Tina Stood By the hip of dried bamboo stems in the construction waste littered yard. She gazed at a spot underneath the stone coated aluminium roof of the one story building. The ceiling at the spot had undone itself and hung loosely. Sweaty energetic labourers cracked up happily at their own jokes as they clear the interior of the building of construction debris. Clint calmly walked toward her, careful not to draw her attention. He stopped few steps away from her and watched the breeze blow her hair into her face and her loosely fitted gown glue to her body.
“You're beautiful, Tina,” he whispered.
Tina turned and smiled at him.
“Why are you smiling?” He smiled back.
Tina pointed to her right ear using her index finger.
He didn't think she would hear it. He was louder than he thought.
Embarrassed, he denied it, “no, I didn't.”
She took out her phone. “Need I remind you that I'm dumb, not deaf, young man?” She showed it to him.
Clint laughed, “Fine.” He gave in. “You're really beautiful. Very.”
She blushed. “Don't give me that look, b4 I strangle you.” She showed him after typing.
“Really?” He drew closer and held her by the waist.
“Who knows? What will death in your hands look like?”
She put her phone down on the hip of bamboo stems and advanced towards Clint. He stepped backwards. She made a quicker movement towards him.
“Hmm, hmmm!” Pete stepped towards them.
They quickly regained composure. She separated from Clint, who held her by the waist when she attempted to grab him.
“What a surprise to see you here, Clint. Is there anything to worry about?” He shook Clint and patted Tina at the back.
My guest, Tina gestured.
“Oohhk!” He showed indifference, apps though he didn't know what to make out of the information.
He turned to Tina, “Let's see the interiors.”
Tina nodded and led the way. They inspected the tile works, meeting and greeting the technicians as they went.
They were about climbing down the stairs of the storey building when Pete held Clint by the shoulder. “You would like to see this.” He said to him. “It’s nothing. Please wait for us downstairs.” He dismissed Tina who tried to follow them,
Clint followed him few steps back into the floor, “what's going on between you two?”
“Uhm!” Clint stuttered, not sure about what to say.
“Don't know your plans, but let me tell you, define your relationship with her. If you don't want something serious, I don't want to see you anywhere around her. I won't go easy on you if you cause her pain.”
“Ok,” he muttered.
“I mean my words.” He patted Clint by the shoulder and left.
It took Clint some seconds to pull himself together from the discussion. He followed him up, a few steps behind. Pete's threat confirmed and, once again, reminded him of one of his fears about the relationship. He would be careful though. He wouldn't let things, for whatever it is, get that bad. Tina looked at them suspiciously when they met her.
Pete gave her a hug. “I will be on my way.”
“So Soon?” Tina gestured.
“Yes. Thought you were alone, but you have company. I should be going now,” he said, “let me see if I can finish with these architects on that lady's project too.” He made his way out. “See you later.”
Tina faced her phone and began typing.
“I will be on my way,” Pete announced again, this time to Clint.
“Ok,” he nodded to his words. For Clint, it was more of a reminder than a goodbye.
Tina waved at him. They watched him walk to the entrance of the site, standing side by side. After he left the premises, she turned to Clint. “Is everything alright?” She signalled.
Smiling, he nodded.
Tina wasn't satisfied with his response. He became dull within the minute she left him with Pete. It was either it wasn't something serious or he was covering up or maybe, she was just over thinking it. She decided not to press him, if he chose not to say.
“Let's grab a drink,” She showed him her pad.
“Like you read my mind.” He grinned, “Let's go.
*****
Hey! Can I borrow a moment from your time? Just a moment.
It will take you a few seconds to add this story to your library.
YOU ARE READING
LOVE & FLAWS | A NIGERIAN ROMANCE |
Romance* A Nigerian themed story * Clint: (Voice notes) It beats my imagination why you chose to tread this path. Matter of fact; let me make this clear to you... Keeping that pregnancy or playing the victim card won't make me change my mind about you. If...
