Chapter 34: Woops

Zenobia's POV

"KYLE QUIT?" Tiff asked with a shout.

"He most definitely did," I answered, voice somewhat breaking.

"Bitch, what did you do?"

"And what makes you think I did something wrong?"

"Because you're stubborn, Zen. Stubborn and you don't listen."

"I'm stunned by your words right now, Tiff."

"You should be. He was one of the best bodyguards you've ever had at your side. At one point, you two were a couple and you pushed him away!"

"He cheated on me!"

"Quite frankly, I don't believe that bullshit. I've been telling you about that crazy chick from the day I laid eyes on her. She most definitely set him up to get the two of you to break up, and not to mention that her twisted family got bad blood with your family."

I heaved a sigh as I took off my computer. Tiff and I walked out of the room, entered the elevator and reached the parking lot.

I got into the backseat of my car and mentally cussed myself as I got out and got into the driver's seat.

Tiff couldn't stop laughing.

"So, have you told your father about Kyle as yet?" she asked once she regained composure.

"No. I don't know how to bring myself to tell him. Dad would be piss."

"Figures. He was warming up to him."

"So it appears."

"Well you would have to say something and he would have to seek for another bodyguard."

"Did someone say 'bodyguard'?" David asked as he walked up to us.

"We did," I answered, "Your bestie quit on me."

"Man, really? That's shocking. I never took Kyle to be a quitter. No, wait. Actually, I do. He's just like that. He quit being my best friend."

"Hmm. Why?" Tiffany asked him.

"History with a very long story," David answered, "But anyway, Miss. Hollen, if you're interested in a replacement, I know just the guy."

"Who, because she's not interested in some stealing, lying and shady person."

"Believe me, he's nothing like those you've just listed, Miss. Smith."

"So you know him pretty well?"

"I do."

"Well, who is he?" I asked.

"Me," he answered.

Tiff almost chocked on the bottle of water she was sipping from and I thought my ears were deceiving me.

"You?" Tiff asked.

"Yes, me. Look, Kyle and I took very similar courses in college. I'm qualified in security of that being a bodyguard and I'll be better at this than he was."

Tiff coughed and I flushed.

"What makes you so sure?" I asked him, folding my arms.

"I'm not a quitter," he answered with confidence.

I eyed him. Not as my personal assistant but as the guy who will guard me.

"Send your qualifications via my email address and I'll take it from there. If you're fit as you say, you'll be interviewed and the job would be yours."

"Thank you. You wouldn't regret this," he said. He got into his car and drove out of the lot.

"Nope, something about him screams red flags," Tiff said.

"I swear, you feel that way about everyone."

"And usually I'm right. You need to be very careful. You let people get to you too quickly and too easily. You're supposed to be a Hollen."

"What's that suppose to be, Tiff?"

"The Hollens are known for being closed off to a lot of people. Their main companions are their significant other and children. Family."

"No offense but you sound just like my dad."

"Good, because here he comes."

My father approached us and immediately noticed Kyle wasn't present.

"Where's Livingston?" he asked.

I gulped.

"Get out of the car, Zenobia," he said again. I got out.

"He quit," I answered.

"Quit smoking?" he asked.

"He never smoked," I answered again.

It then registered to my father that Kyle had quit being my bodyguard.

"WHAT?" he asked angrily.

"Dad, Kyle apparently got too lazy to do his job. It's not my fault."

"It's ALWAYS your fault, Zenobia. You really think your life is a game, huh? You really think there aren't bad people out there or a bad situation you can get yourself into. Listen to me, find him and rehire him."

"I would do no such thing. Kyle made his choice."

"Or you made it for him?"

"Yeah well life isn't full of roses. I've already found his replacement."

"Who?"

"David."

"Your PA?"

"Yes."

"Oh hell no. Are you crazy?"

"Can you please just allow me to make my own decisions and have my own choices. It's my life. You don't see me telling you what to do and what not to do!"

"Fine." My father walked away.

"That was harsh, Zen. He's just trying to look out for you."

"Yeah well I really need everyone to just mind their own damn business, including YOU!"

Tiff mouth fell open. I got back into my car and stepped on the accelerator.

~
The next day was very troubling. I was looking forward to my usual lunch with Tiff but she made it clear with her actions that she was staying away from me.

I sat alone in the cafeteria.

"Hey boss. You sent you the info last night. Did you receive it?" David asked and slide into the seat across from me.

"Hey. Yeah, I did."

"And?"

I rose an eyebrow at him. "I'm still considering it. But you will get my answer soon."

"No problem."

~

After work, I went to my cousin's mall.

"Kyle quit? It's a bummer. He was good at being your bodyguard and you two were a cute couple. What did you do, Zen?"

"Damn, Jada. I'm really getting tired of everyone blaming me for this."

"Girl, you know damn well you caused this the moment you mixed business and pleasure together. Nor that it was a bad choice but I thought he would have stuck around because he's all in love with you and whatnot."

"Well he didn't. He just up and quit and now I'm seeking his replacement."

"Why you look so stress about it?"

"I.. I," I sighed loudly and the tears welled up. Jada came to my side with a comforting embrace.

"I miss him, Jada. I'm putting on this tough exterior and lashing out at everyone because I know it's really my fault. I hurt my dad's feelings yesterday and my best friend isn't even talking to me because I yelled at her too," I sobbed.

Jada handed me tissue and I jab at my eyes with them.

"Sweetie, it's going to be okay. You just have to right your wrongs. Apologize to uncle EJ and to Tiffany and then find Kyle. His apology should be face to face contact."

"I don't know if I can face Kyle. I've pushed him beyond a cliff."

"You can do this. Now get your ass up and go fix your mistakes."

~

I started with my father. He loved watches, and although I've had my eyes set on one for his birthday present, now was going to be an okay time to get it as well.

I reached the home I grew up in, pushed in the doors and walked through the parlor. My mother greeted me.

"My darling, I didn't know you were coming over tonight."

"Thought I'd surprise dad. Is he home?"

"In his office."

"Thanks mom."

I headed to dad's office, knocked then entered. Kyle was sitting at a chair. A smile formed on my lips.

"Just sign here and here," my father spoke to him, without acknowledging me. They both didn't acknowledge me.

I watched Kyle signed.

Thank goodness. He's reinstated as my bodyguard.

"It was a pleasure, Mr. Hollen. Thank you for everything," he said.

"You're welcome. Thank you for your.. service," dad said and they shared a laugh. Kyle stood and shook hands with my father before leaving without another word.

I was shell-shocked.

"Wait, what just happened there?" I asked my father.

"He came by to sign off for his last paycheck, Zenobia."

"Last paycheck?"

"He's still entitled to his final paycheck."

"I assumed you'd be keen on rehiring him back, dad."

"Why should I after you made it clear you're capable of your own decisions and choices. Besides, Kyle is not interested in being your bodyguard anymore. Let it go."