He looked into my eyes and stretched his hands to pick the remote for the TV. I relaxed and cleared my throat that was so awkward.

'So tell me about yourself Becky.' I told him the things I felt he needed to know... whether I was lying or not.

He in turn talked about himself. I looked at the time and stretched myself...'We need to sleep sir,' I said to him, packing the waste we had bought and eaten to our fill, 'Long day ahead...lots of places to see and go.'

He adjusted into his bed cover and turned off the bed lamp...'goodnight Phoenix,' he said. 'Good night sir,' I replied and walked out. I touched my chest and it was beating fast what's happening to me...I'm losing it with this man. I walked into my room, dropped on the bed and smiled...I needed this trip so much and it was going well.

I woke up to my boss sitting beside me...I screamed from shock and sat up.

'Lesson one Becky : always lock your door before you sleep. I could have been a serial killer...lucky you.' In all this, I was still looking at him, not saying a word...he should have knocked...

'I did knock though but you're a deep sleeper,' he added as if he read my mind. I looked like a zombie...my hair was scattered and my eyes swollen. He got up and walked out.

I showered and dressed up. Saturdays in Uyo was a busy and dry day... evenings were the best... people went to club, or went to the Itam market which was once in a week...the Ibom plaza was on sale with beautiful things like shoes, clothes and many others.

I met my boss at the bar. I sat beside him, looking at the bar slab.

'Where do you live?' he asked. I looked at him and back at the lady selling drinks.

'4lane. A street in there.'

'Call them and let them know we're coming.'

'Sir...,' I couldn't complete my statement cause he hushed me.

'Let's get going then,' he rushed his chapman and got up.

I joined him and we drove to my house. My mom opened the gate and my sister and brother rushed to greet me. Then everyone stopped and stared at my boss. I cleared my throat. 'Mummy, this is my boss at work. He came for a weekend trip and I used it as an opportunity to tag along.'

'You're welcome,' my mum said to him in a clean English accent that made me look at her. Both of them interacted like there was no tomorrow. That evening, when my sisters were gathered round him and talking their souls away, I sat with my mum on the verandah.

'Abadieh?' she asked and she wasn't asking casually...she looked at me worried.(translated How are you?)

'Idioko mummy...idem ansong.'(translated I'm fine mummy...my body is well)

'Boss mfo ado afiaweh? U treat ya fon?'(translated Your boss is a white man? Does he treat you well?)

'Yes mummy... everything is fine. Ankpe yak afon nko...'(translated He pays me well)

'Okay o. When are you going back?'

I rested my head on her chest...'tomorrow 3:15pm flight.' I told her about my feelings for him and that I had a boyfriend I loved but I was being torn. She advised me in the best possible way and kissed my forehead...tears dropped on her top...I didn't want the moment to end.

My boss walked out. 'Thank you very much Ma'am...I beg to take my leave. It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to come tomorrow before we leave...if I'm invited of course.'

'You're always welcome. Thank you for gracing our house with your presence.' I hugged my mum and sisters. 'See you tomorrow.' I walked out of the gate. I peeped and my mum was talking to my boss...I couldn't make out the words.

We got back to the hotel and we sat at the bar...we talked about the food and the life of Akwa-Ibom people. We talked till I got to my bosses room to drop his suit.

'Your mum is funny and caring,' he told me.

'She is,' I replied, nodding to the truth.

He sat beside me. 'I wished my mom was like yours. She had all the time to love and care for me and my twin brother but she chose to drink and care less.'

I felt bad for him...'I'm sorry,' I hugged him and withdrew know your place

He hugged me back and smiled, then he kissed me. I opened my eyes. I looked at him and did the one thing I promised myself I won't do. I kissed him back...it felt so different from what I had with Eric. I shouldn't have but I did and guilt won't let me breathe but I kept going, blocking Eric's face from my vision.

He touched me in places that made me gasp for air.

'You want to?' he asked

I nodded a No.