We arrived at the restaurant and spotted Zion waiting outside. We exchanged pleasantries, and he led us to a table by the window. After we ordered our food, the conversation turned to the job offer.
"So, tell me more about this job," Zion said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "What made you apply?"
I launched into the story of how I was scrolling through my phone and stumbled upon the job posting. "I was just home doing nothing when I got the offer then I decided to apply for the interview, and they did offer me an interview," I said, trying to contain my enthusiasm. "I'm waiting for the interview in three days."
Zion's eyes widened in surprise. "You're sure about this?" he asked, his tone a bit more serious than I expected. "What's the name of the company?"
"It's NovaTech," I replied, watching Zion's reaction.
Maxi frowned. "I've never heard of them," she said, echoing my own thoughts.
But Zion's expression was different. He looked...knowing. "NovaTech?" he repeated, his voice low. "Let me see something."
He pulled out his phone and started typing away. Maxie and I exchanged a curious glance. What was going on?
"Wait," Zion said, his eyes fixed on the screen. "I think I know this company. It is a new company."
I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "You know the company?" I asked Zion, my eyes locked on his.
Zion's expression was cautious. "Not much," he said. "It's just a new company that launched with not so many employees yet. But it's doing well, on track, I suppose. The thing is, we really don't know who the founder of the company is."
I let out a excited squeal. "Of course I'm going for the job!" I exclaimed. "This is exactly the kind of opportunity I've been looking for."
Maxi smiled, a sly glint in her eye. "Congratulations, if Zion says it's legit, then trust him, it is."
Zion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment, Maxie," he said, chuckling.
I laughed, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I don't care," I said. "I'm going to nail this interview and get the job. Watch me."
The three of us clinked our glasses together in a toast.
Maxi glanced at her watch after a while and frowned. "I think we should get going," she said, her voice firm but playful. "Some of us have to work tomorrow."
I shot her a mock-offended look. "Unlike someone who is unemployed right now," Maxie continued, laughing. "I am employed, and I need to get to work tomorrow. Let's go home now, Sharon."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and smiled but Zion just chuckled.
"Don't worry, I'll be employed again soon," I said, grinning. "In a new company in town, no less." I chuckled, feeling a sense of confidence and optimism.
Maxie stood up, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "I'm going to the rest room," she said, excusing herself. "You two can stay up and plot world domination or whatever it is you're doing but when I get back, I am heading home."
I laughed and watched as Maxi headed towards the rest room, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. I turned back to Zion, who was watching me with a knowing glint in his eye.
"What " I asked half smiling
Zion turned to me with a serious expression. "Sharon, you've not given me any feedback or response about what we spoke about on the day I picked you up from...Ace's house," he said, his voice low and measured.
I looked at him, my expression blank. "Ehm, I don't know what you're talking about," I said, genuinely puzzled.
Zion's gaze intensified, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "Sharon, you know what I'm talking about," he said, his voice firm but controlled.
I felt a flicker of unease, but I maintained my innocent act, my brow furrowed in confusion. "No, really, Zion, I have no idea what you're referring to," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
But Zion wasn't buying it. He knew me too well, and I could see the skepticism in his eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Don't play dumb, Sharon. I'm talking about what happened at Ace's house. You know exactly what I'm talking about."
Zion's expression remained serious, and he leaned in closer. "I asked you out, Sharon, and you've not said anything," he said, his voice low and direct.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized what he was referring to. I let out a laugh, trying to deflect the tension. "Zion, I know you were just looking out for me and you were concerned about me," I said, smiling at him. "I'm okay, trust me."
My attempt to downplay the situation seemed to catch Zion off guard, and for a moment, he looked taken aback. Then, his expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes still locked on mine. "I'm glad you're okay," he said, his voice a little softer now. "But I meant what I said, Sharon. I want to get to know you better, outside of our usual group hangouts."
I watched him as he spoke and I could not decipher if he was truly serious.
I smiled at Zion, trying to let him down gently. "Aww, Zion, you're so sweet," I said, teasingly. "But I don't think I'm ready for that kind of commitment."
Zion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Commitment?" he repeated. "I'm just asking for coffee, Sharon. Not a marriage proposal."
I laughed, shaking my head. "I know, I know. But still, I think I'll have to pass. I'm just not interested in dating right now."
Zion's expression turned serious again, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Is it because of Ace?" he asked, his voice low.
I felt a flutter in my chest at the mention of Ace's name, but I pushed it aside. "No, it's not because of Ace," I said, trying to sound casual. "I just don't think it's a good time for me, that's all."
Zion studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay, I understand," he said. "But can I at least ask why you're being so evasive? You're not making it easy for a guy to take no for an answer."
I laughed again, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just a strong, independent woman, Zion," I said, smiling. "I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry about me."
Zion chuckled, but I could see the seriousness in his eyes. "I'm not worried about you, Sharon," he said. "I'm just interested in getting to know you better. But I guess I'll have to accept your decision for now."
I smiled at him, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks for understanding, Zion," I said. "You're a great friend."
As Zion was about to continue, Maxie returned from the restroom and slid back into her seat. "Ready to go?" she asked, glancing at us with a hint of impatience.
I nodded, and Zion stood up, pulling out his wallet to pay the bill. "Let me get this," he said, smiling at us.
Maxie and I protested, but Zion insisted...
"I brought the idea of getting dinner, so let me do this" we eventually let him pay. As we walked out of the restaurant, Zion turned to me and said, "I'll walk you guys home."
The night air was cool and crisp as we strolled through the quiet streets, the restaurant wasn't far from my apartment . We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company. When we reached the apartment building, Zion said his goodbyes and headed off into the night, leaving Maxie and me to head inside.
As we entered the apartment, Maxi yawned and stretched, her eyes heavy with sleep. "I'm going to bed," she said, shuffling towards her room.
I nodded, feeling a bit more awake despite the late hour. "I'll just wind down for a bit," I said, settling onto the couch.
With a wave, Maxie disappeared into her room, leaving me to my thoughts. I sat in the silence, my mind replaying the events of the evening and the upcoming interview. Tomorrow was a new day, and I was ready to face it head-on.