Don't Play With My Soul

Zenia's POV

"I know last night was irksome, and I apologize for everything, especially EJ."

It was Saturday morning, Anton and I were taking a stroll through the park.

"You don't have to apologize for his behavior towards me. I know he doesn't like me because he believes I'm standing in his way."

Sharing a small laugh we walked over to a bench, licking ice cream cones.

"He does care about you, you know that right?"

"Actually, it's very complicated between he and I. It's like two steps forward then ten steps backwards. Today we're happy, then tomorrow it's a complete different story. I just want everything to stop or to slow down." "But that's life, Zenia. Nothing is going to stop or slow down for our liking. I was once in your very situation, and I felt like I was going crazy."

It then crossed my mind that I never asked him if he had a girlfriend.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I spoke up, licking the top of the ice cream.

He scowled before answering. "Not any more."

"What happened?"

"We were just too different. Nothing in common."

"Oh. I know how that can be."

There was an awkward silence before he spoke up. "What's really the deal with you and EJ? I mean, why is he so insecure?"

I chuckled lightly. "EJ is a different breed-- hard to read and understand, but I wouldn't put all the blame on him. I messed up things with him." "How so?"

I heaved a sigh as I remembered the miscarriage. "I was once pregnant with his baby but I wasn't aware. I drank a shit ton of alcohol and, because of that, I lost the baby. He didn't take the news too well." Anton remained silent, taking in what I had just said to him.

"I'm so sorry to hear that Zenia. Really, I am."

"And because of that, I won't be able to have any more babies in the future."

I took one last bite of the ice cream before throwing it in a near by bin. I felt sick suddenly. I had been at war with myself, and with EJ, but it was basically all my fault. His anger was understandable, and no man would jump for joy and sing kumbayah when they learnt their unborn baby past away because the mother consumed too much liquor.

"Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in God?" Anton seriously asked. He shifted his body towards me and looked straight into my eyes.

"Yes, I do," I answered truthfully. I wasn't a church-goer, but I did believe there was a higher power, and he was a forgiving God.

"Then put your faith in him, and stop feeling sorry for yourself. By the look in your eyes, I can tell this has and is still continuing to do damage on you. You can't live your life like this, Zenia. Stop worrying and pray for a miracle. Maybe, one day, you just might have a baby."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. Tears slipped down my eyes. Tears of hope and happiness.

"Hey, stop crying," he said softly as he pulled away from the embrace and wiped away my tears with his thumbs. "You're much more beautiful when you don't cry."

"Your words mean so much to me."

"I know I'm a guy, but I have a heart. You're my first American friend, and I like you."

We shared another laugh and stood up and walked over to the parking lot where his car was.

"Thanks for showing me the park," he said as we pulled up to my boutique.

"You're very welcome."

I got out of the car. "Oh, and since our dinner was interrupted last night, how about a do-over tonight?" "I'll be looking forward to it. Text me."

"Sure. Bye, Anton." "Bye Zenia."

I watched as he pulled away from the curb and drove away. Smiling to myself, I walked into my boutique.

I stepped out my shower in the penthouse suite. I towel dried my skin and did my usual routine when getting ready: lotion, underwear, clothing, makeup and styling my hair. Finally, I placed on my pair of heels and did a 360° turn in front the large body mirror.

I felt amazing, and I hoped I looked beautiful enough for him because tonight was going to be the night I kissed Anton McCalister.

Receiving a text message from him, I left my bedroom and walked into the living room to get to the main entrance

Receiving a text message from him, I left my bedroom and walked into the living room to get to the main entrance. I was stopped by my mother.

"Where are you off to?"

"I have a date."

"With?"

"A friend of mine."

"Zenia, if you had remembered, there was something I wanted to discuss with you."

I heaved a frustrated sigh. Ever since my father resurfaced again, Mom had been trying to get my attention. She claimed there was something very important she needed to discuss with me, but, whatever that was, it was going to have to wait. "Mom, I can't right now. Can we do this another time? Or, better yet, can we do this never?"

"Zenia!" she called out, but I was already out the door and speed walking towards the elevator. Anton drove towards a different restaurant. A restaurant that wasn't so elegant and fancy.

I flipped through the menu, glancing, ever so often, at him. He looked so chill in a plain, red long-sleeve T-shirt, black jeans and black boots. His hair was neatly styled and the only accessory he wore was a gold chain.

I ordered a huge Angus beef burger, a portion of fries, hot wings to share and a Caesar salad with dressings. Anton ordered the same.

We talked about almost everything under the sun. Anton was so funny and cute. He opened up to me like we had been friends since preschool. I felt like I could be myself around him and not pretend to be someone I wasn't just because I wanted to fit in. With Anton, everything felt real and genuine.

As our night was coming to an end, I excused myself and went into the ladies' room. I did my business and freshened up myself before going back to our table.

We joined our hands together as we walked out of the restaurant.

"Now, that was really fun, and I must compliment you, again, you look so sexy."

Blushing like a teenager, I thanked him and got into the car.

At 11:30 p.m., we were parked outside the hotel.

"Thanks for an amazing day today and an amazing night, Zenia. You really are the best."

That's my cue.

I slowly leaned over to him, and he slowly leaned towards me. Our lips met. I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him closer and deepening the kiss between us. "Good night, Zenia," he said sweetly as we broke apart.

"Good night, Anton."

Opening the car door, I stepped out and walked up the steps to the entrance of the lobby while he looked at me before driving away.

I threw myself down on my bed and the confusion in my mind started. I liked Anton but there weren't any sparks when we kissed. Why is that?