Indulgence

Eleven

Less than an hour later, Zac and Fatima pulled up at his apartment. They went and dropped her car off at her house before bringing her back to his place. She packed an overnight bag to spend the night with him and on the way they decided on Hibachi to go. Zac got himself the Chicken Steak and Shrimp and Fatima decided on the Chicken and shrimp Hibachi. They sat at the dining table in Zac's adjoining dining room and he cut the television on to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Carolina Panthers.

"You gone watch the game all night?" She asked opening her to go plate

"That depends on how this talk of ours goes."

"What does that mean?"

He gave her a knowing look " You know exactly what that means. You got mad and then you bolted before any explanation is heard. I didn't like that"

She sighed and poked through her food without saying anything. Zac waited patiently for her to respond but she did not. He glanced over at the game, silently celebrating the 36 yard pass for the Eagles in his head. After moments of pure silence, he grew frustrated

"You not gone say anything?"

She shrugged "What do you want me to say" her voice was barely over a whisper.

Zac shook his head and returned his gaze to the television "Nothing"

She sucked her teeth "Fine. Whatever" When she picked up her phone and began scrolling through her Instagram , Zac grabbed his food and retreated to the couch where he propped his foot up on the table for support and continued to eat. Sometimes he really acts like he's 26. She thought to herself. But at this moment, so was she. "Zac.." she closed her food box and stood on her feet

"Yeah" he answered without looking in her direction

"Can you take me home, please?"

He let out an aggravated sigh and rubbed the back of his neck "Yeah, grab your bag from off the chair" He slowly rose to his feet, turning to find a slightly confused Zac "What?"

"What happened to me not having to lift a finger when I'm with you?"

Zac shrugged "I thought we came here to talk but I guess that's not what you want so, cool."

She sucked her teeth "When did I say that I didn't want to talk about it?"He shrugged again making her instantly roll her eyes  "Can you use actual words and stop acting like a damn toddler?"

That made him laugh sarcastically " Oh, I'm acting like a toddler. Just a while ago you—never mind." He slid his feet into his Nike Slides and zipped up his jacket "You ready?"

Fatima waited hesitantly at the door. She hated that her emotions were so damn messed up. They didn't even get the chance to talk and here she was messing up another opportunity. She waited before he grabbed his keys before she pressed her back against the door, blocking him from opening it.

"Wait..." He tried to open the door but froze when he felt her hands cup both sides of his jaw "Wait a second" she whispered looking up into his eyes

Hearing the plead escape her lips made her so shy. But she had his attention now.

"What? I thought you wanted to go?"

She shook her head and brought his face closer to hers "No,I don't want to go anywhere. Especially not like this. Your irritated and Im irritating myself."

He took her chin in his grip "I'm not necessarily irritated, I just need some clarity with you ma. You no doubt confuse me sometimes" he took the bag sitting at her feet and chucked it through the open door of his bedroom "I get that you're still going through a divorce and I'm sure that asshole probably ruined you for the next guy but" his hands found her waist, pulling her towards him "I'm not him. And if I have to show you better everyday, I will."