Chapter 56 - Chapter 55

# Chapter 55
AYANDA

When I walk into the bar, weaving through throngs of people, all eyes turn towards me. My work colleagues are seated at a table towards the back, drinks in hand.

Babalwa spots me first and shoots to her feet. "You came."

Unwinding my mustard scarf, I walk up to them, offering a tentative smile to Max, Patience, Mxolisi, and Emihle, who smile back. Max raises his beer in greeting.

I wasn't going to come tonight, but my mind was racing. I had to get out.

My eyes catch on Justice beside Mxolisi, and my eyebrows raise in question, but before I can make a comment, Babalwa takes my hand and drags me back to the bar. Judging by the glassy sheen in her eyes, her empty glass of wine back at the table wasn't her first.

She gestures for the bartender, then smiles at me. "I'll be honest; I didn't think you'd show."

"Neither did I," I reply.

Babalwa orders us drinks while I scan the bar. When she hands me a glass of wine, I gratefully gulp it down.

Her eyes widen, her wine still untouched. "Yoh. Thirsty?"

My head shakes. "Anxious."

She watches me swig half the glass in one go before she seems to shake herself off, sipping her wine.

"Justice is here," I point out, glancing over my shoulder, surprised to see him back.

"I invited him. It felt wrong not to, you know?"

I do know. I'm still riddled with guilt over what happened. Especially now that Vusi isn't around to threaten him anymore. My heart twinges at the thought, and I'm struck by another wave of guilt.

I swallow it back down with another swig of wine, glancing at Justice.

"Are you into him?"