Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

The phone rang a few times before Geneva picked up. Her voice floated through the speaker, "Aaliyah? You didn't leave?" "Yep," I replied, trying to sound downcast, "Didn't work out. You free today?"

Geneva drew out a long okay then said, "Spill it. I had a little something lined up, nothing major, and I can ditch it."

"What time's your thing?" I probed.

"Been feeling off lately, booked a doc to get checked out," Geneva confessed, "Thinking it might be menopause kicking in."

My heart tightened, "Feeling off?"

My mind raced, but I kept my tone steady, "Come on. You're too young for the change. What's this feeling off about? Listen, how about I tag along? Let Hannah drive us, and it'll be easier. I've got nothing on today, feeling kind of blocked up inside. We could use each other's company."

"That'd be awesome, thanks to Hannah," Geneva's voice brightened.

She'd always thought highly of Hannah, so yesterday's drama had Hannah tied up in knots too.

"What time's your appointment? Hannah's just finishing up breakfast. We can head out once she's done. Wait for us at home," I laid out the plan to Geneva.

"9 AM."

Perfect timing and Hannah had just finished her breakfast and came out.

"Get ready then. She's done eating, and we'll be right over," I told Geneva and hung up.

"Hold on, and let me grab some stuff upstairs, then we can leave for Geneva's," I said to Hannah.

She paused, clearly confused because she hadn't come downstairs the night before and was out of the loop on the task Ronan had given me.

I dashed upstairs, changed into a skirt, grabbed my bag, and hurried back down.

Ronan was heading out too and lit up when he saw me, "Heading out now?"

"Geneva's got an appointment with a doctor, and I'm keeping her company," I reported.

He nodded, "After the doctor, take her to Hilltop Retreats. I've got the chef on standby. It's a quiet spot with convenient eats."

Joy bubbled up inside me, and my voice couldn't hide my delight, "Really?"

He cocked an eyebrow and shrugged nonchalantly.

I snapped my fingers, "Deal. I was just wondering where to go. You're a lifesaver."

"You're doing my bidding, and the least I can do is make sure you're sorted," Ronan flashed a pearly white grin, oozing charm.

His face was becoming a familiar comfort.

"So, am I on the payroll then?" I teased, "Can't let my hard work go unpaid."

Ronan tapped me on the head lightly, "Money-grubber."

"Hey. No more tapping the noggin, okay? My IQ's barely hanging on as is, and you'll knock me into idiocy." I protested, rubbing my head as I moved towards the door. Then something hit me, "Addrion wanted us to grab a meal together. Did he mention it?"

He nodded, looking at me, "You up for it?"

"I told him to check with you. It's your call, and I'm easy," I replied, stepping out.

"Eat here. Other places just don't cut it," he said, "I'll set it up."

"Catherine said the Silverdale City Oldtown Avenue promo kicks off Tuesday, so I might need to head back. Anytime before that's fine."

"Got it. I'll remember."

We left the house, got into our respective cars, and drove off to our destinations.

In the car, Hannah asked how we ended up meeting with Geneva. Then I filled her in on the job Ronan had given me.

Arriving at the Atwood family residence, I quickly checked with Geneva, "So, what's been bothering you?"

Hannah glanced at Geneva through the rearview mirror at my question, and I could tell she was taken aback too.

"It's nothing major, just constant tiredness, and lack of energy," Geneva replied, sending shivers down my spine.

"Seriously, I think you should get a proper check-up at the hospital. Might be the heat, and I've been feeling drained too," I suggested, hoping to get her a thorough examination.

"Don't worry, and it's nothing serious. If it was, I'd be at the hospital already," Geneva brushed it off, "Autumn's nearly here, and I thought I'd try some herbal remedies. Heard this doctor's got a reputation." "Okay, then I'll get a consultation too." I feigned excitement, "It's been ages since I've seen a naturopath."

Geneva eyed me carefully, "You look run-down. Have you been sleeping okay? You've got dark circles under your eyes."

"How could I sleep well?" I managed a wry smile, "With one child out there, who knows if he's okay."

Geneva fell silent, giving my hand a comforting pat. "Don't stress, we'll find your child. To think we'd be dealing with this mess," she sighed, before scowling at the mention of Jaylan. "That lowlife left me at a loss for words. His level of cheating is really something else."

"Cheating men are the worst," I muttered darkly, "It's bad enough as is, but I had to get stuck with the worst of the lot."

"No one should tolerate that." Geneva declared with unwavering conviction.