Subdued (18+)✔️ [A Nigerian Romance]

31~Pasts

Kachi was slightly buzzed, but he knew he was definitely not drunk enough to be hearing things. So he was sure Usman misspoke. There was no other explanation.

"Repeat what you just said."

Usman drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and then cleared his throat. "She said she can't see you tonight because she's working." He scratched the back of his neck. "should I drive to the club?"

"What do you mean she's working? I thought I had an agreement with this girl." Or did he not? Was showing up at her place of work yesterday not enough? It had taken a lot from him to not get her fired because it seemed like the only way to make her see how serious he was. Maybe he should do as he initially planned.

"She was asking for your number so she could talk to you about tonight. I noticed her countenance changed when I refused. That was when she said she was working tonight."

"Drive to the house," Kachi said and laid back in his seat.

"To the house? Or your home?" Usman asked.

It took him a few seconds to process what his driver just asked him and he was mad. Just few days ago, he was happy the man understood him so well, now he was asking stupid questions? He sat up in his seat and leaned towards the man.

"What's the difference between the two?"

"Well home is where you actually live. So I thought house must be the new apartment?"

"Home, house, whatever. Take me to the house I fucking built. What's wrong with you this evening? You're not as sharp."

"I'm sorry sir." Usman started the car and Kachi relaxed once again.

These people were killing his happy buzz fast. He could feel himself getting sober. First it was Zariah with her annoying job and now Usman who was usually his most competent staff.

Without really thinking about it, he dialed her number. The phone rang for a while and then stopped and he was forced to call again. This time she picked and he gritted his teeth, ready to lay into her. At first all he heard was the loud club music, then it lessened until he heard the distinct sound of a door slamming shut.

"Hello?" Her voice was soft and silky smooth and Kachi felt his anger melt away.

What was it about this girl? Few seconds ago he was ready to chastise her for yet again standing him up but now that she spoke, it was like she sucked out all the anger he'd been carrying.

"Hello?" she said again, snapping his mind back into the moment.

"Where are you?"

She must have recognized his voice because her tone immediately changed and then there was nothing soft and silky about it.

"Work," she snapped. "What do you want?"

He would give anything to have her willingly speak to him in her soft voice, not this one. What was wrong with him? Why would he be willing to sacrifice just for another person's voice?

"What time does your shift end?"

"Around twelve thirty. Why?"