Tainted

7. Zara

7

Zara

B randy finally wore me down, and I agreed to hang out tonight. I wasn’t thrilled about seeing Otto at the midnight run, but I was looking forward to the experience. It was one of the reasons I wanted to leave Autumn Grove in the first place.

Before the fun started, I needed to lay eyes on my favorite girl. Walking inside, I checked in with the receptionist.

“Oh wait.” She called out, forcing me to backpedal. “Administration wants to see the next of kin.”

“About what? Is Nana okay?” I asked immediately, concern lacing my voice.

“Her office is right this way.” She pointed, wearing a sympathetic grin.

Marching around the corner, eager to investigate, Ms. Holland awaited me at the door.

“I’m her granddaughter. What’s going on?” I asked, easing into the worn burgundy chair.

“We love Miss. Prescott, but unfortunately, her account is past due.”

“That can’t be.”

There was a pause, a silence that felt heavy.

“I wish it was different, sweetheart.”

“How? When did the payments stop?” I asked, confusion setting in. According to Brandy, everything was covered between insurance and Gran’s retirement check.

"They haven’t stopped. They’ve just been short, accruing a balance that needs to be paid. We've sent several notices to the address on file but haven't received a response."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t know. How much does she owe?” I asked, trying to focus on a solution.

She nodded, rummaged through her files, and slid the bill to me. My eyes ballooned, and I wondered how the hell this paper had more numbers than I had in cash to pay for it.

“We can give you a few weeks to resolve the situation, but if her account isn’t brought up to date, she will have to leave.”

"Thank you. I’ll sort this out as soon as possible. I apologize for any inconvenience."

Leaving her office, I willed myself together because I’d do anything to ensure Nana continued to receive the care she needed. My much-anticipated visit now felt heavier, opening her room door.

“My Zara.” She whispered lazily at the hall lights illuminating her room.

“Hey, Banana Girl.”

Banana Girl signaled me closer. I dropped my bag in the chair and sat on the edge of her bed.

“You’re worried,” she smiled, tracing the outline of my cheek.

“What have they been giving you today?”

“ She used to wear that same dough-eyed frown when she worried too much. When William Daniels asked Abby Tinsdale to be his girlfriend instead of her, she wore it for two months straight.”

“Two months over, some nappy-headed little boy!” I scoffed because I had never seen Mom stress over a man. They always seemed to stress over her. Even Rodney.

“Two,” Gran reiterated, trying to hold up two fingers. “Until Gabriel Davenport moved a few houses down.”

“She told me about Gabe Davenport and how he was supposed to be my daddy.” According to her, every girl had eyes for Gabe, but he only had eyes for her.

“Hell, he might’ve almost been if I didn’t come home early and catch them in her bedroom.”

“Oooh! She didn’t tell me that part.”

“Shana’s good at keeping secrets. I miss her so much.”

“Me too, Nana. How about I redo your braids?” I walked around to the other side and began unraveling her hair.

“I had a dream about her the other night.” She laughed, a sound like tinkling water.

“Oh yeah?”

“Shana came home. I was so happy to see her that I ran for a hug, but she looked scrambled, like an old VHS. Her mouth was moving, but nothing came out. Behind her was all these shadows and dark figures I couldn’t make out. I woke up pleading for the blood of Jesus. I don’t play with those demons and shit.”

“Hmm, what do you think that’s about?”

“Trouble, I fear. Even more so because you haven’t spoken to her, that’s odd for people as close as you two.”

“A lot changed over the years, Nana, but not this thick hair.”

“You could’ve been a bald, scraggly-looking girl, but I passed down good genes,” Nana boasted.

“I’m very thankful. Let’s get your hair done, and then I’ll get you in the shower.”

“These old bones don’t feel like moving.”

“That’s exactly why you’re getting up, Banana Girl. I can’t let these bones get stiff. Who else is going to be my dance partner?” I asked, offering a hand.

She complained and used profanity the entire time I washed her up. I told her it wouldn’t make me leave faster, but she wanted to test that theory. Banana Girl was back in bed with two fresh French braids and a new nightgown I picked up from Walmart because she said her old ones were making her ass itch.

“If you need anything else before I come back, just let me know.”

“Hmm, don’t you have to work tonight?”

“Nope. Brandy and I are hanging out.”

“I’m sure glad you girls have each other.” Nana’s unsteady hand found its way to mine, and I wondered what she meant by that, “Especially while I’m in here. Brandy’s been on her own long enough.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, baby. You and Brandy have fun, but be safe.”

“Always. You keep working on those exercises. Your grip is getting better.”

“My Zara,” she whispered, cupping my cheek, “You’ll say anything to make me feel better.”

“I love you, crazy lady.”

“I love you more.”

I kissed her forehead while thumbing her freshly oiled braids before leaving to meet with Brandy and Jewel. My first night out was now clouded by a hefty bill that I didn’t have the money to pay, and I wasn’t banking on Brandy having the money, either.

When I arrived at Nana’s house, the music was loud, and they were dancing around, taking shots. I stared at Brandy briefly, wondering how she was so carefree when we had bigger problems.

“Oh hey boo! You need to catch up,” Brandy boasted while lining up three shot cups.

“Nana’s account is behind. Do you know why?”

“Huh?” Her face scrunched up, trying to pretend she couldn’t hear me over the music.

“Serenity Springs said her payments have been short and now she has a balance. Why Brandy?”

Guilt flicked across her face before she could mask it. Brandy shifted her weight, eyes dropping to the floor. She looked like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar, but this wasn’t some tiny mistake. This was Nana’s livelihood.

“He promised he would give it back.”

“Who?” I asked while Jewel sat back, watching the exchange.

Brandy lowered her head in shame. “Otto. He was in a bind and needed it.”

“Did you ask that nigga for the money?”

She winced, biting her lip as she avoided my gaze.

“He’s usually good for it, but Dino won the race and the money Otto was supposed to pay me back.”

“Stupid.” I wasn’t even sure if I was talking to Brandy for giving up Nana’s money or me for coming back.

It didn’t help that Mom’s birthday was approaching. Our last conversation wasn’t heavy enough for me to say fuck Shana. Instead, it made me crave her hugs.

“I don’t need you to tell me it was stupid,” she claimed,

My leg was bouncing nonstop, and I had to keep my hands clasped before I put them on Brandy.

“Where is Aunt Misa? I haven’t seen her since I got back.”

“She’s somewhere.”

I scoffed and plopped down on the couch in disbelief.

“Un-fucking-believable! They’re going to put Nana out! What did you think would happen, Brandy?”

“I don’t know!” The dam finally broke, and her frustrations rolled down her face. “I’ve been here by myself, trying to handle everything! Do you know how hard it’s been?”

“You don’t get any sympathy from me. You did this to yourself and Nana.”

“Did I? Because I’m pretty sure Auntie should be here helping care for her mother, but it’s only me!” Brandy stormed upstairs, leaving only Jewel and me.

“It was stupid, but Brandy isn’t malicious. She loves Nana. We all do,” Jewel explained, sticking up for Brandy.

“Thanks,” I replied sarcastically because all that love meant nothing. I damn sure couldn’t use it to bring Nana’s account current. “I’m not in the mood to go out anymore. Y’all have fun.”

“After that fight, we all need a night out,” Jewel’s reasoning wasn’t enough to make me sit back down. “Come, it’ll be fun.”

“Okay,” I replied, but not because I needed a night out. Brandy said Otto would be at the race, and I had a few choice words for him.

“Yes!” Jewel jumped up and hit the butterfly of all dances. “I’m going to get Brandy so we can have some fun tonight.”

The weather had changed from warm to chilly, forcing a shiver as we stepped outside. Brandy and Jewel were bubbling as we hopped into Jewel's old sedan, but I was still pissed. Stepping out of the car, the ground vibrated under my feet from vehicles lining the street.

Like all the other women, we stood around, waiting for the excitement to start. Brandy and Jewel were deep in conversation about why the DDs weren’t here yet while I awaited their arrival.

Brandy finally sucked her teeth, tired of ignoring my existence. “I don’t want to fight with you. Having you back has been nice. Thank you for all the help with Nana.”

“You’re welcome.”

“It’s just been me trying to do everything, you know. Mama isn’t much help unless she wants something, and Auntie is,” Brandy paused before continuing. “It helps not to feel like I have to do it all. But it’ll be more work when she leaves the facility.”

“We’re family, Brandy. We’ll figure it out, but you need to hand over the money to me.”

“Why would I do that?” Brandy quipped as if she and her boyfriend weren’t the reason her account was behind.

“Alright, y’all relax, damn,” Jewel stomped her foot because all she wanted was a night out on the town. During the ride here, she vented about her job, which she hated, and how her sister was pregnant again and couldn’t raise the two she had.

“Because you clearly can’t say no. So I’m taking over.”

“No offense, but you’ve been back a hot second. How do I know you’re not passing through to hit your next lick? Hell, her money might be the lick.” Brandy’s theory made me laugh hysterically.

“Because, unlike you, I know her best shot at recovery is where the fuck she is.”

“You don’t think I know that too!” Brandy yelled.

“Hard to tell from where I’m standing.”

“Same bitch!” Brandy yelled, pointing in my face.

“You better keep that finger out of my face!”

“Or what!” Brandy’s challenge surprised me, but not enough to let her talk to me crazy.

“You know what the fuck I’ll do! Don’t play with me!” I yelled back, causing Jewel to jump in between us.

“Ah, shit! Looks like the DDs just pulled up! Look,” Jewel pointed out.

“Great,” I smiled sarcastically.

Brandy rolled her eyes and walked toward the DDs while Jewel and I lagged.

“Wassup, Baby,” Otto greeted Brandy as she tossed her arms around his neck.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

“Talk to me?” He asked with a light chuckle before looking down at Brandy for an explanation.

“This isn’t the time or place,” Brandy gritted.

“Maybe another time. I need to get ready for the race.”

“Please do because I will need Nana’s money tonight,” I reminded him.

Jewel’s jaw dropped while Brandy moved from hanging on Otto’s neck to standing before him like the Secret Service.

“You’re doing way too much!” Brandy complained.

“You’re not doing enough! You let that nigga play you, but not me and definitely not Nana.”

“Watch your mouth! You just got here! Brandy has been doing this shit long before you showed up.”

“Oh, this isn’t the first time you’ve tricked up Nana’s money. Please, tell me more,” I demanded, cupping my hand behind my ear.

Brandy stepped up, whispering through tight lips.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Don’t say shit to her, Brandy. If she keeps running off at the mouth, my cousin gon’ see ‘bout her,” Otto threatened.

“Chill out. That’s my fuckin cousin!”

“Send whoever, and after I dog walk her ass, you’ll still be a broke ass nigga!”

“Bitch you don’t know me! I’m not the one to play with,” Otto threatened, rising from the car he was leaning against. Brandy’s hands flew to his chest, trying to push him back.

A deep baritone, “Aye!” blared, and Kenyon emerged wearing hooded brows and irritation until he looked at me.

“Hey, Keyes,” Jewel sang, her pinky nail hanging between her teeth, but he was too busy playing mediator.

“Don’t you have a race to get ready for?”

“I was trying to, but this bitch is running her mouth!”

“Chill, Otto! Stop calling my cousin out of her name!” Brandy defended, but I was already charging toward him.

“Yo’ mama’s a bitch. I guess that’s where you get it from!”

“Bring your little ass over here.” That tattooed hand jerked me into Kenyon’s side before focusing on Otto. “That’s not how you talk to women. Apologize.”

Otto didn’t feel I deserved one, but Kenyon’s authority trumped what Otto thought.

“Sorry.”

“Get ready for the race,” Kenyon snapped his fingers, and when I didn’t move, he grabbed my arm. Everybody was staring at him, guiding me to a black sedan.

Kenyon used the hood as a chair and crossed his arms, staring at me. He watched me like he was waiting for me to calm down.

“Is it some food or something out here?” I asked, turning from side to side, but all I saw were people and cars.

I should’ve stopped and grabbed something, but I was so eager to get answers from Brandy that’s all I could think about until Kenyon’s muscular frame leaned inside the window and grabbed a food bag.

“If you’re nice, I’ll share.”

“I’m not in the mood for games tonight, Kenyon.”

“Guess I’m not sharing,” he shrugged.

The aroma of his food teased me while he threw back fries like a beer. My stomach was growling while I watched Brandy and Otto hugged up. Then I looked over at Kenyon dressed casually in a black Nike sweatsuit, wondering if his dick would make me as stupid as Brandy.

“What are you doing here anyway?” I asked, trying to push thoughts of Kenyon’s extension out of my brain.

“I sponsor the DDs sometimes.”

“So Otto is your boy?” I asked with my lip twisted in disgust.

Kenyon smirked. “What did he do to get on the Power Puff Girls' bad side?” He then used his fingertips to pretend to fluff the puffball on top of my head.

“Nothing,” I replied because I couldn’t explain that not only was Nana’s account past due, but Mom’s birthday was around the corner, dredging up feelings I wanted to ignore.

“Birthmark?” he asked, grazing his index finger along my neck.

“Y-yeah,” I stammered, swatting his hand away from the heart-shaped discoloration.

His arrogant face smiled warmly at me. The longer his eyes roamed, the more nervous I became. As if he could see me reaching my breaking point, he revealed what was on his mind.

“You look different tonight.”

That wasn’t what I was expecting, and it showed. “Because I’m not dressed like a stripper?”

“Actually, that big ass forehead isn’t blinding me.” Kenyon shoved the carton of fries toward me. “You’re hangry as fuck and need these more than I do.”

Tossing a few in my mouth, I moved beside him and leaned against the car.

“Thank you.”

“So all I have to do is feed you to fix your attitude?”

“You need to be worried about Sydney’s attitude, not mine.”

“I’m talking about you.”

“That’s what this is about, right? Your girl wants to fuck me, so you’re buttering me up to seal the deal.”

Kenyon was the only one laughing because I didn’t find anything funny.

“I’m not in the business of making anybody do something they don’t want to do. Whatever beef you have with Syd ain’t got shit to do with me,” he declared, throwing his hands up.

“So what is it?”

“What is what?”

“You’re not trying to fuck me, and you told Javier we’re not friends, so why all this interest in me?”

Kenyon’s smooth brown skin stretched into a smile as he reached into the fry container. “You’re always giving me an attitude and shit, so why are you mad about what I told him?”

The way Javier moved through the crowd, confident and unbothered, left no doubt that he was important. His presence demanded attention and respect, making it impossible for anyone to ignore him.

“We may not be friends, but I’m not just some employee like you told him. I don’t see you in everybody else’s business like you are mine.”

“I think we changed that tonight, Friend since I shared my food with your hangry ass.”

“I don’t know yet. You seem like the kind of friends my Mom warned me about.”

“Now, who’s judging who.” I was so focused on Kenyon’s lips that he snatched the fry container back.

“I’m not judging,” I replied, and Kenyon held the fries over his head until I stopped reaching. I just noticed how different you were in front of him. One minute, you’re laughing and smiling, and the next, you look like you want to kill someone.”

“If people are supposed to smile all the time, where is yours?”

“Gone because you took my fries,” I complained.

“Share once, and now they’re your fries,” Kenyon handed them back over, but my facial expression reminded him he wasn’t off the hook. “Don’t worry, that pretty ass face. I’m straight.”

Now we were staring at each other, trying to suppress goofy ass smiles neither of us knew what to do with. Kenyon was winning that race, but I refused to let him see me fail, so I did the only thing I could.

“Thanks for the food, Friend .” I picked up the bag and walked to Jewel, who had been watching us like her favorite movie.

When I reached my destination, I noticed Kenyon’s hands were still holding an imaginary bag, trying to process what had happened. But that damn smile stretched across his face creating too many negative thoughts.

“I didn’t know y’all were tight like that,” Jewel said when I reached her.

“We’re not.”

“You just walked over here with that man’s food,” Jewel said dumbfounded.

“And?”

“Maybe you don’t know him,” Jewel shrugged.

“Keyes is respectful, but he’s not friendly enough to let anyone take his food.” Brandy’s voice made us both turn around as she sat beside me.

“We’ve had a few conversations at the club, but that’s it.” I shrugged, holding the fry container toward Jewel. “I guess you have to ask him about that.”

I didn’t want a threesome either, but Kenyon, not being interested, felt too much like rejection as I rummaged through the rest of the bag.

“What is everybody’s fascination with him?”

Jewel’s face twisted in confusion. That seemed like an insane question to ask, but I was new here and curious.

“He has the three C’s every woman wants. Confidence, charisma, and coins. As if God didn’t bless him enough, Keyes is fine as fuck. There’s a lot to be fascinated with.”

“What about Kross? Does everybody love him, too?”

“Yeah, but he isn’t like Keyes. He stays out of the way,” Jewel explained.

“Otto’s homeboy, Romello, asked about you,” Brandy interjected.

“You’re not off the hook that easy, Brandy.”

“So you’re going to stay mad at me forever?”

“I haven’t decided yet. Or maybe I’ll stay mad until Otto pays Nana back.”

“I don’t remember you being such a bitch.”

I didn’t remember her being so stupid and spineless. Though she deserved it, I kept that comment to myself. There was no fun in a fight you knew you could win, and Brandy was no match for me.

“Anyway, back to Romello,” Jewel said, trying to steer the conversation in another direction.

“No thanks.” Entertaining anyone associated with Otto wasn’t happening.

“Romello is cute. Might as well,” Jewel’s advice was only a segue to being nosey. “Unless you’re saving yourself for Keyes.”

“No, I’m not.”

“I wouldn’t blame you if you were,” Jewel boasted confidently. “Whew! I know those bowed legs give him good leverage when he’s deep in it.”

There were two types of men Mom told me never to have sex with- the ones with a curve and bow-legged men. She said they’d ruin my life before it even began. At the time, I just wanted to get the birds and the bees over with, so I agreed, but looking at Kenyon stroll over to Otto, she might’ve been right.

“Come on! I’ll introduce you before the race.”

Jewel tugged on my arm until I followed her across the street to meet Romello. She was desperately trying to keep the peace, but keeping the peace was an illusion that people clung to so they could avoid tough decisions.

“Romello!” Jewel yelled. His head rose, and I nodded to myself. Romello was handsome.

“Wassup Jewel?” He asked after jogging over to us.

“I want you to meet someone,” She smiled, turning his shoulders toward me. “This is Brandy’s cousin Nova. Nova, this is Romello.”

“Wassup Beautiful?”

“Hi,” I waved nervously because just by looking at Romello, I saw that he was much different from Calvin and all the men in Autumn Grove.

“Nova’s new here. Maybe you can show her around and help her get acquainted with the city,” Jewel suggested.

“I’m down with that if you are shorty.”

“Sure.”

“Is this your first face?”

The feeling of being watched delayed my response. Glancing over my shoulder, I caught Kenyon’s intense gaze fixed on us.

“This is my first.”

“We might as well start your orientation to the city now.” He offered his hand, and before I could accept, Jewel nudged me forward, deciding for me.

I nervously followed Romello back to the same car Keyes was leaning against, ignoring the woman in his face.

"First things first. You have to know the route like the back of your hand," Romello replied, patting the hood affectionately, “Tonight, we're hitting the back roads. Less traffic, more room to stretch your legs.”

I glanced around, taking in the dimly lit streets. “Sounds intense.”

Almost as intense as Kenyon’s gaze. It was as if he could see right through me, peeling back the layers of my composure, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.

“It can be,” Romello admitted, pulling my thoughts back on his dark, rich skin, “but it's a rush like nothin' else.” He gestured to the car's interior. “Hop in. I'll walk you through the controls.”

Kenyon's eyes tinged with a subtle warning as he leaned inside the window, watching Romello open the door for me to slide in. He began explaining the intricacies of the car's dashboard, pointing out the various gauges and switches.

“Do you drive?” I asked.

“Not yet. Driving at 150 mph is a skill I’m still working on,” I nodded, trying to absorb all the information. “So I will need your number to invite you when I do.” Romello’s smile grew wider, exposing his dimples, which made me laugh.

“So I have to wait until your race to see you again?”

“Never that shorty. I’m yours whenever.”

Instead of taking Romello’s number and bearing the weight of what to say in that initial text, I gave him mine.

“I’m going to hit you up for sure,” Romello replied as I returned his phone.

Engines roared to life, and the stage was set with four cars lined up. I wasn’t a stranger to fast cars and wild nights, but this was different. There was something primal about the energy here, something raw and dangerous that made my pulse quicken. A woman in tight leather shorts and a crop top stepped forward, raising a flag high above her head.

The flag dropped, and I could barely keep up with the blur of colors as the cars sped past, shaking the ground beneath my feet. My eyes gravitated towards Kenyon, but for once, his attention wasn't fixed on me. It was riveted on the speeding cars as they tore down the street. The crowd surged forward, screaming and shouting, but I was frozen, my heart racing almost as fast as the cars’.

Brandy’s scream stole my attention. “I told y’all! My man does this!”

“Girl, you act like his ass was driving. Calm down!” Jewel sucked her teeth.

“Don’t hate boo!” Brandy exclaimed, strolling over to the black car that had just sped through the finish line.