-Shelley-

Sarah and I snagged a perfect table by the pool, with the vibrant LED lights casting a magical glow over the entire area. While she headed to the bar for some beer, I opted for a refreshing strawberry spritzer. As we relaxed and sipped our drinks, I couldn't help but take in the lively scene around us. The pool was filled with a mix of people, from young couples stealing kisses in the water to a group of friends dancing by the pool's edge. At the bar, I noticed a few guys casting glances in our direction, but I knew their attention was squarely on Sarah, who seemed to be making a dent in the beer supply all on her own. I couldn't help but worry that she might overdo it before the night was over.

As we savoured our drinks in a cosy silence, the captivating melody of good music filled the air. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed until a quick glance at my watch nearly caused me to choke on my drink.

"Look at the time, Sarah; it is a quarter to six, and we are still here. Surely, Dad does not expect us to stay here this late."

"Oh come on, Shelley, it's not that late. Live a little, will you? How can you be thinking of leaving here when we are surrounded by these sexy and good-looking men?" She gestures with her drink towards the men gathered around the pool.

"Have you seen the guy at the bar? Oh, wow! He could sweep me off my feet right there on the counter. His clothes are practically begging for help, especially those pants. He's been eyeing you since we arrived. And is it just me, or does he seem a bit uncomfortable sitting down? Maybe it's because his trousers are a tad too snug at the crotch. Do you think you might have caused this, Shelley?" she teases.

"Hey, I'm not the only one in this room, you know. Are you already drunk? That's the fifth bottle since we got here. I know you're a wild one, but seriously, slow down. Are you trying to drink yourself to death or something?"

I leaned forward and whispered, "Is there something on your mind you want to talk about? I know this may not be the right place or time, but I'm here to listen."

'Nonsense,' she says waving me off as she throws back her drink. "This is an outing, not a therapy section."She remarked.

Leaning back in my chair, memories flooded my mind as I gazed at Sarah. Back in high school, she was known as the wild girl who loved sneaking out to parties. Despite her invitations, I always declined due to my aversion to crowded places. I had hoped she had outgrown that phase, but here we were, and something seemed different this time. There was a palpable inner turmoil that she seemed to be struggling with. I couldn't help but feel concerned. As she continued to speak, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was holding something back.

"Remember this; You know, back then, there was a time when men would throw themselves at me," she said, taking a sip of her beer, "but not anymore. I don't even remember the last time I got some action. Although lately, I've noticed that you've been getting a lot of attention. I saw the way that guy looked at you when you introduced him to us. I was invincible to him. Are you sure you're just friends?"

"What do you mean you were invincible to him?" I asked bitingly.

"Come on now, Shelley, don't be naive. You and I both know that when it comes to us, I am prettier and the source of attention in any room."

'What the hell!'

In fury, I got off the chair and glared at her. "You know what? I think I should find our parents and let them know that it's getting late. We should call it a night. You can choose to join me or stay; I don't care."

I pushed my way through the crowd. "How dare she say something like that? That bitch. Is she trying to say I don't deserve Ben's attention and that I am not good-looking enough for him? Who does she think she is?"

I rushed up the steps to the lodge, anger coursing through me as I watched my parents sharing stories with our host.

"Mom, Dad, We should get going; it's getting late," I called out to them. With a concerned expression on my father's face, he examines me. "Are you okay, my love? You look annoyed. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine Dad. I'm just tired. I can really use a rest now." He turns his attention back to the host and says, "Mr. and Mrs. Agyapong, it looks like we have to say our goodbyes for the evening. It's getting late, and I need to get my family home. You see, we'll have to wake up early for church tomorrow, but we appreciate the excellent dinner. Next time, dinner is on us."

"Nonsense George. Do not think of this as something you need to pay back. We needed the company, and you and your family responded to it. Not for anything; I should be the one to thank you."

"No need; we were happy to be here."

"Alright, drive home safely, then. I intend to extend my stay here with my family. Farewell for the evening."

As we make our way to the car, I can hear my brother whining about how we can stay a bit longer, but none of us paid him any attention, for that matter.

***

As we stood by the car, a distant voice reached out to me, calling my name and pulling my attention far behind us.

"Shelley wait." I turned when I heard Ben call out to me.

'Ben?'

"You were leaving without saying goodbye?" He says as he descends the stairs.

"I am so sorry; I forgot."

Ben was almost out of breath when he reached us. He turned to my dad and said...

"Mr. Dickson, can I please speak to your daughter for a minute or so? If it won't cause any trouble, you can leave without her. I will make sure to drop her off by myself, sir."

"Of course? As far as I know, you won't keep her here for long."

I can't believe my dad actually agreed to that. "Wait? No way, Dad. I'm coming with you."

"Don't be ridiculous. Mr Adams is a true gentleman. He'll make sure you're safe. Stick around and chat with him, alright? I'll catch up with you at home later." He says this as he plants a kiss on my forehead. I'm stunned that he thinks I'm being ridiculous for wanting to go with him. I look at him, unable to find the right words.

"Can I stay and come with them?" Sam asked."

"Of course not. You are coming with us, boy," says my mom. She practically pulled my brother along. As I watch them leave.

"What do you hope to gain here, Mr. Adams?", I turn to face him.

"So we are back to formalities, aren't we?"

I cross my arms as I furrow my brow.

"Why do you keep running away from me? What are you afraid of, Shelley? I don't bite." He states.

"As if that is all you can do," I mumble under my breath.

"What did you say?" He inquires.

"I said nothing." Smiling mischievously.

"Have a drink with me."

"I can't; I need to go home."

"Then let me drop you off." He offers.

"No, you cannot! What makes you think you can drop me off at my parents' house when I know nothing about you except our occasional bumps here and there?"

'What makes you think you have that right."

"Shelley! Can I still call you that?"

"It's my name, isn't it, and of course, you can."

"Do you still see me as a stranger? he asked. Since we are on a first-name basis, I thought we weren't strangers. I wish to be friends with you. If you wish to know more about me, all you have to do is ask."

Chuckling, I said, "You honestly expect me to believe you want just friendship?" He looked me in the eyes with a serious expression as he drew closer. It was the first time I noticed he had such a broad chest and shoulders. Whispering in a seductive tone, he says, "You are right; I want you, but at least I want to start as a friend."

I search frantically in his eye for something- anything but the truth. He continued.

"So!, since you know my intentions, what are you going to do about it?"

Exhaling deeply, I reply, saying, "You are not someone one can be friends with," 'Ben.' Dumbfounded by my response, he drew back. One can see he is carefully choosing his words, and somehow I find it amusing.

"Can we sit and talk, please, so I can clear all your doubts?" He offered.

"It's getting late, Mr. Adam. I need to go home. My parents will be expecting me." Taking both my hands, he says, "Have dinner with me tomorrow, please."

"Aren't you here on business?" I enquire.

"Yes, I am, but that can wait."

I looked at him, surprised. How could he put dinner with me above his business dealings? "Fine, you can take me out for dinner tomorrow."

"That is great. What time do I pick you up?"

"How about I meet you here around 5 p.m.?"

"Not here. I plan on taking you elsewhere. I will pick you up since I am dropping you off, and this is not up for debate. I promise your dad I will drop you off, and that is exactly what I will do." He instructed me to get in the car, and I reluctantly followed.