Tangled

CHAPTER 5

Damon restlessly paced to and fro in his room. His head throbbed with some serious headache, and he’d been restless since the conversation he had with Nanny Esther earlier in the day. He picked up some drugs from the vanity and sat down on his bed as he gulped down some water. He had already taken a couple earlier but dismissed the fact that he was overdosing.

He left Nanny Esther’s place earlier than he had anticipated. He’d wanted to drag Zoey along with him to his house, but that would be totally insane and wouldn't make any sense. For some strange reason, he felt comfortable around her. She reminded him of Vivian. She seemed different. She didn't show up to his office dressed like a pick me, and she didn't frolic around him. Nanny Esther instantly took a liking to her, so his judgement of her was right. Nanny Esther's never shown any interest in any of the women she's seen him with, Maya especially. He picked up his phone and looked up her contact. She'd probably be with her boyfriend by now. He ran a hand through his hair and fell flat on his back onto the bed.

His mother had called several times yesterday, but he didn't take up her calls. He was still contemplating whether he wanted a relationship with her, only for Nanny Esther to break the news to him earlier that day. He thought he knew his mom, but he lost all trust in her and all trust in women when she refused to show up even after the death of his sister three years after she’d left.

She left and never turned to look back. No calls, no visits. She just abandoned them. He always watched the gate, waiting for her to barge in. He waited for years and never gave up. But she never returned.

He missed his dad. He passed a year ago from a chronic heart disease, but this woman never showed up to the funeral. She didn't even send any condolences. She just didn't care, or so it seemed, and he couldn't fathom how insensitive she was.

Nanny Esther had been with the family since his mom and dad were together. She was the only mother he had. If anyone deserves anything, it is her. She held the family together and never left them in the face of all of those adversities.

He rubbed his forehead with a scrunch on his face. These headaches were only getting worse. He’d had them since she left, and they never went away. They only got worse by the day. He picked an album from the bedside table and silently skimmed through it.

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Jeff waited impatiently at the table as Zoey tossed a plate of fried chicken before him. He closed his eyes as he munched on the juicy chicken. “Mm, this is so good love.”

Zoey looked at him with a smile on her face. “Duhh, Damon's mom's recipe slaps hard, doesn't it?”

“Damon’s mom? When did you meet Damon's mom?” He dropped the chicken he was holding in his hand onto the plate.

“Well, apparently, there was no business appointment today. Damon dragged me to one of his houses downtown. I met his mom there.” She sat down across from him on the table.

Jeff looked at her with concern written in his eyes. “Are you okay with how he drags you up and down?”

“What if I'm not? You got a better alternative?” She responded.

“Mm. That guy has no right to be calling you out of work hours to accompany him to activities of his own personal interest. You're not his escort or maid”. He barked at her.

“Mm, I smell some insecurity. Someone's insecure.” Zoey watched him with a look of amusement on her face. “Well, if you may, you’re making a big deal out of nothing. Damon just wants to make my life a living hell because of the other night. He’s just playing out his revenge. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“He has no right to do so.” Jeff retorted angrily.

“Would you rather tell him? Or would you rather I lose this well-paying job?” Zoey looked at him with a blank look on her face.

“Zoey, I love you. And you know that, right? I do, and I'm working hard to make life good for us.” He looked at her with a sober look on his face.

“I've never stopped loving you since I first met you in college.”

Zoey let out a sigh. “I know, love. And I love you too. Don't be thinking outside the box, please. What you're thinking can't even be possible.” She nodded reassuringly at him.

His face lit up with a smile. A message immediately popped up on his phone. He grabbed the phone and pulled his chair back. “Ermm, I have to go, honey.” He scratched his head.

“What's up?” Zoey looked at him questioningly.

“Work calls.” He answered without looking at her face.

Zoey looked at him as he quickly threw on a jacket and walked out the door. He seemed so busy lately. He went out at odd hours and sometimes on his off days. She wondered what he was up to. Her mind wandered off to Damon. How was he doing? She wondered if he was okay. He was very upset earlier in the kitchen with his mom and abruptly asked them to leave after spending some time with Maya at the pool.

Nanny Esther seemed so worried about him. He complained of a headache and didn't seem his usual self throughout their ride home. Zoey wondered if he was okay and what it was that led to that outburst. She let out a sigh and looked over at Jeff's plate, which still had more than half the chicken she served him.

Jeff walked past the bouncers into the bar where he worked. He didn't need a pass. He didn't need to search long. He spotted her at the counter sipping on some beer.

Lyana tapped on the stool beside her and motioned to Jeff to take a seat when he made his way to her. The smile wasn't new to him. He’d seen it several times already.

“You wanted to see me urgently.” He went at her.

Her lips curled up into a sweet smile. “It’s boring here without you and I needed some company.”

His face fell. “Your text sounded very urgent.”

She softly chewed on her lower lip as she softly looked him in the eyes. “Isn't wanting you important?”

Jeff excused himself and made a phone call. He returned to his seat some seconds later, sipping on some beer as they laughed the night away.