Chapter 51 CHAPTER 51: Family Matters
Hazel
Funke Ojomo was my friend from college. While attending the University of California, we developed a deep friendship. We were both members of the same department and shared accommodation, which fostered our close bond. Funke, with her tall stature, radiant brown skin, and beautifully braided hair, was affectionately known as "Naija Babe" by our peers. A nickname that later inspired her YouTube channel handle.
Originally from Nigeria, she grew up in New York with her family. Our friendship solidified when we became roommates, and we were frequently seen together on campus. Funke created a YouTube channel focused on lifestyle vlogs and travel content. Therefore, it was no surprise to encounter her at one of London's finest restaurants.
Upon seeing her, I couldn't help but exclaim, "It’s been so long, babe!" and embraced her warmly. She seemed thrilled yet slightly taken aback by my changed appearance.
"Yes, Haze, I’ve missed you so much. I’m sorry for not staying in touch. Clearly, I’ve missed several significant events in your life," she remarked, glancing at my pronounced belly and then at William. Acknowledging that my life had also been quite hectic,
I turned to William, who had been observing our reunion. "Funke, this is my husband, William, and William, this is Funke, my closest friend from university," I said, making introductions.
William stood up and held out his hands to Funke, who took them and smiled flirtatiously before staring at William from head to toe and licking her lips.
I laughed and poked her. “Earth to Funky, that’s my husband, and you are undressing him with your eyes” I joked, knowing she could be pretty intense, but everyone who knew her knew she was a very jovial and sweet person. She had a way of lighting up a room with her hollow laugh and bright spirit anywhere she sets her foot. She laughed heartily before pushing William in for a hug, taking him by surprise. He turned his wide eyes to me before a smile crinkled his eyes.
“Zel, you’ve always had eyes for the hot ones, huh”? She said, then turned to William. “Damn, you’re a foineee mister”, she cooed. We all burst out laughing.
“Listen, I hate to leave, seeing as you owe me a lot of gist. We really need to catch up Zel, but I’m kind of in a hurry to get to a meeting with my sponsors. You know my side hustle thingy – YouTube” she winked, then continued “But we have to meet up before I leave London”.
She took out her phone and thrust it at me. I typed in my number and flashed my cell to get her own number. “Let me borrow her for a few seconds, OK?” She said, turning to William.
“You can keep her,” William teased back.
She said a hurried goodbye to William, then dragged me along with her. When we got outside, I noticed a man standing beside a sleek black jeep -a tall, handsome man who could pass for a basketball player who she introduced as a friend. Knowing Funke, that was probably her play toy for her stay in London until she left and found herself the next available adonis. I chuckled and shook my head as I exchanged pleasantries with the stranger. Then Funke came up and planted a kiss on my cheeks before rushing inside the jeep. She smiled at me while waving goodbye. As I turned to walk into the restaurant, Williams was standing at the entrance door with my purse.
"Already missing me?" I playfully teased.
"Yes, terribly," he countered with a smirk, drawing closer to me and planting a kiss on my lips.
"I had to pick up takeout for my parents," I protested.
"It's already taken care of," he assured me.
"How considerate of you," I cooed, to which he responded with a playful eye roll.
"Your friend seems interesting, doesn't she?" he remarked, a smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, she certainly is," I affirmed.
"Great, you should invite her to dinner sometime," he suggested.
"Should I be worried?" I joked. William drew nearer, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer until our chests touched. "Never. My attention is solely on you, mi amor," he murmured, gently biting my ear, sending delightful shivers down my spine.
"Let's keep it that way," I whispered in response.
The driver pulled up in the car, and we departed from the restaurant. Arriving at my family's home, William embraced me warmly, promising to keep in touch, though he tried to persuade me to return to his mansion. However, I felt that our time apart was proving beneficial. Despite missing each other, it seemed to strengthen our bond, and I found myself more drawn to him than ever.
As I got out, William followed behind. I turned to him and raised an eyebrow, and he shrugged, which made me smile. As we got into the house, a text message beeped on my phone. I looked at it, and it was an invitation from Mr Thorn for dinner at his place.
I was instructed to invite my parents too. My heart sank, and I wondered why he would want to meet my parents too. I plastered a smile on my face as I opened the entrance door and got in as Williams followed behind. As we got in, my father was in the parlor watching TV while mother had just emerged from the bedroom. When my dad noticed my present and who I was with, he smiled broadly at William.
“Ah, In-law, nice for you to visit” he beamed.
William extended his hands to her. “How is it going, Mr George?”
“Same old same old. I heard about your suspension. I’m sorry. I’m just confident it will all clear up in no time, and you will go back to work”, he said.
“Ah, thank you, Mr George. Hazel has been really helpful and sure it will all blow over soon” he replied.
“I came to drop off Hazel and…”
“And also invite you and mum to dinner later in the evening.” I added, looking up at William, who squinted but nodded.
“Really”? My mom asked excitedly.
“Yes, Mr Thorn invited us to dinner this evening at his place” I replied.
My father looked up at William. “Tell him we will be there” he said, while William nodded.
“I have to run now. I’ll see you later.”
As we got outside, he opened his hands, hoping for an explanation.
“So, sorry for taking you unawares. As we got in, my phone beeped, and I saw a message from your dad” I showed him the message, and he squinted while reading it.
“I’m a little bit nervous” I said.
“Why,” William asked?
“Why dinner? At first, he just wanted to see me alone. Why will he invite my parents too? Did he tell you anything”? I inquired, peering at William, but he drew close and held my face with both his palms while he stared into my eyes.
“Hey, you don’t have to worry about anything, OK. I know with my dad there is no smoke without flames, but I will find out and handle this so you don’t have to worry, alright”?
I nodded as I couldn’t stop staring at him. His eyes were the most gorgeous things I'd seen all day, and I was mesmerized. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he pulled me in and dropped a kiss on my lips which made me dizzy. Then he kissed my forehead.
“I'll see you later”, then he walked away.
William
I had sent some outfits for Hazel and was curious to see the one she chose and how she would look in it. As I got into the living room, I could hear my dad’s voice laughing loudly with two other unfamiliar voices in his study. I sneaked into the kitchen and I noticed the dinner was set, and some chairs were lined up.
“Impressive” I murmured and decided to scope my dad out and find out why he had called for dinner instead of meeting Hazel as he earlier said.
I knocked on his office door and stepped in. Three curious eyes turned to me. One was my dad’s, who was dressed in a relaxed but official manner – long white sleeved shirt, a navy-blue knitted sweater, navy blue pants and black sandals.
“Good evening dad”. I greeted him with a half bow.
“Good evening son” he replied, then gestured to one of his guests “William, this is my American business partner and friend, Charles Daniel and his partner, Steven. I also invited them for dinner” he smiled as they both extended their hands for greetings and I took them.
Looking at Charles and Steven, who I assumed were both in their late thirties, they were like the direct opposite of each other but somehow managed to complement each other.
Charles was very attractive with his sharp jawline and a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard. I noticed his warm hazel, just like my wife’s’ which crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He is lean with toned abs, probably due to a regular fitness routine.
He wore a well-tailored navy-blue suit with a sky-blue dress shirt, a silk patterned tie in a subtle geometric pattern added a touch of personality. He finished the look with polished brown dress shoes and a simple silver watch.
Meanwhile, Steven had a more relaxed and artistic vibe compared to Charles. His dark hair was stylishly tousled, and his eyes, a bright blue, held a twinkle of mischief. He had a toned physique but carried himself with a more fluid grace. He had a modern, curated look – a fitted gray blazer, a rich burgundy knit undershirt, well-fitting dark-washed jeans and sleek black Chelsea boots completed his ensemble. He also had a silver chain with a small pendant giving it a personal touch.
“It's nice to meet you both”, I plastered a smile on my face while nodding.
“Dad, can I see you for a second?” I asked as he excused himself and we stepped outside. I cleared my throat as we stepped out. “Dad, what’s the deal?” I went straight to the point.
“No deal son, just wanted to use the time to introduce you to my business partner in New York. They were in town, so I thought it would be good to have them over for dinner."
“Is that all”? I asked, unconvinced.
The creak of the entrance door sliced through the focused silence. I instinctively turned, and a wave of astonishment washed over me as I beheld the individual standing there.