Chioma grabbed her bag and headed for the door, eager to leave the restaurant and head home. Suddenly, her phone rang loudly, pausing her in her tracks. She looked at the screen and saw it was Audrey calling.
'Chioma?' Audrey's voice came through the phone.
'Yes?' she answered, her voice laced with the weariness of a day spent navigating demanding customers.
'I'm going to the theater to see a movie with my sister Celine tonight. Do you mind coming as well? I've already got tickets for you and Chisom,' Audrey said, her voice filled with excitement.
Chioma was taken aback. Audrey had asked if she wanted to go to the movies, but she had already bought tickets for them.
'Maybe next time,' Chioma managed, her voice tight. The day's relentless stream of demanding customers had left her drained, and the thought of navigating a crowded theater filled her with dread.
'Why? You need to relax after a tough day with customers. I can pick you up from your workplace, and then we can go together from my house. I'm going home to change...' Audrey's voice trailed off as she put on her earphones and drove her Porsche. Her bag was resting on the passenger seat, and she looked elegant in her matching pink knit top, coat, and pointed-toe block heels.
'Madam Audrey, I promise to go with you next time,' Chioma insisted. She didn't want to encounter Felix and wasn't ready to face him yet.
'Okay, next time. Talk to you later,' Audrey said before hanging up.
Chioma took a deep breath and pushed the door open, her gaze catching on a flash of gold pulling into the parking lot. Her breath hitched as Michael stepped out of his Lamborghini, his presence a sudden burst of sunshine in her day. Relief washed over her, momentarily eclipsing the anxieties swirling within. She wondered why he had come. She had been looking forward to going home and resting her weary body, but seeing him made her happy. She walked up to his car and joyfully leaped into his arms, burying her face in his chest, seeking the comfort and security he always offered. The world around them faded away, the threats, the worries, all temporarily forgotten in the warmth of his embrace.
'Is everything all right?' Michael's brow furrowed as he studied Chioma. Her usual vibrant smile was dimmed, replaced by a faint crease between her brows. He leaned closer, his gaze searching hers. He sensed that something was bothering her. He wondered what could be troubling her.
Chioma forced a smile, offering a weak, 'I'm fine,' in response. Her voice lacked its usual cheerfulness, and her eyes held a flicker of something he couldn't quite place.
Michael reached out, his thumb gently grazing her cheek. 'Come on, you can tell me anything,' he murmured, his voice laced with concern. The warmth of his touch sent a familiar tingle through her. 'You miss me, right?' She meant the world to him.
A shy nod escaped Chioma's lips. The memory of his smile, like a burst of sunshine, briefly chased away the worries clouding her mind.
Michael's playful tone filled the air as he remarked, 'Are you a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo? You're wearing his CR7 perfume.'
Chioma's cheeks flushed as she self-consciously sniffed her wrist. 'You don't like it?' she questioned, a hint of insecurity creeping into her voice.
Michael chuckled, his eyes twinkling. 'On the contrary, it suits you perfectly,' he reassured her, his voice warm and sincere.
A genuine smile finally bloomed on Chioma's face. 'My friend gave it to me,' she replied. She wondered if Michael had a keen sense of smell to detect the perfume. 'You just made it sound like I'm wearing formaldehyde,' she joked, and Michael smiled sweetly in response.
Just then, Chisom emerged from the restaurant. Spotting Michael and Chioma, she couldn't help but giggle. Not wanting to intrude on their moment, she quietly slipped away.