THE CHURCH GIRL

Chapter 27

********NAOMI'S POV * * *

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"Pleaseeee Naomi, tell me you said yes because no could be the last thing you say before I strangle you", Julia threatened with a frying pan when I told her I got invited for a "dignitaries" function. I didn't want to say yes to Ryan when he asked because I was so sure Mr. I'm too great will be there. Not that I had a problem with that or disliked him but he was becoming an allergy I enjoyed experiencing. Whenever he was close to me, I can feel my heart beating so fast it was as if it wanted to jump out. I was never going to get myself involved with someone like Devon even if it meant saving a life. He wasn't my type and I was definitely not his. It was hard to ignore him, but I had to try as much as I could.

"I said yes only if I could invite my own special troup, you, ella and Lisa, but now, I regret saying yes", I said grabbing my dresses back from Julia who stared at me as if I was crazy.

"Are you crazy?, this is not just any function and if Devon's friend was the one who invited you, then Devon is definitely gonna be there. You can't miss that", she said shaking her head.

"And why is that?", I asked, confused as to why she thought that was why I had to go.

"Because I've seen the way he makes you nervous. I know you like him and don't even try to deny it because I know you more than you know yourself Naomi", she was good but not that good. I do know myself, that is why I have been trying my best to ignore and avoid him.

"Are you on drugs...?", I asked confused again,"Why would you even think of something like that. I barely know the guy and you think I like him?...you are just as confused as he is. Get dressed...Lisa and Ella will meet us there...and stop staring at me like I just said the worst thing", I said getting up from the bed.

"Keep telling yourself that, you might believe that one day. Am not that stupid Naomi. I know when my best friend likes a guy eventhough she thinks she doesn't because they are of the wrong "species" according to her", Julia said walking away to the kitchen.

"I can't believe you right now you crazy person I call my special plus one. Stay off drugs dude, you've been warned", I said pulling out dresses from Julia's closet.

"Whatever ships your boat ma'am, you ain't changing my mind that easily", we were quiet for a second when Julia suddenly popped her head out of the closet to ask ,"Have you heard from Ken after that night? ", I was caught off guard. I really wasn't expecting her to ask me that of all things.

"Nope and I'm not counting on it. You miss him?", I teased.

"Very funny. Naomi, I don't like him like I used to before, so don't hate him or dislike him on my account. You and I know he is a good guy just a bit of a turn off", she winked at me.

"Yeah, used to be. Let's just get this done and over with already. Pick my dress fashionista, I'm going to take a shower", she grabbed a handful of the dresses on the floor and threw them on me when I giggled to the bathroom.

* * * * * * *

My gosh this hotel was huge and beautiful. Lisa and Ella were already waiting for us infront of the hotel to go inside together. I was just too content staring at the hotel outside. My dress was extraordinary. I must say, Julia's taste in clothes were splendid. A knee length pink flair dress with a waist belt and a purse complimenting the cheesy heels she picked. I applied a slight blush on my face and a strawberry lip gloss. It was tasty so I loved it. Lisa kept complimenting my dress asking whether I was trying to impress someone. Excuse her but...even if I was, it wouldn't be here even with a part of me wishing He notices me.

"Julia picked my dress Lisa not me, don't make me repeat myself again", I warned Lisa who couldn't take her eyes off my dress.

"Yes ma'am", she laughed.

"I can't wait to hear him sing. I hope he has cute friends too cus I will be mingling", Julia said bumping my shoulder. I knew that instant what she was trying to do.

"Don't make me regret saying yes to this whole show you delusional friend, come on", I pulled her along. I saw familiar faces, new and old. A few ministers, some doctors, lots of musicians and actors, then I noticed Ryan walking towards us grinning from ear to ear.

"You are late miss. Naomi", he smiled kissing my cheeks.

"Oops. Oh hey meet my friends, Julia, Lisa and Ella. Hope you don't mind the extra?", I asked.

"Not at all, wow, I imagined your friends to be as beautiful as you are and they did not disappoint, hi", he said with a wide smile and staring at Julia like she was dinner which made her blush so much she almost turned pink. I was surprised to see Julia switch her fantasy to Ryan after Devon in a split second.

"I'm Ryan, a pleasure meeting you all", Lisa and Ella smiled in response and exchanged pleasantries. Ryan was staring at Julia a lot and that was making her uncomfortable in a good way I guess because she was smiling way too much. No one has ever made her smile like that before not even when she likes Ken. My babygirl liked Ryan and she wasn't hiding it.

"Let me show you my table because you four ain't going nowhere", they laughed but I felt a little disappointed when I didn't see Devon on the table but I felt a little okay that he wasn't there, guess the night will be good after all. I was almost done with the food menu when a cute petite middle aged woman made an introduction by introducing Devon to the stage with so much compliments. Okay we got it, he was very handsome and a great catch. Move on mama. I whispered to myself rolling my eyes and sipping my water. Seconds after she was done and his name was called, he walked on stage with so much majestic steps and his well fitted opened shirt  complimented his physique so well. I tried taking my eyes off him to focus on the menu on the glass table in front of me. Looked like dehydration wasn't just caused by thirst. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction me staring at him while he sang so I turned the menu into a novel. Not for a second did I lift my head to see him.

The song was done after a few minutes and everyone started clapping and cheering. I didn't even notice when he got off the stage when suddenly a body filled the empty seat next to me. As if on cue, I continued to ignore whoever it was even when I felt that person's gaze staring down at me. Almost like inches of breath from me.

"You do know the menu isn't a novel right?", he asked in the most softest voice I've ever heard pushing his seat closer to mine. Control yourself Naomi, keep ur together. I kept reminding myself.

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******BRIDGES OF HOPEFUL BEGGINING""****