Chapter 71 You Rock My World

Chapter 71 You Rock My World
Adrian’s POV

My eyes tailed Reilly and Inez until they’d faded into the background. Even as Reilly returned, the hovering image of Inez stuck away from prying eyes while she shed some few tears stuck with me.

I was worried. Perhaps seeing Inez one more time before I leave wouldn’t be so wrong.

Would she be interested or willing enough to see me?

“Supper would be ready in some couple of minutes..,” Reilly announced as she returned from the kitchen. “You all need to be properly washed before considering going to the dinning room.”

Irene scowled. “Come on, must your mother be so strict about that rule?” she whined. “I’m so famished.”

Leo’s lips played a frown. “I would second on that. I wonder if you stay up all day without a bath while you are at home.”

Irene shot a gnarl at him. “Don’t start with me.” She warned.

“I can start  with whatever I want.” He had a mocking smirk tugged on the corner of his lips.

“I’m not staying for dinner.” I put in breaking their exchanged bickering.

Eyes turned to me in surprise.

“Why are  you leaving? There’s no one there in that house you are running back to.” Irene shot at me.
“No. I still haven’t responded to the messages from ‘Gentle Touch’.”

Irene’s eyes stretched. Confusion ate the whole of her face. “What’s Gentle Touch? Is it a person?”

Leo elbowed Irene playfully. “Come on, don’t act like you don’t know anything about it.”

I shook my head. “No. She doesn’t know anything about Gentle Touch.” I said to Leo.

Irene flipped stares at either of our faces. “What are you guys hiding? Comeon, spill it.”

A scoff slipped out from my lips. Irene was unknowingly beginning to sound like Leo. Maybe, she just haven’t noticed it yet.

“Dad entrusted me with a role, including a team at Baby’s Light.” I  started.

Irene’s mouth dropped open. Then her surprise morphed into that of a shrill laughter which particularly had me transfixed.

“Congratulations..,” Reilly stated before turning back to the kitchen.

“Thanks.” I muttered after Reilly.

“That’s awesome! And you didn’t tell me about this all along.” Irene exclaimed.

“With father away on some ..trip. I didn’t want anything to do with his company. But Adonis keeps on hammering on the fact that me not doing any of this thing father wants could possibly cost him his job.” Steam rolled out from my nose as I flared.

I watched as both Irene and Leo shared a glance.

“You are the heir of Baby Light..” Irene reminded me.

“And so fucking what!” My hands spread wide. “Who cares about the nonsense father gets up to?”

“Language, Adrian,” Leo cautioned, rolling his eyes behind him. “We don’t want my mother to have us reading Psalm 23 a million times.”

I heaved deeply. “I’m sure she didn’t hear that.” I put in. “I think I have to leave.”

Excitement died instantly within me as the memory of Gentle Touch surfaced again.

Irene turned around and stopped before me. Then she reached out and cupped my face. “I’ve always know you to be equally brave and efficient. It’s just some simple task-take it as that. When it’s time, you can tell father what you want.”

“Thanks.” I leaned in and planted a peck on her cheek. “Will you leave for Sundale tomorrow?”
Irene dropped her hands, smiling broadly. “Yes, I will. But tonight is for Inez.”

I nodded. “Perhaps I should see her before I leave.”

“Well, she will like that.”

“Want me to show you the way, buddy?” Leo asked.

“No, no, no. I am perfectly fine. I know my way around.” I shot a hand at him.

I gave a curt nod to Leo and started towards the hallway. Treading further, I arrived at the guest room and pressed on the button. A soft voice serenaded towards me as I walked in.

Inez was singing.

She hadn’t heard me knocking either.

I stood inches away from the bathroom, the thumping of my heart louder more than ever. Yet, I knew I couldn’t stand here without her knowing that I had walked in.

What if she get frightened at the mere sight of me?

Breathe, Adrian, she wouldn’t throw you out if she get to see you, I told myself.

“I didn’t know you could sing..” I said.

There was a pause, then the rush of running water snapped off.

“Irene, is that you?”

“It’s me, Adrian.”

Another pause.

This time, longer.

I paced, torn from the worry that I had intruded without informing her.

It was best I leave.

As I turned to go, the door opened.

She walked out, a turban draped and styled around her hair- she wore a thick robe - freshly  bathed.

She stared at me, momentarily confused. “You wanted to see me?” She asked.

I cleared my throat. “Ah, yes.. I just wanted to see how you are holding up.”

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

Another stretch of silence.

“You also came in here to let me know how well I sing?” She asked.

“You sing beautifully. I don’t think I have ever heard you sing.” I scratched the back of my head, shuffling my feet.
For Christ’s sake, let her know that you would do anything for her. She needs some form of assurance from you - a form of promise that embolden your love for her.

My tongue laid heavy in my mouth.

A smile lit her face. “My dad used to be a musician- I don’t know if you know about that.”

I shook my head. “All I knew was that your mum used to sell flowers.”

She scoffed. “I don’t know if she still sells flowers.”

The smile vanished from her face. She really didn’t like talking about her mother. And I wondered if she’d been crying before she started to sing under the shower.

“I need_to get change.” Her eyes met mine.

“Oh, okay. I will leave you now…. you know, to rest.”

She nodded.

I stepped out of the room and the door clicked shut behind me.

Fuck, I groaned.

I didn’t tell her I was leaving.