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James made me laugh in that picture. I didn’t know a picture was taken. The only way he could have that picture is Taimani and the third is of us together. He’s laughing facing the camera and I’m wrapped in his arms with my face buried in his neck. I know it’s me because again it’s the outfit I wore to Raheem’s party in New York, the first time I met Prince Raheem. He’d teased and we’d ended up tickling each other.

I didn’t know a picture was taken. I’m surprised he has pictures of me in his office. Well, most people can’t tell it’s me. Which is a good thing.

He clears his throat to bring my eyes back to him. “I’m sorry, I was looking at the pictures behind you.” He doesn’t say anything. “I came to thank you for saving me from what would have been a horrifying and traumatic experience if what they talked about had happened.”

“You’re welcome”

“Can I invite you to dinner at my place tonight to say thank you?”

“You don’t have to thank me, no way was I going to ever let some stupid boys grope you or have their way with you without consent, but I’ll accept the dinner, what time?”

“My dad used to say in Yoruba, “Ti a ba sheni lore ope lan da.” Translation: ‘When someone does something for you, you say thank you.’

“7.30 pm if that isn’t too late for you.”

“Good, where do you want to order from, I can pick it up and bring it,” he says.

“I’m cooking”

“I didn’t know you could cook?” he says, making me chuckle.

“I’m half-Nigerian and half Puerto-Rican. I grew up in Lagos, yes, I can cook. I just don’t have the time, when I do have the time, I cook besides my dad has been teaching me some of his mom’s recipes.”

“Okay, I look forward to you cooking for me.”

“See you later tonight then.” I leave his office briskly.

I didn’t let out my held breath until the door to my office closed. I’d gone to simply invite him for dinner before I talked myself out of it. He’d swoon my heart with the pictures he had in his office. He has me close to him with pictures that no one can tell it’s me. I know I shouldn’t invite him to dinner, but I do owe him a thank you for saving me from horror. Truth be told just reading through all those text messages from years ago. Still has me shaking.

Knock. Knock. Jars me back to reality. Lucy comes through.

“Mariam, do you mind if I leave on time today? I have a few errands to run.”

“Yes, I’m sorry for always keeping you late. I’ll leave with you as well. I’m cooking tonight.”

“I didn’t know you could cook,” she says, shocking me again. What image have I projected that they seem to think I don’t know how to cook?

“I may not have time to cook but I do cook.”

“Good, then bring me something tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I say though I wanted to tell her, it’s all for Naseer that would open unsealable cans. She goes back to her desk. I start to make a list of all I need for the meal I’ll be making for Naseer. Aunty Lara and I used to visit the market together. I know just where to get everything I need.

After making the list, I return to my work until Ken slumps on the chair in front of me.

“Hello,” I say to him as he gives me the boyish grin that’s full of mischief.

“Naseer canceled our planned evening because you’re cooking for him. I didn’t know you could cook,” he says expressing surprise at this newly discovered information “I hope you’re not trying to keep him from travelling, to avoid telling me how you two met.”

“I assure you, that’s not my intention. I’m simply saying thank you to him for something he did.”

“Good then, do bring me something you cook for him would love to taste your cooking.”

“I will give it to Prince Naseer for you.” He gives me that look like are you trying to kill me. Making me smile

“You know, he’ll probably poison it before giving it to me, no thank you.” I laugh.

“I’ll bring some if any is left over myself.”