I stood in front of my mirror, the phone pressed against my ear, and adjusted my shirt with a hint of nervous energy. A familiar voice crackled through the speaker, bright and teasing.

"Well, brother, a little birdie just whispered that you're off to Rock City Hotel in Kwahu for a vacation!" Ben exclaimed, his tone playful.

I let out a frustrated sigh, bracing myself for the teasing that was all but guaranteed now that my brother had caught wind of my getaway.

"It's not a vacation like you think," I replied, tugging at my collar. "I got an invitation from my investor to join him and his lovely wife on their honeymoon. He can't spend the whole trip discussing business. The poor guy doesn't want to leave his wife on her own."

As I tossed aside the disapproving shirt I'd chosen earlier, I swiped through my closet for something more suitable. The phone switched ears as I shifted my focus.

Ben's laughter filled the line. "Oh, come on! You know I understand. But I should let you know, I've given Miss Benson the green light to join you on what you're calling a 'business trip.'" His emphasis on the last two words was as clear as day.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I caught my reflection in the mirror, almost as if I could see Ben's playful eyes on me. I knew exactly what he was hinting at, but I wasn't in the mood to indulge his mischief today.

I was already nervous as it is. The last thing I needed was for him to rattle me further.

"I know what you are getting at, brother, and I am not going to play to your tune."

"Anyway, thanks for being the ever-understanding brother, in letting Miss Benson join me on this trip" I quipped, unable to suppress a laugh when he erupted into a fit of giggles on the other end.

"What can I say? You know I do my best!" he replied, still chuckling.

As I assessed my reflection, I noticed how well my light blue shirt complemented my khaki trousers and white sneakers. Okay, this looks good, I thought to myself, nodding with satisfaction.

"Ben, I have to run. I'll chat with you later." Just as I was about to hang up, I heard his voice again, sincerity lacing his words. "Do try to enjoy yourself on this trip, alright?"

I chuckled and ended the call, my mind racing with excitement. I glanced around my room one last time, then turned to my suitcase, already packed and waiting at the centre of the room. I grabbed the handle and wheeled it towards the door, my heart aflutter with anticipation.

As I stood at the threshold, I whispered to myself with a grin, "Wish me luck!" and stepped into my vehicle on my way to Sylvia's house and the adventure that awaited.

***

We arrived at the Rock City Hotel in the early evening and were shown to our respective rooms. Mr Souza and his wife were assigned a VIP suite, while Miss Benson and I shared another room.

After dropping off my luggage and Miss Benson's luggage in the living room, I tipped the room service attendant who had escorted us to our suite. He handed me the room keys and then left.

Turning to Miss Benson, who was waiting patiently for me to finish with the service man, I noticed her attire. She wore a beautifully tailored African printed dress that fell gracefully to her knees, paired perfectly with a stylish pair of black sandals. She looked elegantly simple, but I sensed her discomfort under my gaze.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to stare," I said, clearing my throat. I gestured toward the two bedrooms on our left. "You can go ahead and choose first," I offered.

She considered the rooms thoughtfully before stepping inside to look around. One bedroom boasted a lovely balcony with mountain views, while the other didn't. To my surprise, she opted for the one without the balcony.

I helped her place her luggage in her room before heading to mine to unpack.

Upon entering my room, I was struck by its luxurious setting. The polished marble floors reflected the soft glow of recessed lighting while floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking view of the mountains and city below. A king-sized bed, enveloped in crisp white linens, was at the centre of the room, framed by a velvet-upholstered headboard. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting delicate light across the space.

To one side, a cosy sitting area featured plush armchairs and a low glass table adorned with fresh orchids. The air was infused with a subtle scent of sandalwood and new leather - all very understated yet unmistakably upscale.

I dropped my luggage on the bed, unzipped it, and began to unpack into the built-in wardrobe.

Once I was done, I stepped out onto the balcony to take in the mountain view and the cityscape below. A refreshing breeze brushed against my face, bringing with it the promise of an amazing vacation.

As I leaned against the rail of the balcony, I heard a knock at the front door. I stood up and walked over to see who it was.

When I opened the door, it was the service man again, holding a note out to me. I took it and read the message; it was from Mr Souza, inviting Miss Benson and me to join him and his wife for dinner by the pool that evening.

The service man offered me a pen to jot down my reply. I was surprised that Mr Souza hadn't just phoned me; using a note seemed rather old-fashioned.

I quickly scribbled my response: "Sure, we will meet you there." After handing the note back to the service man, he took it and left.