Chapter 5

Emily Pov

I rushed out of the office, leaving Mr. Benson baffled. I caught sight of Mikel and Gary sharing a happy moment.

 Surprised by Mikel's unexpected presence, I questioned, "Mikel?" holding back my shock. 

Had I known he was still in town, I wouldn't have felt so tense, considering Gary had seen him as a father figure.  

“I just wanted to surprise you.” He pouted, staring at me as I squinted my eyes.

"Why can't you take a hint?" I scolded, my voice playful but edged with irritation as I crossed my arms. "I've told you, I'm not a fan of surprises. Why do you insist on testing my patience?”

He gave me a knowing wink, his eyes sparkling with humor, as he presented the chocolate cookies like a gift from the heavens.

My irritation dissipated like morning dew, a laugh bubbling up from my chest.

"Well, in that case," I conceded, sweeping the cookies from his hands and popping one into my mouth.

"Oh no," I gasped, suddenly remembering the presence of my client. "Mr. Benson is here, and he's not exactly known for his patience!"

My friend, Mikel, let out a scream of disbelief. "So what? He's not the only client in the world, even if he likes to think so. I'm sure he's mentioned being your first and most loyal client again, hasn't he?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the spot-on impersonation, shaking my head and waving my hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, I'll get back to work now.

~`

"Emily," Mikel began, his face serious and deliberate as he waited until the echoes of Mr. Benson's footsteps had disappeared from the hallway. "We've received an invitation for you to compete in the Miami Competition. 

This is your chance to shine, to showcase your talents to the world."

His enthusiasm was palpable, but I remained unmoved, my eyes fixed on the floor as I sighed deeply.

"You know my stance, Mikel," I stated firmly, my words as rigid as my expression. "I'm not interested in being in the spotlight.”

"You're more than just a good business owner, Emily," Mikel continued, undeterred by my resistance. "You deserve some recognition. Don't sell yourself short."

My brows furrowed, my frustration rising like a tide.

"I appreciate your faith in me, Mikel," I countered, my voice softening slightly, "but you know my past. Being in the spotlight has never brought me anything but pain. I can't relive that."

Mikel leaned back in his chair, his expression a mixture of understanding and disappointment.  

“I don't know the reason you don't want to be in the spotlight but this is a win for us.” He added as he stared at me, expecting a reply but I gave him none. 

The uncomfortable silence hung between us like a fog, thick and cloying, as Mikel's persistence warred with my reluctance.

"Why don't we take a break and get something to eat?" I suggested, in an attempt to ease the tension.  

A smile tinged with amusement and resignation, stretched across Mikel's face as he stepped out of my office.

"Well, if we're taking a break," he replied, his tone playful but his eyes resolute, "I'm getting my long-overdue package of cupcakes today!” He said, mimicking Mr. Benson.  

I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his awkward display. 

My mind slowly drifted back to Mr. Benson's request. I heaved a sigh of relief— a sign of resignation and weakness. He had been asking me out for a while now and I had always turned him down. 

“A date won't hurt,” I said to myself, considering his request. I called out to Mikel, maybe he could help me with Gary while I'm away.  

Mikel's gaze, playful yet piercing, caught my blush as I struggled to keep my composure.

 "Ma'am, I can practically smell the drama brewing in here," he teased, his voice thick with laughter.

"I need you to do something for me," I blurted out, my words tumbling from my mouth in a rushed torrent.

"Ma'am, calm down," he soothed, his tone dripping with faux concern. "What's got you so worked up?" 

"I need you to help me with Gary tonight," I said, my voice softening as I finally revealed my request.

Mikel's brows shot up, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Ooh, someone's got a date," he sang, his lips curling into a mischievous grin.

"It's none of your business," I shot back, glaring at him with mockery and annoyance. "Just do as I asked."

But Mikel was relentless, a persistent thorn in my side. 

"Perhaps it's a date with Mr. Benson?" Mikel suggested, his tone a playful jab, as his smile widened into a devious smirk.

My cheeks flushed, the heat of my embarrassment radiating from my face like a beacon.

"I'm not giving you a response to that," I retorted, my voice faltering despite my best efforts to remain composed.

"Come on, Em," Mikel cajoled, his tone a friendly taunt. "If it's not Benson, then who's got you all flustered?”

"I'm not telling you a thing," I muttered, my arms crossed, as I stubbornly refused to budge.

Mikel chuckled, his voice low and teasing. "Well, well, Em. Guess it's time to spill your little secret.” 

“Gary, your mom is going out on a date.” He called out as I signaled him to stop. He turned to me with a smile on his lips.  

“I'm finally happy you are taking the way further but not with that man.” He shook his head in disagreement.

“Stop this, Mikel. I'm not heeding to your words this time. I'm just going out on that date because he's…”

“He's one of your best clients. You see, this is what I talk about.” He interrupted my words. 

“Don’t cut me short again, Mikel Nicholas, or I will sue you,” I yelled jokingly at him.  

~`~

Getting dressed in a simple black gown. I stepped outside towards my car as I drove to the location Mr. Benson gave me.

When I had called him earlier to inform him I would be coming, he sounded very excited over the phone.

Just a date with a client won't hurt. I had said to myself.  

I alighted at the restaurant as I stepped out of my car, adjusting my black hair. I walked majestically into the restaurant, my footsteps echoing through the entrance.  

My eyes darted through the restaurant,  searching for Mr. Benson. I moved a bit, stretching my neck to survey all the intersections of the restaurant. I sighted him at a corner of the restaurant, looking classy in his neatly designed blue suit. 

“He's an Okay man,” I said, almost whispering to myself as I observed his good-looking physique from a distance.   

His brown curly hair, toned to one side of his face was well-fitted with his beautiful brown eyes.  

“I'm glad you honored my invitation.” He said as I walked towards him. He stood up moving towards me as he pulled the seat beside me gently, giving me the leverage to rest my buttocks comfortably on the warm cushion.   

I was amazed by Mr. Benson's first impression. He acted like a perfect gentleman, making me feel like the queen that I am.  

“What would you like?” He asked, handing over the leaflet to me.  

I glanced through their menu but none of their meals was appealing to me.  

"Their best-recommended option will serve," I replied, and he smiled before nodding. He clapped his hands, attracting the waitress’ attention towards us.

As we savored the meal before us, my attention was solely on the delicious meal before me. The taste was just so good. 

 I noticed a cold touch creeping through my thigh. I paused, with my spoon halfway into my lips. 

For a moment, I had thought Mr. Benson was different from all the men I have known. But right now, he seemed worse than them all.  

I stared at him furiously as I dropped the spoon before me, my eyes turned red and my fist clenched. Fierce anger burned inside me, consuming my whole being. He kept on making his audacious moves towards me, to a point where I could no longer bear it. 

I delivered a swift and resonating clap to his cheek, causing a painful groan on his lips.  

“How dare you!”