Chapter 43: Fallen Pride

Zenobia's POV

"So just to be clear, we're not going to rekindle?" I asked, voice breaking as I stood in front of his desk. I looked upwards, forcing to hold back the tears that were flooding my eyes.

I walked out of the office and out of the building, eyeing Tasha dangerously as I made my exit.

I got into my car and drove to my own job. I ran into my best friend as I stepped off the elevator.

"Hey, you good?" she asked, handing me a cup of coffee.

"I'm great," I answered.

"Nah. I can see a furious look on your face like you're about to beat someone. What's bothering you?"

"Kyle."

"Damn. What did you do again, Zen?"

We made our way to my office. I flapped into my oversized leather chair at my desk and threw my head back in frustration. Tiffany sat across from me, eyeing me and sipping from her cup of coffee.

"I tried. Lord knows I've tried but for some reason, he doesn't want me back," I informed her, "And what's confusing the shit out of me is that, one moment he cares to the point of doing relationship stuff, and then the next, he doesn't want a relationship with me. What kind of bullshit is that?"

"Relationship stuff?" Tiff asked.

"Yes. He performed oral sex on me at his place," I answered, rocking the chair side to side.

"That really is confusing."

"I don't know what to do."

"Move on."

"Come again?"

"Move on," she repeated, "It's obviously he's no longer serious about you, Zen, or else y'all would have already patched things up. At this rate, Kyle is acting as if you killed someone he loves or maybe he's enjoying the attention he's getting from you. He might come to his senses when he sees you in the arms of another man."

"So I'm using someone to make him jealous?"

"I'm not saying that exactly. My advice is to move on, on your own terms of course, because I don't want you using some innocent guy to make your ex jealous," she explained

"I understand."

"Lovely." She got up, "Zen, you'll be okay. You're beautiful and successful. Kyle is a damn fool for not wanting you back and you're right for giving up begging after him like you got no pride."

Tiff left to start her daily tasks and I was using the last bit of strength to get over my ex-boyfriend. He was never going to see me walk into his office or pop up at his apartment again.

~

At the end of the day, when I was just about to walk out of my office, my father entered.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hi, dad."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Likewise. I wanted to give you a heads-up on the upcoming company's business event which is scheduled to take place next Saturday. It would be aboard dad's yacht."

"Oh, I'll be there."

"Great. Get home safely."

" Thanks, and speaking on safely, I hired a new bodyguard. He should be down in the lobby by now."

"What, without informing me?"

"Dad, you have to trust me to make my own decisions as well. I'm a grown woman."

"Okay. But I'm coming to the lobby with you. I want to meet this new bodyguard."

I laughed as we headed for the elevator and made our way to the lobby area where my new bodyguard, Jordan, was waiting.

He was a tall, muscular guy with a light complexion, luscious green eyes and was very handsome to look at.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hollen," Jordan said upon seeing my dad and I walking towards him. He extended his hand and dad shook his firmly.

"Miss. Hollen, thank you once again for the opportunity of being your bodyguard."

"You better do a good job of protecting my daughter," my father warned before I could get anything out.

"Oh, trust me, sir, I would with my life, or else my uncle would kick my ass."

"And your uncle is?"

"Kenneth. He recommended me to Miss Hollen."

"Oh. Well, my mind is at ease now. Take my daughter home."

"Yes, sir."

~

Jordan and I walked towards the parking lot where my car was located. He inspected the exterior of the vehicle then the interior before allowing me to enter into the back. He got behind the driver's wheel, started the car and drove me home.

~

Reaching my home, he parked, got out, got the door for me and I got out as well.

I had to admit, I missed the gesture of having the door held open for me and someone driving me around.

"So, I trust you read what is required of you as my bodyguard?" I asked him.

"Yes, Miss. Hollen."

"Okay. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's usually your days off but next Saturday..."

"You have an event aboard your grandfather's yacht, and as your bodyguard, I'll be there to ensure your safety."

"Wow. I'm impressed."

He smiled sweetly at me and led me to the front door.

"I'll be in my section of the property. If you need me, I'm a one buzz away."

"You seem so congenial about the job. Have you been a bodyguard before?"

"I have."

"To who?"

"I can't release that information. What I can tell you, it was a celebrity."

"Interesting."

"Have a good evening, Miss. Hollen."

"You too, Jordan."

He watched and waited until I entered my home before he left to his apartment which was previously occupied by Kyle.

Getting to my bedroom, I retrieved Jordan's folder with all his information.

Jordan Meadows. Age twenty-seven. His address was to that of next door neighbors with Aunt Jackie.

"Damn it! Kyle probably knows him," I said to myself. I read on and when I was through, I placed his file on the nightstand.

My chef had prepared my dinner for he left for the day. I took a shower, put on a robe and went down to eat.

I buzzed Jordan and he came over quickly.

"Hi. I had the chef prepared dinner. Here's your plate," I said.

"Oh, thanks so much. I, was rather hungry. I suck at cooking," he said. He took the plate and started eating.

"Jordan, you can have a seat," I offered with a laugh. He smiled at sat across from me.

~

After dinner, Jordan went back to his apartment and I went upstairs.

~

Jordan was great so far. He was always on time to my pickups in the mornings and afternoons after work. Tiff was fond of him and of course, she started with her cupid teasing.

"That's a road I'm not heading in again," I told her on Friday evening. We were having drinks after work.

"He does seem like your type though."

"He is cute and all that.. but, I'm good on that."

I eyed Jordan who was standing in the corner a few feet away.

"He seems to be taking his job very seriously. Reminds of one of those security service agents for the president."

We laughed as we downed our last drink and had our last slices of pepperoni pizza.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Tiff said. We hugged, said our byes and left.

~

Saturday came almost instantly. I was up and getting ready for the business event. I wore a white off-the shoulder romper and white wedges. For accessories, I styled my outfit with a red diamond chocker and red earrings. I had my stylist curled my hair and finally, I grabbed my eye-shades and purse and was out the door.

Jordan was patiently waiting. We got into the car and drove for the harbor.

My grandfather's yacht stood on the water in all her beautiful glory.

~Tiffany was already onboard, waving to get my attention
~
Tiffany was already onboard, waving to get my attention. I ascended The Emmy. Grandpa thought it was cool to name his yacht with something close to grandma's name. Emma. Emmy. I liked it.

"You look amazing," I complimented Tiff as I got to her. Her hair was styled with bouncy curls and she wore a two piece outfit with a sandals.

"Thank you and so do you."

We headed to the top deck where the bars were stocked, music was blasting and the servers were ready to do their jobs.

As time went on, the boat became crowded and soon, we were sailing on the water.

"This is more like a party than a business event," Tiff said. We were dancing and having a good time. Jordan kept his distance but had his eyes on me the whole time.

Accidentally, I bumped into someone. Her drink spilled onto the floor.

"I'm so sorry," I apologized.

"No, I'm sorry. I walked into you."

"Hey, are you okay?" a guy came up to ask and asked. His voice sent a shiver down my spine. I'd know that voice anywhere.

"Yes, baby, I'm fine," the woman responded to him.

He turned in my direction.

"Hello, Zenobia," he greeted.

"Hello, Kyle," I answered.