HEART FOR HIRE ✓

Thirty

As soon as Aimee's eyes land on me, her mouth opens and closes like a fish and then in an instant, she wraps her hand around Zion's.
Zion himself looks so startled that he extends a little further away from Aimee but not far enough to remove her hand.

Why isn't he removing her hand?

Aimee grins like she just won an award and walks closer to Zion. I can't hear what they are talking about but she is giggling like a happy bride.

"Hello Mrs. Thompson," Aimee greets in a sweeteningly fake voice. "It's an honor to finally meet you."

Marble is not even smiling neither does she show any sign of recognition.
"And you are?"

Aimee's smile fades and her cheeks turn red from embarrassment. She tugs on her blonde hair and looks down.
"I'm Aimee, a friend to Zion."

So, if Marble can't recognize her, who invited her? Oh my God, did Zion invite her?

A pang of jealousy runs through my chest, my heart slightly hurting from the thought of Zion casually inviting his "friend with benefits" to Rosalia's birthday party.

"Are you? Zion hasn't spoken about you before," Marble replies, her voice laced with a hint of boredom. She looks like she wants to be anywhere but here. She turns to her son. "So, how far with the cake, Zion?"

Zion beams at his mother.
"It's ready and very delicious. But Natalia's cupcakes are more delicious, no offense mum."

"Really?" Marble's eyes light up. "I will have to taste those cupcakes that taste better than my custom-made chocolate cake! If it's really that good, you can bake me a cake on my birthday!"

"Marble-" I start to explain that I actually didn't make the cakes on my own but the woman turns her back on me and walks away. Probably to taste the remaining cupcakes. I turn to Zion with raised eyebrows. "Why did you tell her that?"

"Why not? The cupcakes are more delicious than anything I've ever eaten," he shrugs

"But I can't bake her a cake. You know how my cooking skills suck!"

"I'm sure your mum would love my baking," Aimee bats her eyelashes at Zion. For a moment, I forgot that she was still here. "You love my baking too, don't you? I used to make you strawberry muffins and you loved it when I made you pancakes too. Especially when you have to lick the maple syrup-"

Zion nervously chuckles and clears his throat.
"That's enough Aimee."

"It seems that you have forgotten about all the things I used to do for you," Aimee insists. "You've been so distant from me for a while, so, you may have forgotten how good I am at so much things. Allow me refresh your memory tonight."

Zion remains transfixed as Aimee stands on her tiptoes and starts caressing his chin.
"Come to my room tonight. Let me remind you about all the things you have forgotten."

I stand there, mouth wide open. Why isn't he pushing her away?

"You've been spending so much time with useless people," Aimee goes on, this time sending me a wink. So, I'm the useless person she's talking about? This female dog! "Tonight, let me remind you of how much fun we have together."

My phone decides to start ringing at that time and Zion seems to be back in his senses because he pushes Aimee away like she has a deadly virus.

"Excuse me," I say and walk away from them to answer the call - and to avoid watching Aimee seduce the man I like in front of me.

The call is from Jeanette inquiring about how the party is going, when I'm likey to return and if I've met any exs so far.

When I'm done with lying to Jeanette about how interesting and fun the party is, I start looking around for where to go. I can't be with Zion because apparently, he has got himself new company - and bear in mind that he is the one who invited me. Marble is sitting with her rich lady friends which makes it even harder to approach her.

I sit on a bench under the shade of a big tree and watch the children play, swing and swim. I admire them. They have no disturbing thoughts, nothing to hide from, no problems or worries. They play whenever and whatever they want, everyone loves them.

I wish I was younger. Life was easier back then.

"Well, if it's not the lady I wasn't expecting!"

The bench I'm sitting on dips and I turn to look at Aimee sitting next to me. Her perfectly done make-up is smudged this time, the hair is disheveled and from some movies I've watched, I can tell what actually happened. Plus, she doesn't try to hide the hickey on her neck.

She was making out with someone. Was it Zion?

"I underestimated you," she starts, and just like the first time I saw her in the elevator, she pulls out a mirror and make-up kit and tries to fix the smudged make-up. "I thought you were one of those I can scare off with just a few words but I was wrong. You have weaseled your way into this family and even made Mrs. Thompsons like you?"

"What is so special about you? I don't even see it!"

"Look Aimee or whatever you call yourself," I look at her directly into her eyes. "I haven't done anything to you. I haven't insulted you or stolen anything from you. Why do you have to insult me like this?"

"You think you're so holy and innocent, huh?" she smirks. "Does Zion know that his mother just gave you a bundle of bills? Do you think he will be happy if he finds out?"

My eyes widen. "I didn't even accept the money!"

"Who will believe you?" she scoffs. "I have a video I can use against you and I will. By the time I'm done with you, you will never ever try to mess with what belongs to me."

"Zion will believe me," I stammer. I know that he won't but I can only hope.

"No, he won't," she sounds so sure. "Because tonight, he will be in my bed. Where he belongs."