Page 27 of Royal Pain
Chapter 10
Belinda
The sound of my cell stops me in my barefoot tracks. I was afraid I wasn’t going to hear it ring. The gym is so fucking loud today! Soraya heads for the pool, knowing I’ll catch up. I get a backwards wave. She’s used to our time together being interrupted by calls, messages, and videos from Africa. The entire month of May has been like that. I take a seat along the wall of the indoor pool and connect to WhatsApp. He’s sending a text message.
Zan:Morning, baby. Are you at the gym? Don’t want to disturb, just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.
Before I can respond, a photo comes through. It’s of his crotch. He’s fully dressed, and there isn’t a hint of an erection, but I get the idea. I start laughing. The woman in the neon-lime bathing suit passing by gives me an odd look. Keep moving, mama, I’ve got a hot man here and he’s very amusing with his non dick pic.
Belinda:Morning. What you got in there, boy?
Zan:Your breakfast. Hungry?
Belinda:Always for you. But looks like pool water is the only thing I’ll be swallowing this morning. Soraya and I are going for a swim.
Zan:I can hear it. Before I let you go tell me about your suit? Bikini or one-piece?
I’m giggling like a preteen.
Belinda:One piece. Black. Very modest. Nothing sexy.
Zan:Good. Save the bikini wearing for me.
As my fingers begin typing, I get a follow-up comment.
Zan:Those fucking men at the gym. They’re looking at you whether you’re in a swimsuit or a down parka.
The goon-like grin on my face might frighten the swimmers.
Belinda:The only thing that matters is who I’m looking at.
Zan:Good answer. I’ll call you at our usual time tonight.
He doesn’t wait for my reply, but simply disconnects. Sigh.
I return the cell to my zip up and store it in one of the lockers against the wall. The key goes around my wrist. Soraya is already doing laps, her easy pace making it look effortless. I know better. When I tried to keep up with her a few weeks ago it was a fail. Now I mostly enjoy the cool water and do a lot of floating and aimless paddling.
Walking down the steps into the water shocks a bit. Getting neck deep as soon as possible is the way to go. Today I immerse myself all the way, dipping my head underwater then coming up, hair slicked back. It’s a beautiful day to float and think, and I’ve got so much to think about. I get to it.
A half hour later I see Soraya doing the breaststroke in my direction.
“Hey. How’s Adonis today?”
“Good. It was one in the morning there, but he always calls and says a New York good morning to start my day.”
“The man’s over the moon about you, Belinda. When are you going to make the trip?”
“If it was up to him I’d be there now.”
“What the hell are you waiting for, girl?”
The question floats in my mind. I swim around her while contemplating. For some reason I wanted to put a little time between our beginning and the next step. Just to see if he held on to the powerful first impressions. I did. But instead of saying that, I give a much simpler response.
“I’m going soon. I wanted to finish my piece on his family first.”
“How did it turn out? Are you happy with it?”
I’m unsure how I feel but I know what’s missing.
