Won't Give Up On Us

13🏁

I stood outside the plush beauty shop after waving everyone there good bye.I was done with my hair and nails and received compliments from everyone in the shop. I felt so goodddd! I really had to find a special way of thanking Ishmael for the treat. He was probably busy with the planning committee making stuff happen.

It was around 2.30pm, I noticed as I unlocked my new phone. Nathan had got it for me just today so I only had like 5 numbers on it. I entered my car and was about to drive away when I noticed a text from Ishmael...

Ishmael😍《hey...you done yet? Can I see how you look?》

I decided to call him instead....I connected him to my car and started driving. He picked up after the second ring.

"Are you going to let me see you?" He asked.

"Naawww..it's a surprise...don't you wanna be surprised?" I asked him with a sly smile.

"I sure want to..I only like pleasant surprises too"he said.

"Are you suggesting I may look unpleasant?" I faked surprise.

"No..no ...no Kayla, I swear I didn't mean it like that" he nervously replied. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, don't worry..I'm just messing with you" I smiled...then I heard someone call his name in the background.

"Uhh..Kayla..I've gotta go but I'm still picking you up at 6.30 right?" He asked.

"Yeah...of course. See you then" I was still smiling after hanging up. I guess I was excited to see him and yeah, to attend a ball.

About evening

Lynn helped me with my makeup and made sure I looked perfect. I was really impressed when I saw myself in the mirror. I looked goooodddd😏😏😏😏😏😏

I heard a car engine turn off outside and I peeped through the curtains to see Ishmael's car. No, we didn't need a limo, his car was fancy enough. All of a sudden, I felt extra nervous. Lynn held my hand as we descended the stairs...she was afraid I'd trip. Pstt! As if😒😏😏
Nathan was coming out of the kitchen when I reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Woww Kay, will I have to come along with you as your bodyguard ? You know, a lot of men over there would want a piece of that" he said gesturing to me.

"Nathan!" He always knew how to sweet talk. Just then, the door bell sounded.

"Looks like your rides is here"Nathan said rushing to the door before I could.

"Babeee you cheating on meeee???" Nathan said looking back at me and then at a confused Ishmael. Ishmael frowned in confusion as Nathan stared at him. Then Nathan burst out laughing his head off. Lynn couldn't help but join him bit I cut her off by hitting her. Yea, it was so funny, but I had to hold back the laughter. I hit Nathan on the side of his head and walked to his sides.

"I'm so sorry about his behaviour. Ishmael, this is my brother Nathan. Nathan, my boss, Ishmael" I introduced them and noticed Ishmael sigh in relief.
They shook hands and Nathan warned him to keep me safe and all that stuff.

"Nathan stop! Where gonna be late. Bye Lynn" I said to them and took my purse from her. "Have fun" she whispered and I smiled.

"I apologize for my brother's behaviour, honestly..I'm sorry " I told him once we were alone outside.

"Lynn, don't worry. He was just looking out for you" Ishmael defended.

"By pranking you? Naa..that was wrong"

"I would have done worse if I had a sister" he shrugged and then took my hand."You look beautiful tonight Lynn, very beautiful" he said changing the topic. I couldn't help but smile. I was wearing a navy blue v-neck fitting gown that highlighted my curves.

"Thank you Ishmael. It's all thanks to you really..thanks" I replied.

"Naa, don't mention it. That treat was my pleasure ...you deserve to be treated right "he said. Now there were butterflies in my tummy.

"You look really nice too"I complimented.

"Thanks Kayla...let's get in the car now it's getting cold" he said. He opened the door for me and I got in and started to admire his car. He got in shortly after and started off.

A slow soothing song was playing from the radio as we both sat in comfortable silence. I couldn't help but glance at Ishmael. He had gotten a fresh shave, his hair was also stylishly cut. His suit was neatly pressed and he smelt nice too. I hadn't really noticed how really handsome he was until now. I even had butterflies in my tummy.I couldn't stop looking at him....I hadn't even noticed I was openly staring.

"You like what you see?" He looked at me with a sly smile on his lips and then looked back at the road. Shit! He had seen me staring. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from smiling in guilt. I felt like running out of the car..I was embarrassed.

"Hey, don't be embarrassed. If I wasn't driving right now, I would be the one staring at you. " he said licking his lips while smiling in my direction. I shook my head at his comment. We ended up discussing what was going to happen. He just told me to stick with him, smile and be friendly to anyone who approached me...also to convince them to contribute the highest. I just nodded as I took his advice. Soon enough, we had reached to fancy hotel were the event was being held. The media was wild taking photos and throwing questions at everyone who arrived.

Ishmael held me close to him, keeping his arm around my waist as we entered the hotel. The cameras flashed in my face and it was very overwhelming. I wondered whether they would post it and what they would say about us. Ishmael smiled reassuringly at me and I quickly felt confident again.

The music was classy and the hall decorated so fancy. I was impressed because I knew Ishmael helped plan it all. A waitress approached us with champagne but I declined and Ishmael took one as we made our way to our seats.

The night was pretty boring if you ask me...Ishmael seemed to be enjoying it though. I'm sure he was so used to it that's why. I just made sure to smile and answer politely whenever he introduced me to somebody important. I noticed the always complimented me before asking my name.

I excused myself before the bidding started to visit to washroom. I found the ladies' bathroom and made my way over to it. Two other women were inside...they were whispering among themselves. I managed to catch a little. I recognized one of the voices..it was one of the nurses at the hospital Anna or Alma or something.

"He's sooo handsome. Who was he with though?" One said
"Kayla, his latest fling. She thinks he's interested in her when all he wants is her body. She doesn't seem like a person who'd put up with him so I'm very surprised she still hangs around him. But who knows? She might be doing it for her own gain. I'm sure she wants a raise or something" replied the other. They were washing their hands so I quickly entered a stall before they saw me.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. A co-worker could gossip about me so badly? My shock soon turned into slight anger...nobody should be allowed to drag my name in the mud like that. I didn't know if I was just mad at them about raise part or at Ishmael because it might be true.It took all the self control I had not to got out there and confront them. I heard them leave shortly and then came out.

I touched a bit on my make up. My face was in a frown...I tried smiling, but it looked too fake. Are you really going to doubt Ishmael?

Then I heard a knock on the main door.
"Kayla?" It was Ishmael. I composed myself and opened the door.

TBC💖