Chapter 14 : A Night to Remember
796 Words
Zora sat quietly in the small staff room at the back of the restaurant, trying to shake off the unsettling encounter she’d had with Jenny earlier that day. The scent of freshly baked meat pies still lingered in her hair, but her mind kept replaying Jenny’s words like a stuck record. Leave Kamari… on one condition.
Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts.
Kamari: Hey, what are you doing?
She smiled faintly at the sound of his voice through the speaker.
“Working,” she replied, leaning against the counter. “Part-time at this restaurant near school.”
“Oh really?” he teased. “Do you miss me?”
She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You and your questions.”
“Well,” his tone lowered playfully, “I’m in front of your university right now. Are you free?”
“Hmm… I think so. Why?”
“I want you to come with me to a friend’s birthday party this evening.”
Zora hesitated for only a second before agreeing. “Alright… but you’ll have to give me at least forty-five minutes. I can’t go in my work clothes.”
“No problem,” he said. “I’ll wait.”
She rushed to her hotel room, quickly freshening up. After a short debate in front of the mirror, she settled on a floral gown that stopped just above her knees. Her long braids were adorned with delicate, sparkly hairpins that caught the light every time she moved. A dab of lip gloss and a hint of perfume later, she was ready.
When Kamari saw her walking toward his car, he froze for a second.
“You… look… wow,” he said, genuinely stunned.
Zora blushed. “Thank you.”
He opened the door for her like a gentleman, but his teasing side quickly returned. “So… are you trying to outshine the birthday girl?”
She laughed as they drove off.
The birthday party was already buzzing when they arrived. The soft thump of bass echoed through the hall, and laughter floated in the air. People glanced their way immediately Kamari never brought girls to events like this. Whispers began to swirl.
Some smiles were genuine; others… not so much. One girl, clearly jealous, “accidentally” brushed past Zora, spilling red wine down the front of her gown.
Zora gasped softly.
Kamari’s expression darkened instantly. “Apologize to her. Now.”
The girl mumbled an apology, eyes narrowed in spite, before walking away. Zora excused herself to the restroom to clean up while Kamari waited outside, checking his watch impatiently.
When she returned, he guided her to meet the celebrant. The friend eyed Zora curiously.
“Kamari, is this one of those....”
Kamari cut him off with a quick laugh and a warning look. “Don’t start. I’m serious this time.”
The friend raised his brows but dropped the subject.
Later, the DJ’s voice boomed over the speakers. “Alright, couples! It’s time for the couple’s dance. If you’re here with your partner, take the floor!”
Kamari looked at Zora expectantly.
She shook her head. “I’m shy. I don’t like dancing in crowds.”
“I’ll lead,” he promised, taking her hand. “It’s just us. Trust me.”
Reluctantly, she followed him to the center. The music swelled, soft and slow. Kamari’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. She could feel his heartbeat against hers. The way he looked at her like she was the only person in the room made her forget anyone else existed.
They swayed together, and for a brief moment, it felt like the entire party faded away.
After the celebration, they drove back, chatting and laughing about little moments from the night.
When they pulled up in front of her hostel, Zora reached for the door handle.
“Thanks for tonight,” she said.
But before she could open the door, Kamari caught her hand, pulling her toward him. His lips found hers, the kiss starting slow, then deepening with an urgency that caught her off guard. His fingers grazed the side of her neck before sliding lower, skimming the curve of her waist, testing boundaries.
Her breath hitched.
He murmured something low against her lips—words she couldn’t fully process in the haze of the moment before pulling back just enough to look into her eyes.
“Goodnight, Zora.”
Still breathless, she stepped out of the car, walking toward her hostel door on slightly shaky legs. Inside, her roommates were asleep. She climbed into her bed, lying on her back as the night’s memories replayed in vivid color.
A soft giggle escaped her lips before she rolled onto her side, hugging her pillow until sleep claimed her.
- Writer
