Newfound Destination

~ 37 ~

"Okay Malam, this would be the last time I'll be riding in your car because I know you'll not be too comfortable dropping me off at work. Especially because the owner of this company is your enemy." I told Khalil as he parked the car.

I decided to come back to work, not just to see Mustapha but because I needed the job as well.

I mean, you can't just magically have money out of nowhere.

You gotta work for it.

"It's cool, as long as you don't get too close to him." He said.

I studied him for a moment, "You're acting like my boyfriend."

He smirked, "Think of me as that."

I just chuckled, "Abeg, I'll see you soon."

He nodded and we hugged briefly before I got out of the car and trotted off to the entrance of the building.

I hadn't contacted Mustapha in a while and I was afraid that he wouldn't be too happy to see me.

But that wasn't the surprise I got when I arrived on the floor.

My desk was occupied by a really gorgeous fair lady.

Yet, for some reason, I still approached his door and was just about to knock on it before I heard someone speak to me.

A female voice with an accent said to me, "Excuse me, you can't go in if you don't have an appointment."

I turned and saw that she was coming towards me.

Okay, now I could feel Jennifer's pain.

"Uh, I'm a friend of the CEO..." I chuckled awkwardly, "...I don't exactly need to-"

The door opened and I was pulled into the office.

"Thank you, Fatimah." Mustapha said before shutting the door.

Before I knew it, he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"I've missed you so much, you still hadn't unblocked my number." He said.

I hugged him back and closed my eyes, enjoying his warmth and signature scent.

"I wanted to but I kept forgetting, I'm sorry." I muttered.

Just so we're not lost here, the plan is to stay friends with both Khalil and Mustapha.

The safest thing to do.

He pulled away and looked at me, as if searching for something on my face, "Did you miss me too? Is that why you're here?"

So clearly, Mustapha still has feelings for me. Hm.

I nodded, "Yeah, I missed you too but my main reason for coming here is to start working again. I realized that I really needed this job."

"I-"

"Yeah, I know I can't get it back since someone has already replaced me. It's fine, but I won't just leave now...I'm here to see you too." I interjected.

"That's good. I really would've easily given you your job back because you didn't actually submit your resignation letter when you left." He said with a chuckle.

I nodded, "Yup, that could've been my saving grace."

"But on the bright side, you can still work here, just not as my secretary." He quickly told me.

"Really? What then?" I asked.

"The job you initially applied for..."

I immediately remembered.

My face lit up, "Oh, that'd be great. Thank you!"

He looked confused, "You're okay with that?"

I arched a brow, "Of course, why wouldn't I be? I get along with the lady down there anyway."

"Okay then but I'll be sure to come see you work everyday." He said.

Oh. Sigh.

I took hold of his hand and pulled him over to one of his cushions. I sat him down and sat on the one opposite him so I was facing him.

"Mustapha, I've come to a decision," I began.

He sat upright in anticipation.

"We should remain friends. I just...I like you but I don't want to mess things up because-"

I cut myself off as he held my hands looking directly in my eyes. His warm smile was still there, nothing more, nothing less...

And then he said, "I already told you, I can wait forever and I would never give up on you."

"You're very special to me and your decision matters to me the most but you should know now that I can make you change your mind. All I need is your time and attention." He finished.

A lump rose in my throat and I could feel my heart banging against my ribcage as an attempt to set itself free.

Free from the confusion...the everlasting longing for a change.

But things had to stay this way. For now.

I gently pulled my hands out of his grasp and smiled, "I'll unblock your number, and I'll see you tomorrow."

I stood up. He stood with me.

Snatched me into a hug again, this time, I found myself wanting more than a hug.

"I'll change your mind, you'll see."

As he let go, I planted a small kiss on his cheek.

"I'd like to see you try." I challenged him and took my leave.

Not being able to get him off my mind. Not being able to decide. Not being able to move according to the plan.

He was making me change my mind.

But I had to hold still.