Chapter 21: Nineteen

Less than thirty left till Hope could finally get off work, she'd gotten a shock when her friends – Paul and Tayo, that is – decided to show up unannounced at her workplace with the excuse that they wanted to hang out with her afterwards. Hope naturally was wary because if there was one act Tayo seemed to have perfected, it was not behaving in public, and Hope knew she couldn't risk even the slightest misstep when it seemed like her whole life was riding on her not getting fired.

"Behave," Hope warned Tayo who feigned being offended at the remark.

"You hurt me, Hope," Tayo laughed, her eyes shifting slightly so they were now fixed on Oke who was laughing at something a customer was saying. "Who's that?"

Hope's brows shot up and she gave Tayo a pointed look. "Behave," she repeated, somewhat menacingly.

Tayo rolled her eyes before shifting her attention back to Oke.

Hope turned to Paul. "Well. Since you guys are here, are you going to order something or what?"

Paul nodded. He turned to Tayo to ask what she wanted but all she replied with was a distracted murmur. He chuckled then decided to order for both of them. He then left to sit and enjoy his meal, expecting Tayo to follow. Only, she seemed to have found something more interesting to do instead – stand right there at the food counter, staring at Oke like he was her favorite snack straight out of her favorite food channel. Oke, bless his soul, as usual seemed to be totally oblivious.

"Stop staring at him," Hope snapped, shooting a glare at her friend. "You have no idea how weird you look, standing there gaping at the boy while your food is there getting cold."

All Hope got in response was a toothy grin and a wink before Tayo shifted her attention back to said boy.

"Did you even hear a word out of what I just said?"

Tayo turned back to her and chuckled at the annoyed look on Hope's face. "Why do you have to be so dramatic? Someone cannot even feast their eyes in peace where you are."

Hope's brows shot up to add to the 'so called' dramatics. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just that the last time I checked, you were into grandfathers and in case you haven't noticed, Oke is not seventy years old."

Tayo snorted and rolled her eyes, unaffected by her friend's jab. She however decided she was going to eat the food anyway. She stuck out her tongue at Hope before going to join Paul.

"Time to go home," Oke sang excitedly as he walked over to her, giving her a head pat as he walked past her on his way to go get changed, purposely ignoring the glare Hope directed at him at his action. She decided to go in to change as well, taking her time while at it.

She'd timed it perfectly because when she got back out, Paul and Tayo were done so she motioned for them to come over as she started walking out of the restaurant and her friends followed.

"See you tomorrow, Hope," Oke called as he hurriedly walked past them, waving as he did so.

"Bye," Hope called back, waving as well.

"Bye, cute boy!" Tayo called after him. "It's okay that you didn't bother introducing yourself to us! Next time!"

He turned back, looking a bit flustered as he waved shyly at Tayo before hurrying away.

Tayo waved back eagerly even though he could no longer see her. She sighed dreamily.

Hope face palmed, staring at her friend like she'd suddenly grown a second head. The whole restaurant had probably heard that. Did Tayo live solely to embarrass her or something?

"Okay Tayo, calm down. So, what are we doing?" Paul asked as the three of them finally stepped out of the restaurant.

"I don't know. We probably should . . . " Hope trailed off as her phone started ringing. She took it out of her bag, checking to see who it was. Her eyes automatically rolled when Raymond's name flashed on the screen. She waited for the ringing to stop before returning the phone into her bag. She'd just put it back in when it started ringing again.

"You're not going to pick that?" Paul asked, a curious look on his face.

"Just ignore it," Hope replied with a little shake of her head. "So, I was saying–"

"Isn't that your uncle Ray?" Tayo suddenly asked.

"What?" Hope's eyes followed her friend's and sure enough, her gaze fell on a certain familiar someone who was leaning against his car, phone in hand, and he was staring straight at her. He was dressed in a grey suit so Hope figured he'd driven over straight from work.

Hope couldn't explain the sudden joy that suddenly pooled at the pit of her stomach. She'd been avoiding his calls after she'd managed to convince herself she was eternally mad at him after the way he'd talked to her the other night. But now, one look at him and she was finding it really hard to remember why she had been angry in the first place.

He kept staring, not making any move to approach her so she reasoned she had two options; ignore him or confront him. Her cowardice had her very much contemplating on the former and she would have bolted if her friend hadn't decided to make the decision for her.

Before Hope could even piece together what was happening, Tayo was already making her way over to Raymond.

"Hey!" Hope yelled after her but if her friend heard – which she obviously did – she ignored her. Left with little choice, Hope trailed after her like a lamb being led to slaughter and Paul followed. By the time she got to them, Tayo and Raymond were already smiling at each other like long lost friends.

His attention immediately shifted to her as she came to a stop in front of them. "Hi."

Hope had to look away from the unnerving smile that was now being directed at her. All she could manage was a grunt in response.

"You didn't pick when I called," Raymond stated. It didn't sound like an accusation and it didn't look like he expected her to explain either.

Hope shrugged nonchalantly in response.

"Can we talk?" He asked, and there was no disguising the plea present in the words.

Hope glanced at her friends who were both watching her, waiting for her response as well.

Hope's mind reeled as she weighed her options. The logical part of her reasoned there was no point to avoiding him since they were practically family and would always be thrown in the same setting whether she liked it or not. The illogical part however, warned her to protect her heart at every cost. Coming to a resolution, she shook her head. "I have plans with my friends. Maybe later."

"You won't pick if I call later," He insisted, staring at her with pleading eyes that seemed to be piercing straight into her soul.

Hope looked away, unable to bear it and shrugged again, unwilling to refute his claim. It wasn't necessarily wrong.

He sighed and turned to her friends instead. "I'm sorry if I'm being a spoilsport, but can I have Hope this one time?"

Hope's face snapped back as she sent him a glare, one that he ignored as his gaze was fixated on Tayo instead. He knew the weak link among the three and was smart enough to exploit it. "I'm not–"

"No problem," Tayo cut in, flashing an evil grin at Hope. Somehow, Hope felt this was her friend's way of revenging. Tayo might not know what their deal was, but it was obvious enough Hope was avoiding him, so naturally as a good friend, she was obligated to make life harder for her. "She's all yours."

If looks could kill, Tayo would have been six feet under at that moment but she didn't seem to mind as she continued, "Paul and I would be fine without Hope. Right, Paul?"

She smiled at Paul who stared back with a wary expression. His eyes flitted to Hope who shook her head vigorously, her eyes pleading.

"Right, Paul?"  Tayo repeated, although it came out as more of a threat this time. She was silently daring him to say otherwise. She didn't bother risking a response as she started to pull him away.

Paul looked back and flashed Hope an apologetic smile, shrugging as if to say, 'Sorry. I love you, but I fear her more.'

Hope groaned, wondering what exactly she'd done so wrong that her punishment was being blessed with betraying friends.

"So . . . ?" Raymond started, staring at her with uncertainty.

Hope crossed her arms, trying to look unyielding as waited for him to continue. He'd sent her friends away and most likely ruined what had been to her the promise of a nice evening.

"Okay. I guess I should start by apologizing for the way I spoke to you the other night. You were only being concerned for me and my actions were totally uncalled for."

Hope hummed, pointedly scrunching up her nose. So, maybe she was overdoing it a bit.

Raymond chuckled, taking one of her hands and shaking her as a child would when he wanted something. "I'm very very very sorry, Hope. Please, stop ignoring me?"

Hope was stricken with horror as she felt her resolve melting. She was one second away from giving in so she narrowed her eyes at him, trying to make her gaze as hard as possible.

He responded with a cute face that she guessed was his failed attempt at looking coy. That was her undoing as unrestricted laughter bellowed out of her. This was exactly why she'd been putting off interacting with him. Somehow, she'd known there was no way she'd be able to hold on against him. She might not like admitting it to herself, but she'd at some point developed a soft spot for him.

Raymond let out a relieved breath and his eyes twinkled with happiness. "Laughing is supposedly a good sign, right? So this means you forgive me?"

Hope clucked her tongue, fighting against what was threatening to be an extremely wide smile.

"Come on," Raymond cajoled playfully. "I really hate not being on talking terms with you."

She was grateful she wasn't white because she'd have been all pink at his honest admission. Apparently, her friends weren't the only betrayers in her life.

"You ignoring me is surprisingly very depressing," Raymond admitted. His head tilted and he studied her, seemingly reading her expression for something. He added seriously, "Don't put me through that again, hm?"

Hope could no longer hold in as a beautiful smile broke over her face. "Okay."

He smiled back and squeezed her hand gently before letting go. "Alright, let's get you out of here."

Hope nodded, walking around to the passenger seat. She didn't even bother asking him where to, figuring he was taking her home.

"I'm sorry I ruined your plans," Raymond apologized after a while of silence.

Hope shook her head, finding it hard to stop smiling. When exactly had it gotten to this point? "Don't worry about it."

The rest of the ride home was silent, but it was nowhere near uncomfortable. Both had stupid smiles on their faces that they tried to conceal from each other. One thing they'd both come to realize but wouldn't admit – at least on Hope's part– was that it was easier talking to each other than not.

"We're here," Raymond announced as he pulled up in front of her house. He turned to her, smiling.

"Thanks for the ride," Hope said, flustered beyond reason. He really needed to stop smiling at her. Hurriedly, she opened the car door before thinking better of it and turning back to him. "Would you like to come in?"

For a moment, Raymond's eyes clouded and his jaw twitched as he seemed to ponder something. He shook his head and responded, "No, thank you. Next time."

Hope nodded, although a little confused. It wasn't the first time Raymond was dropping her off without coming in, but somehow she had a feeling there was more it it this time than the others. Taking his word and a bit grateful for it, she got down from the car and waved him goodbye before she made her way in.

•     ~     •

Raymond was hit by the low but steady hum of music the instant he stepped into the bar. He'd lost his suit jacket so he didn't stand out too much. His eyes scanned the cacophony of faces until they landed on his friend who was seated by the bar, playing with the hem of the glass containing his drink. Raymond walked over to him and took the barstool next to him. "Hey, man."

Efe turned his attention from the drink he was nursing and smirked at Raymond. "Well, well. The princess is here."

Raymond ignored him and turned to the waiter whose attention was already on him. "A glass of water, please."

Raymond turned back to his friend whose eyebrows rose at his choice of drink.

"A glass of water, seriously?" His friend asked in obvious disapproval.

Raymond shrugged. "You're the one who insisted I meet you at a bar on a Monday. Well, I'm here, but you can't force me to drink."

Efe snorted, gulping down his drink in one go and signalling for a refill from the waiter who was dropping the desired glass of water in front of Raymond.

"Thank you," Raymond said politely as he took the water and drained it. Content, he turned to Efe whose whole face was scrunched up as if Raymond's actions physically pained him.

"I'll keep praying for you," Efe decided.

Raymond chuckled. "Pray for yourself first. Believe it or not, you need it more."

Efe chuckled, shaking his head. "So what kept you? You're a bit late."

"Yeah. I had to take care of something quick. Sorry about that." Raymond was unaware of the smile that took over his face when he thought back to what had kept him, but his friend caught it.

"Why are you smiling like a creep?"

"Who, me?" Raymond asked, surprised.

"You didn't know? Now, that's even weirder," Efe teased.

Raymond didn't bother replying, knowing he was never going to outwit his friend.

Efe nodded. In an instant, it seemed the playfulness was gone and in it's place was unbridled curiosity.

Raymond smiled slightly, knowing what was coming. He was a bit surprised his friend had managed to hold on that long in the first place. It didn't look like Efe was about to bring up the issue first, so Raymond decided he might as well get it over with.

"So, what happened on Sunday was . . . " Raymond proceeded to narrate what had happened, in as much the same manner as he'd done with Alex. Only, this time, he added what Alex had told him as well. Efe listened attentively, not saying a word. The only indication of what he was thinking was the frown that seemed to deepen the more Raymond talked. At the end, Raymond sighed. "That's it."

"She's the devil, alright?" Efe finally said with a humourless chuckle. "But I'm not surprised. It's good riddance, really."

Raymond nodded, grateful his friend was not making it any more than it had to be. "I know, right?"

"So, are you okay?" His friend asked seriously.

Raymond smiled and nodded. This was honestly the lightest he'd felt whenever Rose was concerned.

"Good. At least now you'll finally have time for the finer things in life." Raymond caught the mischievous smile playing on his friend's lips and alarm bells went off in his head. "Like that extremely fine piece of art I encountered the other day in the hospital."

Raymond groaned. "That wasn't a human you just described, was it?"

"That was her, wasn't it? Val?" Efe asked knowingly, wiggling his brows.

The way he called her name, slurring it rather unnecessarily had Raymond rolling his eyes at what he perceived as his friend's immaturity.

"I see why she has your feelings all tangled up," Efe continued. "I have to give it to you. That girl na die!"

"Everything in skirts 'na die' to you," Raymond pointed out, air quoting to drive his point home.

"That was a failed attempt at trying to stir the conversation elsewhere," Efe deadpanned.

Raymond chuckled even as his mind against his will traveled back to the night before. He'd put off thinking about what had happened most of the day, and it had mostly worked. Until now.

"She came over yesterday evening," Raymond admitted.

Efe seemed surprised, but that lasted only a second before a huge creepy smile encompassed his face. "You don't say."

"She kissed me."

"At least one of the both of you is sharp," Efe replied without missing a beat. "So?"

Raymond shrugged, grinning knowingly. "Nothing. That's it."

"You're telling me this girl came to your house, of her own accord kissed you, and nothing happened?" Efe repeated in disbelief, trying to make sense of it. "You're joking, right?"

Raymond's brows shot up in response.

"You're not," Efe realized and with a discontent sigh muttered, "Unbelievable."

Raymond chuckled, for some reason finding joy in his friend's frustration.

"So, the kiss . . . how was that? Did kissing her finally help you sort out your confused feelings?" Efe asked, already looking bored. Feelings were not his area of interest.

Raymond shrugged. "I guess. Maybe. To be honest, I don't know. If anything, I think I'm even more confused."

Efe snorted.

"I don't think I have feelings for her," Raymond admitted. The thought had been nagging at him since the kiss happened and it'd taken him a lot to finally arrive at that conclusion. He continued at the look his friend was giving him, "Don't get me wrong, the kiss was really . . . nice, and I think I'm . . . No, I am attracted to her on a physical level but that's the extent of it. I didn't feel that spark, you know? No feelings . . . You get?"

His friend stared at him like he didn't understand a word he'd just said.

Raymond chuckled. "This is messed up, isn't it?"

Efe seemed thoughtful for a while, trying to make sense of it for his friend's sake. Finally, he shrugged, "It's not really that messed up. I think it's pretty clear if you ask me."

Intrigued, Raymond silently urged him to continue.

"You both just need to sleep with each other and get it over and done with."

Raymond let out a sound in between a laugh and a cry. Of course. What else had he been expecting? "Can you ever be serious for once in your life?"

"This is as serious as it gets, princess. You just admitted you're physically attracted to her. What other solution is there?" Efe decided, and it looked like he meant what he'd said.

"Not everything is about sex, Efe," Raymond sighed.

"Maybe. But this one sure looks like it."

Raymond smiled. How was he supposed to explain that the reason his feelings were so messed up no longer had anything to do with Val? A kiss had been enough to help him finally define what he felt for her – an attraction to a beautiful woman but nothing more. He also liked her on a personal level, but not like that.

No, his complicated feelings had more to do with the girl that had been dominating his conscious and unconscious mind way more frequently that he appreciated. The way his brain seemed unable to function properly whenever he as much as sensed her around made him realize just how deep he'd gotten himself without realizing it.

He'd denied it all he wanted, but it had taken her ignoring him for just a day for him to crack. The anguish he'd had to deal with had finally led him to come to terms with the fact that had been hovering over his mind for a while now, waiting to be uncovered.

He'd been fooling himself, trying to convince himself that the reason he kept wanting to be around her was because her mum had asked him to watch over her, but the truth was so much farther from that.

He craved to see her whenever she was not with him and wanted to get to know her even better when they were together. He wanted to share her joy, pain, and uncertainty with her. He wanted to share everything with her.

She'd become way more than just important to him. She'd become a necessity, an undeniable craving, and he was genuinely scared that at the rate he was going, he might just lose his mind if he didn't have her.

•     ~     •

I'm guessing we all know who she is. Wink, wink.

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