13. Zara
13
Zara
“ T hose hands work magic on the pole and hair too,” Cameo smiled, tousling her wig. “Thanks again, boo. I don’t know what I would’ve done tonight.”
“Have that helmet fly off mid-performance. You need to get your money back,” I giggled.
“Shit, I could’ve gone viral and really made a killing. I might need to slap that bitch back on.”
Cameo’s comment had me holding my stomach laughing. That was until Diamond strolled in.
“I don’t know how you’re smiling right now,” she poked.
“Yeah, it’s definitely time for me to go. See you later,” I said to Cameo while throwing my supplies in my bag.
“I’d be rushing out of here too if I had blood on my hands.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Makori and his girl were found dead, conveniently after he got into it with you at Route 66.”
Apparently, gossiping wasn’t just a small-town thing. It happened in the city, too.
“Don’t even start that rumor, Diamond. Makori is far from a saint. Everybody knows that,” Cameo replied in my place because my mind was still spinning.
“I’m not starting shit. Just stating the facts but you enjoy your day Nova.” Diamond slammed her locker and delivered a sarcastic smile.
“That bitch is just running her mouth. Don’t let her get to you,” Cameo urged.
With a faint smile I shoved all my supplies in my bag trying to ignore my heart pounding. I repeated Cameo’s words to keep calm. Diamond just wanted a reaction. Anything to get under my skin. I turned for the exit and a solid weight crashed into me, nearly knocking the phone from my hand. My head snapped up, and I found myself face-to-face with Sydney.
“Whoa there, gorgeous,” she said, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She stepped back slightly but didn’t miss the opportunity to let her gaze linger a little too long. “Didn’t mean to knock you off your feet.”
“Sorry,” I muttered, quickly pocketing my phone. “Wasn’t paying attention.”
“No problem,” she replied, her tone softening as she leaned in just a bit closer. “I’d hate to think you were trying to avoid me.”
“I have to go.”
“You sure? I’m about to grab some food and everybody knows Utopia has the best wings. Join me?” she asked, her eyes bright with hope and determination.
My mouth hesitated, but my brows didn’t.
“Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m harmless, I promise,” Sydney swore.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” I replied, killing any thoughts brewing.
“Then what’s the harm in two girls grabbing lunch? Friends go out to eat all the time.”
“We’re not friends,” I pointed out.
“All the more reason to have lunch. You’re already here, and everybody needs to eat.”
My Curiosity got the better of me.
“Fine,” I replied, turning around and sitting in a booth near the bar.
But it wasn’t Sydney I was curious about. Despite their awkward relationship, she had VIP Access to Kenyon Keyes’s world. Sydney didn’t have to wander, figuring out the terrain on her own because she had much more experience. Maybe she could make sense of his unique personality.
Sydney immediately launched into small talk, her words coming out in a nervous rush.
“How have you been?”
“Great,” I replied.
“How are you liking Utopia?”
“It pays the bills,” I shrugged.
“I’ve seen you in action. It’s more than just a job. Looks like you came out of the womb dancing.”
“That’s what my Banana Girl says.”
“Banana Girl?”
Sydney had the kind of personality that relaxed you without even realizing it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have shared Nana’s nickname. A trait I’m sure helped her succeed in her conquest, but it wouldn’t change my mind.
“A nickname I gave my grandma.”
“Oh,” Sydney giggled nervously. “You’re really good. I’ve spent a lot of time at Utopia and never seen anyone quite like you.”
“I guess that’s why you won’t leave me alone.”
“You definitely make it hard. How long have you been dancing?”
“What do you really want, Sydney?”
Her smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. “To know why you’re so hostile with me. Everyone has such nice things to say about you. I’d love to meet something other than your attitude,” Sydney fired back.
“Seems like I met yours at Kenyon’s house.”
Sydney smiled and leaned back in her seat. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Kenyon is just private,” she shrugged, carefully selecting her words, “I wasn’t expecting to see you, that’s all.”
I smirked at her, switching from calling him Keyes to Kenyon all because I did.
“What’s the deal with y’all anyway?”
Since she begged me here, I figured I’d ask some questions of my own. Their relationship status, or lack thereof, seemed to be a sensitive subject for them both because she couldn’t give me a straight answer either.
“We’re close and sometimes invite friends to the fun.”
“That’s pretty vague. Are you two even really in a relationship?”
Her smile tightened a bit. “Our situation works for us, and we think it could work for you, too.”
I met her gaze, unblinking. “I’m not really interested in… that kind of arrangement,” I said, watching her smile falter for a moment.
“What are you interested in, then?”
I paused, considering my words. I was interested, but not in the way she thought. And certainly not with her involved. But I didn’t tip my hand. Not yet.
“Just getting to know people better,” I replied, letting the words hang between us.
Sydney’s lips pressed into a thin line, and I could tell she was annoyed. She expected me to be an easy addition to her little game.
“Well,” she sighed, her voice too sweet to be sincere, “I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I see something in you. Kenyon does, too.”
“Oh, he does, does he?” I smirked, mouthing a thank you to the waiter as she sat my Jamaican Jerk wrap in front of me. “Cute but I’m sure there’s a line of women who would be more than happy.”
“I don’t want other women, Nova. I want you.” I watched her move from across the table to the seat next to me, “There’s something about you that feels... right. I can’t explain it, but I know it when I feel it. Kenyon feels it too,” she added, trying to throw his name around to sway my vote.
“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”
“Only when it’s worth it,” she replied.
We chatted more over food, and Sydney wasn’t as bad as I had thought. At least when she wasn’t trying to fuck me, but Sydney delivered one last message before we went our separate ways.
“Listen, I’m trying to respect your wishes, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes or costs to make that happen. Have a good day, beautiful.”
After leaving lunch with Sydney, I still felt unsettled trying to reconcile their relationship with Diamond’s comment still circulating my thoughts. By the time night rolled around, I found myself in Rajah’s car, heading to some late-night cookout she swore I couldn’t miss. I wasn't sure I was in the mood for it, but Rajah’s energy always had a way of pulling me in, and tonight was no different.
“Who’s cookout is this again?” I asked
“Some niggas from ‘round the way,” Rajah replied.
“What niggas?”
“Just some neighborhood people. It’ll be plenty of food and drinks, so relax and have a good time away from the damn club.”
“I’m down for that.”
“Shit me too. Tayshaun is with his trifling daddy. I started not to let him go. The last thing he needs is for that nigga to rub off on him, but Mama needed a night off. Let him feed his ass for once.”
“Well, you picked him.”
Rajah rolled her eyes, fighting the urge to blow the horn at the car before us. “Don’t remind me.”
“You liked him enough to have his baby. What changed?”
“Being young and never having a real example of love, I chose wrong.” Rajah shrugged. “I thought being needed meant people loved me. It doesn’t, by the way. After a while, I got tired of begging him for basic shit, so I took my son and left.”
“You sound so much like my mom.”
Rajah glanced over, “You’re grinning, so I guess that’s a compliment.”
“Yeah, she doesn’t put up with anybody’s shit either. Even has sharp lips like you,” I giggled, and Rajah joined in.
“She sounds a helluva’ lot better than the one the Devil gave me. It’s hard to know what love looks like when your family refuses to give it to you. So you pick the wrong men because chaos feels normal, and you run from the ones who want to give you what you deserve.”
“What’s his name?” I asked because it seemed like everybody had one who got away. I wondered if I’d look back at my decisions and regret leaving Calvin behind.
A soft gasp escaped as she mumbled, “Leland,” as if he was a secret she guarded safe in her heart, “I wasn’t ready, though, I would’ve ruined him, and it’s enough scarred niggas out here as it is.”
“Well, Leland doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
“I appreciate it, but that man is probably somewhere married with his perfect little wife and family,” Rajah replied.
“Then that just means your forever is still out there somewhere.”
“Life is different for us dancers, Freshie. Nigga’s want the fantasy and all the perks that come with it but don’t want to deal with the real you. I’m not holding my breath behind none of ‘em, and you better not either,” she warned.
I wondered if Kenyon felt that same. That would explain how hot and cold he was keeping me at arm’s length.
“I’m not,” I replied in a high-pitched voice, making her deliver a look that only a mother could, even if she’s not yours.
“Then why are you looking so damn sad?” Rajah challenged.
“Diamond made a comment earlier about how Makori got into it with me, and now he’s dead. I know it’s not my fault, but-.”
Rajah cut me off before I could finish my thought.
“Look, Jesus died for our sins, but sometimes on earth, someone’s gotta pay for their own. It's just the universe balancing the scales, so don’t sweat it. She’s just trying to get in your head.”
I smiled and nodded, desperately needing those words.
“Good. Now let’s turn up!” Rajah turned the volume up, blasting music and dancing in her seat until we arrived on a packed street.
She could barely drive down it because people were everywhere, and most of the parking was taken. That was no small feat, considering we were at a public park with a huge lot. Rajah drove around twice, but every spot was occupied.
“Damn, are cookouts always like this around here?” I asked, gawking out of the window.
“For the most part. Folks aren’t turning down free food and drinks,” Rajah replied, then hit the horn so hard I jumped. “Get the fuck out of the way!”
The male figure raised his finger and walked to the driver's side. When we realized it was Trindon, Rajah rolled down the window.
“Damn, I’m trying to give you a parking spot, and you tryin’ to put me in the hospital,” he smirked, leaning inside the car and nodding at me.
“I know, Miss. Ernestine told your ass to stay out of the street.”
“She told me a lot of shit I never listened to. D-Rock is finna’ roll. You can have his spot, though.”
“Thanks, Trindon.”
“Anything for my two favorite ladies,” he replied, winking at us.
Rajah backed up a few inches to give D-Rock space to get out. His car pulled out, and she whipped into the tight spot like a pro. This was nothing like the cookouts I was used to, where the biggest excitement was catching up on the latest church gossip.
Rajah reached out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me to her. “Girl, pay attention. Do I need to hold your hand all night?”
“Sorry. It’s just so many people.”
“I forgot you’re a country girl.” I hadn’t disclosed what country I was from, only that it was vastly different from Northbridge. “What did y’all do for fun? Cow tipping and shit?”
Calvin had dragged me along once, but that wasn’t my idea of fun.
“Whatever, hoe.” I playfully lapped my eyes because admitting that would only fuel her jokes.
Her hand was firm in mine, dragging me around like the little sister hanging with the older cool kids. Rajah greeted people with smiles and waves, moving like she owned the place. Meanwhile, I was still in awe, my head swaying, soaking up everything around me.
Shaking hands made Rajah hungry, so we walked over to the tables lined with aluminum pans. There was so much food that I had a hard time deciding where to start. Once we sat down, I stared at Rajah’s plate, realizing how much I had missed.
“Damn, this potato salad is so good,” Rajah’s eyes were closed as she hummed the cook’s good graces.
“I don’t know how you eat that.”
“It’s good, that’s how. They don’t have good potato salad where you’re from?”
“Hell, if I know. I wouldn't eat it if they did.”
Rajah licked her lips, bouncing her potato salad-filled fork. “You don’t know what you’re missing, girl.”
“I will take your word on that.”
Loud voices from one of the shelters garnered everybody’s attention. A few women were lingering around, but the picnic tables were full of grown men arguing over a game. It was heated because the one in red accused the other of cheating.
Then Kenyon walked in with Nolan at his side, looking too calm for the chaos around him. I shoved a piece of corn into my mouth, trying to act like I hadn’t noticed him, like my heart hadn’t kicked up a few beats faster.
“What’s wrong, Freshie?”
“Nothing. I should’ve grabbed another piece of chicken.”
“It’s plenty more. Go up there,” Rajah suggested.
Wiping my hands on the napkin, I stole another glance at Kenyon and the one unruly loc dangling on the side of his oval face. Despite needing a retwist, his lineup was crisp, like he had just gotten it done. Kenyon hadn’t noticed me, so I lowered my head when he stuck the toothpick between his teeth and dapped up the guy he spoke to.
It was short-lived because I saw his smile out of the corner of my eye. He tapped Nolan on the chest and headed toward us.
“Wassup Raj,”
“Wassup Keyes. Hey Nolan,” She smiled, leaning in for a hug, and did the same to Nolan.
“Hey, Nolan,” I waved, and he chuckled as Kenyon looked at him sideways.
“You don’t see me standing here?” he asked.
“Hi.” My dry response made Kenyon turn to Rajah.
“Wassup with her tonight?” He asked, pointing at me.
“Nothing. Freshie was fine before you got here. What did you do to her?” Rajah asked, folding her arms.
Kenyon’s tone grew harsh and dark, asking, “Who the fuck is Freshie ?”
“He wants to be the only one giving out nicknames,” I added dismissively.
“Hmm, why is that Keyes?” Rajah probed despite having an idea.
Growing up in Autumn Grove, I was used to guys being more humble. Their confidence was quiet like they feared it might scare off the good fortune they rarely saw.
“That’s what you do when you like somebody,” he smirked, not backing down or refuting my claim.
Kenyon was a different breed. In his walk, how people responded to him, but most importantly, how he commanded a room without even trying. In Autumn Grove, that kind of confidence would be seen as bragging.
“So, what’s my girl’s nickname?” Rajah shifted her shoulders, eagerly awaiting some tea.
“I’m going to get a drink,” I announced because the rules were the same whether you lived in the city or the country. Never leave without somebody you came with knowing where you’re going.
But the person I didn’t come with followed me and grabbed my arm.
“Wassup with you tonight?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s something. I can see the smart-ass comments bubbling on that forehead,” he joked, but when my eyes floated into the distance, he became serious, “Don’t get shy now, Zara Nicole. You never have a problem telling me when I fuck up any other time.”
“Did you do it?”
“Do what?”
I didn’t want to say it, but the way Kenyon’s brows nudged told me I had to repeat what Diamond had said earlier.
“Makori and his girlfriend. Rushed me home with a bodyguard, and suddenly they’re dead.”
“I was worried because he shot up a diner full of innocent people. The same diner I left you at.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made me want to look away, but I couldn’t. “It’s cute, you know I’d do whatever to keep you safe.”
His words hung between us, heavy and loaded with meaning. It wasn’t a confession, but it wasn’t a denial either. It was something in between that left me feeling cold all over. Kenyon’s eyes burned into the back of my head as I left him standing there. Kenyon was driving me crazy. Sadly, I don’t think he meant to. He was just used to sucking everybody into his orbit, but it was too intense and confusing for a girl like me.
Maybe boring isn’t so bad after all.