HEART FOR HIRE ✓

Thirty Two

Jeanette followed me to my home anyway. Not because she doesn't have where to go - because she already has an eye on an apartment and she's staying with her sister - but because she could tell that something disturbing happened to me at the party.

I was in my own little bubble the whole time. I even remember googling how to outcompete a rival if both of you are chasing the same man.

But google is useless, at least for relationship advice.

"Do you want me to buy you something sweet?" Jeanette looks concerned. "I've never seen you so sad that you don't want to eat."

"I'll be fine," I wave her off. "I don't -"

I'm cut off by a sharp knock on the door. At first, Jeanette and I look at each other suspiciously. Well, I don't expect anyone to come to me at 11pm in the night.
Jeanette shrugs too - meaning that she isn't expecting anyone either.

The knocking becomes insistent, so, we have no option but to open the door.

"Do you want me to get it?" Jeanette inquires

"Are you sure? It could be a criminal or something!"

She flexes her non-existent muscles and I chuckle. "Do I look scared of anything?"

Jeanette goes to open the door and I stay behind to look for any weapon in case it's actually a criminal knocking on my door.
When I come from my bedroom with a small.pocket knife, I hear Jeanette talking with the person at the door.

Not a criminal then.

"Why are you here?" I hear Jeanette ask the person. "Haven't you done enough? Have you come to finish off what you started?"

The words startle me. Is it Jeanette's ex? That scary dude? I rush out of the corridor to confront the guy but stop mid-step when I see the person on the door.

It's not Brandon. It's Zion. And he can't even stand straight.

What is he doing here? How did he know this place? Shouldn't he be somewhere in Aimee's bed having the time of his life?

"Natalia- I want Natalia," he drawls out and tries to force his way into the house. He doesn't get to because he walks straight into the wall and recoils with a pained expression

"Look here you rich kid," Jeanette scoffs at him. "I think Natalia has tolerated enough of your bullshit. What more do you want? She's done everything for you. You call, she's there. You command, she does it. What more do you want?"

"I- I want Natalia," he repeats. "Where is Natalia? She promised me she wouldn't leave. She left me alone at the party!"

"Alone? You are such a joker. How about that bitch? The one who baked you muffins?"

"Muffins?" Zion's eyes light up. "I want muffins. Do you have some?"

Holy crap. This man is so drunk. Why is he drunk? I didn't even know he could drink this much - even though he has all the wine at his disposal but you get the point.

"You won't see Natalia tonight."

His happy facial expression falls.
"Tomorrow?"

"How about never? What do you want to do with her? Haven't you done enough? Do you think that she is happy with being treated like she is worthless? Because that's what you make her feel. If you won't treat my friend the way she should be, if you insist on making her doubt herself and feel unimportant, you won't see her again. I promise you."

Zion pouts and whines like a puppy.
"I didn't even do anything!"

"Then what are you here for?"

"I want Natalia. I want to hug Natalia."

"Drunk like that? And why do you want to hug her? Is that part of the work she does for you?"

"I will pay!" Zion cries out

"Here we go again," Jeanette sighs. "Using your money to take advantage of people is such a low move. Even for you. So what if Natalia wants money, do you have to show up like this? At this time? Do you have to invite her to parties and let her be alone the whole time as you flirt with barbies? Do you also have to introduce her to your mother? Have you ever thought how overwhelming that can be?"

"How far can you go? I know for sure that Natalia has never told you where she stays but here you are, stalking her," her voice raises this time. "Just because you have money, it doesn't mean that the word revolves around you. So, until you get your shit together and figure out what you want to do with Natalia, I won't let you see her again."

Jeanette and Zion have no idea that I'm listening to their conversation. Jeanette is spitting the truth. I should be happy that someone - even though it's not me - is telling Zion everything I would want to say to him. But why do I feel bad that he is being scolded? Why do I want to push Jeanette away and pull him inside?

Because you are a fool in love, my conscience reminds me

Before I can take any action to intervene, my phone in the bedroom starts ringing with an incoming call.
I rush to see who could be calling me at such an hour but the number is new.

I hesitate. Should I pick it up? It could be Alex's roommate. So, I answer.

"Hello," I say

"I'm curious," the person on the other side says. "What kind of witchcraft did you use on Zion Thompson?"

"What? Who are you?"

The person, who is actually a female, ignores my question and goes on.
"I took him to my apartment tonight. It was supposed to be just him and I but guess what? He couldn't stop talking about you! He wouldn't stop whining about you leaving unnoticed at the party. Do you know how that makes me feel? No matter what I did, he still wouldn't forget you!"

Oh. Oh. It's Aimee.

"I showed him the video, y'know," she continues. "And guess what? It backfired. He knew all about it. It was a set-up to test you if you were with him only because of money. So, I guess you won. He is on his way to your apartment by the way."

"He is here," I finally breathe out from shock.

A set up? This family is so messed up!

"Oh, already?" Aimee laughs. "Have fun with him. I poisoned him with Viagra."