Maya- what are you doing now

Brian's reply is quick as always

Brian❤- giving Lily a bath

Maya- oh, that's so cute

Brian❤- not really 

Along with his reply comes a picture and once my eyes land on it, my face slowly turns red and I cover my mouth with my hand as I try to hold in my laughter.

In the picture is Brian squatting before Lily who is in a large tub. Her fur is soaked through with the water and her paw is against Brian's face pushing him away.
Brian is holding a brush with his hand stretched out trying to reach for her fur and even though Lily's paw is covering most of his face, I can still see he looks really frustrated. His shirt doesn't miss out on the fun as it is soaked in water too.

Maya- that is so cute 😂😂😂

Brian❤- why am I not surprised 🙄

Maya- maybe because you know me too well. Lily and I are always on the same side even if it you're not on it

Brian❤- I'm stuck with you right

Maya- exactly 😁 and how are you able to text with all that water flying around

Brian❤- I can do anything and chat with you

Maya- you are so sweet ❤

Brian❤- it's a pity I can't take that heart and frame it knowing you sent it

Maya- you are so making me blush right now 😊

Brian❤- and I am satisfied by just that

Maya- I love you

Brian❤- would you believe me if I said I loved you more

Maya- no

Brian- I'll still say it..... 

A voice note appears, attached to his reply, and I raise the phone to my ear and tap the play button. His deep baritone wafts through the speaker.

..... I love you more

I smile warmly and play the note again, trying to suppress the deep fluttering feeling in my chest that seems to go off only because of him.

Maya- where did I get you 😭

Brian❤- I think it's both ways

Maya- no you're the one that's making all the effort in this relationship. I'm just doing nothing

Brian❤- your love is all that I want and with that you're perfect for me

Maya- I love you

Brian❤- I love you too babe

Maya- alright I need to go now, I'm busy with work

Brian❤- and I was just beginning to enjoy myself

Maya- how come you're not at work. If I'm correct, Wayne Investments opens on Tuesdays

Brian❤- I took a day off. I needed some time to myself cause recently the work load has been so hectic

Maya- alright then, see you in the evening cause I'm coming over. I would like to talk about a few things or something rather

Brian❤- oh what about

Maya- it'll be a bit awkward talking about it now on the phone. I think It'll be better when I get there

Brian❤- okay later then

Maya- yeah, bye

There's a smile on my face as I exit the chat box and place my phone beside my laptop.

My thoughts swirl around Brian for a while before they drift to last night after I told Brian for the first time that I loved him.
Yet again, for the third time in three consecutive days, I arrived home late.

Little did I know that mom and Stella were both prepared for me. Thinking about it now really makes me want to double over in laughter. I remember how shocked I was.

As usual, I came in through the back door that leads into the kitchen and set down my bag, stopping to grab a bottle of water from the fridge before continuing to the sitting room.

Almost immediately I halted in my tracks, the bottle of water still connected to my mouth. I quickly pulled it away from my lips before I made a mistake and choked on the water because I was really caught by surprise.

There, before me was Stella wheeling mom in the wheelchair towards me.
Mom at that time was supposed to be in bed while Stella was also supposed to have left for home quite a while ago.

They both had stony expressions on their faces and by the look of it, I knew there was no wrigggling out of this one.
They immediately demanded to know where I had been sneaking off to these past few days and you can be sure Stella was the spokes person.

So I told them everything without holding any back.

By the time I was done, Stella looked like she'd just watched a melodrama.
She was sniffing repeatedly and smiling sheepishly.
Mom on the other hand just kept looking at me with the strangest expression I had ever seen but one I could understand because I had basically longed for it my whole life.

It was a mixture of awe, joy, gratitude, pride and so many more I just couldn't place my finger on.

I can't say for how long I had wanted to see her look at me like that.
I know I always acted like I didn't care if she was proud of me but I did and a lot too.
That was one of the reasons I worked so hard to make her comfortable. I sought her approval and tried to satisfy her but nothing I did was ever enough.

She never voiced it but I knew.

Then looking into her eyes yesterday, I saw joy, happiness and satisfaction and contentment all rolled into one.
My joy knew no bounds.

'Oh God, thank you. In just three weeks, you've shown me how much you have always loved me. You've brought me farther than I ever thought I would get in ten years.
I'm grateful Lord; thank you.'

I smile at the fond memory as I gather up the scans I just finish working on and ring Abigail.
Almost immediately, she peeps in from behind the door.

"I would like you to take these x-ray scans over to Mr. Lee." I slide them foward on the table towards her.

She nods and bounds over to me with a confident smile on her face and I couldn't help the pride welling up in me. Two weeks ago, I would have never believed that Abigail could look like this.

It pays to listen to God in your heart.

I heard God tell me a few days ago to change my attitude towards her.
I therefore started talking to her more because previously I'd just basically ignore her presence and only speak to her when I needed something done.
I just couldn't stand her at all then but as I followed God's impression on my heart, I found out I didn't mind anymore and that there was the solution.
When I changed, she changed… even though at first she found it really strange that I cared how her day went but as I continued, she got used to it.
I also used the opportunity to minster to her and she took it really well.
She promised to attend church with me on Sunday and I can't wait to see her there.

I hand over the tests to her and she smiles confidently before turning to leave and I lean back into my chair.

Oh thank you Lord!

After a few minutes of ceiling gazing... yeah ceiling gazing. That's a thing right?
It should be because some can't go out under the stars so they just improvise with the ceilings in their rooms or like me.. in my office.

I knead my face gently, glad that I'm not the type that would bake it in makeup for work otherwise I'd be looking like a zombie right now.
I grab my bag and get ready to leave since I'll like to be at Brian's early enough  to make it home in time for dinner.
I have to say, I've really been missing Stella's cooking.

I clear my schedule with Abigail and leave her to lock up before exiting the hospital and heading over to my car.

                           ※※

I take another look at the text Brian sent me of his house address to be sure I'm at the right place.
I nod my head in confirmation and drive down the street keeping a look out for the number twelve. After a few minutes of driving, I spot the number embedded in the wall fence.

That must be it.

I slow to a stop in front of the house and pick up my phone to text Brian.

I'm here.

The text is instantly blue ticked and almost immediately, the smart gate slides open.

Whoa!

I gasp taking in the very grand surroundings as I drive in.
There's an array of beautiful potted plants on both sides of the fence's walls adding to the elegant beauty.
There's also a cute fountain a few meters away right in the middle of the large compound.
It's in the shape of two birds backing each other with their beaks open and the water spouting out of them.

Really beautiful.

All that is nothing compared to the beauty of the house decorated with glass windows all around it's lofty structure. Calling it a house is a big understatement because it's more like a mansion.

I decide to park my car beside Brian's Mercedes I just spot a little way away because I don't see a garage anywhere.

Once I get out of the car, I immediately hear none other than Brian's voice yell my name from behind and I turn to see him waving and running down the short flight of stairs leading out of the front porch. He's dressed in black joggers and an equally black nice fitting tee-shirt, handsome as always. There is something strange though; he has an apron on.

I raise my hand and wave back wildly smiling equally as excited to see him when I hear the sound of a faraway bark.
Almost immediately, Lily dashes out from the house behind Brian, charging towards me.

"No Lily, that's not fair, I was here first!" Brian yells frustratedly over Lily's barking before she pounces on me and starts licking me fondly, earning giggles from me as I ruffle her fur.
"I'm happy to see you too." I chuckle softly and scratch under her ears.

"You do this all the time Lily." Brian whines out of breath once he catches up with Lily who now leaps off me and runs around my legs excitedly.

I look over at Brian who has a scowl on his face and smile apologetically.

"I'll outsmart you one day Lily." He squints his eyes angrily at Lily and I chortle.

"You wish."

"I will do it." He seeths, eyes still focused determinedly on Lily and I just shake my head slipping my hand through his arm. I see he relaxes at that and a smile spreads across his lips.

"So what did you want to talk about?" He asks as we walk towards the front entrance, Lily following behind. 

"Do you mind if we get inside first? I didn't skip work today like you did." I smirk and he laughs softly.

"Okay sassy, we'll get inside first."

"Who are you calling sassy?" I reach out with my free hand and poke his ribs in feigned annoyance but he doesn't budge, instead he just smiles and interlaces our fingers together.

"Why are you wearing an apron?" I point at the apron that is tied to his waist.

"That was supposed to be my surprise but I guess I ruined it already by wearing the apron out. I made you lunch." He smiles.

My mouth drops open and he laughs softly at my reaction.

"Yay, I can't wait." I giggle excitedly and he squeezes my hand.

Once we enter through the front porch, there's an elderly man holding open the door to the foyer for us and I smile sweetly at him immediately taking a liking to his kind eyes.
A crystal chandelier hangs down from the intricately designed cast and the wallpaper on the walls hold one of the most mesmerizing patterns I've ever seen.
A thick lush carpet covers the floor and artifacts of all kinds grace carefully selected corners of the room.

"Thank you Howard and by the way, this is Maya and Maya this is Howard my butler." Brian introduces us and I tear my gaze away from the captivating beauty of the room to take his hand that he extends in a handshake.

"Nice to meet you Howard." I say.

"Nice to finally meet you too Miss Maya. Mr. Reynold talks a lot about you." He says with a half smile.

I laugh and nod stealing a glance at Brian who's smiling knowingly at me.

"I've come to understand that." I chuckle.

"Very well Miss. I hope you have a nice time." He smiles and I nod.

"I will, thank you Howard."

"My pleasure." He bows slightly.

Once we exit the foyer, he shuts the doors behind us and my eyes widen in awe at the sight before me as we walk into the sitting room.

Hanging from the ceiling is an even bigger chandelier, it's crystal droplets sending various rays of light across the room. The tall windows I admired outside even look more beautiful from the inside as they are adorned with beautifully embroided drapes secured with dangling golden tassels I assume to be made from silk.
The white painted walls are spotted professionally with various paintings, some of colorful African settings and the rest ranging from European to Indian and many more.
The grand furniture tops it all as it decorates the room in white and gold.

Wow!

I turn to Brian who is smiling at me. Lily is nowhere to be found and Howard too.

"You have a beautiful house." I say still in awe.

"Thanks, Danielle designed it." He says and I gasp in surprise.

"Danielle did this?" I exclaim in utter shock not believing my ears.

"Yeah, she has quite a flair towards designing but it's something she does mostly as a hobby even though she sometimes monetizes it." He shrugs and scratches his neck.

"Wow, I didn't know that, she did a really good job. It's so beautiful." 

"Thanks."

"How is it that you live here all alone?" I ask running my hands over the soft fabric of the sofas.

"I find out I don't mind that much, it gives me a little privacy but it can get boring at times."

"Yeah, that's inevitable." I laugh.

"True, but if things go my way, that's gonna change very soon." He smirks and I shrug totally not catching on to what he's saying because my stomach is busy reminding me I haven't eaten.

"I hope so."

There's a slight frown on his face but before I can fully register it, it disappears and I'm too hungry to even ask.

My stomach grumbles a little again and I clutch it lightly.

"Now I think I'm hungry." I laugh and Brian immediately pulls away from me and straightens himself comicaly obviously to clown again.

"Chef Brian to the rescue!" He pipes and bows slightly.

"You are something else." I chortle.

"Okay, let's not keep our guest hungry Howard; please set the table!" He calls.

"Right away young sir!" Howard replies immediately from wherever he is and I'm finding a hard time figuring out where because the house is just too big.

"Let's sit while we wait for him?" He gestures to one of the sofas.

"Yeah sure." I agree suddenly realizing how sore my work heels had made my feet with all the standing and walking.
We take a seat on the sofa nearest to where we were standing and face each other on the sofa.

"So how was work?" He asks suddenly and I wonder how he knew what I came to talk about.

"Good but a little stressful. That's basically what I wanted to talk to you about actually."

"Oh, then I'm a man of the spirit." He smirks and I nod chuckling.

"Yes, you are." My face now falls back to the slight frown it had when he asked the question.

"Is anything wrong?"

"A whole lot; the hospital is closing down." I supply sadly and push back my black hair that was covering half of my face.

"Why?" The concerned frown on his face deepens.

"I don't know. Our turnover only decreased a little bit for the first time and they're all ready to throw in the towel." I sigh.

"Have you tried talking to the director?"

"I've done everything I know to do; it's not working. It's all just so frustrating Brian. I don't know what else to do."

"When is it happening?"

"November 5th." I sigh.

"That's next month."

"Yeah, silly isn't it. It just makes me so mad when I think about it." There's a short silence before he speaks.

"What do you say we pray about it." He says gently and I turn to look at him.

"Maybe we should." I nod slightly, remembering that I hadn't thought of praying about it.

"Now I want you to stop worrying about it. We'll pray and everything would turn out fine. We'll just have to trust God."

"Okay." I say and scoot closer to him leaning my head on his shoulder as he strokes my hair.

"Young Sir, the table is ready." Howard calls softly from behind us I'm sure in order not to intrude.

"Thank you Howard." Brian answers and we both get up heading for the dinning area.

The dining room is equally a sight to see and I make a mental note to call Danielle later about all this. It's just too good.

The round table though looks too small compared to the size of the room but that's quite understandable because Brian is basically living here all by himself. It won't make much sense to have a really long table if you're the only one that'll eat on it.

I have to admit, I don't know half of the names of the dishes in this table but my stomach seems to because it's busy making different sounds almost like it's identifying all of them. 
My mouth on the other hand feels like it's about to fall off.

This looks so good, it could even pass for chocolate.

"And this, is a product of Brian's kitchen." He bellows, trying to fake a French accent but is getting it all wrong.

"Everything is right except the accent." I fold my hands and shake my head at him.

"You're no fun." He hisses and just then, I hear Lily's famous bark coming from behind the door and shortly after, Lily runs in wagging her tail with her tongue hanging out and looking up at the table.

Oh this is so cute.

"Oh no Lily, this is for Maya remember?" Brian wags his finger in front of her. Instead of laying low and sprouting cute puppy eyes like I think she will, she maintains her stance facing the table and continues  making whiney noises.

"Oh no!" Brian groans and I just can't hold in my laughter.

"Oh my God, you two can make me laugh all day." I guffaw clutching my stomach.

In a few seconds, Howard appears to the rescue.

"Would you like me to take her outside, young Sir?" I notice a slight smile tugging at the corner of Howard's lips and it only makes me laugh harder.

"Yes please do." Brian waves him off as he scoops Lily in his arms and hurriedely leaves the room probably to laugh somewhere else.

"You two are on a whole different level." I shake my head and try to calm down.

Brian still has this straight look on his face that's threatening to resume my laughing session so I try not to look at him and busy myself admiring the dishes.

"She's the culprit here. She makes it look like half the budget isn't spent on her feeding." He grumbles and I burst out laughing yet again.

"Oh Brian, I need my cheeks but if I go on laughing like this, they may be too slackened to use." I heave to a stop and open my eyes to find Brian smiling at me.

"I'm glad I lightened your mood."

"Wait, you did that on purpose?" I stare disbelievingly at him.

"Some of it." He smiles mischievously and I gasp.

"You are unbelievable!"

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Oh my God. So you were on a mission to damage my cheeks." I say and rub my aching cheeks.

"Not on purpose though. I was just really enjoying watching how beautiful you looked as you laughed so I wanted it to last longer."
He shrugs like he didn't say something that is making me currently go as red as a beetroot.

"Thank you." I smile. Instead of answering, he just stands up and places a kiss on my hair as he proceeds to serve the food.

 
Finally 😌, a new chapter. I know it's been long overdue. I hope it meets up to your expectations and is worth the wait.
Okay so that's it because I don't have much to say.

Bye 👋

Chinwe_epistle ❤