by Tina Martin
“You just don’t get it.”
“What is it that I don’t get, Savannah?”
“Nevermind,” she said, and the smile remained on her face. “Let’s get back to these samples.”
Chapter 9
As he’d done the days prior, Tennyson returned to the office. On the way there, he walked to the break room, grabbed a cup of coffee then continued on to Harding’s office. He wanted to talk to him in person since he was already gone when he arrived at his house for work this morning. At 4:30, Harding was still at the office. He usually left around five for the day.
Tennyson tapped on the door.
Harding glanced up to see him walking into his office. Immediately he frowned. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Tennyson. He didn’t like men bothering his sisters – didn’t matter how innocent the situation was.
“What can I do for you?” Harding asked stiffly with his jaw clenched tight as he stared hard at the computer screen.
“Look, man, like I said on the phone—I meant no harm to your sister. I just took her out to dinner,” Tennyson said.
“Why?” Harding asked.
“Why’d I take her out to dinner?”
“Yes,” Harding said looking directly at him now. “Why?”
“Because I like her. She interests me.”
“Yeah, and how many other women have interested you so far this year, Tennyson?”
Tennyson drew in a breath. “Harding I get it—you love your sister—”
“No, you don’t get it,” Harding interrupted to say. “My sister is vulnerable and I’m protective of my family. I had no choice but to be the man of the house early on. I’m aware that my father’s actions have affected my sister and I don’t think anyone gets it—not even me.”
“Well, it’s what she was trying to talk to me about last night.”
“Before or after the drinks, because she usually doesn’t like talking about it at all?”
“It was during, I think. She ordered three martinis and was very talkative about the situation.”
Harding leaned back in his chair. “You take her to a restaurant and allow her to down three martinis?”
“I have no control over your sister, Harding. Who am I to tell her what not to drink? I mean, I tried to hold her just to the two, but she insisted on a third.”
Although irritated, Harding couldn’t blame Tennyson for his sister’s actions. “I hadn’t considered this but maybe she’ll talk to you with you being an outsider and all, but I need your word that you won’t hurt my sister.”
“You have it. I won’t harm a hair on her head.”
“Good. I’m going to hold you to that.”
Tennyson gave a single nod and was about to leave Harding’s office when he said, “I didn’t get a chance to learn much of anything about her last night. Can you tell me a little about her?”
“Have a seat,” Harding told him.
Tennyson sat down and took a sip of coffee.
“Zoya can be very outspoken at times. She’s smart, but my sister can be stubborn like me. Of all my siblings, I am the closest to her. She’s never been in love and I know that for a fact.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because in her eyes, all men are like our father. She’s always been afraid to fall in love which was just fine by me and Mordecai. That meant we could go about our business without worrying about her getting mixed up with a man that was no good for her. But it’s getting to the point now that she needs someone—at least to talk to.”
Tennyson nodded.
“How was she this morning?” Harding inquired.
“I think she had a slight hangover, but she was okay to drive. I followed her home. She stayed in her room all day long while me and Savannah worked.”
“So, you didn’t get a chance to talk to her?”
“No. I imagine she was probably embarrassed.”
“Then come by the house for dinner later.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That way, you’ll get a chance to talk and hopefully pick up where you left off this time. She’s cooking, by the way.”
“Okay. Maybe I’ll take you up on that.”
“Alright, man.”
Chapter 10
Zoya sprinkled shredded cheese and a bowl full of bacon pieces in the pot of mashed potatoes then stirred it all together.
Savannah had fallen asleep on the recliner and instead of waking her, Harding went upstairs to shower in preparation for dinner. Twenty or so minutes later, he came down and said, “Smells good in here, sis. The aroma is all upstairs.”
Zoya turned away from the stove to look at him briefly. “Mom taught me this recipe.”
“That’s even better. My stomach is grumbling already.”
She smiled. “How was your day at the office?”
“Meh...” He shrugged.
“You miss working in Wilmington, don’t you?”
“It’s not that. I like it here. Plus, I get to work with Dante, Desmond and Dimitrius so I’m getting to know them better.”
“I sense there’s a but coming…”
“There is. I do miss the family. I miss us all being together. Dinner at mom’s. That’s going to take some getting used to.”
“Yeah. I’ve only been here for four days and I already miss mom. I need to call her tonight.”
“Please do. You know how she gets when she hasn’t heard from us in a while.”
“Definitely,” Zoya said, removing a glass bowl from the refrigerator.
“What’s that?” Harding asked.
“A salad. Healthy food for the baby.”
The sound of a yawn filled the kitchen as Savannah walked in and was apparently still waking up. “What are y’all doing in here?” she asked.
“Hey, baby.” Harding stood up and walked over to her. He took her into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her while she yawned again.
Zoya watched on and smiled. Maybe one day, she thought to herself.
“Okay lovebirds, dinner is almost ready.”
“Great. I’m starving,” Savannah said.
Harding helped her to the table.
“Do you need help with anything, sis?” Savannah asked Zoya.
“No. I got everything under control.”
The doorbell sounded.
“Are you expecting anyone, Harding?” Savannah asked him.
“Um…let me go see who it is,” he said purposely not answering her question because he had a clue who it might be. He continued to the front door, greeted Tennyson then said as they walked back to the kitchen, “I hope you have enough for four, Zoya. We have a guest.”
Zoya turned around, her eyes immediately locking with Tennyson’s like their eyes had established some magnetic properties and hence, that’s what they were supposed to do – connect. Though highly attracted to him, she still felt tense and somewhat uncomfortable in his presence after last night, but what was she going to do about that now?
“Zoya.” Harding said her name to reclaim her attention.
“Oh. Yes, I made enough food. Hi, Tennyson,” she said casually like his presence didn’t bother her.
“Hi, Zoya. How are you?”
That simple three-worded question was a loaded one because he probably wanted to actually know how she was, but she kept it short by answering, “I’m good. You?”
“I’m making it.”
She glanced up at him and smiled.
He smiled back. “It smells good in here,” he said. “I knew you could cook breakfast, but it takes more skill to master dinner. Seems you’ve mastered both.”
“My mother taught me how to get down in the kitchen.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep. That’s right.”
Tennyson stepped around the island to where she was standing. It was then that she noticed he was dressed more casually today. He wore a pair of blue slacks and a gray, Polo vest with a blue, white and red checkered shirt beneath it. He looked c
ool and casual, not uptight and lawyerly.
“Can I help you with anything?” he asked.
“No. You’re a guest. Have a seat.”
“Okay, boss.”
Savannah grinned watching the two interact, then she glanced at Harding and brightened her eyes at him.
Zoya prepared plates then served them. She sat down last, across from Tennyson. Savannah was sitting beside her and across from Harding.
“Oh my goodness. This is so good,” Savannah said. “I would have never thought to cook bacon inside of mashed potatoes but it works!”
“Yeah, it does,” Tennyson agreed.
“And this Salisbury steak is tender and juicy. Keep cooking like this and I may never let you go back home,” Harding joked.
“Thanks, guys. I’m glad you like it.”
“Even the salad tastes well-seasoned,” Savannah said.
Zoya took a sip of water. “So, what brings you by this evening, Tennyson? Did you and Savannah have a breakthrough that couldn’t wait until the morning?”
Tennyson cracked a smile. “No. No breakthroughs.”
“Then what? You just happened to drop in?”
“No. I came by because I wanted to see you.”
Zoya glanced up at Harding noticing he was still enjoying his food like he hadn’t heard anything Tennyson had said, but there was no way he’d missed it. And since such was the case, why didn’t he have anything to say about it?
Zoya’s eyes fanned over to Savannah. She noticed a smile on her face. Zoya returned her attention to Tennyson asking, “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,” he said after wiping his mouth.
“Why?”
“We’ll talk about that later. For now, I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Savannah nudged Zoya beneath the table and when Zoya looked at her she, waggled her brows.
Harding looked at his sister. He knew her well, so he could see how uncomfortable she was at the moment. He decided to take some of the heat off of her by asking, “Hey, how’s it going with the investigation, Tennyson?”
Tennyson set his glass on the table. “I wouldn’t exactly call it an investigation.”
“I would,” Savannah interjected.
Tennyson sat up straight. “It’s just that protocol wasn’t followed on certain aspects of the deal.”
“But it’s still difficult, at this point, to determine if there were any laws broken,” Savannah said.
“It is,” Tennyson agreed, then he glanced at Zoya, feeling a need to re-engage her in conversation since she didn’t know anything about what they were discussing. “How was your day, Zoya?”
“It was a waste. I slept the entire day away.”
“Not the whole day. You still had time to cook this delicious meal.”
“Yeah, I suppose.”
“Didn’t you make dessert, too?” Harding asked.
“I did. I whipped up some mini-strawberry shortcakes.”
Savannah laughed and held her stomach. “The baby must have heard you, Zoe. He just started kicking. I swear this boy has a sweet tooth.”
Zoya giggled while glancing up at Tennyson. He was chewing, eyes locked on her. She shied away from his gaze and said, “There’s more left if anyone wants seconds.”
“I’d rather save room for dessert,” Tennyson said.
“Me, too,” Savannah added.
“Let me go get it,” she said standing. While she walked to the refrigerator, she could feel the heat of Tennyson’s gaze on her. Was he that taken by her? She didn’t fully understand the pull between them or whatever it was she possessed to make him want to know her especially after what had transpired last night. But here he was again. Staring.
She carefully divvied out shortcakes on small saucers, then carried the plates to the table.
“Harding, why don’t we have ours in the living room to give Tennyson and Zoya time to talk?” Savannah suggested.
Knots formed in Zoya’s stomach at the thought of having alone time with Tennyson. The last time they were alone together, she’d tried to come on to him.
“That’s fine,” Harding said standing.
“Am I hearing things, or did you say that was fine?” Zoya asked Harding.
“Yes. It’s fine,” he told her.
“This from the man who told me I could never, ever date anyone.”
“Who said anything about dating?” Harding asked with a smirk on his face. “I thought you two were just going to talk.”
Zoya snapped her head back, not understanding Harding’s sudden change of heart.
Harding, however, had already spoken with Tennyson about how important his sister was to him. He was certain Tennyson understood.
After Harding and Savannah exited the room, Zoya served Tennyson a strawberry shortcake then sat down starting on her own. “So, um…about last night...I’m really sorry that happened. That’s not me. I was upset and sometimes when I think about the past and all the unfair crap that happened, I get irritated.”
“That’s understandable, Zoya, but I think you should try to isolate the crap, as you call it, instead of lumping it all under one umbrella so you can begin to deal with it piece by piece. For instance, last night you mentioned how your father treated your mother but you also have issues with the man that he was…with his character. As a result, that’s causing you to have issues with people in your day-to-day life.”
“Not people. Men,” she corrected.
“I had it right first.”
“How do you figure?”
“We’ll talk about it more a little later.”
“We will?”
“Yes, we will. For now, though, let’s talk about your mother. Tell me…what do you admire about her?”
“You’re serious?”
“Yes. I want to know.”
Her face brightened. “Okay. My mother is loving. Caring. She wasn’t one of those mothers who put her needs ahead of her children. She always made sure we had what we needed. Harding can attest to that.”
“And what is it about her you didn’t like?”
“I didn’t like how she—” Zoya clammed up for a moment. Instead of answering him right away, she said, “I can’t believe I’m sitting here discussing my mother with you like we’ve known each other for years. I don’t know why I feel so inclined to talk to you. And don’t say it’s because you have that effect on women.”
He chuckled softly. “I wasn’t going to say that. I think you have a lot on your mind and a lot you need to get off of your chest. Sometimes, it’s difficult to do that with people you know well. Now, back to my question—what are some things you didn’t like about your mother?”
Zoya took a moment to get her thoughts in order. She loved her mother. Even though there were things she didn’t like about her, she still loved her dearly. “I didn’t like her weakness.”
“Why do you think she was weak? You said she raised the four of you and would do anything for you all so why do you think she’s weak?”
“Because she let a man fool her into believing he loved her.”
“Your mother’s a grown woman. Do you really believe she was fooled? She had all of you by the same man. That sounds like acceptance to me. She wasn’t weak. She was in love.”
Zoya’s eyes went around in a half circle. Love…
She determined it was much easier to blame her father in this situation instead of her mother, especially since he was the one with the outside family. Still, she could see his point.
Zoya took the final bites of her shortcake then said, “You’re right and I know that but why would a woman allow herself to love a man whose heart belonged to someone else?”
“That’s something only your mother can answer.”
“She’s going to say the same thing you just said—because she loved him.”
“Then, you’d have to accept that answer.”
“No, I don’t. Why would I accept something I don’t agree with? If I accept it, I’m basica
lly admitting what he did was right, therefore, making myself vulnerable to falling for the same thing.”
“Somehow, I have a feeling you won’t just fall for anything, Zoya. Life is a series of lessons and if this was one you had to learn, you’ve done it I’d say.”
Zoya stood up to collect their plates walking them over to the sink. “Would you like coffee or something?”
“No, thanks. I only drink coffee in the mornings.”
“Duly noted,” she said.
“I do need to get going. However, I would like to continue this discussion at a later date if you’re okay with that.”
“I’m fine with that,” she told him.
“How about we get together tomorrow after I’m off the clock? I’ll already be here working with Savannah. We could just leave right after and do something.”
“Okay. Sounds like a plan.”
Tennyson stood up and walked into the living room where he wished Savannah and Harding a good night then headed for the front door with Zoya trailing lazily behind him. He opened the door so she could exit first, then stepped out behind her.
“I’m curious about something,” she said as they walked over to his Porsche SUV.
“What’s that?”
She crossed her arms. “How’d you pass the brother test?”
Tennyson chuckled when he realized what she was asking. “I basically told Harding I liked you.”
“You’re lying.”
He faked putting his left hand on a nonexistent Bible and raised his right hand when he said, “I lie to you not.”
“You told my brother you liked me, and he didn’t turn red? You didn’t see hot lava and smoke rising up out the top of his head?”
Tennyson laughed more. “He was pretty ticked, but here I am.”
“I have to say…my mind is blown,” she admitted looking up at him. “Ever since I can remember, my brothers have talked about how they would threaten and pummel any man who thought they were worthy.”
“Then maybe he thinks I’m worthy.”
“Maybe,” she told him, watching his already amazing smile grow.
“It’s a little chilly out here so I’ll cut this short so you can go back inside. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night, Zoya.”
