Page 109 of Taeja

Zain didn’t answer.

Taeja finally reached over and sat on the chair to Zain’s right. She looked at him expectantly, and he withheld a groan before introducing the two.

“Taeja, Owen. Owen, Taeja,” Zain said.

The light in Taeja’s eyes dimmed a little, but she looked at Owen with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m hisgirlfriend.”

Owen smirked. “I know. Yu Jamaican?”

Taeja nodded. “How did you know?”

“The way you look. Jamaican women cya hide.”

Taeja chuckled. “Never know we look a certain way.”

“Yeah, man…”

“How do you know Zain?”

“We worked together,” Zain said as he looked at his wristwatch, then at the entrance. He tapped his foot against the floor as another minute dragged by.

“Which part of Jamaica are you from?” Taeja asked.

“Junction.” Owen chuckled at Taeja’s furrowed brows. “It’s in St. E. You?”

“I-I can’t remember.”

“Been here that long, huh?”

Taeja nodded, looking at her fingers as she fumbled with them. “Yeah…”

Owen laughed off her embarrassment, then easily led them into conversation. Zain was thankful she’d have someone to talk to while he got his hair done, because his loctician walked in a moment later.

“Dee?” Taeja asked, shocked.

“Tae!” Dijonae exclaimed, her face brightening. “Wa yado here?”

Taeja’s eyes darted to Zain before settling on Dijonae. “I’m here with him. I didn’t know this is where you work,” Taeja said while standing to hug Dijonae. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Can I tell you?” Dijonae laughed. “A this morning Mommy a cuss seh yu dash her weh.”

“You two know each other?” Zain asked, raising his brow as he stood.

Dijonae nodded. “My mom babysat her when I was younger.”

Taeja chuckled. “Your age is showing.”

“I’m twenty-nine, and I look as young as you—” Dijonae paused to look at Owen, who was now standing, and her smile wiped away.

Taeja glanced between them. “Dee, this is Owen—”

“We know each other.” Dijonae scowled, her gaze softening as it shifted to Zain. “Sorry for being late, Zain. Traffic was thick like overnight cornmeal porridge.”

Zain nodded.

“Okay, follow me. Come too, Taeja. That man’s not good company for you.”

Taeja’s brows furrowed. “I’ll be there soon.”

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