𝓛𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓼

Jude and I converse over lunch in the canteen behind the department about trivial matters, family, and everything in between. Jude is quite appealing. One of his most endearing qualities is his tall stature, light skin, sincerity, and propensity for smiling.
 

He is friendly and essentially the only person in the department that doesn't view me as a rival, which adds to his list of exceptional attributes. Sincerely, I would have taken my shot had he not already been claimed. However, I am aware of my limits and when not to cross the line.
 

Everyone has viewed each other as competitors ever since Miss. Adeyemi Rotimi Smith disclosed the benefits associated with our department. Particularly Miss. Abike, whose father happens to be the CEO of a five-star hotel in Ikoyi.

With her intimidating appearance and high, padded shoulders, she looks down on everyone just because she was born with a silver spoon. Mrs. Edward, an unfortunate woman who had a bicker with Miss Abike, might have sat quietly and listened to little Miss Wealth run her mouth, but not me. I’m just waiting for the day she'll try it with me. Not that I’m beefing or anything; I mean, I’m just saying.
 

"I hope there wasn’t any complication." Jude asks, following my visit to Miss. Adeyemi's office.
 

I fix a straw inside my bottle of Fanta, replying. "Not at all; she just wanted to be sure I didn’t make a mistake on my file." Before sipping my drink.
 

"If all you’ve told me about your baby’s daddy is true, then why is he bothering you?" He asks curiously.

 
Jude was easy to talk to; in fact, I told him about my background without thinking twice. He does listen and has a more open mind. As a father himself, he has given me useful advice when I told him about my ex and my pregnancy. However, when I told him that my daughter's father was urging her to see me, he became very perplexed.

 
"I really don’t know."
 

"Why don't you want to see him?"
 

I find myself unable to respond to his inquiry for a few moments, then I notice him slowly shifting his gaze away from my face and toward the bowl of fries in front of him. Perhaps he feels he is asking too many questions and thinks he is making me uncomfortable.
 

But that isn't the case. I feel free with him; like Omoh, he is attentive and wise. His wife is so lucky. So, I finally reply, wearing a small smile to calm the tension, "I don’t want to complicate things right now, and I can’t predict what I might do when I see him."
 

He dips his hand into the bowl of fries and takes one piece into his mouth. "I’m sure you can keep your emotions in check; you are only scared he might ignite an old flame." He speaks, then throws another piece into his mouth.

 
It seemed ludicrous at first, but he is right; I know he is. Just as I said before, I don’t want to complicate things, especially for me. "Do you think it is wise to see him?"
 

"You don't have to visit him because I say so, but there are a million things you must also want to understand and a thousand questions you must want to ask him. You owe it to yourself, I suppose, to find out those answers. He speaks softly while flashing an encouraging smile at me.
 

I sigh, giving up any argument to counter his statement. "Hmm. I spoke harshly to him the last time he called."
 

"He deserved it." He sternly replies.
 

"And worse," I add.
 

Close to my green purse is my phone, which is vibrating on the table. I glance at the screen quickly but am unable to identify the number. The call ended when no attempt was made to answer it. Seconds later, it rings again.
 

Jude isn't saying anything, but he seems surprised when he notices that I'm deliberately ignoring the call.
 

"I didn’t save the last number Ubong used to call me; I guess he’s the one calling me now." I explain before finally picking up the phone. "Excuse me." I say politely to Jude.
 

Without waiting for the caller to say his first hello, I speak vehemently, "Ubong, I told you not to call me again. I guess you are too stubborn to listen, huh?" I ask, not raising my voice, as I notice Jude’s eyes piercing through my conversation.

 
"Thank God I’m not Ubong." I hear the caller say: Shockingly, I stare at my phone screen, cross-checking the number before placing it back on my ear again.
 

I really need to install True Caller. I.D. Omoh has been telling me about"Who is this?" I asked, looking at Jude. I’m sure he can see the shock in my eyes.
 

"Don’t tell me you have forgotten about me so soon." That cocky voice gave a familiar chuckle.
 

"Of course it’s you, Wale. How did you get my number?" I ask with a little bit more surprise.
 

"Wow, and she remembers my name. The same way I got your name."
 

"What do you want?" I frankly ask.
 

"A drink with you this evening." He replies.
 

"Not happening." I say this without hesitation.

 
"Why? Are you scared that I’ll make you fall in love with me?"

 
"You are sick." I say, rudely.
 

I'm not always rude, but except for Jude, I'm tired of men and their wahala.
 

"True, and the antidote is with you. C’mon, it’s just a drink," he says in his smooth, deep, appealing voice.

"Hmhm, no Wale." I say, using much effort to resist his tempting offer while hiding the timidity under my voice.

"What if I want to return something that belongs to you?"
 

"And what will that be?" I ask.
 

"Your Bangle. You left it on the bench the previous night." He says this, laughing.
 

I was actually looking for that bangle at home. "You will make sure you see me by all means, right? You would have given it to my friend, Omoh, who I am sure gave you my name and number."
 

"And what good will that do me? Please, Eno, this evening."

 
"Ok, fine. I’m agreeing to this meeting because I want to get my bangle back." I make sure he understands that point, smiling shyly.

"That’s fine by me," he says. "See you soon."

 
"Ya, text me the place." I tell him before ending the call.
 

I give out a deep exhale, and I raise my head to Jude, who has almost finished his bowl of fries.
 

"I see you all smiley and shy. An admirer, huh?" He tackles me.
 

I smile uncontrollably; could this be for Wale? Am I feeling shy all of a sudden because of him?
 

"He’s nobody." I lie quickly.

 
"From the look on your face, I disagree." Jude giggles as he sips the last drink in his bottle.

1170 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘

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