-Adam-

"Listen, I know you don't want to be near me right now, but please don't leave the party because of that. I'll try to stay out of your way. I think Blackson invited you, so leaving without even wishing him a happy birthday would be really rude."

"At least stay for a bit." With a frustrated groan, I agreed, saying, "Okay, I'll stay for a bit, but I'll have to head home early. Staying here late is not convenient for me."

"I could drop you home," he offers.

"Sorry, but I can't accept your offer." As Ben and I chatted outside, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from several women, particularly directed at him. For some inexplicable reason, it bothered me, and I couldn't figure out why.

"You seem to have a lot of female admirers, Mr Adam. Their fixation on you is unwavering," I said, motioning toward the ladies.

Providing me with a subtle grin, he whispered, "Is envy plaguing you, Miss Dickson?" I responded with annoyance, "Absolutely not."

"Wow, that wasn't the response I was hoping for, but be rest assured, I only have eyes for one woman, even though she doesn't notice me."

"Well, that's too bad, I replied curtly. Tell me, McLean, is there any other secret you haven't told me about? for example, like your name?"

A little taken aback by the mention of his last name, he responded in shock. 'How did you come by that name?' he asked. "You know what? Don't answer that. If I didn't bring that name up in conversation, it's because I didn't think it was significant."

"I see; then tell me, what other insignificant thing are you not telling me?"

A little bit annoyed by my question, he said.

"Tell me, Shelley, why is it that you turn to think I am withholding things from you? I have done nothing but be forthcoming with you every step of the way; if I choose to leave out my last name, then you should know it for personal reasons."

"What else will you have me do so you can be assured of my good intentions? Tell me."

Why do I keep hurting Ben with my words? He has been nothing but forthcoming and good to me. I guess am so used to faulting all men that I refuse to think there might be some good ones.

Feeling ashamed of my accusation, I moved toward him.

"My apologies, Ben; I never meant to be so hostile toward you. My issue is that I simply do not trust people of your gender. I get your point, and I agree that you should be free to choose whichever name you like. I do not possess the authority to inquire into that matter or utilize it to cast doubt on your character."

Sighing, he says, "It is ok. We all make mistakes. Now can we please get back inside? The others might be waiting on us."

Taking a step back I said.

"'Did you say us?' Please tell me Dr. Blackson doesn't know about us."

"He is aware that we are acquainted," he said. Rest assured, there is nothing else to worry about." As he guided me through the door, he placed his palm on my lower back and murmured, "Please, after you." The sensation of his hand on my back is palpable.

Once inside, we proceed silently to the bar, walking side by side. As we neared the bar, Dr. Blackson declared, "Guess who decided to make herself known?" None other than Miss Dickson herself. So, were you seriously going to leave without even saying goodbye?"

"Who said anything about leaving? I was only stretching my legs, nothing more. Anyway, happy birthday to you, Dr. Blackson. I came bearing a gift, but it looks like I left it on the gift table."

"Not a problem, he says. Please accept my sincere appreciation for the birthday present and well wishes, as well as for celebrating with my family, friends, and myself. You should have a good time."

"Well, I don't mind if I do," I declared with a grin as I reached for a drink from the tray of a passing waiter, feeling the anticipation of the evening ahead.

As I savoured a sip from my glass, I caught Ben's voice cutting through the ambient chatter, drawing my attention.

"Shelley, Please let me introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Mathew. The friend I told you about, whose wedding I attended the last time," says Ben.

Holding out my palm, my hand is firmly shaken by Matthew's. "Yap, I do recall that." Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. Matthew. May it be a successful one.

"Well, thank you. I've heard so much about you, and I'm finally putting a face to a name. Although I must admit that Ben neglected to compliment your beauty," he said while kissing my knuckles.

I express my gratitude for the compliment while my cheeks flush.

As my eyes moved back and forth between the three gentlemen, I couldn't help but ponder. These three seem to get along famously. In their friendship, every single one of them plays a part. Take Matthew, for example. He's the naughty one; definitely a playboy. That is analytical, Ben. He is sure to look at everything closely. Gideon assumes the guardian role- someone who can save them from any sticky situation. To be honest, I'm envious of their friendship.

"So, Shelley, tell me what your opinion is on my friend Ben here." Gideon Blackson inquired.

"What now?!" Since the question caught me off guard, I responded in surprise.

"Um! I do not know Adam well enough to offer my opinion about him, sir, but based on what I have learned so far from my encounter with him, he is rather humble and kind."

"Is that so? Then tell me, Is that the kind of quality you require in a man?" He inquires.

"I beg your pardon!" I snapped.

"Enough! Blackson." Said Ben. "Shelley, please accept my apologies for my friend's bluntness."

"For the time being, I will have to agree with Ben. There are some topics about which my husband simply cannot control his incessant curiosity. Forgive him, please." With a pleading voice, Mrs. Blackson joins her husband.

"Margaret, don't worry. I am not offended. In the end, it was merely a query. The only thing is that a query of that nature caught me off guard. Besides, my opinion on men is irrelevant."

"Why?" This time it was Matthew's turn to do the inquiries.

"It is hardly the place or time to talk about these things. I say this as I drink down my cocktail to wash away the bitterness that the question brings to me."

Blackson looks like he was about to say something but at that exact moment, the MC's voice boomed over the microphone, signalling the commencement of the cake-cutting ceremony. He summons the host and his wife over to proceed with the event.

As I watched the couple address the masses, I couldn't help but feel a gaze on me. At the corner of my eyes, I caught a glimpse of Ben sizing me over. When he notices my recognition of his admiration, he awkwardly clears his throat.

"I am truly delighted that this gathering attracted such a large turnout. Because Blackson isn't very sociable, he says, and for a second I was afraid the place might be deserted."

Snorting, I replied, "I am sure the majority of them are here not to celebrate his turn of age but rather to get a glimpse of his life outside of work."

"So, what is your justification then? Why did you consent to be present?" He poses the question.

Turning to him with a smirk, I say, "Out of duty, of course." It was almost as if I caught a fleeting sight of Ben's lips painting a smile.

At that very moment, the MC. Cut me off mid-thought when he said that everyone should clear out so the couple dance to the tune of "Je M'appelle" by Darkovibe featuring Davido.
The crowd went into a frenzy when the couple stepped onto the dance floor, displaying their moves. I must say it surprised me to see Dr. Blackson dance. Not in a million years would I have thought him to be a good dancer.

As the music continued. Others began to trickle out onto the dance floor. "Do you care to dance with me?" Ben asked.

"Sorry, I don't dance. I should get going; it's getting late. Please extend my apologies to Mr. and Mrs. Blackson for my immediate departure. If I don't leave now, I will get home late."

"The evening has been delightful. It was a lot of fun. I hope you and Mr. Mathew have a wonderful evening," I said.

Just as I was about to leave, Ben graciously offered to accompany me. Politely, I consented to his request. While I awaited my Bolt trip home, we idled away the time outside, bantering.