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Declan already knows about her. He has agreed to give her a job, though he hasn’t met her yet. The other four have all heard that she’s living with me, which surprised them because I love my space and I don’t like women staying longer than a night. Only Jola, I want her to stay as long as possible. I want her to stay forever. Though a part of me fears she might leave soon.

Today is a good day to introduce her to my brothers and their wives. We are the last to arrive at the party. Jola is a bit nervous and trying hard to hide it, but I see through it. Her hands are trembling. I take her hands in mine to steady them. Her eyes lock with mine, and in hers, I read the question.

“Is it safe?”

I kiss her temple and whisper, “You are safe here.” She nods.

Ice is behind her. She looks at him, and he nods like he knows she needs confirmation. We walk through the gate hand in hand to find the party in full swing.

I see Declan’s boys running after MAK, Daniel’s wife. Daniel always jokes that little boys always chase after his wife. He’s okay with it as long as they stay little.

Dele and Luke are carrying each of their boys, trying to rock them to sleep. Declan’s daughter seems fascinated with MAK and Daniel’s twins, with Daniel watching all three.

Adam is dancing with Declan’s sister, Sarah, and Anne, Declan’s wife, is dancing with Enrique, her former dance instructor, who Declan still doesn’t like because he’s now dating his sister, Sarah. In his words, “The fucker went from my wife to my sister. I might get to beat him up if he hurts my sister.” So far, Enrique ain’t messing up.

I find Declan eating one of MAK’s beef patties with his mom and his brother, Julian. We go to them.

“Dec,” I call to him. He turns my way and gives me a bro hug. Jola is not letting go of my hand. “This is Lexi,” I introduce her.

He shakes her hand. “Nice to meet you. Sorry we couldn’t meet last week about your job, but I promise to make time this week.” He calls to Julian. “Julian, come and meet Lexi, she’s the data scientist I told you about.”

Julian comes over. He shakes Jola’s hand.

“I’m Julian. We’ll be happy to have you. Could really use your help.”

“Sure, and thank you for the job opportunity,” she says.

“Come and meet my wife, if I can get her away from her dance partner,” Declan says before calling out to Anne. “Oyin,” he shouts.

We move closer to the dance floor and introduce Lexi to Anne. I never understood why Declan and Daniel address their wives by their middle name and always introduce them by their first name. Now I do, because I just did exactly what they do.

“Hi, I’m Anne,” Anne says, smiling to Jola, who relaxes a bit. “Hey, Bruce.” I nod to Anne.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Lexi. You have a lovely home,” she says, and I hear her British accent, which I’ve noticed is more pronounced when she’s nervous.

“Are you British?” Anne asks.

“I guess I can say yes. I was born there, but my dad is American, and I’ve lived in the US for the past ten years.”

“Me too!” Anne exclaims. “Come and meet Dele and Anu.”

“Dele and Anu, are they Yoruba?” Jola turns a surprised look to me with a wide smile. I simply nod.

“Yes, and I’m Oyinlola, my husband calls me Oyin.”

“I’m Jolaade.” She’s quick to respond.

“So, Jola or Ade?”

“Jola.”

“Lovely name. Come on.” She pulls Jola from me. “Bruce, go and have some of MAK’s patties before Adam finishes them,” Anne says to me.

Anne points. I turn in the direction to see Adam loading his plate. I kiss Jola’s cheek and race towards the food. I hear them laugh behind me. Declan is right next to me.

“Adam, you can’t take that many,” I shout at him.

“Yes, I can. If you wanted some, you should have come early,” he admonishes.