Mine After Office Hours

Chapter eight

Evelyn woke up the next morning, a little disoriented from being in an unfamiliar room. Memories of last night came to her in a rush and she grabbed the pillow closest to her, covering her face with it. She couldn't believe she had done all that. She smiled into the pillow and took a deep breath. It smelled like Julian. Oh. Where was he even? She sat up. The room smelled like fresh soap, like he had taken his bath. She rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom to wash up quickly.

     After washing up, she opened the bedroom door. It was then she heard the sound of music, coming from downstairs. She tucked in a stray lock of damp hair that had fallen in her eyes and headed to where the sound was coming from. It seemed to be coming from the kitchen, so she walked towards that direction. She didn't expect the sight that greeted her.

     Julian held a mixing bowl, with a spatula, dancing and singing to the song, which by the way, sounded like some kind of afro-pop. She could tell it was afro-pop since it sounded similar to the ones Bernice listened to. And Martha, the middle aged house keeper, was in another corner of the kitchen laughing and also dancing to the song.

     Amused, Evelyn just stood in the doorway, with her arms folded and her mouth slightly open as she watched the scene before her. Who would have thought?

     "Special type of feeling that I feel when I'm with you

     On dun mo mi anytime wey I dey with you

     I want your heart and soul and your whole body too

     I can't let you go

I'm beginning to begin to fall in love." His baritone seemed a little off, but who was checking? Haha.

     Even Martha, sang with her English accent. She wished she had her phone to record this.

     As if on cue, they both turned and noticed her at the same time. Julian looked embarrassed, but Martha just laughed and continued with what she was doing. Julian reduced the volume of the music and came to stand in front of her.

     "What you just saw.." he had dropped the bowl he was holding and now held her arms. His lips were drawn into a very sexy smile.

"What I just saw?" she asked, still amused. "I didn't know you could dance. What kind of music was that anyway?"

     "Afro-pop. It's a Nigerian song. Do you like it?" he asked.

     "To be honest, I do. It has some kind of vibe to it."

     "Yea. I know. And yes, I can dance. The Nigerian blood flowing through my veins make sure of that."

     Martha came by at that moment to tell them that their breakfast was ready and that she had to go downtown Lagos, to visit her friend. She pulled off her apron and wished both of them a good day before heading out.

     Julian guided Evelyn to the dining in the kitchen, it was cozy and looked like it was made for couples. Evelyn sat and watched him do same. Martha had already served everything, tea, pancakes, fruits, you name it.

     Evelyn took a bite of her pancake. "You know, I do not really know much about you." She said.

     Julian looked up and smiled. "Check the tabloids then."

     "I don't actually read those, they say a lot of bull****. Besides, I would like to hear it directly from you." She wanted to know him.

     "In Nigeria, you do not talk when you are eating. It's bad manners." He said, stuffing his mouth full of pancakes.

     "Oh c'mon, Frank always said that to me." She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

     "Well it's true." He gulped down his juice. Some of it rolled down the side of his lips and he quickly licked it off.