BE MY GUEST

CHAPTER TEN

K H A D I J A√

KADUNA, NIGERIA

I had never thought I would sit down and have a conversation with Rayan. I knew it would happen someday because it was inevitable, but I didn't think it would be this soon. I had clearly written in my journal that I was going to hate him forever—childish, I know. But now, here I am, working together in the same space.

As I sat at my desk, editing footage from the previous day's shoot, my mind wandered back to the conversation we'd had. It was late in the evening, and the restaurant was almost empty. The soft lighting created an intimate atmosphere, making it feel more like a candid chat between friends than a business discussion.

"Can you believe we're almost there?" Rayan had said, his voice tinged with both excitement and exhaustion. "Just a few more days, and we'll open our doors."

I had nodded, feeling a mix of pride and nerves. "It's been a crazy journey. But I have to say, I'm really impressed with how you've handled everything."

Rayan had smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you. Your work has been incredible, Khadija. The way you capture the essence of the restaurant... it's amazing."

His words had warmed my heart. Coming from someone as driven and meticulous as Rayan, it meant a lot. "Thank you, Rayan. That means a lot to me."

We had spent the next hour going over the promotional strategy, discussing everything from social media campaigns to influencer partnerships. Rayan's dedication was evident in every detail he reviewed. It was clear that this restaurant was more than just a business venture for him; it was a dream, a testament to his hard work and ambition.

As we talked, I had felt a sense of camaraderie growing between us. Despite our rocky start, we had found common ground in our shared goal. There was mutual respect, and dare I say, a budding friendship.

Now, as I reviewed the footage on my laptop, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I wanted to make sure that every piece of content I created reflected the passion and effort that had gone into this project. This was my chance to show the world what we were capable of.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Rayan.

"Morning, Khadija. Just wanted to let you know that we have a few influencers visiting today. Can you be here by 11 to film?"

I quickly replied, "Sure thing. I'll be there."

I packed up my equipment and headed to the restaurant, my mind buzzing with ideas for the shoot. When I arrived, the place was already bustling with activity. The staff was setting up for the day, and there was an air of anticipation in the air.

"Good morning, Khadija," Rayan greeted me as I walked in. "Ready for another day of filming?"

"Absolutely," I replied, setting up my camera. "Let's capture the magic."

As I moved around the restaurant, filming the final preparations, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This project had brought out the best in me, pushing me to new creative heights. I filmed the chefs at work, the staff arranging tables, and the little details that made the restaurant unique.

The influencers arrived shortly after, their excitement palpable. They took pictures, filmed stories, and shared their experiences with their followers. I made sure to capture every moment, knowing that this content would be crucial for our promotional efforts.

In the midst of my work, I noticed some technical issues with my camera. Panic bubbled up inside me, but I quickly pushed it down. This was no time to lose my cool. I fiddled with the settings, trying to fix the problem. Just then, Rayan walked over, noticing my distress.

"Everything okay?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

"Just a small hiccup," I said, forcing a smile. "I'll figure it out."

Rayan offered a reassuring nod. "Take your time. You've been doing an amazing job so far."

His words gave me the boost I needed. After a few tense minutes, I managed to resolve the issue and continued filming. Despite the setback, I felt more determined than ever. This was an opportunity I couldn't afford to waste.

As the day went on, I interacted with the staff, capturing their excitement and dedication. I also invited a few local influencers to visit the restaurant and generate some buzz. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

In a quiet moment, I found myself reflecting on my journey. I remembered the early days of my content creation career, the struggles and the triumphs. I thought about my family and friends who had supported me along the way. This was more than just a job; it was a culmination of years of hard work and passion.

By the end of the day, I had captured some incredible footage. As I reviewed it with Rayan, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The restaurant was coming to life, and I was proud to be a part of it.

"These look great," Rayan said, genuinely impressed. "You're really bringing our vision to life."

"Thanks, Rayan. It means a lot to hear that," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me.

As we wrapped up for the day, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. There were still challenges ahead, but I was ready to face them head-on. This was more than just a job; it was a dream come true.

That evening, as I sat down to edit the day's footage, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from my best friend, Lala.

"How's it going with Rayan? Any drama?" she texted, followed by a series of laughing emojis.

I chuckled and replied, "No drama. Actually, things are going pretty well. He's not as bad as I thought."

Lala responded quickly. "See? I told you. Give people a chance, and they might surprise you."

I couldn't help but agree. Rayan had certainly surprised me. As I worked late into the night, piecing together the promotional videos, I felt a sense of gratitude for this unexpected turn in my life. Who would have thought that I, Khadija, would be playing such a crucial role in launching a restaurant? Life was full of surprises, and I was learning to embrace them.

As I finally crawled into bed, exhausted but content, I realized something important. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something great—not just for the restaurant, but for me too.

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Love, Mardieeeee❤️.