-Adam-

"We are here," Ben announced as he helped me out of the car.

As my eyes fell on the signboard by the resort, I couldn't control my outburst. "Wait, are we really dining here? The prices here are through the roof! Can you really afford this place? I mean, Royal Senchi is known for being exclusive. Dining here is usually reserved for the elite."

"Seriously, who are you?" I blurted out, my eyes wide with shock as I stared at him.

The Royal Senchi Resort is known for being the first 4-star luxury resort in Ghana. It is said to stand on 35 acres of lush greenery with a magnificent view of the Volta River. It offers a unique blend of fauna, flora, traditional architecture, and modernity of the highest standards. In West Africa, it is said to be the most romantic hotel destination. Each luxury dwelling boasts a distinctive tribal-meets-elegance décor that will make your stay here a treat for the senses.

"Really!, You need not have brought me here."

"Why not? Of course, you deserve to be here. If I am to take you out, I want you to experience the best things money can offer."

"You don't need to do anything extraordinary to impress me, I stated. A simple dinner at a roadside restaurant is all it takes. I prefer the simple things in life."

"I know," he replies. "That is one of the many things I admire about you. Simple but classy."

I smiled sheepishly, my face instantly flushing.

"Shall we?" He gestured for me to take the lead. As we entered the hotel lobby, we were met by a waiter who was neatly dressed and had the perfect smile that would put your mind at ease, knowing that you were in capable hands.

"Ah, Miss Dickson and Mr. Adam, I've been expecting you. Your reservation is all set. I'll be your waiter for the evening. Please, follow me this way," he said with a welcoming smile, gesturing towards the lounge with a beautiful river view. We followed him through a maze of hallways until we reached the inviting lounge.

"Allow me," says the waiter as he pulls the chair for me to sit in. "Thank you," I replied.

Ben settled into the chair across from me just as the waiter presented us with the menus. "I'll return to take your orders shortly. Please feel free to take your time," he assured us before stepping away from our table.

With the menu in hand, I gazed around and couldn't help but appreciate the serene atmosphere, I could feel the gentle breeze wafting in from the nearby river. The evening descended softly with the sunset, making it nearly impossible not to be swept away by the dreamy ambiance. Leaning in, I murmured to him, "The view from here is absolutely breathtaking."

He smiled at me in return. "I'm glad you like it here. What drink will you have? Red wine or champagne," he offers.

"Some soft drinks will do if you don't mind."

'Not at all,' he says as he gestures to the waiter. "Can you get me some red wine, and for my lady Malta Guinness, please?"

"Coming right up, sir."

As we sat across from each other at the table, I couldn't help but ask, "So, are you finally going to tell me who you are?"

He gazed at me intently, unable to conceal his amusement. "You couldn't possibly wait for us to grab some drinks first, could you?"

"Sorry! I'm not one to waste time. You mentioned you're an open book, so spill the beans. I know what you do for a living, but where are you from, where were you born, and most importantly where did you grow up? Don't tell me you're from here, because you're not."

"Surely, you look African, but you don't sound like one."

Ben chuckled and gently placed his hand on mine, leaning in to whisper, "If I answer that, will it clear up all doubts about me?"

"Not really, but it's a start." He looks at me closely, somewhat relieved by my response.

He leans back, letting the napkin dribble onto his lap, his eyes locked onto mine. He started...

"First off, I was born in Manchester, but my formative years were spent soaking up the Florida sun. My dad landed a teaching gig at a university, which prompted our big move from England to the USA."

"Well, the news came as a surprise to my mom at first, but she had no choice but to agree to the move. The change wasn't easy for any of us, but I had to learn to adapt. When I got a scholarship to study at Harvard University to do law, I took it up. Also, it gave me the excuse to move away from my parents."

"Can I ask why you needed an excuse to move away from home?" Ben turned to the waiter as he brought our drinks and said, "Thanks, Frank. We'll let you know when we're ready to order our meal."

As he reached for his drink. I watch him take a sip. "Where was I? Right, my parents love each other, but at times not so much. It is during those times that I will prefer not to be around if you know what I mean."

"I am sorry." Waving me off, he said, "Don't be. Anyway, enough about me. What of you?"

"Sorry, but tonight is not about me; it is about you, Mr. Adam."

"To be fair, it doesn't hurt to know a little bit about you, Shelley."

As I shifted the topic of conversation, I casually remarked, "I'm feeling quite hungry. Are you ready to place our orders?" After perusing the menu, I decided on savoring a delightful combination of assorted fried rice paired with succulent grilled chicken.

"What about you?" I asked.

"I will go in for the same thing as well," he said. Both of us placed our orders as we waited to be served.

"Ben, are you married?" I asked this as I placed the menu down. Shocked by my outburst of question, he nearly choked on his drink.

"I beg your pardon."

"It is a question, is it not?"

"No, I am not married, and I do not have kids. Is there anything else you wish to know?"

"Nothing for now," I said as my attention was drawn to the food place before me.

For some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ben's gaze was on me. Refusing to lift my head, I couldn't tell whether he was miffed by my last question.