He shrugged.“It’s a library.”
But it wasn’t just a library to me.It was a whole new world.And to have access to something like this, was beyond priceless.He told me I could borrow any book I wanted.I told him we were forbidden from even being in here.
“You can borrow anything you want, just don’t get caught.”
That’s what he said.And that was good enough for me.
Tethered to that memory are others.The library.The greenhouse.The kitchen.And so many hot summer days.
“I can’t believe it’s really you,” he chuckles softly.
It’s too much to take in.His voice is deeper now and he’s also filled out more.“I-I never thought I’d see you again,” I say, my voice too breathless, giving away too much of my inner turmoil.
A few times, after moving back to New York, I wondered if I’d ever run into him again.I purposely didn’t look up anything about the Knights, because I was so consumed by resentment, though every now and then, if I’m being completely honest, a tiny part of me would wonder if I’d ever see him again.
“I’m so happy to see you again, Maya.”
“Yeah,” I say, uneasily.“Imagine that.”
I’m not, so I don’t say the same thing back to him.I don’t share his happiness.He has a lot to be happy about.The son of a wealthy man, Zach has known trauma, but he has the world at his feet.When it comes down to it, he’s just another fucked up billionaire with unlimited amounts of wealth to use as a band-aid over his problems.
“How are you?”he asks, breaking out into a full wide white Hollywood smile.
Where do I even start?He has no idea, he never will.
“I ...I’m working ...I shouldn’t be talking to you.”My gaze quickly scans him.He looks like a million dollars.Not a hair out of place, and wearing a big, shiny, blingy watch that’s probably cost more than my year’s rent.I suddenly feel self-conscious as I smooth a hand over my wild hair, and try desperately to brush off the dust on my clothes.
“Looks to me like you’re running the show.”He looks around our makeshift office.
I gaze at him, remembering when I last saw him.Mom and I leaving the place where she worked, Zach’s home, the Knight Estate.My eyes locked on the sad green eyes of the only friend I had there.He waved to me, looking calmer than I expected.
Just as quickly, the memories fall away, and I’m left with a sense of extreme loathing for this man, and his family, and what they did to me and Mom.I ease my arm out of his grip.“I need to go.I’m working.I can’t stand around talking to you.”
“But it’s been so long since—”
Katherine suddenly appears out of nowhere.“Maya, don’t annoy Mr.Knight.”
Zach doesn’t even glance at her, not even when she rests her hand on his arm.He so casually, with a shrug, gets her to remove it.I can’t believe my eyes.Then Cecil appears and pats Zach on the shoulder.
“Zach, my good man.”Zach turns, and shakes Cecil’s hand.
“I need a private moment.I’ll find you, Cecil.We’ll talk.”Just like that, Cecil obeys and leaves us.Katherine follows, looking confused, a curiosity in her eyes that wasn’t there before.She’s wondering why someone like Zach Knight wants to talk in private to me.
I see it first hand, how this man has power.Suddenly, he’s all grown up, and his voice, his demeanour, who he is, can make someone like Cecil move.
“Can we talk somewhere, in private?”He looks at me as if I’m the only person here at this event, and the thought of talking to him alone sends a wobble through me.
“Zach!There you are.”
Two beautiful women appear on either side of him.I’m amazed at how popular this man is, and when I glance at the women, I do a double take.They’re identical twins.
“Are you hiding from me?”one of them asks.
“Or me?”the other one asks.
He looks flummoxed, and I use this distraction to make my exit, because this man is exactly who I knew he’d grow up to be.Another billionaire playboy I can’t stand.
“Looks like you’ve got your hands full,” I mumble.“See you around.”
