CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

“This isn’t the time or place, Daniel,” Simon rolled his eyes at his brother.

“Yes,” I whispered.

The two men turned their attention to me.

“Yes, I have.”

“Are we seriously doing this right now?” Simon threw his hands in the air. “When you’re ready to talk business, let me know. I will be in the kitchen expressing my love… for food.”

Daniel and I pretty much ignored him as he left us in the sitting room.

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“His name is Akin, he cheated on me and he’s getting married to someone else this month. That pretty much sums it up.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You don’t deserve that.”

“Well, maybe it was a wake up call that I needed.”

“This wedding, is that the one you were discussing on the stairs back then when we bumped into each other.”

“Oh, yes. That’s the one.”

“I heard clearly that you were looking for a date. Have you found one yet?”

“Um… it’s a work in progress.”

“You can reconsider my offer if it isn’t too late. I’d love to accompany you. I’m quite curious about this guy that was foolish enough to let you go.” He grinned at me.

I tried hard to ignore the flutter in my stomach as I replied.

“Yes, sir. I’ll reconsider.” I gave a mock salute.

Simon returned some minutes later with a fresh cup of coffee and a snack in hand.

“So, shall we continue?” He took a sip from his mug.

“We shall,” Daniel replied.

For the next couple of hours we worked on every detail of the presentation till it fell into place. All that was remaining was a flawless execution. Simon's phone rang, breaking the silence.

"That's wifey calling," he whispered with a radiant smile as he excused himself to take the call. I glanced at my boss and saw him smirk knowingly at his brother.

“Oh…I didn’t know Simon was married,” I said.

“Yes he is, sometimes he doesn’t wear his ring. Unsuspecting females think he’s available until he flashes it at them.”

“He’s pretty much the opposite of you. I mean you wear that ring everywhere, you must really love your wife.”

Daniel gave me an unreadable look for a moment without saying anything. Simon returned carrying a duffel bag.

"I'm sorry but I’ve got to leave now. Daniel, we’ll see later. Goodnight Miss Fayola, it was a pleasure working with you."

"I thought you were staying over." My boss frowned.

"What can I do? You know Angela, she misses me." Simon shrugged with a grin.

"Ah," Daniel sighed. "The shackles of marriage."

Simon frowned and pointed a finger at him.

"Watch your mouth." He said firmly as he walked out of the room.

Daniel remained in his chair for a few more seconds before he stood and followed his brother to the door. I heard indistinct muttering from the two men. I remained quiet, I thought it best to be invisible right then.

What just happened though? Was Daniel not happy in his marriage? And if so, was it even my business?

I sighed and got comfortable on the sofa. I set up the boss’s laptop to watch the power point presentation and the graphical representation of the model for the Abuja Resort Centre. However, minutes later, I couldn't even focus on it.

Why did Mr Daniel refer to marriage like it was a burden? Or was it a joke, after all wasn't he also married? But Simon seemed really offended. What was going on?

I rubbed my forehead gently. I was giving myself a headache over these brothers. The sound of the male voiceover droning on in the background about the specifications and facilities of the resort was all it took for my already drooping eyelids to close completely. Before I knew it, I was out like a light.

***

The rapid succession of vivid images threatened to push me over the edge. It all felt so real. Maybe it was because I was in his house, unconsciously inhaling the pleasantly peculiar scent of what I guessed to be a mix of clean furniture, leather and subtle cologne. Or maybe it was because of my constant awareness of him. Whether he was in the same room with me or not.

My eyes snapped open and I woke up to find him staring at me with an intense look but I could not tell what he was thinking. I was still rattled from the dream. It had been vivid. Too vivid. Daniel looked away and stepped back at my sudden movement. He clutched the laptop in his hand and straightened to his full height.

“You should be more careful with this, otherwise I might have to deduct the cost of repairs or replacement as the case may be, from your salary.” He said as he placed it on the table before me. "It nearly fell while you were sleeping. If you were that tired, you should have let me know.”

He stopped and turned to look at me carefully when I didn't respond. “Miss-”

“Sir, please I… I have to leave." I spoke quietly, and avoided his probing gaze.

He nodded in acceptance but still seemed mystified. “It's… alright. It's late anyway, you can go.”

He watched quietly as I gathered my things and walked toward the door.

“Wait, Eniola.” He placed a hand against the door and prevented me from opening it.

His other hand gently turned me around to face him.

“Is something wrong?” He frowned. “You look… frightened.”

I stared into his eyes as the images I saw earlier came flashing back. My eyes watered and I held back tears. It all felt surreal, what was happening to me? Why was I so freaked out by this dream?

I took a deep breath and composed my features.

“I am fine, sir. I guess I am just really tired.”

He nodded and stepped away from the door.

“Alright then. Have a good night.”

“You too, sir.” I replied.

I left his apartment but I was aware that he was still watching me walk down the hall. I wanted to turn around, run back to him and explain. But I knew it would sound absurd. So, I left without saying anything.

That night when I got home after I locked the door behind me, the first thing I did was to collapse unto the bed. But then I jumped off it again. I couldn't possibly go back to sleep so soon after that dream. It left me worried and frightened. Scared, not for myself, but for him.

The water had been so…vast. Everything had happened quickly. The images had come as if I was trying to watch a film that was on fast forward. I had woken up with tears in my eyes. Only once have I ever had a dream in which I woke up crying and the following week, I received terrible news about my grandmother's death.

My background in the church had taught me not to ignore my dreams or visions. I knelt to pray. The first few words came out shaky and breathy. It was all gibberish. I was too scared to utter the words right. The thought of something tragic happening to anyone, to him, was dreadful.

Slowly but surely, I continued in prayer. Strength and comfort seemed to seep into me as I prayed. The words came out easier and focussing was no longer a challenge. I hadn't even said 'amen', before I heard the words. It was as if it resonated from within me.

All will be well.