Strong Attraction

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2
“MUM!” I whined as I drank from my glass.
“You know your mum is right Steph.”
“But I don’t want to go.”
“You’ll have to face him sooner or later you know. Besides, you’re the new face of the company.”
“Sorry, who am I facing?” I asked dad as I stuffed some food into my mouth and mum rolled her eyes.
“Olufemi.” Dad answered simply.
“When did I mention his name? Besides who is he?”
“Stephanie, you can’t hide from life.”
“I’m not hiding from anyone besides, I’m over him just like he’s moved on.” I said as Dad sighed and mom rolled her eyes.
“What?” mum asked, obviously confused.
“Didn’t you know he’s getting married?”
“I heard the rumors, didn’t think they were true.” Mum said
“Well, it is. I ran into his fiancée last week.”
“He shouldn’t be a problem then as you apparently to have moved on.” Mum said
“Be sure to get yourself something nice for Friday.” Dad said giving me a kiss on my forehead as mum squeezed my shoulders.
“Goodnight.” I said as they walked upstairs, my mind swirling with the talk of tonight. I liked to believe I had gotten over Femi, I hoped I had.
*******
The Fundraiser
I sat in front of my dresser as Cia did my make-up, while Angela shuffled through my closet looking for something for herself. She hadn’t planned on what to wear as she had been so swarmed with work.  Being there was a must as the company she was chasing for a major contract were big partners of St. James Hospital. I walked into my closet and nearly fainted at the sight of the mess in front of me.
“You do know you’re the one arranging this mess right?” I asked as Angela nodded looking like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “And hope none of my dresses get ruined.”
“Gel, if you’ve found a dress, then come out here and let me make you beautiful.”
“Calm down Cilia.” She replied as I heard Cia mutter some insults under her breath.
I quickly pushed myself into my gown and asked the chef to make pizza, and get me a cold glass of juice.
“Steph!!!!!!” I heard my name being shouted as I smiled.
“In my room.” I shouted back as the sounds of tiny footsteps climbing the stairs filled my room. The door was flung open as two little children jumped into my bed.
“Don’t ruin her clothes.” Shalom said to Sammy.
“I know that already.” He snapped as she rolled her eyes.
“You look beautiful sis.” He said giving me a kiss on my cheeks.
“You’re such a romantic, and you’re just eight.”
“I’ll be nine soon.” He protested.
“Next year.” Shalom countered as he glared at her.
“It’s a month away.”
“Why were you screaming my name?”
“We wanted you to come watch a movie with us.”
“What movie?”
“Black panther.”
“Maybe next time. I have an important event to attend tonight.”
“You look amazing, sis. You’ll be the most beautiful girl at the party.” Shalom said as Angela and Priscilla moved into the room.
“Don’t be so sure.” Angela said as Shalom ran over to them gushing about how beautiful they look.
“I still think Steph’s the most beautiful.” He said as I gave him a kiss on his forehead. “You’re definitely getting a bigger present on your birthday.” I whispered into his ears as his smile brightened.
“What did you tell him Steph?” Shalom asked jealously. “Never mind, I’ll find out.” She threatened as we both kept shut. The chef brought my meal, but I was already late.
I took a slice and downed down half my drink.
“You guys finish this, brush your teeth and go to sleep. We three, are going out.”
“Bye.” The twins shouted as I left them in my room.
“Tonight’s gonna be a good night.” Cia drawled as we walked into the limousine.
*******
We strolled into the hall and I scanned the place. Angela had done an awesome job I had to admit. The stage was beautifully lit and yet it didn’t overshadow whoever was on the stage. Lights hung all over the stage. The hall was decorated in red and gold. It was a fundraiser to eradicate polio.
“Wow, sis. You’re definitely scoring the job.” I said to Angie as she smiled.
“It was a lot of work, I had so many to impress.”
“And I’m sure you blew their minds. Nice work girl.” Priscilla said as we walked over to an empty table.
The event begun five minutes later as drinks and finger foods were passed around.
“I really should have taken a slice of that pizza.” Angela complained as I smiled.
“We’re making an order once this party is over.” Priscilla said as I nodded in agreement. The MC was a popular comedian. He introduced the head doctor St. James Hospital department of Pediatrics to take over the stage. I looked to Priscilla and could see a wide smile spread across her face as Jerry took the stage.
“Hmmm, someone’s drooling.” I whispered in her ears as stains of pink could be seen on her neck and cheeks. Priscilla was an Asian, but she’d come back to Nigeria to live with her aunt, after the death of her parents in an earthquake.
“Stop teasing me.”
“Stop looking at him like you wish you two were in a bedroom.” Angela said, causing her to turn red.
“Stop embarrassing her Angie.” I said. “Besides, none of us want to hear your perverted thoughts.
“Can you guys let me hear his speech?” Priscila asked.
“Sure, why not?” I said sarcastically.
******
The fundraiser finally came to a close. They were definitely able to raise enough money for the fight against polio. As expected Femi contributed the largest. The guy was just a show off. I said it aloud and of course Angela was sure to attack me.
“There’s nothing wrong with spending your money. Especially if you have excess like him.”
“She’s so not over him.”
“You girls are getting on my nerves.” I said exasperated “What I’m just saying is that he didn’t have to give a whole two million more than everybody.” “Let it go. At least it’s for a good cause.”
“I have to use the ladies.” I said handing my purse over to Angela as I hurried to the restroom. I stood in front of the mirror and examined myself.
“Stephanie Davis is over Olufemi Jeremy Olubaji.” I said to myself repeatedly before exiting the room. I almost got a heart attack as I walked straight into Femi.
“Speak of the devil.” I muttered under my breath. He looked amazing. I know I’d seen him once during the function, but having him standing right in front of me was a different story. I felt like I’d forgotten how to breathe. He looked mouthwatering in a black tux which was obviously tailor-made for him. It defined all his muscles and abs. His hair was cut in his trademark style… Hold it Stephanie what are you doing? I looked up at him to find him checking me out. Wasn’t the idiot supposed to be getting married?
“Excuse me.” I said as he finally returned to look at me. I knew it was a bad idea, once our eyes met, because all my walls were crumbling already.
*******
And I’m back.
So marvel huh…
What’s your favorite marvel movie?
Read, vote, comment.