A woman's dilemma - Episode 22

 

Claudia:

YOU'RE EXCITED TO SEE ME AGAIN AREN'T YOU?

I find myself grinning at my phone at Daniel's text. He's been texting me for days now. Ever since I invited him to father's birthday party. At first he would text to ask mundane things about the party like what to get my father, the dress code or address but for the past three days, our texts have shifted. He'd text to say good morning . To ask me if I've eaten then to wish me good night.
 Surprisingly, he hasn't mentioned his sister's situation or the press ever since and I feel touched that he's giving me time to think.

YOU WISH.

 I type out my reply with a cheeky grin and hit send.

"Claudia! Put that phone away for once and help me arrange the table will you?!" My eldest sister yells from the kitchen door. I roll my eyes to no one in particular as I do as I'm told and make my way to the dining table where I find Amy setting various chairs around the table.
"Finally. I thought you will never drop that phone of yours. Did he finally let you off the phone?" Amy says with an eye roll.
"I was not gone that long." I say as I grab the tablecloth off a chair and pull it onto the table. My phone beeps again and Amy's eyes meet mine in a smug look.
"I'm not checking it." I chuckle and she waves me off.
"Don't keep our prince waiting

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/a-woman-s-dilemma

. He might be here. I think you're going to punch a hole into my head with that look." She points out. I bite down on my lips to stop from blushing.
"Just because you insist." I tell Amy as I pull my phone out. She smirks at me.

I'M HERE.

HOPE YOU DON'T MIND THAT I BROUGHT MY SISTER.

WHERE ARE YOU?

OH YOUR FATHER SHOWED ME IN.

My eyes bulge out at the last text he's sent.
"What?" Amy comes up behind me to spy my phone. I quickly shut the screen before she sees our other texts. I can't get teased. I'm Claudia. I'm the cool one.

"He's here." I inform Amy as I hurry out of the sitting room.
"I'll take care of everything here!" She calls behind me and I make a mental note to thank her once I get free.

"My boy! You are so handsome." I rush into the sitting room to see my dad holding Daniel by the shoulder like they're long lost friends. I panic that he's smothering my guest as I make my way for them.
"Gosh, sist! It's fucking Daniel Obi in our house!" Blessing, my youngest sister blocks my path before I reach my father.
"Watch your mouth." I shake my head at her foul language. She smiles apologetically at me. I pat her head.
"Claudia!" My head goes up at my father's booming voice. He sounds excited.
"Father." I say as cool as possible, under the scrutinizing gaze of Daniel. I can feel his hot gaze on me. I focus on my father just until I can get my breathing in order. Why am I feeling so giddy? I've not seen him ever since he gave me that insane proposal but the texts we have been exchanging has me feeling shy. God! I can't believe I'm shy! I'm not Amy for Christ's sake.
"Nice to meet you again Claudia." Tina, Daniel's sister hugs my side and hands me a gift bag. I smile my thanks at her and pat her hand. She looks beautiful in her modest black dress, reaching below her knees. I can feel Daniel behind me as his sister releases me from her hug.
"Claw." I freeze up for a second.
"Do I get a hug?" He asks and I can hear the teasing in his voice. I can see my father watching from the side. I compose myself and turn around. I try not to gasp at how stunning he looks in an almost casual attire of a button down shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbow, showing his impressive forearms. I let my eyes trace down his snug Jeans.
"You look ravishing." He takes me in a hug before I can finish my appraisal of him. I breathe in his subtle cologne.
"That dress is just wicked." I freeze when his hand stray down to brush my lower back. I lean into him and he chuckles into my ears.
"I'm afraid your father is in the room. We have to find somewhere more private some other time." He whispers into my ear and just like that I'm rudely thrown out of Central Danny cloud nine. He knows just how to spoil things with his mouth. I step on his right foot with my tiny heels and grind on it as I pull away. I see him try to hide the pain from his look. Our ears clash as I smile smugly. I win this round. Sort of anyways.
"Claudia, get the door, please." My dad breaks through our stare off. I shake my head and that's when I hear the knocking on the door. I look to Tina then Daniel who is limping a little on his feet.
"Don't worry. I'll show them to the dining room." My dad assures me as he takes Tina's hand. My brows lift at Daniel who gives me a look that says he'll get me back for his foot right before he follows beside my father. I make my way to the door.
"Aunt Claudia!" Francesca's little boy jumps on his feet as soon as I get the door open. My face stretches out in a smile as I stoop to ruffle his short hair.
"Happy birthday." He hands me a small gift.
"No, baby. Her father is the one who's celebrating his birthday." Francesca takes the gift from her son and hands it to me with a smile.
"Where's Daddy?" She asks as I push the door open for her. Her son runs past me into the house and we both watch him go as he goes behind one of my sister's kids who's playing a game on his mobile phone.
"He's a delight." I tell Frances who smiles proudly.
"You look amazing." She compliments me. I eye her face for any sign of injury but there's nothing. I sigh out in relief.
"You look ravishing as usual." I smile inwardly at the word ravishing. Looks like I'm learning words from my actor. No! Not my actor! I mean Mr actor. I shake my head at my thought. Another knocking on the door has me turning away from Francesca.
"You should find the dining room.

Read " Star-crossed " by the same author ( Ameh juliet )

. You are not a stranger to this family. Amy should be there as well. I have to get this." I point to the door and Frances wave me on.
"I'll find my way. Come on Ola! Let's find the celebrant." I hear her address her son as I pull the door open.

"Hey!" I pull my immediate younger sister into a big hug as I open the door to her standing awkwardly. I haven't seen her in forever. Wasn't even in her wedding because I had a conference in Greece that day. I'm a terrible sister.
"How are you doing?! Where's your husband?" I pull away from her and squeeze her shoulder lightly. She winces a little like she's in pain and I frown.
"Are you okay?" I ask. She nods and smile weakly.
"Where's daddy?" She pushes past me into the house leaving me to stare at her back in confusion. Something is surely up with her. Is she angry with me by chance? I close the door gently and follow the kids who are now making their way to the dining room.