? The Deal ?
Written by Idara Kingsley
?Chapter 9 ?
? Charlotte ?
Slow music. Quiet room. Food. Small talks. Peace of mind.
It was all I ever wanted in a date.
My greatest shocker was, Brian handing me flowers. I felt loved. And for the first time, my shoulder came down a bit. Well, it eventually came up again, as usual. I was still Charlotte Hudson.
I enjoyed every little talks, jokes, and childhood experience we shared. The food was mouth watering and delicious. Every bite was mind blowing.
I never thought in my entire life I would finally be free around someone who annoys the hell out of me. Brian and I would definitely pas-soff as friends after the stunt we pulled. I knew everything would go as planned. From fake dating to fake break up to close friends.
“So, what business are you into?” Brian cut me off, throwing a potato into his mouth.
I paused. Business? I haven’t thought of owing my own brand yet. Although I wanted to open my own fashion line and have the opportunity to style big celebrities across the world.
“I don’t own a business of my own, but I’ve had few endorsement, I’ve model for few brands as well.”
“Is that how you make your money?”
I dropped my fork and went for my glas-sof red wine. “Yeah. I also get my allowance from my dad every month.”
“I think you should get a business of your own. I love independent ladies. I’m not tryna say you ain’t independent, but I love a woman who works to get her money, not rely on anyone.”
I nodded in agreement. “Fair points. I make my money, dude. The endorsement I have is enough to cater for my needs. Plus my allowance.”
“How about you don’t get any endorsement for a week? Or your dad refuses to send your allowance?”
I looked up at him. “That’s not gonna happen. I’ve been living my life with my side hustle.”
“Charlotte…..”
“You ain’t making any point.”
“Stop making a big deal out of everything!”
“I’m not. You’re tryna make me look like I’m jobless and a girl who rely on her dad for money.” I burst out in anger. I felt belittled just by his words. They weren’t supposed to hurt me, but they did.
“That’s not what I’m tryna do. Charlotte, und-erstand me.”
I paused and took in a de-ep breath. “You talk about this one more time, imma walk out and end all these shit.”
“You can’t end it, we have a deal.”
A smirk appeared on my face. “Well, the contract never said I couldn’t end it.”
I watched him run his hand throu-ghhis hair in frustration. Good, now we both feeling uncomfortable.
I wiped my mouth with a tissue and sat back on my chair. Brian eyes were all over me. I cleared my throat and looked up at him.
“I hope this goes as planned.”
“I ain’t the hot tempered one. I don’t have a problem.”
That wasn’t true, I just state my burden the way it was, rather than bottle it up. That was the reason I was being hated, for being honest to people. Well, people will always be people. You can’t please nobody.
I opened my mouth to talk, but was stopped by the new couple who had just entered into the building.
The looked perfect for each other. But, just staring at them brou-ght sadness to my heart.
Noah and his lover!
Their presence alone was almost choking the life out of me.
They held each other hand in hand, with smiles on their faces. I watched them with keen interest.
I hated how my heart was beating so fast just mere staring at them. I was visibly shaking.
“Charlotte? Are you okay?” Brian asked, taking my hand into his his.
I swallowed the thick lump in my throat, for-cefully. I tried to open my mouth to speak but my voice was lost. fu-ck it, I was still affected by Noah’s, presence.
After finding my voice, I looked at Brian. He looked worried for me. “Noah, he’s here with her.”
He looked over at them. “Noah? Like your ex?”
I nodded. Tears had gathered in my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. Crying would only mean I was weak and not as strong as I thought I was.
“Shh…. You don’t have to prove anything to him, I’ll handle it.
An idea popped into my head. I’d do it just ones and move on with my life without feeling bad. I ain’t gonna wait for Brian, to do something when I could do it.
I was sure Noah, had seen me but was trying so ha-rd to avoid every eye contact between us. His lover, did not fail to look at me at every chance she got. Girl, was obsessed with me.
I needed to get Noah’s, attention to take out out my plan. He had to look at me!!!!
“What are you doing?” Brian asked me with amusement.
“Tryna make him jealous.”
“Don’t be too extra. He’d notice it’s fake.”
“He ain’t smart enough.”
He nodded.
Brian moved closer to me and picked up the lock of my hair that was flying on my face. He fixed it behind my ears. He gave me a smirk, before planting a quick ki-ss on my li-ps.
His li-ps was pressed against mine. The softness of his li-ps calmed every nervous bones in my body.
Our eyes met as he pulled away from me.
I cleared my throat awkwardly and pa-ssed him a smile.
With the corner of my eyes, I saw Noah, looking at us. His face was looking all angry. Aww… I haven’t even gotten started yet.
I mouthed a thank you to Brian, before facing my almost cold food.
••••••••
“The look on his face was priceless. I didn’t know why he was pained.” I told Zoey, on the phone.
Brian had dropped me off about an hour ago. He left after be planted a ki-ss on my cheeks. He was such a gentleman. He apologized for our little fight, and promised to make it up to me.
“He doesn’t want you and he still doesn’t want you around any guy. Dude doesn’t want you to be happy. F.uck Noah.”
That was my bestfriend, having my back as usual.
I laid down on my bed and covered myself with the duvet. “How did it go with Jack?”
“Good. He cuddled me, made toast and coffee for us, we watched a movie and now he’s in the shower.”
I gasped dramatically, getting ready to tease her. “Ouu… In the shower? You having s£x?”
“Char!!!!”
“Don’t be shy, it ain’t your first time.”
“I know. It’s just different with him. I love him so much.”
“Mmhmm…. You’ve finally gotten the love you deserved. He’s gonna treat you right.”
“Thank you.” I heard a voice in the background. Definitely Jack’s, voice. “I have to go now. Bye. Love you.”
“Love you too. And use a c.ondom.” I yelled before she hung up.
After my call with Zoey, I laid back, staring at my ceiling.
It was such a nice night. Everything kept replying in my head. From how I spoilt the shower, to when Zoey, came in with bruises, to when Brian teased me about knowing about my bruises later, to when Noah, walked in and Brian and I, little ki-ss that brou-ght bu-tterflies to my stomach. So much really happened in just one night.
? The Deal ?
Written by Idara Kingsley
? Chapter 10 ?
? Brian ?
Two days to the opening of my clubhouse.
I was the most happiest man on Earth. I was finally going to unlock one of my greatest achievements. I couldn’t be more proud of myself.
It was just years ago, where I was a depressed soul. Look at me now, happy and unlocking every achievements I had in me.
I stepped into the boys locker room and began changing into my gym clothes. Time to grow some abs. The guys were already there and changing into their gym clothes as well.
Someone slapped my head from behind. I turned quickly, almost ready to throw a punch. It turned out to be Ashton. He grinned from ear to ear before moving to his locker. I shock my head and continued wearing my gym clothes.
“I saw your date pictures.” Ashton broke the silence between us.
“Me too.” Gary, one of our team mate half yelled from his corner. “Brian looked so in love.”
“Damn, I always loved Charlotte.” Larry added.
I chuckled and turned to Larry. He was more like a friend to me like an actual teammate. “Sorry bro. She’s my girl now.”I said tossing my clothes into my stuck-up locker.
He scrunched his face up and gave me the middle finger. “I still love her.”
“She’s still my girl.”
“Well, if you guys ever get to break up, I’m always available to be inside of her. You get.” Larry winked at me.
My blood boiled at his playful statement. He should have done respect when talking about Charlotte. She really deserved some respect.
“Stop it.” I spat out immediately, causing the guys to turn to me.
“Why you so paranoid over what he said?” Gary asked. “Besides, you’ve been inside a lot of our teammates girlfriends. It wouldn’t be bad to taste yours too.”
All the guys nodded to what Gary said.
F.uck them.
“Charlotte is different from them s.luts.” I fired at them. Why was I being so overprotective all of a sudden. She wasn’t my girlfriend after all. It was just fake to fool everyone and to achieve our aims.
Instead of replying the guys, I stepped out of the locker room and walked to the gym.
The pop smoke music playing in the background gave me enough strength to lift some weight.
I was soaked with sweat by the time I finished. My legs were shaking, same as my arms. wheww…. I needed rest. Instead of going back to the locker room, I went to the basketball court. No one was there, as everyone was either in the gym, pool, locker room or cafeteria.
I picked up the basketball among every other ball in the cart and did a free throw. I picked it up, did some skills and dunked. I continued playing till I got tired. I let out a breath that I was holding.
A loud continuous clap from behind almost made me jump up in fear. I turned to see my coach standing in a corner. A proud smile was on his face. I threw the ball back into the cart and walked to him. He threw a bottle of water to me. I uncapped it and poured the content in my mouth, spilling some on my b-are ch-est.
“You did a great job there.” My coach complimented as we walked to sit on the bench.
“Thank you. Wouldn’t have done it without your help.” Yes, my coach from the very first day had been helpful and motivating to me. I was incomplete without him. He brou-ght me this far. He was God’s sent.
He gave me a small hand squee-zebefore he spoke.
“You know, we’re gonna compete with one of the best teams in the next three months. I expect you to put in more ha-rd work together with your teammates.”
“Yes coach. We’re gonna win.”
“That’s my boy. Do not allow anything distract you boy. Not even the ladies.”
I chuckled at his words. I never got distracted. My break up with Gianna was few hours before my game. We still won, not withstanding the break up I had. I never allowed my personal life affect my team, ever.
“Sure coach, the ladies got nothing on me.”
He laughed. “But Charlotte got something on you.”
Huh? His statement hit me hard. What the f.uck does he mean?
I was still trying to process the statement, when he stood up, patted my back and walked away.
Jeez, now everyone knew of it. I loved this idea so fu-cking much.
I texted my bouncers to come get me to the clubhouse. Arrangements were ongoing and I needed to be there. I rushed to the shower and quickly took my bath before I left.
The clubhouse was almost unrecognizable. New luxury designs that made the place standout. I was in awe by the transformation.
“Boss. Someone wants to meet you.” One of my staffs whispered to me.
“Who?” I was never expecting anyone, not even Charlotte. She was totally ignoring me for no absolute reason, so I let her be.
“I don’t know. She’s outside.”
Maybe it was Charlotte. No. Charlotte would’ve been inside if she was the one outside there to see me. She was known around my clubhouse, no one would allow her stay outside.
I signalled my bouncers to keep an eye on me. I stepped out to see the person.
My heart beat increased. It was ponding so ha-rd that I feared my ch-est would fall off.
She stood there, all in her grace and beauty, with her usual smile that always made me made over her. I couldn’t take my eyes off her pretty face.
She began walking towards me, in slow and steady strides. My legs were already weak, and my eyes filled just by watching her. Was she seeing how vulnerable and stupid in love I was with her?
“Hey, Brian.” She called in her usual bedroom voice that always twitched my di-ck.
My voice was lost, but still I gathered myself to stop the embarra-ssment I was already going throu-gh. “Gigi?”
She smiled and nodded her head, with her eyes half closed. She raised her she’s up for me, and was now looking directly into my face. “You missed me?”
I wanted to scream yes to the world, jump up with full happiness, but something stopped me.
Charlotte.
She came right on time. She walked with confidence and pride as usual. When she walked to Gianna’s side, she used her shoulder to push her out of the way. Gianna stumbled bit didn’t fall. I watched every drama happening in front of me.
Charlotte, sli-pped her hand into mine and gave me a de-ep ki-ss on the li-ps. The ki-ss caught me off guard. F.uck it, she was a good ki-sser.
“Babe, what’s happening here, who’s she?” Charlotte asked, clinging unto me.
I cleared my throat and looked at Gianna who was boiling with anger. “I don’t know who she is.”
Like a flash, Gianna’s angry face turned to confusion. She looked so embarra-ssed. I felt bad for her truthfully, but she was paying for her sins.
“Okay. You can leave now Young lady, he doesn’t want you here. So leave, Miss.” Charlotte snapped at Gianna.
I was starting to feel bad about the plan. It was heart wrenching. No, it wasn’t satisfying to watch. The look on Gianna’s face really broke my heart. I never wanted her to feel humiliated at all. I know she humiliated me by calling me out after we broke up on Twitter. It was embarra-ssing but I didn’t want to retaliate.
“Brian.” Gianna called softly, her eyes clouded with tears already.
Instead of saying a word to her, I walked out and back into the clubhouse with a broken heart.
Shits just got real messy.