Self

Chapter 41

Yara wrapped up her morning jog and, after a refreshing shower, stepped out to find a new pot of pink plants, adding a pop of color to her balcony garden. She touched one with her fingertip, its softness brightening her spirits.

Her phone vibrated on the table.

Zachary’s name flashed across the screen, sparking her curiosity as she answered.

“Zachary? What’s up with the early call? Did something happen?”

“Hey, Yara, how’s it going?”

“Can’t complain. You?”

That was his chance!

Zachary straightened up. “I’m not great, actually.”

Yara’s brow creased with concern. “What’s up?”

“It must be the late nights and the booze. My stomach’s a mess. I can’t stomach anything for some reason, but I can’t stop thinking about that amazing soup you make. I’m seriously craving it. Can maybe…

He could not outright say Yale wanted it, so he had to be a bit crafty.

Yara had known Zachary for years; even without Yale in the picture, they got along well.

He had asked for a favor, and he sounded genuinely unwell.

Yara checked the time. “Sure thing. I’m heading out to grab some groceries anyway; swing by around noon to pick it up.”

“Wow! Thanks, Yara! You’re the best! Love you! I’ll call you later.”

Yara could not help but laugh.

When it was noon, Zachary got Yara’s address and navigated to the area next to Bellmere University. After a few twists and turns through narrow alleys, he finally got close to his destination.

He parked along the street, strolled down the tree–lined path, and located the right building. Then it hit him -she was on the seventh floor, and there was no elevator.

Zachary looked up and gulped.

Five minutes later, Zachary was gasping for air at the door, drenched in sweat and feeling like he had run a marathon.

Yara swung the door open and handed him a glass of water right away.

“You good? Looks like you ran a marathon.”

Zachary took a deep breath and managed a weak smile. “I’m beat, Yara. How’d you end up in such an out- of-the-way.spot?”

He almost said dump, but that seemed too harsh, so he bit his tongue at the last second.

“It’s De

peaceful and easy to get around from here.”

She handed him a thermos of freshly made soup from the table. “Drink it while it’s hot. And watch out for

Chapter 41

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the side dishes; don’t spill them.”

The scent from the bowl hit Zachary, and he understood why someone would crave that. He nodded in appreciation. “Thanks, Yara. I owe you dinner.”

As he was about to leave, he turned back, a question on the tip of his tongue. “Yara,

a, you-”

Before he could finish, Yara’s phone lit up. “Look at the time. It’s almost one. I should get going. I’ll walk

you out.”

The unspoken words retreated as Zachary simply nodded. “Sure.”

Yara watched his sports car shrink into the distance before she let herself smile.

She had an inkling of what Zachary wanted to say, but she was not in the mood to listen anymore.

Zachary sped to the hospital and set the thermos in front of Yale,