~Somi's POV~

I think I'm getting acquainted with the attention that comes with Adams.

"It suits you, perfectly." He said earlier about my long bodycon, neon coloured dress when we walked through the airport, of course hand-in-hand. The night at his penthouse was uneventful. Adams is very chivalrous obviously and honest to God, if anyone is going to lose their composure again, it doesn't seem like it is going to be him.

He's a tease alright, but it's like he could see me naked now and not make a move if I don't invite him.

The flight was smooth too, the air hostess, Angela, for a change didn't treat me like a cheap girl hanging around a rich guy for his money. An absolutely stunning dark skinned lady herself, inarguably one of the most beautiful, exotic looking girls I have ever seen. She made sure I felt every inch as special as she thought I was. When we got talking, she told me she was a one-time beauty queen at the MBGN pageant in 2018. There wasn't a doubt in my mind because she looked and acted the part.

At the resort, the staff handled us like VIPs, we were, I just didn't remember. Adams was also going to pay for double rooms for my comfort but I convinced him that one was good enough.

"I trust myself." I said, then. "You have to trust me."

But of course, when I went into the bathroom for a shower and walked out to meet him in his sweatpants and shirtless sighting some tiny tattoos on his muscle area and chest, I thought I felt he was perfect before, but suddenly, he was IT and I wanted IT so I knew I was going to be the problem. I had put my faith in the wrong person and so, I lost it for a few minutes.

I walked over to where he was and pressed myself against him feeling his dick grow hard had me encouraged and I tiptoed to kiss him, his lips met mine halfway and followed in a gentle frenzy, until my hands began to roam all over him like I was starved. He held my waist tightly, I briefly disengaged from the kiss as I was tugging at his hands to touch me everywhere too. He hugged me tight, placing my head on his chest, so I'd calm down and think of what I was about to do.

I looked up at him, embarrassed.

"Baby." He sat me down at the edge of the bed. Looking strained like someone punched him in the gut, I know it's the resistance punching him and it's my fault.

Hoe. Sarima will be so disappointed.

"You're probably not thinking straight now and I'm not going to sleep with you until I am sure you're absolutely ready." He continued. "I don't want you to regret anything."

The truth is that I really am not ready.

He's right.

My head needs to be clear for the longest at least. He hasn't even asked me to be his girlfriend, neither has he told me he loves me yet. So, I sat humbly and listened to him talk sense into my head. When he finished, I didn't say anything.

"I'll get a different room." He said, picking up his hoodie and throwing it on. Grabbing his wallet and his small travel bag. He smiled at me who was now gripping the robe I had on tightly together as if I didn't just attempt what I attempted.

"I'm sorry." I whispered as he walked out.

"Don't be, Somi. Get ready." He said.

So, I'm here now, and a few minutes later, we are going to have breakfast by the ocean. I picked out the short beach romper and paired it with flowery flip flops. I'm about to face him after my little display and my remorse hasn't washed over yet.

I wonder how he coped.

Somi, you have to relax o. Use this head of yours.

"Babe?" It's him. His voice is fresh again. "You can come out, don't worry. I won't shout." He said, snickering.

I hissed and I knew he heard because his laughter erupted behind the closed door.

"Hey," I opened the door, my tongue counting my teeth, eyes looking in every direction but his face.

"At some point you have to give me my morning kiss, no?" He said.

"Let's go joor. Stop taunting me." I rolled my eyes stepping out of my room.

"As you wish," he said. "I love this outfit on you." He scanned my body.

I didn't take notice of his outfit earlier so I took a proper look, short shorts, with an unbuttoned shirt to match. Nice.

Tempting.

"You look fine too." I replied.

We walked together, out through the wooden patio, through a private walkway decorated with irregularly shaped stones, flowers, raffia sculptures and palm trees. I smell the ocean breeze in the air. It's crisp here, not waste tinged like in Lagos neither was it Soot washed like in Port Harcourt.

"PK and the guys can't wait to meet you." Adams said.

"What did you tell them about me?" I was nervous.

"That you're the most beautiful woman they'll ever set eyes on and that you're incredibly smart and most importantly, that you are mine."

That made me smile.

"Did I miss any important detail?" He asked eagerly.

"You didn't mention that my temper is as hot as I am."

"Cliché!" He said, adjusting my beach hat. "Hopefully they don't get to find out today." He laughed.

As we approached, the enticing aroma of the grill filled the air. It's fish but there's also the hint of meat. Pineapples too and coconut, island breeze, I love it. It smells romantic.

"Hey!" The guys chorus from a few metres away. Just two of them, Patrick and the other one, I don't recognize. We seem to be arriving the latest.

There are two ladies at the table too, Patrick's wife has to be one of them and the other is most likely paired with Adams'other friend. Other people are present too, white people and black alike seated at different spots underneath the raffia palm roof enjoying their breakfast, the soft highlife music, the sights of crashing waves and the sounds of bickering seagulls.

Adams' hand finds mine, reminding me to keep calm and lean on him. I lean into him so even our arms look entangled, it's a response to the nerves shooting up in my head.

They're chill people. Relax, Somi.

The boisterous sound of male laughter, handshakes and back pats fill the air as the guys exchange pleasantries.

"Hello, Somi." PK extends a hand towards me, grinning seriously.

"Hi, Patrick." I indulge him, smiling.

"We've heard so much-"

"Actually, Adams won't shut up about you." The guy Adams called, Williams Fagbayi chipped in. "And it's obvious why." He added, smiling cheesily. Adams had mentioned he had a tech company and also a reputation with the female species and I held myself from chuckling.

I smiled at him too, shaking his hand, while squeezing Adams' bicep.

"Lola," Adams walked around to Patrick's wife, she was sitting right next to him and he gave her a kiss after shaking me. Once she got up to hug Adams, I saw that she was pregnant, but she looked so gorgeous still in her see through beach dress, her caramel skin was giving, it looked soft and her laughter so peaceful, I knew she wouldn't be a problem. After hugging Adams, she switched her attention to me.

"This is Somi, she's my-"

Lola hugged me to quiet Adams. She hugged me as much as she could without her bump getting in the way, as if she could sense my tension. She smelled as good as she looked, and I felt like I was seeing a distant part of my dream future. I hugged her back.

"Welcome, Somi. I've been dying to meet you ever since Adams mentioned and I must admit," She paused briefly, "This man needs some help describing beauty because you definitely surpass all my imaginations. How are you darling?"

Omo, it's different when a beautiful woman compliments you like this. I just hope I wasn't crimson already.

"Great. Really great, excited to meet you too." I said to her, "Everyone here." I added sharing glances from PK to Williams to the other lady, " Such a pleasure." I add.

Homa wouldn't believe the Somi here if they showed her. She's not the only great actor.

The other lady is more than occupied with her phone, a frown on her face and I wave briefly at her when she spares me a small glance.

She's William's girlfriend.

Their relationship was tagged unserious as they have been dating on and off for three years, I gathered. She also seemed very interested in mentioning Amina at any chance she got which I know she was doing to get under my skin.

I dunno if she was doing it because Williams had inquired if I had a sister while we were conversing and I'd answered in the positive before understanding what he probably meant by that.

Adams had his hands in mine most of the time and when it wasn't intertwined in mine, it was squeezing my thigh. That lady, Sami, they called her, was easy to ignore once I focused on all the other incredible people gushing about me and then the food.

It was amazing. I took pictures, sending them to my sisters, loving how excited they were for me, not surprised that Homa expected me to wrap the pineapple shrimp bowl in foil paper to bring home for her.

Once we were done eating, we took a walk along the beach, listening to PK narrate how the resort was Lola's idea, how almost everything he did was always her bright idea. I fell in love with their love story. I also got to know that the pregnancy was what they called a rainbow baby, which is a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage.

They were really excited and PK had planned their gender reveal into this weekend too. PK is older than Adams, in fact Adams is the youngest in his circle. They met during their last years in boarding school in London. They ended up studying at the same University and now they live in Lagos building businesses together. They've been friends for a decade now.

When we got back from breakfast, Adams went to his room but not before seeing me off to mine. I was a bit reluctant to stay alone but he wanted me to get some rest before lunch. As I sat by myself in the large room, watching the ocean through the open curtains by the bed, I began to struggle with my tears.

I am not sure why I'm suddenly overwhelmed but the tears don't stop in a hurry no matter how hard I try.

My face swells up when I cry so I imagine everyone asking me what happened when I emerge at lunch. My life is like miles apart from Adams, and he was right, his guys are really chill and Lola is an angel and the other girl, Sami, is insignificant but she isn't wrong to think of me less than Adams' standard.

Compared to Amina... I can't even compare. Adams likes me but when has like ever been enough and when exactly does his 'like' metamorphose into something more tangible? Why does it feel like I have to wait for him to catch up on feeling something more than just attraction?

I pick up my phone and start typing, "What are we? What were you going to introduce me to Lola as?" I stare at it, contemplating. I don't want to nag. Adams has been nothing short of supportive and loving. I delete the message and then the chat bubbles show up on the screen.

He's typing. The message pops up.

Adams: I have news.

There's no emoji, just a full-stop, I can't decipher the emotion behind it.

Then I replied.

Me: Good or bad?

His response popped up.

Adams: What were you typing at first?

Me: Nothing serious. Never mind.

Adams: You're not thinking about Sami, Right?

I am and a lot of other things too, but chose to give a different response.

Me: No. don't worry about it, Adams.

Me: So, what's the news?

I proceeded to ask.

Adams: Can I come over?

Me: To the room?

Adams: Yeah.

Me: Uhm okay. This is weird.

I finally replied. I don't see any bubbles, so I know he's on his way here. I walk quickly to the bathroom and wash my face. My eyes meet each other in the mirror.

Red, but not puffy. Thank God. I sighed with relief as I dried my face and went to answer the door. He walked in and his eyes met mine.

"Tell me the truth, you've been crying?" He held my face.

"Something like that." I confessed.

"Let's take a walk?"

I shook my head, no. The tears threaten to start again.

"Okay," he said, walking to the cane chair next to the bed. "Come." He tapped his thigh. I walked towards him and sat, resting my head on his shoulder. "Talk to me."

"I'm not after your money." I blurted. He listened, allowing me to unburden as much as I wanted. "But you're rich, it's almost unfortunate we're not designed to work out." I don't try to hold back the tears anymore.

"And I'm not exactly sure I know what I'm doing and that's scary because even though I don't need you to say it first, my heart isn't mine anymore. When I gave it away to you, it was without insurance and every day I'm reminded that you could lose it." I sobbed silently.

"The worst part is that I know if you lost it, it wouldn't be because you didn't want to keep it, but probably because they'd take it from you and you wouldn't be able to fight them when that happens."

"It's not your fault I wasn't born into wealth, it isn't my fault that the game was rigged before we ever crossed paths but it is what it is. I don't think I fit. I don't think I'll ever fit."

Time passes between when the last sound leaves my lips and when he speaks.

"What then would they say about me? That I'm after your pants? I'm the rich guy who's playing with your heart? And you're right. It's not our fault that we were dealt such different cards, but our responsibility is to guard the hearts we have exchanged. I have sworn to guard yours. Is there anything I've done that makes you feel vulnerable?"

I listen to his words carefully. Probably more than I have ever listened to him. He has actually tried to protect me the best that he can. I know he's struggling too.

"Nothing." I said.

"Somi. Look here."

I pulled my head up from his shoulder and set my eyes on his. I haven't seen him look so distressed before.

"I haven't said the word yet, that's not because I am planning to break your heart."

"Then what is it?" I asked.

"Do you want to know what the news is?"

"Yes."

"My parents want to meet you."

God abeg. I did a mental facepalm.

"Really, how? Why?" I was panicky.

"Someone told Amina I was with someone new, and she told her father, and he told my father, and my father wants to meet you."

Me? More tears drop.

"Isn't that like setting me up?" I asked.

"It's about time." He said.

"They won't approve of me."

"I'm not seeking their approval. I am securing your heart."

"Adams," I said. "There's nothing reputable about me. Not my family, not my achievements, nothing. I'll be like a nobody."

"Somi." He said sternly. "Listen to me very carefully now. Don't ever refer to yourself as a nobody, ever again. What's wrong with you?" He asked with an annoyed frown. Nobody needed to tell me to wipe my tears. "Get up, sit on the bed." He basically ordered me, and I followed obediently.

"Tell me. What were the plans you drew out to me?"

"Apply for a master's degree in biomedical engineering and Immunology at Harvard, Dartmouth or Oxford..."

"Then..." He urged me on

"Study hard and graduate with distinctions again."

"Then..."

"Apply for a job with Pfizer, get involved with global health initiatives and become reputable."

Now that I'm saying it out loud, it sounds like the type of mantras toddlers are taught to recite but right now there's not much of a difference between me and a toddler.

"You are not a nobody. I don't care who gave birth to you, that wasn't your fault or god-forsaken decision to make and it doesn't even matter, to be honest. What I see is a girl who against all odds is fighting for the life she deserves and I respect that. I respect it, you hear me?  I respect you."

I nod.

"Do I look like I need a refurbished factory set barbie doll who runs to daddy at the slightest discomfort?"

I nod, no. Agama agama, that's me now.

"If I am going to have a family. I know what traits I want to see reproduced in my children. If I'm going to have a peaceful life and grow old long after my parents are gone, I know who's going to give me that."

Again, I nod. Feeling empowered. The motivational speech is working.

"We're going to see my parents in Abuja before we return to Lagos. Not for their approval of us, we are going to give them the opportunity to get with the program. If they don't want to, that's fine. My father chose his partner and I'm going to choose mine."

Hmmm.

"Adams," I called slowly, in the way I know will make him smile. He does smile, although it doesn't last long. "Please calm down. I don't want you to get old too fast."

Now he laughs. "I'm serious though." He said.

"I know." I stand up and face him. "Oya, you come here." I said, placing my hands around his neck and pulling his head into my chest. He gives in and lets out a deep breath and I massage the back of his head.

This one is mine. It might not be easy but nothing good comes easy. Right?

If we work out, this will be the story our children will get tired of hearing. I just know it.

************

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