Page 98 of Zimyra

“Ay, let me talk to you for a minute.”

We walk out toward the dock and, after taking a few steps across the wooden planks, he asks, “So, what exactly are your intentions with my sister? I mean, are you two a couple, or—?”

“We’re not a couple because it’s not what she wants.”

“What does she want?” he asks.

“You don’t know?”

Zavier laughs. “No, I don’t. Women are complicated. Now, I know what mine wants because we’re like this,” he says, holding up two intertwined fingers. “However, most times, it’s a guessing game. And Zimyra—she’s always been about being self-sufficient and independent. This is the woman who learned how to change her tires, jump a battery, and put on brake pads. And she can cook. She does it all so she doesn’t have to depend on anyone.”

“And where does that drive come from?”

“It comes from our upbringing. I mean, our parents were good together, but years later, we found out our father had another family. Zimyra hasn’t said it outright, but I believe that has influenced many of her decisions. It’s why she’s been single for so long. Depending on someone means being vulnerable and not in control. She won’t have that.”

Walking further onto the dock, I say, “She didn’t come to work this past week.”

“She decided to take some time off. I think that whole situation at the job had her more shook than we all realized. She’s so good at hiding things, keeping her true feelings buried beneath a happy persona when really she’s struggling internally. But I’m glad she’s taking some time off. She never does. She needs it.”

“I agree.”

Zavier crosses his arms and says, “And you never told me what your intentions were.”

I slide my hands into my pockets and look the man in his eyes and say, “My intentions are to make your sister the happiest woman in the world. I care about her as much as I love her.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” I affirm. “Really.”

“You told her that? That you love her?”

“No.”

“And how many times have you seen her this past week?”

“None. I went by there a few times, called and texted.”

“What else?”

“What do you mean, what else? What else is there?”

“You tell me, Axel. If you love somebody, nothing stops you from seeing that person. I know that for a fact.”

“After what she’s been through, I’m not going to be that man to irritate her.”

“Who said anything about irritating her?”

“Showing up when she’s not necessarily in the mood for company is irritating. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I would, but showing up, even when she doesn’t answer the door shows her that you care.”

“I’m doing that already.”

“You are. Justkeepdoing it. That’s what I’m trying to emphasize. You can’t let up on a woman like Zimyra. She’s tough. If you’re not persistent, you’re not winning that race.”

I agree with him on that. I know how headstrong Zimyra is, and I’ve grown to adore that about her. I just don’t like it when it works againstme.

I say, “Question—you don’t seem to have a problem knowing I like your sister. Your brother, on the other hand, hates my guts.

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