“So I really like him. I mean I’m totally into him. But he’s out of my league completely and I doubt that he feels anything for me.” I told Ama who had a bottle of Coca cola pressed on her lips.
It was time for lunch on Monday and I was telling Ama about a guy I was falling for without letting her know that I was actually talking about Alex of all people.
Promise was among those shortlisted for a promotion and he and about ten or more other people were in the main conference room for the screening.
“You said he was the one who helped you get the house, introduced you to someone as his girlfriend, takes you out for dinner and even let’s you cook for him. What more do you want as proof that he cares a lot about you?” Ama asked in summary as I finished telling him my story.
“You don’t understand. This guy is a boss on his own lane and his emotions are completely unreadable.” I protested.
“Actions speak louder than words babes and his actions show that this guy is into you too. It’s only a matter of time before he speaks his mind. Until then, be patient and don’t say or do anything stupid.” Ama advised and I kept nodding at all the valid points she was making although I doubted that Alex is remotely emotionally attached to me or any woman for that matter.
We finished eating and I returned to my cubicle to continue with work for the day.
I felt so relieved telling Ama what was going on in my head although I wasn’t being completely transparent with her.
Alex returned from his own lunch break that afternoon with his friend laughing like they’d won the lottery or something.
A few minutes later, SM also came looking for him. She’s not been to his office for sometime now. Seemed there’s been some kind of friction around them as they’ve not been all in people’s faces recently like they used to.
Nothing wey good Samaritan no go see for wilderness. Mtchew!
She left the office a few minutes later with a long face like that of a horse. Wahala!
Soon after she left, Alex’s friend also followed suit and informed me on his way out that Alex wanted me in his office.
I was really nervous as I stood up and walked to his office door knocking for permission to enter.
When he finally let me in, he motioned with his hands for me to sit down as he was speaking on the phone with someone.
He finally concluded his conversation on the phone before returning his attention to me.
“I messed up big time Folake. I couldn’t make semovita last night. Lumps here and there.” He announced and burst out laughing at himself with me joining in.
“The Almighty Alex of all people doesn’t know how to make semo?” I queried trying to confirm what I just heard before we resumed another round of laughter.
“C’mon! I was never allowed in the kitchen.” He said defensively.
“I’m guessing you threw it away?”
“Nah! Sam fed it to the dog.”
“Eiyah! So what did you eat then?”
“I ordered pizza and coca cola.”
“And this morning?”
“Left over pizza.” He said with a shrug.
“Why didn’t you cook rice?” I asked and he rolled his eyes.
“You should watch tutorials on YouTube so you can get it right. It’s no rocket science.” I suggested and he shook his head in the negative swivelling in his chair as usual.
“How bout a live tutorial from you?” He said pulling his soft beards.
“Like today?”
“Yeah why? You got plans with your boyfriend?” He said with an arrogant smirk and I shot him a glare making him laugh out loud.
“You’re mocking me abi?” I said feigning annoyance.
“I’m Sorry ma.” He surrendered raising both hands in the air.
“So what do you say? Are you free?” He probed further.
“No, I mean yeah, I’m um.. I’m free.” I stuttered as I couldn’t come up with a tangible excuse.
“Great! Plus, my brothers will be in town on Wednesday.” He added and my eyes widened when he mentioned his brothers.
That means I’ll see them on Saturday. Oh my goodness! I was beginning to get really uneasy.
Alex arranged to pick me up after work in the evening and I just couldn’t wait for five o’clock.
***
Twenty five whole minutes gone past the hour of five and Alex at long last, came out of his office dripped in ego and humming a tune as he walked past me responding to my goodbyes passively.
What does he take me for? Some days I wonder if he’s fully normal in the head.
I shook the thoughts of him being crazy out of my mind as I got out of my seat and arranged my desk before heading out of the office.
Alex’s car was parked in the distance a few blocks away from the office. I walked over there and as if on cue, the backseat door swung open and he popped his face out smiling like a child in kindergarten.
Alex’s car was parked in the distance a few blocks away from the office. I walked over there and as if on cue, the backseat door swung open and he popped his face out smiling like a child in kindergarten.
“Thought you were going to pass the night in the office.” Alex said tiredly as I sat in the backseat with him.
My heart skipped a beat as I only smiled back foolishly at him like I was just seeing him for the first time today.
The car started and got back in transit. Alex sat with legs crossed in his usual kingly manner while I shyly clutched my hand bag which was placed on my lap.
We made small talk about several random topics. It was until Wahab stopped the car some minutes later that we realized we’ve gotten to Alex’s house.
We got down from the car and Alex unlocked the front door which he held open as a hint for me to enter before he followed shutting the door behind him.
I was greeted by the all too familiar scent of fresh fruit which I slowly inhaled with eyes tightly closed. It felt like therapy for my lungs as a smile crept up on my face.
I opened my eyes and they came in contact with Alex’s. He had that signature smirk on his face which instantly wiped the smile off my face. He just made me feel shy with his gaze.
“Who’re these in the photos?” I asked to clear the air of all the awkwardness as the portraits on the wall grabbed my attention.
After heaving a huge sigh, Alex began explaining pointing to each photo.
The first photo was that of his late mom, the next was his aunt and her family, the next were two young boys who happened to be his twin brothers, there was a photo of him in his convocation dress and another of him as a young boy of about ten.
He had that same cold vicious look on his face as he did when I started working for him two months ago. This man was born a tyrant.
“What about your dad?” I asked as I didn’t see any photos of his father.
“What about him?” He queried with a shrug.
“There are no photos of him here and you have not really mentioned him much.” I said before realizing that I may have bitten off way more than I can chew. My big mouth no go put me for soup one day.
“He’s uhm.. we don’t talk.” He Said with a shrug as his face became straight like a ruler before he finally turned and walked upstairs.
“Alex! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.” I pleaded almost running after him.
“It’s okay.” He simply replied as he stopped to look at me for a moment before resuming his journey up the stairs.
I messed up! I let out a long sigh throwing up my hands in despair as I made my way to the kitchen to prepare the semovita.
Few minutes later I was joined in the kitchen by Alex who came in looking rather breezy.
“I’m sorry Alex. I didn’t know it was like that with your dad.” I started apologizing all over again.
“It’s fine. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be upset about him or not.” He said disinterested in the very words he spoke.
“My father really damaged my childhood and everything in general. He got another woman pregnant just to get more children because I wasn’t enough in his eyes. The doctor advised my mom against having any more children but he pressured her into getting pregnant again. She died giving birth to the twins. She died not knowing what they really looked like and my father, he abandoned the three of us just to be with his new family like we were nothing.” Alex narrated through gritted teeth clenching his jaws angrily.
“I’m so sorry to hear about this.” I tried consoling and calming him down for what took like forever.
He finally calmed down and we had dinner in total silence before he drove me home later that evening. My stupid question just opened up wounds that were still trying to heal.
I now understand why he’s so bitter and resentful. He’s emotionally scarred and doesn’t really trust or feel much affection. This guy needs serious help and support.
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