the disco ball. It should’ve been our announcement to the family that we were officially a couple. That we were married.

I messed that all up. I can’t blame Zimyra for any of it. I also can’t stand by and watch this any longer. I suppose I’ll try to get into her good graces when she can’t stand the sight of me without getting angry.

CHAPTER 39

“I thought Axel was comingtonight,” Mom says, prompting all eyes to turn to me. We’re at her home this lovely Saturday evening and while I love the comfort I get from breaking bread with my family, tonight, I don’t think I can be comforted. My nervous stomach can’t hold food, though I try my best to nibble on a biscuit. My plate is full of goodness that I’d usually have devoured by now. They know it. I know it. I told myself I was going to come here tonight and pretend everything was normal because I cannot hide a thing from them. They all know me too well. It’s been a week since I’ve said anything to Axel, though he’s texted and called me plenty of times. He sent this one since I’ve been sitting here at dinner:

When can we talk, Zimyra? I need a chance to tell you what happened.

I say, “I didn’t tell you he would be here, Ma.”

“I mean, I kinda assumed since he was at the cookout. I thought he’d be a regular around here. Plus, he was at the prom last weekend that turned out great, by the way. I had a blast!”

I smile and say, “Well, I’m glad I could be of service.”

“Did you have a good time, dear? I didn’t see you dance with Axel not one time.”

“We’ll talk about that later, Ma. I’m sure there has to be something else to talk about.”

“Yeah, like that ring on your finger for one,” Zander blurts out.

My heart drops. I cannot believe I forgot to take it off.

“What ring?” Mom asks, almost breaking her neck as she attempts to take a look at my left hand. “Myra, what’s that?”

I look up at Zander. His gaze tells me he knows more than everyone else, and I have no idea how. The dining room is quiet. Everyone is waiting for me to say something. Even Kaden is looking at me like he understands what’s going on.

I stand and say, “You know what—I don’t feel very well. I’m just going to go home. Goodnight, everybody.”

“Wait, Zimyra,” Zander says, following me to the door.

I step outside. He’s right on my heel.

“Zimyra.”

“Don’t talk to me, Zander.”

“Oh, you’re mad at me for the decisionsyoumade.”

“You didn’t have to call me out in front of everybody.”

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