Chapter 34: CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Thursday, 25th February 2016.

The following day was the fifth day of our stay with only two days to go so I made a resolve to speak to Mr Jacobs. We could not return to Lagos that way. It would only make working together difficult, more than it already was.

I dressed quickly and made my way to the breakfast area.

He had taken a seat in a corner so I quietly made my way over to him from behind. He was busy with his phone.

“Good morning, Mr Jacobs,” I said.

“Who’s that behind you, Daniel?” A voice said from the phone.

It was a video call. He looked up from his phone and glanced at me.

“She’s my assistant, Miss Fayola.”

“She’s pretty-”

“I have to go now, bye.” He ended the call.

I stood awkwardly behind him till he gestured to the seat across him.

“Sit.”

My mood plummeted with guilt but I did not let that deter me. I saw him take out an envelope from his pocket. He moved to slide it towards me when I acted on impulse. Just as he was about to pull his hand back, I held it in place with mine.

I had crossed yet another line. The expression on his face made that clear.

Just then, a waiter walked up to the table to take our orders and I slowly removed my hand from his. The whole thing had lasted barely five seconds but it left me dazed. We remained quiet until the meal arrived and ate in silence too. The envelope was forgotten on the table. As soon as I was through, I picked up the envelope and turned to walk away. Words could not describe how embarrassed I felt.

“Eniola, wait,” he said quietly.

That was the first time he had spoken to me without formality. It was the first time in days that he did not sound indifferent.

“I did not touch you, I swear it. I would never take advantage of you.”

For a moment, I did not know how to respond.

“I know,” I whispered, meekly. “I mean I later realised that nothing like that had happened. Even though I have never slept with... never mind about that.”

I clamped my mouth shut. That was a bit too much detail. He quietly raised an eyebrow in amusement and nodded for me to continue.

“B-but what I mean is that I am sorry for accusing you of something you did not do. I freaked out when I woke up in the dark only to find a man in my room and I was wearing clothes I knew I did not put on my body.”

“Well, since you put it that way I understand your shock. It definitely wasn't what I expected after giving you the day off to rest. You weren't answering your calls. When I returned, I asked that hotel staff to check on you but you still did not respond. She later found you unconscious on the floor. I had the security staff check the hallway CCTV cameras to ensure that no one got in, especially because the door was unlocked but they discovered it wasn't a break-in and no one had hurt you physically.”

“That’s correct. I was alone in the room.”

“A medical staff checked on you and discovered the bruise on your head which she tended to. She suggested getting you into some clothes so you did not catch a cold. We found the gown in your wardrobe, it was the easiest thing to slip you into. She dressed you herself by the way. Then when she left, I decided to stay with you till you woke up. I only dimmed the lights in the room so you could rest easily.”

He had only been in the room to watch over me. I felt like crawling away in embarrassment.

“I'm really sorry about my behaviour that night and thank you for everything.”

“What I don't understand is what put you in such a state.”

I hesitated but then I figured, where was the harm in telling him? With a deep sigh, I prepared to tell him everything.

“My neighbour called to tell me there was a fire incident at my house. I don't know if anything was salvaged but what I do know is that I don’t have a home to return to when I leave Abuja.”

“Why did you keep this to yourself and where do you plan to stay when we return to Lagos?”

“Well, we weren’t exactly on speaking terms.”

“Fair enough.” He nodded.

It would have been quite impossible to pop such news into a non-existent conversation.

“I figured I could stay with my parents for a while, though they live farther away from work than I do but it would all work out. I can wake up early enough to be at the office when you need me.”

I couldn't let him think that I couldn't do my job efficiently. I needed this job.

I suddenly remembered the condition back home and felt a huge weight of hopelessness settle on my chest. It felt as if all my problems came rushing back at me all over again.

“I'll see what I can do.”

“Sir?” I asked in confusion.

What did anything have to do with him?

“I said, I'll see what I can do.”

“Um, okay.”

I didn't dwell on it. Maybe he would lessen the work to give me some more time to sort myself out. Either way, I was glad the tense atmosphere between us was gone.

The next few days in Abuja passed without any incident. We attended three more appointments, I took business calls, emails and messages for my boss. The last day was less hectic so he gave me some time to pack because he was free for the day.

On the evening of the last day in Abuja, I went out and visited some shops. I fully intended to do only window-shopping. However, that changed when I saw a beautiful beaded necklace that would look great on Laide and a couple of skincare products for my mom because she loved those. For my dad, I got a wristwatch because I believed that in no time, he would be up and about again. I got a cute handbag for Lara and a beautiful blouse for Melody, I also picked something out for Bayo if I saw him in the office soon.

I walked past a display of ties then retraced my footsteps as I glanced at them. A pale blue silk tie stood out and I felt it would be perfect for Mr Jacobs. I hesitated and put it back on the shelf.

Was it too personal, getting him a gift?

I picked it up again.

It could be a 'thank you' gift or something.

Sure, keep telling yourself that. I ignored the tiny voice in my head.