Onscreen Partners

36: Cuddled Up Next To You

Jennifer was having a memorable time at the small event that the company had organised for her and Kola. Not many people were in attendance and she loved it that way. Among the few that were in attendance were mostly members from the advertising team of the company.

Kola's arms were securely wrapped around her waist so it was not difficult for anyone in the small hall to see that the two had something going on and that was the exact message that Kola wanted to pass on.

A comedian was on the stage performing for the few guests that were present. Mr. Damilore had stopped by for just some few minutes to give the both of them a farewell greeting before leaving the event shortly.

The comedian said something really funny and Jennifer couldn't help but laugh out, just like the other guests that were in the room. In the process of laughing, her eyes met we Caleb's who had not even the smallest smile on his face. She turned her attention to Kola who had just placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Are you enjoying the show?" Kola asked her, his breathe fanning her face.

"Yes I am. The guy is really funny, just like you," Jennifer said and kissed Kola's hand which was intertwined with hers.

"How about you?" she asked Kola.

"I am too but I would rather prefer doing something else at the moment," Kola replied, a mischievous look playing on his face.

"Something like what?" Jennifer asked.

"Being cuddled up next to you. That would be more interesting," Kola said, making Jennifer to laugh lightly. She and Kola had spent so much time together after the day he asked her to be his girlfriend and still, she just couldn't get enough of him.

Jennifer suddenly felt like someone was watching her so she turned around only to find Caleb's eyes on her. She couldn't tell why but she had a very bad feeling about the way his eyes had no emotions as he watched her.

"What's wrong Jennifer?" Kola asked, making her to turn back to him.

"It's nothing Kola." Jennifer picked up her glass of wine, took a long sip from it and in that instance, she had the urge to urinate.

"Kola I need to use the convenience."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Kola asked.

"No Kola. I just wanted to let you know. I would be back in no time," Jennifer replied and stood up but not after getting a kiss on the cheek from Kola.

She walked backwards and got an access to the toilet for females. She quickly did her business and stepped out from it. She had just stepped into the hall when she almost bumped into Caleb.

"I'm sorry Caleb." Jennifer looked from his head to toe to make sure that he was alright.

"It's not a problem," Caleb said and inserted his hands into his pocket.

Jennifer was about going back to her table when Caleb called out her name, making her to turn back and face him.

"I saw the news about you and Kola. Is it true that you two are now in a relationship?" Caleb had a poker face as he asked.

"Yes, I'm in a relationship with Kola," Jennifer confidently replied.

Caleb tilted his head to a corner, not removing his eyes from her. "Why are you risking it Jennifer?"

Jennifer was surprised at his question. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?"

"Know what?" Jennifer asked, her forehead furrowed in confusion.

"You don't know that Kola has no plans to stay permanently in the country?" Caleb asked.

"How would you know that?" Jennifer's arms were crossed across her chest as she waited impatiently for Caleb to reply.

"Are you forgetting that I'm the head of the advertising team of the company and so I was in charge in recruiting the both of you for the job? I know that Kola is not in good terms with his dad which means that Kola is not ready to take over his dad's business and hence, he is not planning to reside in the country. The shoot is officially over which means that he would be leaving for London anytime soon."

Jennifer was taken aback at what Caleb had said. She was beginning to see a point in what he said. Kola never told her that he wouldn't be leaving back to London after the shoot.

"Do you want another breakup Jennifer?" Caleb asked with a straight face.

"You know that I was in a relationship before I met Kola?"

"It was obvious Jennifer. I know that the guy you came with to the company's anniversary was your boyfriend. Should I give you a friendly advice?"

"What is it?"

"You should address the issue I just told you about so you don't regret later. I'm sure you don't want another heartbreak." Caleb ended with a shrug.

"Why are you telling me all this?" Jennifer asked.

"Because I care about you and what happens to you. I'm just trying to watch out for you," Caleb replied.

"I would be leaving now." Jennifer turned around to leave.

"Jennifer."

She spun herself around on hearing Caleb call her name. "What Caleb?"

"You shouldn't tell Kola that I told you all that. Of course you can approach him about it but please don't bring in my name. I don't want to look like the bad guy."

"You don't have to worry about that," Jennifer said and walked back to her seat next to Kola.

"What was Caleb talking to you about?" Kola asked her immediately she sat down.

Jennifer's heart skipped a beat. "You saw us?"

"Yeah, you were taking so much time so I had to turn around and that was when I saw you talking with him," Kola replied, trying to search Jennifer's face for any answers.

She bit down on her lower lip as she contemplated with telling Kola the truth or not.

"He was just um... He was telling me congratulations on the completion of shoots. That's it," Jennifer lied.

Kola hesitated a little before saying, "Okay."
He went ahead to wrap his right arm around her waist again.

"At this point, we would love to hear a word or two from the ones who had made us all to come together today." The voice of the anchor of the ceremony brought Jennifer back from her train of thoughts to reality.

"Jennifer," Kola called and she looked at him. His hand was stretched out for her. She quickly took his hand and walked side-by-side with him to the stage, a round of applause accompanying them along the way. Kola was the first one to get a hold of the mic as they reached the stage.

"I really don't have much to say but then I'm really grateful to everyone who was a part of my journey here. I'm most grateful to my partner, Jennifer here." Kola looked at Jennifer and another round of applause came in. "I'm happy that I got to share a stage with a pretty lady like her through all of you here. To the shooting crew, I enjoyed every second I had to work with all of you."

Kola's speech was accompanied by another round of applause before he handed the mic over to Jennifer.

"All I can say is that I had a wonderful time working with all of you here. You were so understanding and patient. I can still remember a time when I was going through a tough period in my life and you guys were still very understanding and cooperative. Special thanks to Fella for understanding me then, when I was messing up on set and also to Caleb for his readiness to always teach and instruct. I wouldn't forget this experience so soon. God bless all of you."

Jennifer's speech was followed by an even resounding applause as she finished and walked down the stage with Kola. The event came to an end some minutes after they gave their speech.

~•~

Question of the day:
Do you think it was wise for Jennifer to lie to Kola?

A/N: Don't forget to vote, drop a comment and follow me.