Bitter after sweet
Lorraine
I found myself at the beach the next day which was the location the skincare brand wanted me to model for them. The demand was impromptu because the other model that I’d replaced backed out on the deal, and it was mandatory that the shoot should be held today.
Dexter offered to tag along, but I didn’t allow him as I wanted him to focus on his job. So I was here with just Stella who was asked to accompany me, and Drake who Dexter had turned to my bodyguard.
“Good morning, miss. You’re quite early.” The director commended me after I’d dropped my bag on the table and was about to go in search of the crew.
A satisfied grin rose to my lips. “It’s a principle, sir. I like to be punctual.”
“That’s good, because we thought that we would have to wait for a long time for you to come. The other models do that.” He sounded disappointed and if I was in his shoes I’d feel the same way too. “Well, now that you’re here, the concept of the shoot will be explained to you and then we’ll start. If you need anything just inform us and we’ll get it to you.” He said kindly.
“I don’t need anything for now but thank you very much.”
He led me to the crew; some of them were already setting up their equipment while the other models had their skin being taken care of.
As the director addressed us, I got to understand that they had to use different models with unique skin tones, so they they would show the effectiveness of their products.
My skin wasn’t too light and I wasn’t a black woman so they wanted someone in my range, and when the other model became unavailable, they chose me. Well, it was a plus for me because it would increase my popularity and .
After explaining the concept to us, we started off with the shoot. I had so much fun with the girls and I also admired their cooperation. We took corrections when needed and a few hours later, the shoot was wrapped up.
I felt someone tap my back while I sat on one of the huge stones, away from the other models who were having a glass of wine. “Hi, is there any problem?” I gave the person a backward glance.
“No, I came to inform you that someone wants to see you.” She said then left.
Who could it be? I thought.
Dexter was the only one who came to my mind because he could be crazy enough to leave work and visit me.
Must be him though. I decided as I searched around for him, but I was appalled when I met Emilia standing under a shade with a white food box in her arms.
I was startled as I didn’t expect her to initiate lunch so easily. “You’re here.” I almost frowned as she came forward and pecked my cheeks.
“You thought I’d forget about lunch. I was very serious when I said we’d have lunch together, so instead of going to a cafe, I brought it here for us.” She smiled expectantly while I tucked my hair behind my ears, thinking of how to push her away.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but my stomach is really full right now.” I lied, because the shoot drained me, including the enormous breakfast I’d taken before coming so my stomach was literally empty.
Like my stomach wasn’t in support of my lies, it gurgled loudly.
She pointed at my stomach and laughed. “I think your belly says otherwise.”
Shit!
The last thing I wanted was to have lunch with her. She might have poisoned the food and brought it for me to eat then join my late parents.
The thought got me shaking so I shook my head, vehemently. “I’ve been having a stomach upset, that’s the reason for the gurgles you had. Don’t worry about me, just enjoy your meal alone.”
She shrugged and opened the box, then drew out a slice from the pepperoni pizza. My stomach grumbled again at the aroma of it.
It had been a while since I took pizza with enough pepperoni and cheese because of how addicted I was to it, but having some of this deliciousness in front of me, tested my self-will.
She bit into it and moaned while I swallowed, clenching my fists tightly. She took another slice and closed the box. “If you change your mind, the remaining pizza is available for you. I have to leave now.” She walked away, after giving me a side hug.
Should I eat it? Should I not?
“Arrgggh!” I screamed in frustration and finally gave in to the temptation.
Obviously the pizza wasn’t poisoned or she wouldn’t have eaten it and this little box wouldn’t make me shapeless.
********
Drake dropped me at home, the knowledge that I could sleep as much as I wanted filled me with relief.
My eyes widened when I opened the door, sighting the red roses that formed a trail towards the staircase. My eyes darted towards the red medium-sized balloons which were hung on the ceiling, giving the living room a romantic ambience.
My body became giddy with excitement as I followed the trail which led me to our bedroom. Then I opened the door but found no one in it.
“Dexter?” I giggled, grinning from ear to ear as I stepped out of my ankle strap heels that was already beginning to hurt my feet.
“Where are you?” I asked in a sing-song tone, checking the bathroom which was also empty.
What kind of game could he be playing?
A big cake, overlaid with nicely scented roses was in the middle of the bed, surrounded by several red boxes of different sizes.
My heart skipped a beat as I read the inscription on the cake. It was my birthday and I didn’t even remember it. Simultaneously, the door pushed open and Dexter appeared, looking drop dead gorgeous.
“Looking for me?” He smiled cheekily. A usual show of his arrogance.
But his sexy abs that bulged through the silk black shirt he wore didn’t go unnoticed. His hair was damp, like he just came out from the shower.
“Don’t flatter yourself. I wasn’t really looking for you.” I feigned nonchalance.
He said nothing as he advanced towards me and began to tickle me without restriction. “Are you sure you weren’t searching for me?” He teased, “Because I heard you open the bathroom door and call my name.”
My laughter was hysterical as he kept tickling me until I couldn’t laugh anymore. Then he passed me a glass of water afterwards to help me relax.
I glanced at the items on the bed and my eyes turned misty. “How did you even know that today is my birthday? I didn’t even remember.” My voice cracked as I stared at him with so much love and adoration.
“When you love someone, you tend to value anything that concerns them, no matter how trivial it might be. I never forgot your birthday no matter how much I tried, so I decided to do this for you, knowing that you didn’t remember.”
My lips quivered and words failed me as I melted into his arms. “This is so sweet of you, Dex, I wasn’t expecting this.” I said in a drawl.
“Now you have them, and I can’t wait for you to see the beautiful gifts I got for you. I’ve been planning this since last month.” He confessed and I gasped, my eyes almost bulging from its socket.
“Last month?” I asked in disbelief. “But that was the same period you acted all cold to me.”
He took in a deep breath and exhaled, raking through his damp hair. “Yes I was cold to you, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t important to me. We’d have had a truce sooner or later because it hurt me that I hurt you.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
“This really means a lot. Thank you.”
He rolled his eyes and collapsed on the bed, propping his arms behind him. “There are several ways you can thank me.” He wriggled his brows.
My cheeks became heated instantly, but it wasn’t just my cheeks that felt the heat because my whole body came alive, irrespective of my exhaustion.
“You can have me.” I stated suggestively.
“Not that, although it’s important, but I’ll tell you what I want after you check your gifts.”
I nodded and drew closer to him. Our lips touched and that was all it took to lose my control. He buried his tongue in my mouth, taking over from me.
Our lips warred against each other, fighting for control but even before the end of the battle, I knew who would win.
Suddenly, a stinging sensation shot through the pit of my stomach, causing me to break the kiss abruptly. Dexter stared at me in absolute confusion, but I couldn’t give him an explanation as the pain continued to burn within me.
“Ahhhh!” I screamed, holding onto my stomach as my body grew hot instantly.
The pain was unbearable; it felt like my intestines were being wrung together and my eyes began to feel heavy. My ears rang with a wheezing sound that made me lose my balance.
Dexter’s face was a description of plain horror. He kept calling my name but I couldn’t respond, as I slowly sank into unconsciousness, the world turning black.