Page 79 of Cannon
I cleared my throat loudly. When she pulled back and caught my expression, the one that said ‘back the fuck up’, she had the decency to look slightly embarrassed.
“We ordered Chinese if you’re hungry,” I said, my tone making it clear that food was all she was getting. “There’s plenty.”
“Thanks,” ZaZa said, grabbing a plate and sitting in the armchair across from us. She loaded up with orange chicken and fried rice, her eyes darting between Cannon and me. “So, what happened to your hands?” she asked him, nodding at his bandages.
“Work hazard,” he replied simply.
ZaZa raised an eyebrow. “Must be some intense security work.”
“It can be,” Cannon said, not elaborating further.
We ate in awkward silence for a few minutes before ZaZa spoke again.
“So, let me get this straight,” she said, setting down her fork. “You can have company over, but I can’t have Marcus here? How exactly is that fair?”
I set my plate down, feeling my temper rise. “First of all, this is my house. Second, Cannon is a colleague who’s helping me with a situation at the club.”
“A colleague?” ZaZa snorted, her eyes rolling dramatically. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“That’s enough,” I said, my voice dropping to that dangerous register that meant business. “Eat your food and drop the attitude.”
ZaZa held my gaze for a moment, then shrugged and went back to her plate. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. I could feel Cannon’s eyes on me, but I kept mine fixed on my food.
After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, ZaZa spoke again, her tone softer. “The food’s good. Thanks for ordering.”
“You’re welcome,” Cannon replied, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet room.
“What time is your thing with Marcus tonight?” I asked, trying to move past the awkwardness.
“Eight,” she said, checking her phone. “I should probably start getting ready soon.”
“The art exhibit, right?” I pushed my empty plate away. “Is it at Columbia?”
ZaZa nodded, her face brightening. “Yeah. It’s his professor’s work, but Marcus helped set it up. He said it’s going to be a big deal…lots of important people there.”
“Sounds nice,” I said, genuinely relieved to see her excited about something positive. “Remember, you need to let me know if you’re going to be out past midnight.”
She rolled her eyes again but nodded. “I know, I know. I’ll text you if I’m running late.”
After finishing her food, she stood up and gathered her plate. “Thanks again for dinner. Nice meeting you, Cannon.” She gave him one last appreciative glance before heading to the kitchen with her dishes.
Once she was out of earshot, Cannon leaned close to me. “She seems better than what you described.”
“Today’s a good day,” I whispered back. “The meds are working. I just hope she sticks with the new regimen. And I need to meet this new boyfriend.”
We cleaned up the remnants of dinner while ZaZa showered and got dressed. I could hear her music playing, the bass thumping through the walls as she prepared for her night out. When she finally emerged, she looked beautiful in a flowy black dress, hair pulled back in a sleek bun, makeup subtle but perfect.
“How do I look?” she asked, twirling in the living room doorway.
“Gorgeous,” I said honestly. “Very sophisticated.”
Cannon nodded his agreement. “Very nice.”
ZaZa beamed at the compliment. “Marcus is meeting me downstairs in five minutes.”
“Remember—”
“I know,” she cut me off, grabbing her purse. “And I took my meds already, before you ask.”
