Only for You

11: With You

Natalie looked up at Zac, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Do you wanna get out of here?" she asked, her voice low but clear over the thumping bass of the music.

Zac stared at her for a moment, weighing his options. The old him, the one who never second-guessed his next move, was ready to say yes and walk out with her without a second thought. But the new Zac, the one who was caught up in whatever this thing was with Fatima, hesitated.

Still, he nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

As they made their way toward the exit, Fatima sat on the cream white boucle sofa, nursing the last of her martini. She glanced up just in time to see Zac and Natalie slipping away together, disappearing into the crowd. Her stomach tightened, a mix of anger and something she didn't want to admit — jealousy.

She sucked her teeth and stood up, grabbing her bag. "Where are you going?" Brandy asked, looking up at her.

"Home," Fatima replied, the edge in her voice sharper than she intended.

"Whoa, slow down there, tiger," Kevin giggled, clearly tipsy. Brandy frowned, "But we just got here."

"You can stay, but I'm leaving," Fatima said, not wanting to stick around and watch the rest of the night unfold. She could still see Zac's retreating figure in her mind, the way Natalie had clung to his arm.

"And how are you gonna leave? You drove with me," Brandy pointed out with a hint of frustration.

"Taxi." Fatima shrugged, her tone clipped.

"Fatima, come on! Are you really gonna let Zac ruin your night?" Brandy groaned.

Fatima paused, her hand resting on her bag strap. She looked away, her voice softer, almost as if she was speaking more to herself than to Brandy. "I thought he was, but I clearly ruined my own night."

She plopped back down on the sofa, folding her arms tightly across her chest. The frustration and confusion were gnawing at her, and the last thing she wanted was to admit why.

"Because you like him," Brandy said knowingly.

Fatima glanced over at her, trying to mask her emotions but failing miserably. She sighed, her lips pouting slightly. "A little," she said in a low, reluctant voice.

"No, a lot," Brandy teased with a giggle, clearly enjoying watching her friend squirm.

"Stop sitting here all sad and shit, go get your man, girl!" Brandy nudged her, trying to lighten the mood.

Fatima groaned, standing up slowly. She scanned the crowd, her eyes searching for Zac but finding no sign of him. With a deep sigh, she made her way to the front of the yacht, her steps heavy with uncertainty.

The music was still pounding from the back of the boat, but here in the front, it was quieter, more serene. Fatima leaned against the rail, staring out at the dark waters and the stars scattered across the night sky. She let out a deep sigh, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as the realization hit her: Zac was probably fucking Natalie by now.

"See... I knew you wanted me," Zac's voice broke through the quiet, making her jump.

Fatima spun around to find him standing just a few feet away, his smirk firmly in place as he moved closer. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

"I'm just waiting on Brandy," Fatima shrugged, trying to play it cool, though her pulse was racing.

Zac shook his head, his grin widening. "Man, stop playing. I saw you watching me." He took another step toward her, his presence overwhelming. "Now, I can go back there and go fuck her—"