Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 89

A car was parked outside the club, and Jaylan was leaning against it, puffing away on a cigarette.

At a glance, it was clear he was waiting for someone. But I knew damn well it wasn't me he was waiting for because there was no way he could know I was attending this party.

Jaylan felt nervous the moment he saw us walking out together, but recovered immediately. He put out his cigarette and strode over to me, took my purse from my hand, and wrapped his arm around me, "Tired?"

Catherine muttered with annoyance, "Stop showing off. Who are you trying to impress?"

I leaned into Jaylan and asked him, "Are you here to pick me up?"

He looked at me with affection as he replied, "Who else would I be here for?"

"Well, I don't recall informing you of my plans. Do you have some kind of psychic ability, knowing where I am at all times?" I teased him.

As he led me towards his car, he explained, "I was having dinner with Irving. He mentioned that his wife was hosting a party at Illusion Paradiso. Before dinner, I called home and Zora said you were out. After dinner, I called home again and you were still out. I figured you might be here, so I thought I'd surprise you."

He chuckled, "And I was right, wasn't I?"

His reasoning was sound. If I didn't know him better, I might have believed him.

When we reached his car, he let go of me and stared at me appreciatively. He tousled my hair and said, "I never realized how good you look with short hair. It suits you well. I guess I had the wrong idea about it before."

I held his hand still, "Your mother is here too. Should we wait for her?"

"No need. She's got her plans. And besides, she's not one to leave a party early," Jaylan replied, his gaze filled with a mix of wonder and desire.

It was a natural desire; perhaps he hadn't anticipated that I would look so radiant. In truth, I was barely holding it.

Jaylan seemed not to notice. He turned to me and said, "Our kids have been waiting long enough. I'm worried about them."

He had shown his indifference, and I couldn't help but feel happy.

I turned to Marissa, who looked crushed and offered a sympathetic smile, "Sorry, Marissa. I don't want the kids to worry. I can't delay any longer."

Marissa quickly waved her hand, "It's okay, and I've called a cab."

"We'll be going then," I waved back at her and got into the car. Jaylan buckled my seatbelt for me and closed the door, not looking at Marissa once. He then got into the car and we drove off.

In the rear-view mirror, I saw Marissa standing there, watching our car fade into the distance. Suddenly, she threw her purse on the ground with a frustrated thud.

I almost burst out laughing, thinking to myself, "Don't worry. I've got a bigger surprise for you."