Tainted

15. Zara

15

Zara

B randy had been picking up extra shifts to help, but we were still short. Walking into Serenity Springs, I was reminded that the deadline was approaching, and we’d need to make post-discharge plans for her care if the balance wasn’t paid by Monday morning.

She didn’t seem as worried, walking into Nana’s room while I paused outside the door. Nana could always tell when something was wrong, and I didn’t want her to worry today.

“Hey, Nova. I haven’t seen you lately,” Ms. G said, parking her cart along the wall.

“Work has been keeping me pretty busy. How is my girl?”

“She has her days, but she’s getting there. If she continues therapy, I think she will be fine, but I’m just a nurse, you know,” she smiled, nudging my shoulder.

“Thanks. I should get in there and get my curse out over with.”

“Have fun.” Miss. G patted my shoulder.

As a child, I thought life would be much easier growing up. I’d finally be in control of myself and my choices. But I realized that no matter how old you got, life always threw curveballs. I pushed the door open and pranced inside to see my favorite girl.

“Banana Girl!”

She dipped her chin and then pushed her glasses back up with her middle finger. Just from that gesture alone, I knew she was about to say something crazy.

“You sound like my baby, but I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in a while. It’s all fuzzy from the stroke and whatnot.”

“Hmm, I guess I’m not the only one you’re avoiding,” Brandy said, forcing me to roll my eyes.

“Work has been keeping me busy.”

“Trying to cover my bill keeps you busy,” Banana Girl corrected.

My eyes skirted to Brandy because we agreed not to tell her anything.

“She figured it out. I didn’t have to say much,” Brandy explained, shrugging her shoulders.

“You know she can’t hold water to save her life,” Nana chuckled softly, a twinkle of mischief dancing in her eyes. “Just like when you two tried to hide that broken vase behind the couch.”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the reminder of our childhood antics. Brandy and I were playing tag indoors and accidentally knocked over Nana's vase. The irony of Brandy snitching on us when she was the one who pushed me into the table where the vase rested.

"I should have known," I muttered sheepishly before changing the subject. “What’s Sonny been up to?”

“Pissed off, Carly got the hotel back and let that bitch Ava control him.”

“Watch your mouth, Banana Girl.”

“Sonny and Jason have been fighting, too,” Brandy added.

“Who’s side are you on?” Because if anyone could rival her love for Sonny Corinthos, it was Jason Morgan.

“A mother doesn’t take sides when her children fight. They need to make up. They don’t have no business being at odds after everything they’ve been through anyway,” Nana scolded, like only a grandmother could, “So whatever the two of you have going on, work it out.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Y’all are the only family each other has. The problem isn’t bigger than that. It can’t be, so hug it out and let it go,” Nana demanded, ignoring my stall tactic.

Brandy hesitated a second because she wasn’t sure if I would comply.

“My chest is getting tighter by the second!” Nana groaned, clenching her chest like she was on the set of General Hospital. “Hurry up and hug! I don’t want to spend my final moments with you girls at odds.”

Brandy tinkled a laugh, and even though I knew Nana was full of it, I obliged her request anyway.

“Your heart is just fine, woman,” I groaned, walking around her bed to hug Brandy quickly.

“When I’m dead and gone, all you two will have is each other. Don’t let anything come between that.”

“Why do you have to go straight to death?” Brandy asked, taking the words out of my mouth.

“We’re all going one day anyway.”

My phone vibrated as I nestled into the chair beside her bed. My cheeks grew warm with excitement seeing Kenyon’s name on my phone.

Kenyon: I miss your pretty face and big forehead.

Me: You have an odd way of showing it.

Kenyon: That attitude is cute.

Kenyon: I’m sorry Babygirl. Let me fix it tonight.

Me: Can’t. I have plans.

I desperately wanted to cancel because I missed Kenyon, too. I hadn’t seen him in a few days, and it felt like torture. He’d send sporadic texts asking if I ate or saying good morning, but that wasn’t enough. I was officially hooked on Kenyon, and I didn’t like it.

Kenyon: What fuckin’ plans? ?? ??

Me: You’re not the only one busy ?????♀?

Kenyon: I’m just trying to love you, and you’re not letting me

Me: You are full of it Kenyon. I’m visiting Nana right now.

Kenyon: Tell her I said wassup.

Mom always said I’d wander into a hurricane if I thought a secret was hidden in the eye. I was deep in Kenyon Keyes's world, where warning signs look like neon lights at a carnival. Yet, I couldn't pull myself away. Each mystery about him only fed my desire to know more. It was risky, stepping closer to the storm that was Kenyon, but I couldn't help myself.

“So, who is your William Daniels ?” Nana asked.

“What are you talking about, Banana Girl?”

“That rock-headed boy that had your mother wearing that same doe-eyed frown you have right now. So that can only mean one thing.”

“Where do you come up with this stuff?” Brandy asked.

“I’ve lived long enough to pick up on these things. After she’s done telling me about this boy, you can explain why Otto is always at my house like he pays bills.”

“Questions that need answers,” I smiled sarcastically at Brandy. She waited for Nana to turn her head before flipping me the bird.

“Little girl. Answer my question.” Nana’s firm tone made me sigh because Kenyon was the last thing I wanted to discuss, especially in front of Brandy.

“He’s.” My lips hissed, dragging the word out while trying to find one that fits, but I couldn’t. Kenyon wasn’t just one thing. That’s what made him so dangerous, “. . . complicated," I started, my voice trailing off. "We’re friends, kinda. Sometimes, he acts like we could be more.” I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling the weight of the unknown. “It's like standing on the edge of a cliff. It’s exciting, but I’m scared, too. What does that mean, Banana Girl?”

“You’re fucked,” she laughed so hard it turned into a cough that shot Brandy up on her feet, grabbing Nana’s cup. After a few sips, she explained. “Feels like that man has a piece of your soul, and he’s just roaming around with it, doesn’t it?”

“Something like that.”

Kenyon went against every lesson my parents gave me on men, but I couldn’t deny how he made the little girl in me feel safe and happy.

“Feelings, especially about love, are messy and wild. Sometimes, they don’t make sense, so don’t overthink, baby. Some people make you feel stupid, and some make you feel special. That’s just how life works.”

“Who made you feel special?” I asked.

Nana's eyes softened with fondness, “His name was Benjamin. We met one summer at the boardwalk while he was visiting family. Benjamin had a smile that could light up the darkest days.”

She paused, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. “But summer ended, and Benjamin had to return home, so it was goodbye.”

“You just let him leave?” I asked in disbelief.

“What was a girl supposed to do?”

“Not let him leave if he was all that.”

“Times were different back then. Later, his cousin, Diana, told me he had left because of the army.” I squeezed her hand, offering silent comfort as she relived the bittersweet memories of her youth. “Life took us down different paths, but I’ll always cherish the memories of that summer.”

“If that were a movie, I’d watch it,” Brandy smiled.

“My life isn’t that exciting to make a movie about, but I want you to make me a promise,” she insisted, struggling to move closer. “Don’t you get too caught up in that club, you hear me? One minute, you’re doing what you have to do. Then you blink, and ten years have passed, and you have nothing to show for it. I don’t want that for you.”

“She told you that, too, huh?” I sneered, rolling my neck to Brandy.

“I didn’t need her to. I figured that one out all on my own. I guess my brain ain’t so fried after all. Anyway, I called my friend, Sonya Hayes. She’s working in New York right now but will call you when she’s back in town.”

“Are you feeling okay, Banana Girl? You really want me to believe you know Sonya Hayes?” I asked, touching her forehead.

Sonya Hayes was your favorite dancer's favorite dancer. Her grace on stage was undeniable, but her fight off stage created opportunities for dancers. She opened dance studios all over the country, including one here in Northbridge.

“Girl, it ain’t nothing wrong with me. Sonya and I went to high school together. I even dated her brother George for a little while.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Same reason you didn’t tell me you were shaking ass at that club.”

“Alright, I have to get going.”

“Where are you going?” Brandy asked.

“Hanging out with Romello tonight,” I replied, leaning down so Banana Girl could kiss my cheek. We had kicked it a few times so far. He didn’t give me butterflies like Kenyon, but Romello was fun and, most of all, safe.

“Me and Otto wanna hang too. Where y’all going?”

“Nowhere with y’all.”

My response made Nana chuckle because she knew how I felt about Otto. Brandy did, too, but conveniently got amnesia and rolled her eyes.

“Whatever. I’ll see you later, Nana.”

“If you going to have that nigga laid up in my house, have him change the filters,” She fussed, hugging Brandy.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hmm, I hope you’re using condoms. Both of you. I had a dream about fish the other night.”

Since moving back, I hadn’t done anything, so I tuned out her comment, “I love you, Banana Girl.”

“I love you too, My Zara.”

Brandy and I headed for the parking lot while she speculated which neighbor reported her business to Nana.

“I know it was Miss. Kurley. Her nosey ass is always peeping through the blinds.”

“It could be anybody. They’ve all lived on that block before we were born,” I chuckled.

“What are you wearing tonight?”

“No clue.”

“Oh, wear those denim shorts with that cardigan I love. I would've stolen it if we wore the same size.”

“As long as we have your shape and not mine. I’d be raking in the dough at Utopia for real with that ass.”

“Hmm, maybe I need to put all this thickness to good use!” Brandy bent over, shaking her ass, then dipped to the ground.

“Yeah, you should because we need money.”

“I’m not as brave as you. I could never,” Brandy sighed, leaning against my car. “All those eyes on me. Taking my clothes off for strangers. I just. . .” She shivered at the thought and quickly caught herself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean.”

My hand flew up, and Brandy slammed her lips shut. “I’m not offended. I’m just doing what I have to do for now, but one day, I’ll be living my dream.” I smiled at the thought. “Maybe I’ll own a dance studio teaching classes. Or maybe dance on tour with Beyonce.”

“Oh, yes! I need the hookup on tickets, too. I have a better chance of getting the Coca-Cola recipe than getting Beyonce tickets on my own.”

“You know, Mrs. Carter doesn’t do that unprofessional shit. You’re not about to get me fired from my dream job.”

“I can see you on stage now, cousin. Mrs. Carter would be lucky to have you.” Brandy’s face lit up, delivering that compliment. Then, in the next second, it was gone. Brandy became quiet. A sign that something was on her mind that she didn’t know how to share.

“What is it?”

A gentle tone accompanied Brandy’s words, “You’re feeling Keyes like that?”

“I don’t know how to feel about him,” I admitted.

“Just be careful. He’s fine and has money, but I’ve never seen him take any woman seriously other than Sydney. I don’t want you to get hurt, you know.”

“Thanks, Bran. I appreciate it.”

We shared a hug much more sincere than Nana had forced on us. I drove home, trying to put Brandy’s warning in the back of my brain so I could enjoy my night. After a quick shower and wardrobe change, I was excited to do something other than work and visit Nana.

Romello picked me up, and his smile and relaxed vibe made him easy to be around. We grabbed our tickets and loaded up on snacks before claiming our seats. For the first time in weeks, I wasn’t thinking about how to solve my problems. I was just a regular girl on a date with a nice guy who’d occasionally kiss my forehead throughout the movie.

"That was crazy, right?" Romello placed his arm around my shoulder as we walked out of the theater, “I didn’t see that twist coming.”

"Yeah, it was wild," I replied, smiling.

“Well, if it isn’t the star of the show,” Sydney called out, forcing us both to turn around. She wasn’t alone. “Hey, Nova!”

My mood instantly plummeted, offering a quick wave while Romello was all smiles and handshakes, unaware of the tension.

“What’re you two up to?” Kenyon asked, his gaze flicking to Romello, and I could see something dark flash in his eyes. Jealousy? Maybe, but I wasn’t sure.

“We just saw a movie," Romello answered casually.

"How sweet," Sydney said, roping her arms around Kenyon like she had something to prove. "We were about to head to the bowling alley. You guys should come with us.”

I wanted to say no, to make some excuse and get out of here, but Romello smiled and said, “We’re in, and I’m not taking it easy on either of y’all.”

“I don’t know. I’m not much of a bowler,” I retreated.

“Me either,” Sydney said before leaning over to whisper, “I’m just going for the drinks and food. Come on, it’ll be fun and give us girls time to get to know each other.”

My lip curled at her offer because that was all the more reason not to go. I knew what Sydney wanted, and it had nothing to do with getting to know me.

“I can teach you everything you need to know,” Romello suggested.

Kenyon’s eyes became the color of the ocean at midnight, watching Romello nuzzle his face against mine before kissing my cheek.

"Great!" Sydney chirped, her smile widening. “Let’s grab a lane.”

My heart sank. They were the last people I wanted to hang with, but now I was stuck. It only got worse as we settled. Romello was his usual charming self, laughing and joking, but I could feel Kenyon’s eyes on me. They had me sweating as Romello disappeared to order food and drinks while Sydney went to the bathroom.

That left me alone with Kenyon while I input our names into the system. He walked up so close behind me that I could feel his breath on my neck.

“This is what was so important?”

"You quickly found someone else to do," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I jabbed him with my elbow to create distance. "You need to move before Sydney and Romello come back.”

His lips curled into a smirk at me, purposely swapping something for someone , but nothing was friendly about it as he swooped my hair behind my shoulder. “You have an attitude like your heart picked somebody else over you tonight.”

“ Your heart ?” My eyebrows shot up, and I chuckled, “If this is how you treat your heart, you don’t care about it or yourself.”

His breath was hot against my ear. “I’m not Madame Serena. Closed mouths don’t get fed Babygirl.” He moved my hands from the keypad, eliminating the distraction. “If you want my time, say that.”

“Effort and interest go hand in hand, Kenyon. I didn’t cancel my plans with Romello tonight because I don’t have to wreck my brain wondering where I stand or what he wants from me. So don’t throw a tantrum about me being here with him when you haven’t done either.”

Kenyon tilted my chin and slipped his tongue in my mouth, not caring if anyone was watching. It was bold and reckless.

For a split second, I got lost, forgetting who we were with, letting myself feel the words, “I miss you and those cold feet on me at night. How’s that for my heart?” he mumbled, never detaching from our kiss.

“I brought shots! I wasn’t sure what everybody wanted, so I grabbed Tequila,” Sydney announced, with no anger or jealousy, just a casual smile. “Let’s wait for Romello to get back.” She suggested holding a shot glass out at me, but my arms were frozen, so Kenyon took his and mine.

He gave me a look, something between reassurance and a warning, like he was telling me not to overthink it. But how could I not? I’d just kissed him, and Sydney didn’t even bat an eye.

“Take it before I stick my tongue in your mouth again.”

This wasn’t the playful, flirtatious Kenyon I was used to. It was darker and more intense, and I didn’t know how to respond.

Grabbing the shot, I chugged it and backed away from him, trying to get the fuck out of the matrix.

Romello strolled back to our group, a cold drink in his hand and a grin plastered on his face.

“What did I miss?” he asked, glancing between me and Kenyon. My heart raced again, this time with a jolt of panic.

“Nothing,” I replied too quickly, forcing a smile that felt like a mask.

We clinked our glasses together, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than a casual night out. Romello lined up for his turn, focusing on the lane ahead, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Kenyon.

Romello and Kenyon were deep in a battle of the lanes, going back and forth, while Sydney and I were dead last. Romello didn’t know it, but Kenyon’s competitiveness had nothing to do with the game. Romello had taken something that didn’t belong to him, and he had to pay for it.

“Is everything okay?” Sydney asked.

I lied, nodding yes.

“It doesn’t look like it. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always down to help a friend.” She smiled before jumping back up for her next turn.

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. It was a text from Kenyon. His message was short but carried an unmistakable weight.

Kenyon: He better not make it past your doorstep tonight.