The Attendant: Teaser

Hi there!

Here’s a teaser of my novel, The Attendant,  which is now available for purchase.

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Lawrence called me again as I gathered my things at the close of work. I quickly punched the green button.

“Hello?” I said hastily.

“Hi.” Those goose bumps came back, it felt so good to hear his voice.

“Are you done for the day?”

“Yes.”

“I’m outside the supermarket, in front of the gas plant. Can you come and meet me?”

It was already nine thirty, my mother would be furious and suspicious of me if I got home later than usual.

“I won’t take much of your time.”

“O… okay.” I got my things, signed out and left before Tope came out of the toilet. We had planned to go home together and I knew she didn’t approve of Lawrence.

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Georgina was waiting outside, preoccupied with her phone. I didn’t want her to see me either but she turned in my direction just as I was going to walk behind her.

“Seyi!”

“How now?” I said as cheerfully as possible. “You no dey go home?”

“No, I dey wait for…” she looked away, obviously she didn’t trust me anymore.

“Who you dey wait for?”

“Nobody.” She looked away again. “Wetin you dey find for this place?”

I thought quickly. “I wan see Aunty D.” I gestured towards the salon beside us.

“Okay, goodnight sha.”

Just as I was going to respond, an SUV pulled up. It was the same one I had seen the other night. She looked at me coldly. “If you tell Solomon na thunder go fire you!”

Again I couldn’t respond, she got into the vehicle quickly and it sped off. Who was I to judge, when I had my own ride waiting for me?

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I got into Lawrence’s car and mumbled a ‘hello’.

“I wasn’t sure you would come.”

I looked away, unsure of how to respond. I wanted to yell at him and ask why he had treated me the way he had, but at the same time I didn’t want to offend him. I’d only just got him back. He slipped his hands into mine and moved closer.

“I’m sorry about everything.”

I still couldn’t face him, I didn’t trust myself to. “It’s okay.”

“Will you look at me then?”

I did and quickly looked away. This guy was trouble. I could feel my body getting warmer than usual.

“Say something,” he said softly.

“It’s… it’s okay,” I replied in a strange voice. It was almost as if my voice was melting.

“How can I make it up to you?” He started to rub the back of my hands.

I sighed and decided to take control of the situation. “You really have to stop doing that.” I gently withdrew my hands.

“Okay, I’ll behave.” He reached for my hands again. “How can I make it up to you?’

“I don’t know, surprise me.”

“When is your next day off?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Great! Will you come over to my house?”

“Err… I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

Of course he knew why I thought it was a bad idea. “Lawrence…”

“I was the perfect gentleman the last time wasn’t I?”

“You were sick.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Not sick enough to be ungentlemanly.” He rubbed my hands for emphasis.

“Lawrence!” I said in mock annoyance and tried to pull my hands away.

He laughed. “I’ve missed you! I’ve missed that spark,” he said gently and caressed the side of my cheek.

“Will you please stop touching me?” I said in a breathy voice, looking away. “This is how I know you won’t behave.”

He withdrew both hands. “Okay I’m sorry. I promise to be on my best behaviour, I swear!”

“Why can’t we just go out?”

“Because I want to spend time with just you. No interruptions.”

I shook my head and heard myself say. “Fine.”

“Thank you, you won’t regret it. Is ten fine?”

“In the morning? Don’t you have to work or something?”

“Not tomorrow, tomorrow is just about you.” He reached for my hand again.

“Okay.” I said in a halting voice. “Will you drive me to the junction?”

“I’ll drive you home.”

“What? No! Just drop me off at the junction and I’ll be fine.”

“Why? Are you scared of what your parents will say?”

“That, and what the neighbours will say.”

“Okay. As you wish. But if you change your mind let me know.” He turned the key in the ignition.