Chapter Twenty One

Vale was already seated when I got there but he wasn't alone, he was seated with a lady and they were deep into a conversation.

I didn't want to interrupt whatever they were discussing and so I decided to take a seat in a corner, but when he saw me he gestured for me to come over and I went to meet him.

"Hey I'm sorry for keeping you waiting"

"It's okay, I and the manager were just speaking about you before you came in"

"Good evening, ma'am" I greeted

"Good evening, Arya. Vale and I were just discussing your contract and the conditions attached to it."

"Oh, nice. What are the conditions?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, but you won't be singing in any other bar until our contract with you is over"

"And how long will that be?"

"The good thing is we will let you decide on that?"

"Can I think about it first?"

"Sure. But while you are at it you can sing tonight. Let's see what you are capable of"

"Okay then."

I was taken backstage and the instruments were set up while I wished patiently.

There was a brief introduction by the MC.

"Let's welcome Arya!!"

And then I went up there. The moment I got there, all eyes were on me and that made me fidget a bit, I was happy there was a seat so I made my choice to a seat.

Though some other people were walking out, some were discussing most of them had their eyes on me including the manager and Vale.

Then I began to sing and everyone turned their attention to me. I could hear my voice echo as I sang. I could see the smiles on their faces, they started coming out one after the other to drop money before me.

This wasn't the plan but it was still good for me. And then I noticed him. He had a hard countenance on, he didn't seem to be enjoying the music but he had his full concentration on me.

I agree that he was not swayed by the song, I wanted him to drool at me like the others were doing but he remained unmoved.

I sang even harder, and swayed my body to the rhythm of the song but he still wasn't moved I saw him smile and that made my night. I turned to see other people mostly dancing and enjoying themselves while listening to me sing and when I turned back in his direction, he was gone.

I was angry, after he had given me a little hope, he had decided to crush it by living without saying goodbye. I concluded the song and everyone cheered. I could tell they were impressed.

I left the stage and went backstage. The manager was blown away.

"That was amazing and the audience really loved you. Our request box is filled and it had just your name in it. Please make up your mind quickly"

"I'll try to do that"

I said goodnight to the manager and then went out, Vale followed behind me.

"Are you sure signing a contract with them is a good idea?"

"Absolutely, it's best if it's exclusive. The money is good. That way you will be able to save up for your tuition"

He made some sense but I still wasn't convinced enough. I still wanted to ask Laurie about it to be sure I was making the right decision.

I got home and had to make dinner. Then I got a text message from Laurie telling me she wouldn't be coming home tonight.

After making dinner, I took out my own portion and put the rest in the refrigerator.

I took my shower and slept off. Got to work and I had a load of work waiting for me.

"The CEO is coming tomorrow and there is a shortage of cleaners. The manager asked that you and I should ensure that his office is in order"

"But when do we do that since we can't leave the reception empty."

"During our lunch break or after working hours"

"Which do you prefer?"

"I think I prefer the lunch break. I have somewhere to be at after work"

"That's fine. I too have to go pick up the kids from school."

Our lunch break came and we both went to the 7th floor of the building. The CEO's office was the biggest room in the building according to Rosie.

Rosie had a lot to tell me about the CEO.

He has been married for years now but had no children. He is such a kind-hearted man with a very bossy ex-wife. They got divorced five years ago but for some reason, she has refused to let Mr. Darrell Lewin rest.

I felt a lot of pity for him, especially being aged without children to look after him. He must be lonely.

We cleaned and made sure it was in perfect order. After that, Rosie quickly rushed to get us lunch while I stood in place. There were a couple of calls for me to answer and make. I had come to love doing all of this in such a short time.

I thought of mama. I hadn't seen her in a while, I hoped she was good and well. I'd try to make out time to go see her at the orphanage.

While we ate I decided to ask Rosie about the contract and she told me it wasn't a bad idea but wanted me to be sure of whatever the paper was saying before I put down my signature.

After work, I met up with Vale as planned and we went to the bar, I signed the contract and we had some drinks then I left for my house.

I was low-key excited that I was going to make extra money for myself and I couldn't wait to start college. It had always been my dream to be a lawyer and I was definitely going to achieve it.

I slept and I had a wonderful dream. It was still the strange man making me feel desire differently.