When they got back to their previous spot, they saw Alexa waiting for them.

“Now that is some sight I can get used to,” Alexa said smiling when she saw their interlocked fingers and walked up to them.

“Yeah, fuck you,” Michel replied.

“And I love you too, stupid,” Alexa said and hugged both of them. “I always knew you two would find a common ground.”

“Thanks, Alexa. I really appreciate everything,” Lucy said, hugging her and she couldn’t help but smile at the show of affection between the two friends. They looked more like a couples and she was glad they weren’t, cos she felt they would be an amazing couple and that would spell doom for her.

” You welcome dear, I told you, you were in good hands, didn’t I?”

“Yes. you did, and you weren’t wrong.”

“I’m never wrong when it comes to him, girl.”

 

“Don’t get over your head, lady,” Michel said laughing, “you exaggerate everything.”

“Do I? Well, I’m not wrong yet. Until I am, I will keep saying it.”

“Suit yourself. We need to move now, it’s getting dark already.”

“Wait, what? Won’t I get the gist?” Alexa said looking at Lucy and smiling.

“You want to get any gist, go home with her. You not wasting my time here woman,” Michel replied her, moving past her to the garage.

“Easy tiger, it hasn’t gotten to that, has it? Where are you going to now?”

“Where else but home.”

“Now don’t be ridiculous and wait up for us. If you won’t wait for me at least wait for Lucy.”

Michel had no choice but to wait.

 

Alexa knew she got him with that and she turned to Lucy.

“I knew I will get him with that. He’s a stubborn one but he has his weaknesses if you know them. I can make him wait longer but I don’t want to get on his nerves tonight especially when he is in his elements. He cares for you; you should know that. That said, let’s move,” she said and she held Lucy’s hand and they moved to the garage and Lucy told her everything that happened on their way to the garage. Alexa was glad because she knew that Michel had finally gotten the one for him and she assured Lucy that everything was going to be ok. When they got to the garage, they all hugged and got into their cars and went their separate ways.

When Lucy drove into her garage and came down from her car, she was whistling a song to herself and doing some crazy dance steps walking towards the door.

 

Betty was at the balcony upstairs pressing her phone and feeling the gentle breeze on her skin when Lucy drove in and she saw everything. She wondered what must have happened to her friend to have her in such an amazing mood and be that happy. She hadn’t seen her that happy in the last three years and she knew something amazing had happened to her and she was glad for that. She unconsciously prayed for whoever or whatever made her friend that way to continue.

“And to what do we owe this transformation of yours, sis? Betty asked when she got close to the door.

“Nothing much dear, let’s just say a miracle,” Lucy replied looking at her friend.

“I knew it. Whosoever is the source of this miracle has my heart forever.”

“Well, you might have to give him something else, cos he already has mine.”

“Oh it’s a him, even better, and did I just hear you say he has your heart?” Betty asked laughing and she saw Lucy blushing at that.

“Wow, you’re even blushing, don’t tell me you are in love already?”

 

“I can’t say for sure yet but I know I feel different this time around. It seems real and pure.”

“Damn, is this you talking about feelings this passionately? Don’t tell me it’s Michel we are talking about?”

“Who else dear? He makes me feel complete and whole. This feeling is strange, I don’t even know how to describe it.”

“That’s what I’m talking about, girl. This is the sister I’ve been waiting for all these years, and who would have thought you would hook the hottest bachelor in abj at last.”

“Get out, you’ve started with your trash talk again, abi.”

“Come on sis, you know it no trash talk, you can’t deny he’s a different breed,” Betty said, looking at her teasingly. She could swear Lucy was really in love. The look on her face said it all and she was really happy because she knew she was going to get her friend back for real.

“Yeah, you right. The guy is drop-dead cute, feels like he’s not from this planet.”

 

“Now you talking, come in and give me the full gist, sis, I can’t wait to hear it all.”

“Mumu girl, you like amebo too much,” Lucy replied laughing and even she knew she hadn’t been this happy in a long while.

“If I no like amebo wetyn I gain? Let me come down and meet you in the living room.”

“No need, I will come up to you, I want to enjoy the breeze on my skin tonight, been a while I spent time there.”

Lucy went up to the balcony and sat with her friend. She told her everything that happened in the garden.

“Wow, that was beautiful. I’m happy for you girl, I feel like crying.” Betty said to her when she was done.

 

“More me than you dear. It’s just glorious and amazing, pouring out my heart to him really relieved me and it felt like a heavy load was released from my heart. I feel renewed.”

“I for one I’m happy to have my sister back. Now, we can go back to how it was before, clubbing, partying, shopping and having the craziest of fun.”

“You can say that again. I miss us too and I’m sorry for everything I put you through all this while. I know I’ve been a bad friend and a pain in the ass but it all ends now.”

“We good dear. I know you were hurt and I promised you then that I will always be there for you and I’m happy it all turned out well after all.”

“I’ve never really thanked you for everything Betty. I really appreciate everything, and I want you to know that I love you and value our friendship. You’ve been the best and it’s time I take care of you too.”

 

“Bet you do. I need to be pampered now too. I love you, Lus.”

“Love you too, Bets.”

And both friends hugged and shed tears and they both knew it was tears of joy and it was going to get better from then on. It took Lucy’s ringing phone to break their hug and she checked who the caller was and realised it was Michel and a smile crossed her face.

“That must be our man I guess?” Betty asked, smiling mischievously at her friend.

“Yes, and he isn’t our man yet.”

“Soon dear, soon. No need to rush it and you better pick your call before he thinks you are ignoring him.”

Lucy picked up the call.

“Hi, are you home yet?” she heard his voice from the other end, smooth and penetrating and she felt butterflies in her stomach. Yes, he had that much effect on her.

“Yes, I got home a while ago,” Lucy replied, wiping tears from her face, “and you?”

“Just got home now, had to go drop Alexa at her place.”

 

“Alright, thanks for today Michel, I really appreciate. Can’t deny that I’ve been a constant pain to you but you ignored that and heard me out. I’m grateful for that.”

“You welcome. I had no choice. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t, not with Alexa the devil on my neck.”

And Lucy laughed at that, “Come on, she’s my angel, don’t be like that.”

“She might be an angel to you but she’s always been a devil to me.” Michel replied laughing too, “I actually called to check if you home yet, knowing you ok, I need to freshen up and go to bed, big day ahead tomorrow.”

“Alright, thanks for today, have a splendid night.”

“You too dear.” He said and hanged up.

“Now that is some incredible smile Lus. Haven’t seen that in a while,” Betty said to her friend when she dropped the call.

 

Lucy couldn’t help but blush, “I know right? He makes me feel some way I can’t explain.”

“I’m happy for you girl, it time to go to bed, tomorrow’s Monday, always a big day,” Betty said, standing up and helping her friend up.

“Sure, dear. I’m definitely having a great sleep tonight,” Lucy replied standing up and going into the house with her friend and she knew things were going to be different from the next day.

“Thank you, Michel. Thank you so much.”

***

It’s been six months since the last time Lucy and Michel had the conversation at his garden and they’ve found common ground. Michel had been amazing and fun. He had called her all the time and their conversations have been great, though they haven’t seen a lot of each other. They’ve bumped into each other at different places a few times.

He had helped her overcome her hurt and she found out to her own surprise that there was no wall around her heart again. Michel had found a way to break it down without much effort. She now had more male friends and related to them well. Her relationship with Betty had been the best since their last discussion and they’ve gone out to different places and had fun to the fullest.

 

It was a Friday night and Lucy was in her room with Betty dressing, finally, Michel had asked her out on a date and she found herself nervous. It was her first date in more than three years and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it. Part of her wanted it to be the beginning of a relationship with Michel while the other part wasn’t sure she was ready. Within the last months of talking, she had developed a deep feeling for him and she knew she wanted him badly but she was still afraid of being hurt, but in a way, she felt secured around him and knew he wouldn’t hurt her but she still had doubts.

“Still feeling nervous?” Betty asked her after helping her to zip her dress.

“Yeah, I think so, I don’t really know what to expect, you know?” Lucy replied. She was wearing a blue dress that stops a little above her knee and a blue stiletto with diamond studs around it. She had light makeup on and a blue purse to go with her dressing. She didn’t want to appear too over-dressed to him.

“Don’t push yourself too much. Just go with an open mind and expect the best. You look amazing girl and you definitely getting your man tonight.”

“You will never change girl and I love you,” Lucy said smiling.

 

Her phone rang and she knew it was Michel because she had saved a special tune for him. He told her he was already at her gate waiting for her. She told her friend and asked her to go with her to meet him because she wasn’t sure she was ready to meet him alone.

“Yes she was that nervous,” she admitted to herself.

Michel parked outside of Lucy’s house and got out and went to stand by the passenger’s side. He was chatting on his phone with Alexa when he heard the sound of the gate opening and raised his head and saw her and her beauty took his breath away. She was in a simple dress and heels and a purse to match. He knew she tried to dress simple but she was glorious. The gown brought out all of her curves and he could swear his heart missed a beat and he had to swallow hard because he almost choked on his saliva.

When Lucy came out of her gate with Betty, she saw him by his car pressing his phone and when he looked up at her and smiled, she almost fell down if not for Betty that helped steady her movement.

 

She never gets tired of his smile. He was wearing a native shirt and trouser with a pair of black designer slippers. He looked simple but classic. She knew he was lost looking at her and she couldn’t help being shy and feeling naked in front of him.

It took Betty a cough to bring them back to reality.

“Are you two going to keep on staring at each other or what?”

Michel was the first to get back to his senses and he had to really fight hard to control his emotions.

“Sorry ladies. I was lost in your beauty. Pardon me, you look glorious, Lucy.”

Lucy had to look away for a while because she was already feeling shy, and even when she tried to speak, she couldn’t find her voice.

“Thanks. You look great also.”

“Wow. Haven’t seen you this shy in a long while, Lus.” Betty said laughing.

“Shut up, Bets, before I skin you alive.”

“Belt it, tiger, you have a date to go too. Moreover, you haven’t introduced me to your cute guest yet. How bad of you.”

 

“True, I’m sorry, girlfriend. This is Michel, and Michel, this is my childhood friend and sister Betty.”

“Hi, Betty! You look beautiful. You guys are almost like twins, you know?” Michel said, extending his hand towards her for a handshake.

“Yeah, people say that a lot, and God you look cute, man.”

“Thanks. Now, can I steal your friend for the night?”

“Ofcos you can, Mr handsome. Just make sure you treat her nice and good. If not, you will have me to contend with.” Betty said, making a fist and pointing it at him.

“Come on, Bets, don’t disgrace me,” Lucy said, feeling shy.

“Trust me, Betty. Your friend is in good hands and I don’t even want to know what you can do with those fists of yours.”

“Good thing you know, now you guys can go,” she said and Betty hugged her friend and wished her well.

 

Michel opened the passenger’s side of the car for Lucy to enter. “Will you step in majestically, please?”

“Thank you.”

Michel closed the door and went to the driver’s side and drove off.

They drove for a while and were now heading out of Abuja and Lucy was a little sceptical of where he was driving to because he was on a path that looked rural and she was sure she hadn’t been there before. She was confused and wasn’t sure of where he was going because she doubted if a meaningful establishment was there. So she faced him.

“Michel, are you sure of where you are going? This looks like a rural area to me.”

“Do you trust me?” Michel asked her, looking briefly at her.

“Yes I do but…

” No buts, just trust me.”

 

While he was still saying that, he made a turn and what she saw in front of them was amazing. She could swear she had never seen anything like that before. The name of the place was ‘Golden Luxury’,

He drove through the gates and she was wowed by the view of the structure. There were well-trimmed flowers on both sides of the driveway and hidden lights in them illuminating the driveway. Cool music was emanating from the building making the atmosphere serene.

The building was made from glass and she could see couples inside all having a good time. She had to bring down the car windows to enjoy the view.

They passed through an artificial lake and she loved the place even more. There were lights inside the lake too showing little fishes inside. “This place is beautiful, Michel. Who owns it?”

“I know right?” Michel replied smiling, glad that she loved what she was seeing.

“It actually belongs to a friend of mine.”

“Wow, I didn’t know such a place exists here in Abuja.”

“Well, I guess you don’t go out that much. It’s been here for a while.”

“You right about that. But it’s kinda hidden. How do people know about it? I feel like there might not be much patronage due to its location.”

 

“You would be surprised to know they have more patronage than those out there. You look around yourself, does it look like they lack patronage? It’s a digital world dear, anything is achievable anywhere.”

“I agree with you on that, this place is really filled up.”

“Well, we’re here.”

Michel parked his car in the space at the parking lot and got down to open the door for Lucy.

They walked inside the restaurant holding hands and a waitress ushered them to the top floor. When they got there, what met Lucy’s eyes almost brought tears to her eyes. The place was empty with a table for two at the centre. The light there was dimmed giving the atmosphere a romantic touch. Sounds of blues were coming out of hidden speakers and Lucy was short of words, to say the least.

“Welcome to Golden Luxury, I’m the head waiter here and your ultimate satisfaction is my concern,” the waitress that ushered them in said, bringing Lucy out of her thoughts.

“Thanks, dear,” Michel replied, bringing out one of the chairs for Lucy to sit on.

“Mi lady,” he said pointing at the chair.

 

” Thanks, ” Lucy replied as she sat down.

“So what do you have for the night?” Michel asked the waitress, turning round to sit on the chair facing Lucy.

“Well, we have a special four-course meal for the night. We only serve them once in six months and you will be glad you can enjoy it today which happens to be one of those days.” replied the waitress with kind courtesies.

“Wow, I can’t wait to devour all of that, Miss,” Lucy said, rubbing her hands together and smiling.

Michel smiled too, loving those smiles of hers. It always turned him on and he wished he could just have her in his arms and kiss the breath out of her.

“Not now. At the right time,” he said to himself.

“Alright if that is the case, then let start.”

 

“Right away lady and gentleman. We start with an appetizer,” the waitress said and pressed a button on a device in her hand and two minutes later, two other waiters pushed in a roller with varieties of shrimp cocktail, calamari, salad, potato skin, mussels, bruschetta, cheese and crackers. They set it on the table in front of the couple and went out.

“Wow, that was fast,” Lucy said, surprised at the swiftness at which the dish was brought in.

“Like I said earlier, your ultimate satisfaction is my concern. Please enjoy, and when you are done or you need me, please press the button on the table on your left-hand side and I will appear in no time,” the waitress said, took a bowed and went out.

“Thanks, Miss,” Michel replied.

“These are amazing. I might need to visit the hospital tomorrow after devouring these. Wow, I don’t even know where to start from,” Lucy said, taking a cracker and biting into it.

“Well, just be careful. It won’t be nice visiting the hospital a day after taking you out. I don’t want people to say I poisoned you.”

 

“Like I care. Am I not the one who is poisoned? And these and the rest I have never seen. Looks like poison to me already, but good one though.”

They ate in silence and Michel couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was full of life and kept laughing all through the meal. He was glad she had gone past her hurt and she had been more open to him in the past months they’ve been talking. He decided it was time to take her out and get to know her more when he realized she was better.

Lucy was feeling a little unease because his eyes were constantly on her. He hadn’t batted an eye since the waitress left. She knew those looks were genuine and it made her heart sing songs and she felt pleased with it. She was used to men staring at her but she always knew that they all had an ulterior motive, ‘have her in their beds.’

 

But his was different. Instead, it was a look of adoration, of endearment and joy, and it pleased her to know she could bring such looks to a man like Michel that definitely has the eyes of almost all the ladies in Abuja. She lifted her eyes and met his and smiled.

“Why are you looking at me like you want to devour me, Michel?”

“You’re beautiful,” was all he could say because at that moment words failed him.

Lucy went still at that compliment. She had to catch her breath because she realized her heart was racing a little faster and there was a bubble of excitement deep down in her heart because those words really pleased her. She knew they weren’t just strings of words but were spoken from a sincere heart. She had to feign a cough to contain herself.

“Thanks,” she replied, not knowing what else to say.

 

“You welcome,” Michel replied, glad that his words and looks have an effect on her. It meant they were on the same page as long as their feelings for each other are concerned.

When they were satisfied with the appetizers, he pressed the button and the waitress came in with the other two waiters. They took the plates out, cleaned the table and brought in the other meal. It consisted of fried rice and varieties of meat and chicken. They ate in silence, relishing the feel of the appetizing meal. Lucy enjoyed the meal and swore she hadn’t tasted a meal as incredible as that.

Thirty minutes after eating and talking for a while, the third meal was brought in, and it consisted of crab and avocado toasts, bruschetta with olive tapenade and mushrooms,  toasts topped with tuna and red pepper mousse.

While eating, Lucy looked up at Michel and smiled when she saw him still looking at her.

“You know you might have nothing else to look at again if you keep on looking at me like that all night.”

“I can look at you till eternity and I won’t get tired,” Michel replied in a calm voice.

And that made Lucy blush, “I’ve been wanting to ask you a question for a while now.”

“What’s that?” Michel asked looking at her.

 

“Just wanted to know why you go to other places to buy things when you have them at your disposal?”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Okay, if you remember, the first time we met it was at a supermarket and you were there to buy something and I later realized you had one yourself, now you brought me to another restaurant when you actually have yours and you and I know this restaurant doesn’t come close to yours.”

“Well, you are right. Thing is I go to these places for a reason. Firstly it might be that I’m in the area at that time and I needed something, I can’t start driving all the way to mine, so I will rather buy there. Secondly, I just like going to other places to know how they do their stuff and find out what things they are doing that I’m not doing. It just a business strategy to beat my competitors. Many business owners do that, trust me, to survive and stay relevant in the business world. You just have to know what your competitors are doing that you aren’t.”

 

“Wow, that’s incredible, I never thought of that. I’m going to work on that too,” Lucy said, amazed at his level of intelligence. “I guess I have to learn a lot from you then,” she said smiling.

“The teacher is always available to help.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mr man.”

And that made Michel laugh.

Lucy was amazed at his laugh, it was rich and full of life, she hadn’t seen him laugh like that before. The best she had seen was his smile. But to hear him laugh gave her butterflies in her stomach.

They finished the remaining meal in silence and the waiters came in and cleared the table and brought in the dessert.

“You know, I’ve observed something and I’m curious about it?” Lucy asked while they were eating their dessert.

“Yeah, what’s that?”

 

“So, I observed that all the floors are occupied with people but ours is free, just us, any explanation for that?”

“Well, your guess is as good as mine,” Michel replied, smiling mischievously.

“No way,” Lucy said smiling when the realization hit her, “You saying you booked this whole floor for just us?”

“Just you dear, just you,” and he smiled that smile that always dimpled his cheeks and Lucy marvelled at how a man could be that handsome.

“Thanks a lot,” Lucy said, and she felt elated. “Well, that ticks a box on my to-do list.”

“What? You have a whole to-do list to check on a floor Tobe booked for you while on a date?” Michel asked.

“Yes, exactly that.”

“Well, glad I’m the one to accomplish that wish.”

“Me too.”

 

After eating their dessert for a while, Michel looked up at Lucy and saw her looking intently at him and he was lost in her eyes. They stayed gazing at each other for almost a minute and he had to drag himself out of the gaze.

“I want to dance with you. Will you honour me with a dance Milady?” he asked and stretched out his hand to her.

“Yes please,” Lucy replied, taking his hand in hers and standing up. They walked to the left side of the room that was free. She placed her hands at the back of his neck and he held her by the waist. A 90s cool music was being played and they danced to the rhythm of the music. Lucy could perceive the strong scent of his cognac and she placed her head on his chest and felt relieved and secured, and she wished she remained there forever.

As if by divine agreement in their hearts, they both raised their heads at the same time and their lips met in a fierce kiss and Lucy was surprised with how ready she already was. His arms were around her, and she felt the rush of helplessness, the sinking yield, the surging tide of warmth that left her lip.

 

And the quiet face of Lucy was blurred and drowned to nothingness. He bent back her head across his arm and kissed her, softly at first, and then with swift graduation in intensity that made her cling to him as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. His insistent mouth was parting her shaking lips, sending wild tremors along her nerves, evoking from her sensations she had never known she was capable of feeling. His tongue probed deeper into her mouth and she allowed him to devour her. She was lost and drew closer to him. He cupped her left breast and kissed her on her neck below her ears and a soft moan left her mouth. While fiddling with her breast with his right hand, his left hand cupped her derriere. He held her thigh with his left hand and moved up into her dress towards her clits and had to force himself not to go further. They were both lost in their lust that it took a great force from Michel to pull away. Lucy was disappointed when he pulled away from the kiss and the desire was all written on her face but she knew it had to end.

“That was….” said Michel smiling.

 

“Incredible,” said Lucy before he could complete his statement, smiling also and putting her head on his chest.

“Yeah, definitely. It’s getting late. I need to get you home.” Michel said, raising her head and planting a kiss on her lips.

“Yes, but I want you to take me to your place.”

“Are you sure about that?” Michel asked, looking into her eyes.

“Yes I’m sure, I want to be in your arms all night, please.”

“As you wish, Mi Amor.”

“What does that even mean?” Lucy asked laughing and rolling her eyes at him.

“It means ‘my love’ in Spanish,” Michel replied.

“Wow, do you mean you love me?”

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have kissed you at all.”

And Lucy knew those words were the most genuine she’s heard and she felt alive.

“I love you too, Michel. God, I love you so much.”

“You’ve captured my heart, Lucy. You have the keys, don’t play with it.”

 

“You have mine also and all of me is yours, don’t break my heart.”

“Breaking your heart is breaking mine also. I’m never hurting you.”

And they came together in a fierce kiss again, this time it was slow and soft and Michel took his time to explore her body. After what looked like eternity, they broke off and were breathing heavily.

Michel looked at her and smiled,” My place still?” he asked her.

“Yes, my lord,” Lucy replied and they both laughed and headed downstairs, got into Michel’s car and he took her to his place.