Please, DND Rema.

As we continued conversing by the poolside, the party ambiance heightened, a subtle cloud of disappointment seemed to encircle Becky, veiling her usually warm and friendly disposition.

Perched by the poolside, her feet oscillating in the water, she maintained her signature smile, yet there was an air of restraint about her. Becky had this endearing habit of becoming strictly reserved when navigating unfamiliar territories, a characteristic that often held her back from fully immersing herself in new encounters.

I noticed Becky's reserved demeanor. She sat there, her feet gently swaying in the water, wearing her signature smile, yet I sensed a hint of hesitance in her mannerisms.

Just then Precious, plunged into the pool, splashing water around playfully. Her contagious energy seemed to permeate the air, creating a ripple effect among the gathering. It was evident that the 'lil buzz' was beginning to take hold, infusing a playful and buoyant mood into the atmosphere.

Admist the vivacious splashes and laughter from Precious, Becky's aura remained somewhat subdued. When I redirected my attention to her, sensing her unease, I attempted to draw her into the conversation. "Hey Becky, everything alright?" I inquired, aiming to offer her a moment of comfort in the midst of the festivity.

"Oh, it's good," Her response was a blend of softness and warmth, yet a palpable sense of self-doubt lingered in her tone.

She sought affirmation, staring into my eyes as if hoping to find reassurance in my gaze. "Daniel, did I overdo it?"

"Well, the idea was for you to feel at ease and comfortable, but you did end up declining Rema's offer, so that might just earn you a mention in your own record book," I replied with a touch of playful sarcasm.

" ahhh, I know" she squealed, face flushing. Her vulnerability was striking, embarrassment evident as she covered her face with her hands.

Amidst our conversation, Precious joined in, her vibrant energy infusing a sense of levity into the moment. "What's cooking, guys?" she chimed in, eager to be a part of the exchange.

I chuckled at her entrance. "Just the usual banter, nothing too wild."

"Precious, should I go back now? What do you think?" Becky chimed in almost instantly. It was clear that she was feeling remorseful about her earlier decision.

Looking toward me, Precious gaze seemed to ask for guidance. I offered a suggestion, urging Becky to consider reaching out to Rema again. "Ultimately, it's your call, Becky. He's still around. I don't know when he'll be leaving though; anything can happen, I mean, he's Rema.

"Show him you genuinely regret turning him down, and he'll likely still want to hang out with you," I advised, trying to ease her uncertainty.

Taking a deep breath, Becky seemed resolved. "Let's get that buzz now," she requested, signaling for the martini mix. As I shook the flask bottle and poured the drink into her cup, Precious cheered her on with an encouraging nod.

The mood seemed to shift, transitioning from the carefree revelry to a more contemplative atmosphere. Becky's decision hung in the balance, her emotions teetering between regret and anticipation, as she pondered whether to make amends with Rema.

I watched as Becky rose from the pool coping, determination etched into her features. "Wish me luck," she said, her voice a blend of nerves and resolve. With graceful strides, she moved towards the gazebo, her intent clear.

But as she progressed, the dynamic duo, Abigail and Sandra, intercepted her.

It seemed they intended to accompany her, but Becky pointed towards Precious and me, signaling us to wait for her. Sandra and Abigail exchanged glances with us but continued engaging Becky in conversation.

Soon they began a walk to the gazebo, their collective walk toward the gazebo slowed Becky's earlier confident strides, and Precious couldn't contain her concern.

"Oh no," she muttered, her expression shifting with worry. "Why are Abigail and Sandra going with her to the gazebo?"

"Wait for it," I responded, knowing what was about to unfold.

Our attention fixed on the trio, and right on cue, Rema's security detail sprang into action, blocking any further advance of the girls towards the gazebo's entrance.

Just then, as if scripted, Tunde, Mike, and Greg emerged from the gazebo, diverting the girls' attention. It was a seamless move, In that instant, Becky was called back by one of the bodyguards, ushering her to continue her path. Giving Rema and Becky the space and privacy they needed.

Abigail and Sandra could only look back in bewilderment as the boys engaged them in casual chitchat, skillfully guiding them away from the gazebo, back toward the pool area.

"Wow," Precious exclaimed, her excitement palpable, a smile growing on her face. She had been doubtful that Becky would get the chance to make amends, but the boys had intervened, ensuring Rema and Becky could have the privacy of the gazebo. It was a mission accomplished, much to our relief.

The turn of events had unfolded smoothly, the boys executing their part flawlessly. Their diversion tactics and swift intervention had effectively granted Rema and Becky the desired privacy, seemingly allowing them the opportunity to converse without the crowd.

Precious and I exchanged glances, a shared sense of accomplishment evident in our smiles. The plan had worked out better than anticipated.

Becky's chance to make amends with Rema had been salvaged, providing a glimmer of hope for a potentially meaningful conversation between the two.

"I told you it would work," I grinned, casting a sheepish look toward Precious, who responded with an expert eye roll, swiftly flipping backward to take another deep dive into the pool.

****

"Wow, this room's interior is so nice," Precious said, draped in a pristine white bathrobe, admiring the room in the left wing of Greg's apartment where I had taken her to change. Her admiration mirrored my own appreciation for the elegant space.

I led Precious into the beautifully adorned room, a sanctuary of luxury that seemed to beckon with its comfort and opulence.

As she marveled at the room's interior, the bed, adorned with plump, inviting pillows, seemed to promise a restful night's sleep. Every piece of furniture exuded sophistication, elevating the room into a haven of tranquility and lavishness. It was the epitome of a regal experience, offering respite from the buzz of the pool party that had worn us out.

"Will someone be using this room tonight?" Precious inquired, contemplating the possibility of staying over. Her exhaustion was palpable, a testament to the night's revelries.

"It's one of the free guest rooms, so it's all yours if you decide to crash," I replied, noting the time as the clock indicated 2:11 AM. Her weariness made the prospect of driving home seem like an arduous task.

Precious's gaze drifted towards the clock on the wall, its hands indicating 2:11 AM.

"Driving right now would feel like torture," she admitted, her eyes reflecting her fatigue. Pool parties indeed took a toll, especially when one committed wholeheartedly to enjoying the night.

"There's no need to worry about that. I'll secure this room for you," I assured her, understanding her need for rest.

"What about Becky?" she asked, a touch of concern in her voice.

"Becky's safe. She's taken care of," I reassured her. With Sandra and Becky having joined the group that departed for the club nearly an hour ago, Precious now only had to worry about herself.

Her demeanor visibly relaxed as she settled on the bed, lying on her back, and flung her hands upward, letting out a relaxing sigh.

As she settled onto the bed, her body relaxed, her exhaustion evident.

"I'll bring your car into the compound," I informed her, reaching for her purse to grab the keys. "In the meantime, a hot shower would help relax your muscles," I suggested, pointing to the bathroom.

"Okay, will do," she agreed. As I headed for the door with her keys in hand, her soft voice called out, "Danny?"