The Devil In The Suit - Episode 9

 

It was Saturday. Genevieve seemed to be the first person who got up from bed in the whole of Nigeria. She rushed to a bakery not far from her home. She paid a lot than usual to get the cake customized since there wasn't a birthday cake available. Of course it was just a cake, she couldn't possibly get two, since it cost so much. 

She sneaked into her home and abandoned the cake in the fridge. It would be a morning surprise to her mum when she opens it . It was compensation for last night. Last night!

Genevieve struggled to sleep all through the night. Each time she tried to flutter her eyes shot, images of Daniel and the kiss scene replayed at the back of her head. It suddenly turned to her default setting.

She needed to talk to someone and that happens to be Kelvin Soya. Her childhood friend. He schooled at the university of Lagos, in his third year already, studying accounting while she- no where near school walls.

She stood awkwardly at the university's entrance not daring to go in. She was anti-social not shy but socially awkward. She gnawed on her nails vigorously like a wood pecker. A group of boys stood adjacent her, gawking her, not bothering to keep it low key. She prayed silently for Kelvin to come out

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-devil-in-the-suit

. She informed kelvin on her arrival but there was no sign of him. She frowned as one of the boys approached her, then the other followed, until all of them were slowly making their way towards her.

Fortunately for her, Kelvin appeared like a Knight in shining armour, helping a damsel in distress. She heaved a sigh of relief as she briskly walked to Kelvin and away from the guys.

"I hate you" she glared at her best friend, making him pout.

"That's not the way to greet your boyfriend, my love" kelvin Soya grinned, engulfing Genevieve in a tight hug, permanently shooing the guys away. She smiled, acknowledging his intentions.

"I missed you Genny" he declared honestly.

"Me too" she replied solemnly, visibly relaxed under the comforting warmth of his embrace. Kelvin ears jerked up at the way she sounded. Genevieve wasn't anyone who reacted to things so easily. barely two months they saw each other but crying was uncalled for. He knew it wasn't just about missing him but something else, something huge.

"Come on, let's go eat. My treat" Kelvin offered whilst Genevieve nodded in agreement.

*  *

"So, any girlfriends lately? Genevieve inspected, wriggling her brows teasingly.

"sweetheart, you're the only one on my mind. I don't even mind, loving you" he joked, mimicking a famous Nigerian song.

"You wish" Genevieve laughed, hitting him on the chest.

Few seconds later. "I hate him" she whispered softly, if Kelvin wasn't paying attention he would have missed it.

"Who?" he looked puzzled.

"My boss" she replied coldly then, continuously shook her head "you know what? Forget I said anything" she sighed, scooping her ice cream. She visibly relaxed as the cold cream melted on her tongue, wanting every aspect of her life to be as sweet as the vanilla sundae.

"You know I hate it when you bring up an issue then abruptly refuse to tell me" Kelvin groaned unhappily.

"You wouldn't under-"

"Hey! It's something big, you came down here all of a sudden. So it's blindingly serious, Genevieve. I'm a great listener and you know it"

Genevieve sighed in defeat, he was her best friend after all and they made a pact never to hide secrets from each other. She explained vividly to Kelvin starting from the bargain to yesterday's event, skipping no part.

"Honestly, no bachelor in their right senses would work with you without being attracted. Do you know how many times I had to do cold showers" Kelvin laughed. He wasn't as attracted to her as before. He was previously like a lost puppy, following the first human it encountered.

Genevieve rolled out her eyes "he isn't attracted to me Kelvin-"

"I am"

"Kelvin, be serious. I came all the way for an advice" 

"So you came just for an advice not because you missed me. Oh, I feel loved" he said sarcastically.

"Kelvin!!"

"Geez!" He glanced around the garden, wondering if anyone heard her scream but negative. "Why would he kiss you if he weren't attracted?" 

"I honestly don't know, Kev"

"Now the question here is. Are you?"

Genevieve thought for a second. Her boss looked like an Abercrombie model. She knew that. But like was out of the question, she couldn't possibly fall for a demon in office clothes. To hell with the good looks.

"Eew no. He's terrifying, heartless, evil, mean, arrogant, a spoiled brat-"

"Your eyes are twinkling even when you're being bitchy" Kelvin sounded surprised as he gave her a mischievous glare.

"You don't know what you're talking about. I hate him" she uttered through clenched teeth.

"So the kiss?" 

She furrowed her brows and slowly asked "what about the kiss?"

"How did it make you feel?" a grin chugged on his face.

"I don't know, when did you turn into a love expert?"

"The minute you came here for an advice" he declared triumphantly, giving her a subtle bow.

"Good answer. I don't like him okay? and never will"

"I give you two weeks to fall for him, wanna bet?"

"It's so on" she clasped his palm as they made the bet.

* *

Genevieve arrived at her home, happy that the discussion with Kelvin was finally over.

"Pttf, like my foot" she hissed, slowly hitting at the door. Her little brother. Joel, came running to her, she lifted him up, pecking his lips briefly.

"Welcome, Aunty Genevieve, now you get the bear hug" Joel smiled, embracing her in a bone crushing hug. She wrinkled her forehead. The only reason Joel would wanna give her a bear hug. Was if she got two cakes. 

"glad you liked it"

"The chocolate cake tasted so great!" He yelled happily.

She stifled, chocolate cake? But She got a vanilla. Did the lady wrap up two different flavours? But she carried it herself.

"What do you mean chocolate?"

"You're so forgetful Aunty Genevieve. A lady came to deliver the second one right after mum found the first laying in the fridge. They are right on the dining table"

She walked, still carrying Joel and proceeded to the dinning table since it was close to the entrance.

She gasped slightly, seeing two boxes of cake. She stared at the unfamiliar chocolate cake, already half eaten. she noticed a fluorescent lavender note stuck to the side, which read 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU'

She grinned broadly when she noticed a logo on it, it was the Cokers' logo. A crown. She knew It was from Daniel, why would he send her a cake? She wondered. So he did have a conscience after all. She nodded, pinching an edible part and bringing it to her lips. It was sweet, just like his...

"Ahh, I totally forgot" Joel frowned, hitting his head. Genevieve studied her brother.

"What is it Joel?"

"Come closer" Joel whispered, urging her to move forward with his tiny fingers, she succumbed to his order.

"I mean real close" he whispered again, pursing his lips. She rolled her eyes, almost now shoving her face in his.

"Come on, Aunty Genevieve. Closer" he nagged, Genevieve sighed. His lips now in her ears. As he let out air, it fanned her ears, making her giggle.

"A man is in there, shh" Joel said slowly into Genevieve's ear and she fleeted back, her knees shaky. She hurriedly put Joel down, afraid her legs might surrender, making the two of them fall harshly on the bluish-green carpet. All the colours seemed to have drained from her skin, with her eyes wide. She slowing marched to the sitting room. Genevieve Miller gasped, seeing a man in a black tuxedo, seated on the couch. Her hands shook as she approached him. 

Was it Daniel?

A/n Daniel huh? Any guesses who the tuxedo man is?