Virgin At 25 Chapter 50: DATE ME

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 more about this job," Zion said, his eyes sparkling with excitent. "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 ho doing nothing when I got the offer then I decided to apply for the interview, and they did offer 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 na 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 see sothing."

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 exclaid. "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 amusent on his face. "I’m not sure if that’s a complint, Maxie," he said, chuckling.

I laughed, feeling a sense of excitent and anticipation. "I don’t care," I said. "I’m going to nail this interview and get the job. Watch ."

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. "So of us have to work tomorrow."

I shot her a mock-offended look. "Unlike soone who is unemployed right now," Maxie continued, laughing. "I am employed, and I need to get to work tomorrow. Let’s go ho 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 amusent 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 ho."

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 with a knowing glint in his eye.

"What " I asked half smiling

Zion turned to with a serious expression. "Sharon, you’ve not given 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 asured.

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 . "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 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 and you were concerned about ," I said, smiling at him. "I’m okay, trust ."

My attempt to downplay the situation seed to catch Zion off guard, and for a mont, 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 ant 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 commitnt."

Zion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusent in his eyes. "Commitnt?" 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 ntion of Ace’s na, 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 ti for , that’s all."

Zion studied for a mont, 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 ."

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 get this," he said, smiling at us.

Maxie and I protested, but Zion insisted...

"I brought the idea of getting dinner, so let do this" we eventually let him pay. As we walked out of the restaurant, Zion turned to and said, "I’ll walk you guys ho."

The night air was cool and crisp as we strolled through the quiet streets, the restaurant wasn’t far from my apartnt . We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other’s company. When we reached the apartnt building, Zion said his goodbyes and headed off into the night, leaving Maxie and to head inside.

As we entered the apartnt, 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 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.