Zenon's Game Chapter 145

Witnessing the take down made me really reconsider getting on Zenon Albert's bad side.

He has a no prisoners' strategy.

He went hard on her.

In all our time hanging out together, Zenon and I have fought a hundred times, and he has never treated me that way.

I almost felt bad for her. And then I remembered Roger, the threatening letters and her open threats to me. Was she the blackmailer?

And if so, Zenon's smack down may have set her off.

A problem for another day.

We had no more stops to make before reaching the lake house. We were already behind schedule. I think his parents expected us there by 2PM and it was already three.

I always feel a weight lifted off my shoulders when I leave town. My worries feel smaller when they are further away and the opportunities seem brighter under a new horizon.

We drove through a luscious evergreen forest. Tall and thick tree stumps blurred into one color as we drove fast through the smaller roads. We were off the main road now so I knew we must be getting close.

I rolled down the window to breathe in the fresh air. I listened to the breeze as it rustled through the leaves. Zenon slowed the car as we entered into a clearing. The wheels crunched over fallen sticks and I felt excitement for the weekend ahead.

Zenon smirked, "Welcome to the jake house."

"You think you're funny, don't you?"

Their cabin was a beautiful wooden building with a sloped, dark blue roof. It was two floors with a balcony on the second. A warm yellow glow emanated from inside the windows.

"It's lovely," I gazed up at the picturesque view.

The cabin was nestled in a beautiful backdrop of forest. A lake must be nearby, but I couldn't see it. I felt Zenon's hand on my back as he escorted me to the front.

I turned to get my bag, when I realized that he was carrying both his and mine.

"Thank you," I kissed him on the cheek, "For everything this weekend."

"Candy, it hasn't even begun."

I had no idea what he had up his sleeve.

Maybe he was teasing me, maybe he meant nothing by it and just maybe he knew by now that nothing for us goes smoothly. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

"There you two are," Mrs Albert said, emerging from the cabin with her husband behind her, "We were starting to get worried."

OK. This is it. Welcome to the weekend.

Mr and Mrs Albert stood at the entrance of their picturesque cabin and I could feel how unexcited they were that Zenon had brought me.

After all, I'm the girl that blurted out how I kissed Zenon on the same day I was meant to be going on a date with Jake.

The two brothers fought because of that, right before someone spray painted $1 h-oo-ker inside on my front door.

Not my finest moments.

Mrs Albert greeted me with a light hug, and I remembered the last time I saw her.

It was on Dupont Avenue when she overheard Cynthia say how Zenon was perfect for erotic fantasies, how girls want to rip his clothes off and scream his name.

I really hope first impressions aren't as important as everyone says they are.

We walked inside the cabin, following Zenon and his father who were already talking about basketball. Zenon was carrying our duffel bags and said he would drop them off in our rooms.

Rooms with an 's'. Looks like they don't want us sharing a double.

Meanwhile, I was infatuated by the view in front of me. The interior was enormous. Giant windows revealed a glorious view of the sparkling lake.

A plasma screen TV was nestled over a fireplace and cozy blankets draped over a large beige sofa. The wooden dining table was next to the windows with a patterned rug underneath.

"Candace," Mr Albert greeted me, "It's nice to see you again. I hear you've been a frequent visitor to our house and particularly fond of my son's bedroom."

Oh wow, we're going there?

"H- have I?" My nerves were getting the better of me.

I was nervous in front of Mr Albert. He wore a crisp, button-down shirt and his hair perfectly combed. He was handsome for an old guy, with features that he clearly passed down to his sons.

"I suppose it depends which son we're talking about," he added.

Someone help me.

This man was determined to make me feel like an insect on his shoe.

"Zenon got accepted into some mighty fine colleges," he moved subject as if this entire conversation was casual, "Have you heard? He's going places."

I nodded, "It's amazing news."

I'm sure he couldn't wait to see the last of me. In his mind, the further I am from Zenon, the better. He couldn't wait for Zenon's graduation.

"Zenon's dream is to play for the Kentucky Wildcats," Mr Albert said proudly, "Now he will."

That's not what Zenon told me. He said his dad's dream was Kentucky, but that didn't mean it was his.

I faked a smile, not wanting to cause any interference in their family set up. I could just imagine the pressure Zenon has been under his whole life.

I guess every family has their secrets.

Framed photos hung on walls around us. With a photogenic family like this, I could understand why. A photo that took pride of place was of Charlotte's high school graduation. The three of them were grinning beside the happy graduate.

No photo of Jake in sight.

Jake's voice sounded behind me, "Hey dad, maybe you can avoid freaking out our guest."

I turned in relief to see Jake and gave him a friendly hug. Jake was in a red and white sweater and his lighter was sticking out of his pocket. He must've been outside smoking.