Page 37

Lexi/Jola

I would be lying if I said I’m not a tad bit nervous about this summer party at one of Bruce’s friend’s homes. I have tried to convince him to go alone and leave me with Ice, but he has insisted that I would enjoy the party. Meeting new people has never been my forte; I usually shy away from anything that involves meeting new people. It doesn’t help that being close to me could mean they are automatically in danger. I used that as an excuse, and Bruce reminded me, saying, “If I sense an ounce of danger will happen there, I wouldn’t take you to where my friends and their families are. I wouldn't leave you alone either.” All I could do was nod my understanding that he would never put me in harm’s way.

“Besides, you get to meet Declan, your future new boss, and his brother Julian, whom you will be working with.”

At least that’s something, I’d thought.

Since it’s a garden soiree, I opted for wide-leg dark brown linen pants with a light brown blouse, ballet flats, and managed to make my cornrows look neat, with a light tint moisturizer, a blush, and mascara.

Smith is not the driver today; he got called to another assignment. James, I think, is the name of the guy driving us, with Ice next to him. I’m quiet on the drive to the party.

We arrive at the house, and the first thing I notice is the beautiful flowers outside the house. It’s intricately done by someone who knows and loves flowers. I pause for a moment to admire them.

“Declan’s mom gardens,” Bruce says.

“It’s beautiful,” I say as he takes my hand. I pause and squeeze his hand, even as I hear the boisterous sound of music and laughter.

He looks my way, smiles, and squeezes my hand. I look at Ice, and he gives me a nod. I trust them, so I head inside. A woman opens the door and points us towards the back of the house. I cling to Bruce while admiring the house décor with warm colors.

The first people we meet are Declan and his brother Julian, whom I’ll be working with. I’m still a bit nervous as I cling tight to Bruce’s hand. He notices but doesn’t say anything as we follow Declan to meet his wife, Anne, who greets me with a warm smile that puts me at ease.

She invites me to come and meet Dele and Anu. They are Yoruba ladies, my tribe. I’m quick to tell her my name is Jolaade. She smiles and welcomes me.

I meet the ladies, Dele and Anu. Dele is a nurse married to Luke with twin boys; Anu, or MAK, as everyone calls her, is a music composer and teacher, married to Daniel. Also, a mother of twins, a boy and a girl. Lots of ejire (twins) around here, as the Yorubas would say. Anne, or Oyin, is an accountant who is a twin herself and mother of three. I find myself enjoying every minute with them as we talk and laugh, and I feel a kinship with them. MAK is the fun one. As she talks, she mentions Cole A, the music star whom I’m a fan of. I had bought tickets to see his concert with my friends when Dad fell sick, and I wasn’t able to go again after that.

“Just so I’m clear, you are friends with Cole A?” I ask.

“Yes, I worked with him on his album that won Album of the Year.”

“Whoa, that’s amazing.”

“I’m sure we can arrange a meeting with him,” she says, smiling at me like it’s not a big deal.

I continue to have fun and get to know the ladies. I pick up MAK’s eight-month-old son, who seems to giggle every time he pushes my boobs. I giggle along with him.

“The ladies are going to be in trouble when you grow up,” I say to the boy, and he giggles like he understands me, which cracks me up.

I had a good time and made friends; I thanked Bruce when I resumed my position on the sofa in his room.

Chapter twenty-four

Bruce

Jola is settling in fine and seems excited to start work in three weeks. She talks and chats with the wives, and I think that has helped her get more comfortable. I’d hoped she would start work in a week, but Declan informed me they need to move stuff around and accommodate Ice without arousing suspicion. Ice is going to have a desk next to her, and she’ll be working with Julian.

She seems thrilled about the job after having some discussion with Julian. I open the door to the unit, and she’s not in her usual spot on the sofa with Ice.

“Where is she?” I immediately ask.

“In her room, taking her braids down.”

I return a questioning look. He shrugs. “That’s what she said.”

I head towards her room and knock.

“Come in,” she shouts. I step into her room and see her, half poofy hair and the other half still in cornrows.

“Good, you are back. I need help. I think my hair is tangled; can you help cut the knot? Try not to cut my hair,” she says, handing scissors to me. I stare at the scissors, unsure what to do.