4: Midnight Conversations
1005 Words
Barely an hour after falling asleep, Amara’s phone vibrated violently beside her pillow.
Who on earth could be calling her?
She picked up her phone and saw an unknown number as the caller ID.
Immediately her mind went to Jide Lawson.
It had to be him.
"Hello," she said softly into the phone.
"Amara, good morning..."
"I knew it would be you."
"So you were expecting my call."
"Expecting? You know I am just returning from work, and you're interrupting my sleep."
"Oh, I am so sorry," Jide quickly apologized.
Why was he being so nice?
"It's alright.." she said calmly.
"I just wanted to check up on you, and wish you a wonderful day."
Amara smiled.
"Thanks. You too."
"Nah... mine will only be wonderful if you spare me some of your time later today," he said, "I really want to take you out."
"I'm sorry, but I can't..."
Jide sighed.
"It's alright, maybe another time."
Amara smiled, unlike herself.
His resilience was charming.
"Maybe, maybe not..." she said teasingly, and Jide laughed.
His laughter was heartwarming.
Okay. Something was definitely wrong with her?
Because why was she finding everything about this man attractive?
"I guess time will tell," he finally said.
After the call ended, Amara stayed up, replaying the conversation over again.
She no longer felt sleepy.
This was the best conversation they had had since meeting each other.
At it left a warm feeling in her heart.
----
Later that night at Eko Hotel, as Amara arrived at her work, she couldn't help but subtly search for Jide.
Shockingly, he was nowhere to be found.
He has not missed a day ever since they met.
Why didn't he show up today?
And why did it worry her that much?
Time flew by, and still no sign of him.
By 1am they closed for the night. Amara and her colleagues began to clear tables.
And arrange everything back to order.
Her phone suddenly buzzed.
She took a peep while hoping her manager doesn't see her, and she saw the caller was Jide.
Her heart fluttered.
She quickly excused herself, and went to the toilet to answer it.
"Hello," she answered the call softly, once she was inside the toilet." You didn't come today..." she added, and then regretted it instantly.
"Did you miss me?" he teased.
"Your arrogance?" she rolled her eyes, "Hell no!"
"I was actually glad you didn't come around," she continued, lying through her teeth.
"Well, I am about to ruin your happiness," he said, "because I am here..."
"We've closed the lounges, what are you talking about?"
"I'm on the rooftop, care to join me?"
"Uhmm... I should be getting some sleep, plus it's not safe for me to be caught there after working hours."
"You always have an excuse," he said, "you never run out of it."
"Not everyone has free time or will, like you do."
"What if I told you we'd just talk for an hour, and you wouldn't get caught and even if you do, I'll protect you," he said, "Would you come?"
Amara swallowed.
This man never gives up.
Her stomach tightened instantly.
"Okay," she finally answered, "I'll join you shortly."
"I'll be waiting."
Amara blushed as she ended the call.
Her heartbeat stumbling unexpectedly
----
On the rooftop, moments later, Amara saw him first.
Even in the dark, you could tell he was a man blessed with a good physique.
He really had it all.
Looks, money, everything.
Jide turned around at that moment, and saw her.
"I felt your presence."
"Why are you so bent on seeing me?" she asked him instead.
"Maybe because I like you..."
Amara almost choked at his words.
"I said you intrigued me, and the more we speak, I get more interested in knowing you."
"There is nothing interesting about a mere waitress like me."
"Let me be the judge of that."
She smiled, and then they both sat down.
"I'll tell you about myself, if you tell me what it feels like to be a billionaire."
She said a moment later.
"Point of correction, billionaire son." he chipped.
Amara nodded. "Same, same..."
"Is it?" he asked her, holding her gaze, "You once told me the only reason I felt relevant was because of my father."
Amara looked away. "Uhmm... that was out of anger."
"But the truth nonetheless," he said, "and ever since that day I have thought deeply about what you said."
"I'm sorry if I got to you..." she quickly apologized.
"I'm glad you did, and I have been wondering since that day what I can do for myself. I want something that belongs to me… not my father."
"Well," Amara said gently, "you can start with finding out what you're passionate about."
There was a brief silence, Amara could see he was deep in thought at her suggestion.
"I have always loved fashion," he finally said, breaking the silence.
"Well, that's good. And it's evident in how you dress."
Jide smiled. "Thanks, Amara."
"You're welcome," she smiled back, "You could actually start your own clothing line if you wanted."
"That's a great idea!"
"Yeah!" she continued, "you could call it The JIDE LAWSON Attire, or JL Apparel, or whatever you want."
"Oh wow, you're already thinking about names," he said, laughing heartily at her suggestions.
"Why not? It's not like the funds are not available," she said, "Jide, you could actually make this a reality with a snap of your finger."
He smiled. He loved the sound of his name on her lips.
"I will definitely give it a thought."
"You should," Amara added, "This would be something you could call your own."
Jide nodded in agreement.
"And even if it doesn't work out , you still have your father's money to bounce back on." she continued, and then winked at him.
Jide laughed.
"It's going to work out..."
"That's the spirit." she cheered.
"...as long as I have you by my side," Jide added, and Amara couldn't help but smile.
- Writer
