Dangerously In Love

4.

Zac was perched in the booth, glancing at his phone every few moments as the clock inched closer to 8:30. Just as he was about to lose hope, he spotted Fatima walk in. She scanned the room until her eyes landed on him in the back, his back turned.

"Yo ass had better been here," Fatima teased as she approached him. Zac turned around, a broad smile spreading across his face as he stood to greet her. They exchanged a warm hug.

"I was just about to take my ass home," Zac replied as Fatima slid into the booth across from him.

"Boy, I just wish yo ass would've," she shot back, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"And what would've happened if I did?" he chuckled, licking his bottom lip as he settled back, stretching his arms across the booth.

"Try me and find out," Fatima responded, a smirk playing on her lips.

"I think I might just have to take you up on that offer," he replied, taking his time to admire her, making her blush. It was a gaze that made her feel special in a way no one else had. She quickly looked away, clearing her throat and focusing on the window.

Zac gently took her chin, turning her head back toward him. "Am I making you nervous, beautiful?" The way he said "beautiful" sent a shiver down her spine, and she discreetly crossed her legs under the table.

"Not at all," she replied softly, trying to regain her composure. "And uh, sir, I don't know you like that for you to be touching on me," she joked, swatting his hand away.

"Well, how about you get to know me..." Zac trailed off, their eyes locking in an electric moment. Just then, the waiter arrived to take their orders, breaking the tension.

After they placed their orders, Zac leaned back, studying Fatima. "So, tell me about yourself. What makes Fatima tick?"

Fatima laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, I'm a lawyer, as you know. I work long hours, deal with a lot of stress, and somehow manage to keep my sanity. What about you?"

Zac chuckled. "I told you, I'm just a janitor. I work nights at the firm, and during the day, I take care of my grandfather. Not as glamorous as a lawyer, but it pays the bills."

Fatima's expression softened. "That's really admirable, Zac. Taking care of family is no small task."

He shrugged, a modest smile playing on his lips. "It's what you do for family, right? So, what made you decide to become a lawyer?"

Fatima took a sip of her coffee, considering the question. "I've always wanted to make a difference, to help people. Growing up, I saw a lot of injustice and felt powerless. Becoming a lawyer was my way of fighting back, of giving a voice to those who don't have one."

Zac nodded thoughtfully. "That's deep. I respect that. But it must be tough, balancing everything."

"It is," she admitted. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. What about you, Zac? Any big dreams or aspirations?"

He hesitated, then sighed. "Honestly, I never really had the luxury to dream big. Life's been about survival, taking care of my grandfather, making ends meet. But lately... I've been thinking about going back to school, maybe studying something I'm passionate about. I already got my business degree but I don't know."