Redemption - Episode 15

Benedicta:

"Come on Bennie. We are going to be late. I want to make an impression on my new boss." Luis calls from the other side of the door. I am just a little nervous in my little black dress and red sandal heels. Luis has been freaking out about this party. The company that he applied at when we came to Benin about two weeks ago are hosting a new year party and he was invited. Luis thinks it's also a form of interview and he wants everything to be perfect.
I take in a deep breathe before walking out of the room. Luis eyes meet mine and he grins. I can't help but blush. He's in front of me in seconds, holding my hand.
"You look amazing baby" he kisses my knuckles and I swoon.
"Come on. We can't be late." He pulls my hand and leads me out of the house into the waiting cab he hired.
We get to the party in twenty minutes and I feel a bit nervous. They are a lot of fancy cars with fancy people coming out of them. A valet opens my door for me and help me out and I smile my thanks to him. He's no more than my age. Maybe nineteen if at all.
"Have a pleasant evening ma'am"he says and I smile again.
"Oh drop the ma'am."I tell him jokingly.
"Benedicta!" Luis barks my name and I turn to him. He has a disapproving look on his face.
"We should go in now." He gestures inside and I nod
"Thanks again" I tell the valet before walking to meet Luis.
"You shouldn't flirt with the valet Bennie." He grinds out while grabbing my arm

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/redemption

. I wince because it's starting to hurt.
"I wasn't. You are hurting me" I whisper and he drops my hand at once.
"Am sorry baby. I am just nervous. Let's go inside." He places his large palm against my lower back as he leads me inside. The event hall is nothing short of magnificent. With shiny chandeliers and tiles. This place looks like heaven. I look around totally awed by the luxury all around me.

Luis walks me to the bar which is close to the piano. Wow, if I could just touch that piano. It looks magnificent.
"What can I offer you both?" The barman says.
I look around the bar. There's only alcohol in sight. I have been reading a little about pregnancy on Luis's laptop and I know it's not good for my baby. I hear Luis order vodka on the rocks before the bar man looks to me.
"Umm. I will just have water." I say.
"What? You are gonna have water in a party like this? Come on. What would everyone think? That I don't give you good drinks at home?" Luis says, clearly appalled.
"But the baby__"I try to reason with him but he just raises his hand and I shut up.
"The baby won't die from one glass of champagne. At least just hold it in your hand for show. You don't have to drink much." He tells me and I nod obediently.
"Good girl." He pecks my forehead before turning to the barman and ordering champagne for me. I obediently collect my drink. It looks like lacasera. My curiosity gets the better of me and I sip a little.
"Oh my God. It's delicious" I tell luis and he grins. I sip some more. I can't help it, it's delicious and in few minutes I am done with my glass.
"We have to socialize. My new boss has a chain of different business so this party comprises of not just engineers. Bankers, politicians even stars are here." He tells me then hand my empty glass to a passing waiter before taking my hand as we walk to the dance floor where many people are already dancing to the slow music.
The mention of stars already has my interest perked up. Maybe I would meet a famous singer. I look around for any as I walk beside Luis to the middle of the dance floor as he greets different people on our way and introduce us. I smile like a good wife to be and shake numerous hands. I think the last man I just shakes is a senator. Wow.
"My boss isn't here yet. You should just dance a little while I use the restroom" Luis tells me. I swallow my hurt and nod. He didn't even ask me for a dance. I stand awkwardly in the middle of the dance floor as Luis retreats into the crowd.
I start walking back to the bar when my eyes spot him. Oh my goodness gracious! It's him.

************
Lucas:

"She's beautiful I must say but it's obvious that she's enamored by your brother." Jake tells me. I nod at this obvious truth. Ever since she walked in with Luis, my eyes haven't left her but i cant watch anymore. I turn my attention back to jake. She looks beautiful with her cheeks flushed with obvious excitement. She's happy and not with me. I down the glass of water I have iny hand. Jake already teased me about it but I have never liked drinking. I get intoxicated with just one drop.
"Hey, man thanks for coming with me. I just needed your influence to get into the party." I tell Jake and he nods.
"You are not just my producer. You are my friend. And I also needed time away from Sarah. Gosh, that woman is driving me crazy. But in a good way." He adds and I chuckles. Of course. The jake I know would rather run mad than pass a chance at being with his wife.
"Come on. I know she went to her parent's house. You can't deceive me." I tell him and he grins.
"You caught me. The house was too quiet." He says as he downs his whisky.
"Your brother just left her." Jake says and I turn back to see my star standing all alone in the middle of the crowd. She looks lost.
"Here's your chance. Go talk to her." Jake push my shoulder but I shake my head.
"No no no no" I tell him.
"Come on. Just say hi and maybe ask for a dance. No harm in that." He presses and I bite my lip ring. I want to go to her so bad. What if Luis comes back out? He won't be pleased.
"No need to worry about your brother or her recognizing you. Here, my big ass glasses. It would cover most of your face." He pulls monster glasses out of his tux pocket and hand it to me. I take it but I am still hesitating.
"Come on." He pushes but I am rooted to the spot.
"But__" I try to find an excuse but then Jake's face turn to pure excitement.
"She's coming over." He says excitedly and my heart stops beating.
"What? Why? I mean she doesn't know me.

Read " To Live For Once (Set Me Free II) " by the same author ( Ameh juliet )

. We only met once but it was dark and gosh what do I say to her? She might not like me" I keep rambling while fidgeting on the spot. I can't even turn to look how close she has gotten.
"Hi" I hear her angelic voice and my knees get weak. I am such a pansy for her. I still can't turn to her.
"Jake right? Oh my God. I have your posters pasted all over my room." She squeals like a high school girl that she is.
Of course she isn't here for me.
"Wow. I am honored to be on such a beautiful girl's bedroom wall." Jake jokes and I grind my fist. Yea, go ahead and make the girl blush. I start walking away when I hear Jake introduce me.
"Oh. This is my friend ummm Philip" he says grabbing my hand and pulling me to face Benedicta. I quickly put on the shade but I swear I am frozen as I look into those beautiful smiling eyes.
"Hi I am Benedicta" she stretches her hand for an handshake but I can't even move. I am paralyzed.
Now I understand what the song writer meant when he said speaking to his crush for the first time got him paralyzed.
Bugger.