Saved by Love - Episode 7

 

     Adara told Akinlolu about Mrs. Williams and the cheque and he was genuinely happy for her. He advised her to start her business and that weekend, they both drew a layout plan for the shop and work started immediately through phone calls. She got a suitable building that week but she needed to redesign the building to fit the plan she had for the shop. Fortunately for her, the building was along the road side in a very busy main street . And other shops and houses were around, so it was not solitary. 

  Two weeks later, Mrs. Williams called her, she was in the sitting room with Akinlolu, she picked up, 

“Hello, good evening ma.”

“My dear, how are you?”

“Fine ma. How are you and everyone?”

“Fine o. I am calling to specially invite you to the welcome back party I am having for my daughter tomorrow.”

“Ah, ma, I can't make it.”

“Why?”

“Nothing ma.”

“Come on, talk to me.”

“It's just, I don't want people seeing me yet.”

“Ohkay, come on, you can't hide forever and don't worry there will be no paparazzi present. It's just family and friends and I already promised my husband you are going to be around

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/saved-by-love

. Also, if you are so worried, during introductions, just stick with your first name.”

“Okay ma.”

“And bring that friend of yours too.”

“My friend? He might be busy.”

“It's a he? Hmm.”

“It's not like that o, ma.”

“I am just teasing. The two of you should come. I can't wait to see your beautiful face tomorrow. I will send you the address and time as soon as possible. Take care.”

“You too ma.” Adara replied and dropped her phone. 

“I take it, that's Mrs. Williams.” Akinlolu said with his face glued to his new system. 

“Yeah and she wants me to come to her daughter's party tomorrow with you.”

“I am free, at least we can finally go out as a couple.”

“Akinlolu!” Adara rebuked, frowning at him, 

“I was just pulling your legs but just as a reminder, my feelings for you has not diminished by an inch.”

“I know, stop stating the obvious. I told you I am not ready, don't spoil this beautiful thing between us called friendship.”

“Okay ma, what's for dinner?” Akinlolu replied changing the topic.

............ 

     The next day passed like a whiff of air and soon it was 04:30pm, Akinlolu earlier but he promised Adara he will be back early so they can leave the house by 05:00 pm or thereabout as the Williamses house is forty-five minutes to one-hour drive. She started getting ready. She put her braided hair up in a bun and picked out her dress for the evening, a sleeveless black and white attire. She did her make up quickly, taking her black purse and made her way out of her room.

  Akinlolu was waiting for her. 'He must have been back while I was getting ready' She thought. He was wearing a black attire and looking good. As she stepped out, his eyes appraised her, and she said, 

“You can take a picture, that's permanent.”

“Whatever, you look good.”

“You don't look bad yourself.” She said and they left the house. 

  Soon they were at the Williams'. Akinlolu rang the bell and it was opened by Mrs. Williams herself. 

“Oh, Adara, you came.”

“Yes ma. Good evening ma.” Adara said and they hugged and kissed each other's cheeks. 

“And this must be...?”

“I am Akinlolu Coker ma.”

“And I am Tiwalade Williams. Now, I have no choice but to believe the saying that the Coker men are one handsome species when it comes to the male group.”

“I am honoured to live up to the name, ma.”

“I like this boy already.” Mrs. Williams said looking at Adara and they all laughed. 

“Please go in. Make yourself comfortable. I will be with you shortly.” She said again and stepped aside giving them room to go in after which she went out. 

  True to her words, it was just a family and friends thing. And no paparazzi. The get-together started and everyone was discussing taking pictures and swirling a glass of wine in their hands. Soon, it was time for meet and greet and everyone was introducing themselves. Mrs. Williams took Adara and Akinlolu to meet her husband. He thanked her and said prayers and told her she was welcome into his home anytime and that he was glad to have a second daughter because she is no longer a friend to the family. 

  After that, someone probably from work, who happened to know Akinlolu hijacked him from her and she had to stand around alone when she heard a voice at her back, 

“You must be the SU Mum has been going on and on about.” Adara turned to see a younger version of Mrs. Williams. 'This must be Mrs. Williams daughter; I have to keep my calm.'

“SU?”

“Yea, you know the Caribbean skirt and long slacks, all flesh covered kind of girl. I use to believe those are the only 21st century females that can you know do the kind of miracle that occurred in my house.” She said and Adara tipped her head back and laughed, 

“But you are not, you are just like every other person in this room, how did it happen? Tell me, by the way, I am Omobolade Williams.”

“Yea, I know you. I am Adaramola Zamani. You can call me Adara. Well, as a Christian, you have the power to speak and for it to come to pass, you just need to believe and live in that realization. But that day, I didn't do anything, I only prophesied and it came to pass because God is not a liar.”

“I need ladies like you in my life. Where have you been hiding?”

“I don't know but I need ladies like you in my life too.” Adara said and they laughed. 

“Lol, what's so special about me?”

“A lot, I was going to ask for an appointment with your Studio when things fell apart in my life.”

“Really? Are you a Model?”

“Was. I had a fashion store with the label 'Zamani' and was modelling part time.”

“Zamani?! I was thinking about that name immediately you mentioned it but I didn't place it. You are Sunshine FM's daughter!”

“Yea, you say it like it's a big deal.”

“Of course, it is a big deal. You are a celebrity. I heard you travelled out; did you just get back?”

“That's a long story for another day, I'm sorry.”

“Okay but you must tell me later. So, that handsome man of yours...”

“Back up, I gat no man.”

“Sister, my eyes are wide open. You came in here with a fresh bobo.”

“Oh! That's...”

“And what are you girls discussing?” Mrs. Williams interrupted, 

“Adara was just about to gist me about her man.” Bolade answered, 

“He is not my man.” Adara replied, 

“Yeah, but his eyes can't keep from following you around.” Bolade commented and Adara turned and she met Akinlolu's eyes on cue from across the room. She raised her glass to him and he smiled at her. 

“See? He is not your man at all.” Bolade said as Mrs.

Read " Meant To Be " by the same author ( Olufunlola Adeola )

. Williams stood by watching them, they looked good together. She knew Adara will help her daughter spiritually. The girl needs good friends. She asked, 

“You are staying with him, right?”

“Yes ma. He is like a brother to me. He has been there for me since I left home.”

“That's good of him.”

“Yes ma.”

“But I think when you can afford it, get a separate apartment so that people won't be thinking something else.”

“I understand ma, I have been thinking about it for a while now.”

Bolade joined in the conversation, “Whatever, if he asks you out, you must accept. Why decline a brother this good?” 

“Bolade!”

“Seriously Mum, that's the truth.” Bolade insisted and her mother shook her head a little and left. “Did you design this dress yourself, Adara? 

“Yea, though it's not a new...”

“It is beautiful. Let me have your phone.” Bolade said and Adara gave her, her broken screened phone wondering what she wanted to do with it and if she was going to comment on the screen.

“Here, that's my Studio address and phone number in your memo. I want you to come by on Monday. I would like to do a few shots with you.” Bolade said returning her phone and then her Dad called for a toast and soon they moved to the dining room for dinner after which everyone left.