Page 17 of Love Delayed

Before I could finish, his phone rang. He pulled it from his jacket pocket but didn’t answer it. After he returned to his pocket, it continued to ring repeatedly.

“Marc, take your call. Don’t be that guy. Step out and talk to her. You don’t have to tell her you’re here with me, but don’t just ignore her calls.”

He nodded, stood, and stepped outside my room. Out of habit, my hands roamed to my belly, and I quickly grabbed the bed rails. I shut my eyes tightly and began praying, repeating the words ‘strength’ and ‘understanding’ until my heart stopped racing. Seconds later, he walked back in.

“Hey, I need to head out soon. I know our history is officially black history, but we can be friends, Zee. I still and always will care about you and your well-being.”

He took my hand, and I squeezed his tight. I missed him more than words and wished we had never parted. Now, he was promised to another woman.

“I’d like us to be friends, Marc, and I wish you all the best. I really hate that my whole situation happened on your special night.”

“No worries. It gave some excitement to the night and will always be memorable.”

“Yeah,” I said and lowered my head.

Placing his forefinger underneath my chin, he lifted it. “No one will know about your loss, Zee. I won’t tell anyone.”

Squeezing his hand even tighter, I let my tears fall freely. “Thank you, Marc.”

“Anytime, Zee. I’m going to sit here a little bit longer, and I want you to try and get some sleep.”

I nodded and agreed. He somehow figured out how to dim the lights and then took a seat. I reclined my bed and finally dozed off after a brief cry.

When I woke up the following day, the chair was empty, but I thanked the Most High for sending Marcus to help me feel somewhat better. Now I had to face the music and call my family because I needed clothes to go home in since mine were soiled. As soon as I heard my sister’s voice, all the emotions I thought I had under control came resurfaced. I knew then I would need time to heal from this loss.

Chapter Six

Marcus

I whispered her name to make sure she was asleep. When she didn’t reply, I stood close to her bed and lightly caressed her face. She was beautiful, with her cocoa-brown skin, dark brows, and full lashes. A few pimple scars left dots on her smooth skin, but she was still gorgeous in my eyes. Despite Zee’s natural curls looking untamed and frizzy from being pinned up under her chef’s hat, she still looked perfect to me. I wanted to stay all night by her bedside, but I had to head to Eliana’s place to explain why I had to leave immediately after the toast.

From the moment I saw Zamora lying on the floor until the ambulance was no longer in sight, I couldn’t stop thinking about her and wondered if she was okay. Still, I went back inside and did what a good man should do for the woman they don’t want to hurt; I smiled and celebrated the rest of our engagement party with our family and friends. After the final toast, I excused myself to get some air, and when I stepped outside, I saw Leila, our event planner, loading some things into the back of her SUV.

“Crazy night, huh?” she said when she noticed my presence.

“It most certainly was,” I agreed.

“The way you looked at Zamora while aiding her––do you know her?”

I turned to look her in the eye. “No, I do not. I was just concerned,” I replied, not wanting anyone to know our history.

“Okay. Well, if you want to check on her tomorrow, she’s at Mercy. The paramedics confirmed that’s where they were taking her,” she informed me, then walked away before I could reply.

She went back inside, and I went to tell Eliana that I would meet her back at her place. She tried to question where I was going, but I backed away with a hand gesture to say I’d tell her later. Once in my car, I headed towards the hospital. When I arrived, the lady posted at the desk in the emergency room eyed me like a stripper ready to perform.

“I’m here to see a woman who was brought in by ambulance about three hours ago. She’s pregnant, and––”

“Name,” she said, cutting me off while still eyeing me like a piece of meat on a grill.

“Zamora,” I began, and she cut me off again.

“Watts. Zamora Watts. She’s still here, Mr. Watts. Your wife is resting, but we can take you back to join her.”

I’m happy she didn’t allow me to say Hill, Zamora’s maiden name. I certainly wasn’t going to correct her if it meant I could see Zamora.

“Thanks so much. I had an eventful night and got here as soon as I could.”

“No worries, Mr. Watts,” she said, flashing a bright smile.