The Bet - Episode 7

 

It was weekend, Jessica had made chin chin and was in the house with Mariam as they watched TV,  it was an interview with Beyonce, they were engrossed in it when the doorbell rang
"I ll get it" Mariam stood up
"Almost like you're expecting someone"Jessica said
Mariam looked back at her and smiled as she went to open the door,  Jessica looked at the door as Mariam hugged and kissed her boyfriend..
He wasn't alone.. Raymond strolled in behind him..
 She sat up immediately and put off the TV,  Raymond was smiling with Mariam as they drew close
"you got a nice place" he was saying
"thanks" she said,  he then saw her and paused
"Hey Chris.. " she greeted
"hey,  didn't know you were home" Chris said and paused "sure you remember my friend Raymond"
"yeah I do.. Hey" she said
"hi" he replied and there was silence 
"you guys make yourself comfortable, we got chinchin" Mariam said
Jessica suddenly recalled she was only on bum shots with a tank top
"Uh I ll just go change and come back" she told Mariam 
"what's wrong with what you're wearing" Mariam wondered "Chill OK,  you OK like that", she dragged her instead to the kitchen...

Jessica tried to ignore Raymond's gaze on her as they gisted and talked about politics... 
"Raymond.. " Mariam called
Raymond looked and discovered the other two were looking at them
"what? " he asked
"was asking how your trip to PH went " she asked
"oh.. It was nice,  I missed home" he replied
"you stay in PH? "Jessica asked puzzled 
"actually I reside in Abuja but my home is.." he paused "It's actually a long story which would be best said over dinner" he said blatantly, the others were shocked Jessica leaned back on the settee" I'm not gonna go out with you" she said
"Really.. And why is that?" he asked... She looked at him wondering why he was pressing it but he held her gaze,  Mariam cleared her throat and stood up
"let me get more wine. Chris?" they both left and went into the room leaving the both of them  in the sitting room.. A silence
"you want to watch TV?" she asked taking up the remote trying to change subject
"nope" a silence
"That your idea of a distraction from the line of discussion?" he asked, knowing she was avoiding looking at him,  she turned to look at him
"Since you wouldnt tell me why you've been staring at me"
, "I would tell you but I don't think you would be able to handle it" he said
She quirked an eyebrow "Try me"
"well I think you're very distracting"
"because of what I'm wearing" she said, she knew she needed to change it
His eyes went down her "well that.. And the fact that I'm attracted to you" he stood up and sat beside her" i don't think there's any need to hide that anymore"
She stared at him as the sizzling tension increased, she looked down 
"do you use that line on every woman, I'm surprised it works"
"I didn't have to say the truth with the other women" he said,  his hand raising to touch her neck, he pulled her close as he leaned forward and kissed on it, his other hand trailing down her
"you're beautiful Jessica....And I want you" he whispered

Her heart thudded as her lips got dried,  the only thing that stopped her from grabbing him then was the clearing of throat...
 The other two saw them and were shocked, Chris had cleared his throat to break the ice.. Jessica moved away appalled at what she had allowed.. She had gone into the room immediately leaving Mariam to deal with the guys...
As they drove home... Chris looked at Raymond who seemed to be in a world of his own
"what was that?"
"what was what.?"
"I thought you both were. Enemies.."
"well we now friends"
"friends ..that wasn't friendship I saw there.... you hitting that? "Chris asked
Raymond leaned back on the chair "Not yet..... ." he said "But soon"
****
Mariam stared at Jessica who was singing out with her ears plugged,  she tapped her
"Jessica.. Jess"
Jessica  looked at her then removed the earpiece 
"what.."
"is there something you're not telling me?" she asked
Jessica was confused "something like what?" she asked
"you and Raymond"
Jessica looked down focusing on her phone"what about me and Raymond "
"you guys now talk and..."
"we made a pact to be friends.. We met after the party, he apologised"
"oh um.. nice" a silence "but do you.. Um like him?"
"what.. Of course not, we just tryna  be cordial" she tried putting the earpiece back but Mariam sat on the bed
"There is nothing wrong in liking him Jess,  I know you running from yourself but if you like him,  it is a good thing.. Besides I was just asking"
"I do not like him" Jessica said plugging her ears back
"OK....? just wondering about what happened when Chris and I left.. If we hadn't come in.... Wonder what would have happened"
"Nothing would have happened,  do leave me alone about it, we both just got carried away.."
"OK fine, i hope so," she stood up then turned "we going to the beach next week Saturday don't forget" Marian walked away and Jessica wondered if she should ditch the birthday hangout at the beach.

*i think she should too,  hopefully she won't fall for a player
Comments please