𝓜𝔂 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂, 𝓶𝔂 𝔀𝓲𝓯𝓮

16# OUT OF COMFORT

X-RESTAURANT,
ASOKORO.
JANUARY, 2020.

Jamilah walked through the double doors of what looked to be a restaurant, impressed by the decor.

She didn't get the familiar ache in her head, and came to the conclusion that she'd probably never been there.

Hajia Hafsah was by her side, the males in front of them.

The guards had escorted them all the way to the doors, surrounding the building once they entered.

Hajia Hafsah had explained that public spaces like the one they were in had higher chances of getting public figures, such as the governor and his family murdered.

Jamilah supposed she was right and couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of pity for them.

It must be hectic having people following you everywhere you went. She wondered if that was why Hajia Hafsah travelled a lot.

Inside the restaurant, Jamilah noticed it was cooler. The air conditioners were cool enough that one could relax from the scorching heat outside, but not so much that one would feel chilly.

As far as she could see, they were the only ones inside. It seemed like a private room, secluded from the main building.

She couldn't help the tinge of guilt that pricked her.

Could it be because of her?

She didn't want to be a burden to them.

Hajia Hafsah probably noticed her step faltering, "Are you okay, ya bint?".

Jamilah only shook her head, adding in a smile for good measure.

The woman didn't look all that convinced. "Is it the nerves?", she asked, concerned.

Jamilah really hated lying to the woman, but she nodded, letting the matter die there.

Jamil, who'd been listening to them looked a bit contemplative.

And in an unusual, un-Jamil manner, he said loudly enough for their company to hear.

"This place hasn't changed. The decor's as impressive as ever".

Both Hafsah and Ayman looked a bit confused, worried even.

When had Jamil ever been concerned about decor?!

More importantly, when did he ever say things that he thought out loud?!

They simply mumbled a response.

Hafsah, a bit weirded out, missed Jamilah's expression of relief.

The younger woman felt something heavy leave her chest, relieved that they seemed to come here quite often.

But even when the trio missed the point of what just happened, Yahya caught on quite quickly.

He turned to Jamil next to him, sending him a knowing smile, one eyebrow arched teasingly.

Jamil pretended he didn't notice his father, and when the man started wriggling his eyebrows, he walked faster, trying to get away from him.

Yahya chuckled, watching his son.

You care about her too much, ya ibni.

***
If there was anything Jamil appreciated, it was top-notch customer service.

He didn't suffer fools easily and appreciated efficiency in all works of life.

And the best he could, he dished out what he wanted served. He was a perfectionist in his work and would give a hundred and twenty percent of what was required.