An Amazing Bestie

I turned, catching her gaze as she continued, "I really had a blast tonight and spending time with my friends was fantastic. I just wanted to say thanks, for being an awesome host and an amazing bestie."

"Oh relax, it's what we do. That's what friends are for," I chided, trying to ease any hint of formality. Her cheeks flushed slightly, a genuine smile of gratitude blooming across her lips.

As I continued walking towards the door, I assured her, "I'll be back soon," jiggling the keys as I locked the door behind me.

Closing the door, I paused, reflecting on the Sunday's experience with Precious. Her energy had been infectious, infusing a vibrant glow into every moment.

It felt good to see her happy and enjoying herself among friends. She had this remarkable ability to uplift the atmosphere with her infectious positivity, leaving a trail of good vibes in her wake.

****

The wall clock chimed softly, a gentle reminder of the late hour. In that tranquil room, I paused takin a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the room, to soak in the peacefulness.

It was a stark contrast to the vibrant energy pulsating through the party downstairs. Within those walls, a sense of calmness prevailed, creating a serene haven separate from the festivities outside.

I looked over to precious in bed resting on her side supporting her body up with her elbows, her eyes fixed sternly on her phone.

"Hey you still didn't get into the bathroom yet" I scolded, walking around the bed to drop her keys on the bedside table.

Precious giggled "I know" crashing her body into the bed as she playfully hugged on a pillow "I will ok, I'm just so tired".

I smiled at her playful antics my hands akimbo, "see girl, don't make me have to drag you to the bathroom"

Precious let out a boisterous laugh "oh please. Like I wouldn't mind that right now, you'd be doing me a huge favour." Oh, really? Should I add that to my list of 'Amazing Bestie qualities'?

As I stepped into the bathroom, a wave of tranquility washed over me. The room was a sanctuary of luxury, a pristine oasis offering respite from the lively scenes beyond its walls. The bathtub immediately stole the spotlight, a grand centerpiece exuding elegance and style. It was a vision to behold, set against the marble-tiled flooring and walls that exuded sophistication.

I flipped on the handheld shower head running the hot water into the bathtub on a perfect warm steamy temperature. The bathtub, pure white against the marble tile coping at the room's edge, beckoned invitingly.

Its modern design and spaciousness were a promise of relaxation and indulgence. Positioned centrally, the bathtub was the focal point, drawing attention to its pristine beauty.

When I achieved the desired volume, I reached for the lavender liquid soap perched on the bathtub's edge, generating a frothy lather in the warm, steam-filled water.

"Wow, a bathtub," Precious's voice sliced through the serene bathroom ambiance as she sauntered in.

Seating herself on the tub's edge, she dipped her hand into the water. "Oh my goodness! This is incredibly inviting!" With a swift motion, she shed her bathrobe, revealing her black halter-neck swimsuit, carelessly draping the robe over the nearby towel rack.

Effortlessly, she slipped into the bath, releasing a contented sigh as she leaned back, extending her arms along the marble coping. "Oops, was this meant for you?" she quipped, directing a sheepish smile my way from her newfound comfort.

What a character. Though I had prepared the bath for her and intended to really drag her into the tub, she has robbed me of that satisfaction by getting in herself.

"Feel free to join me," she added with a delicate tone as I returned the lavender lotion soap back to its corner.

I smirked at her invitation and stood up, reaching for the hem of my swim shorts, realizing what I was about to do, Precious's face quickly turned away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she literally froze at that moment.

As I let my shorts drop to the floor, I took off the white towel from around my neck, throwing it onto the towel rack before settling on the opposite edge of the bathtub, mirroring her position with my arms stretched out.

"I wonder how you'd enjoy your bath with that on," I teased, noticing her gaze returning to mine as I scooped up the foam. "This is a good thick lather," I added, holding my brush upside-down without the lather easily falling off.

Suddenly, that fiery gaze, which always characterized her eyes, returned as she skillfully stripped off her halter neck swimsuit under the lather.

"Don't you feel so much better?" I chuckled rubbing the lather against my skin.

In response, Precious threw her wet swimsuit at my face, my reflexes kicked in as I deftly caught it.

"Too easy," I smirked, skillfully throwing the swimsuit like a pro basketball player to hang it on the bathroom hanger above the marble coping behind her. Her neck following the trajectory of the thrown swimsuit.

"Nice shot."

"Thanks, I try." I responded, passing her the handheld shower as she too rubbed on her skin with her palms.

***

" it's my turn ok, T or D?"

"Truth"

"Ok, whats your Date Of Birth"

""99'. June 4"

"What! " Precious exclamed pausing the shower head that was currently washing the lather off from her body.

"You're really 23?" I nodded in acknowledgment of her surprise. There was a brief pause, as if the silence might somehow confirm that I was deceiving her. "How are you so….mature?"

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Early bloomer, I guess. And from your reaction, I'm assuming you're older?" I inquired.

Precious hesitated before responding. "Yeah, '97. December 2nd."

"Wow, you really look a lot younger than your age," I remarked.

"Yeah, trust me, I get that a lot," she replied with a smile.

***

"Well, I have my own boutique clothing line. I also manage online sales and deliveries across West Africa and parts of the South. As a matter of fact, all the dresses the girls wore today were from my store," Precious explained bashing her eyes as we delved deeper into our conversation.

I had just shared with her my passion for writing and how I was currently interning at the Nigerian Electricity Agency. I felt that sense of vibrant connection with her. The ease with which she blended into her conversation spoke volumes about the bond we shared. It was refreshing to see this side of her life, and I felt privileged to be a part of it.

****

Gasping, I replied nonchalantly, "Well, calm down, ma'am. I've hung out with plenty of older gals before."

Oops, maybe that wasn't the best thing to say. Just as I had that thought, Precious chimed in, asking, "What do you mean by that?"

Quickly, I covered up my slip-up by saying, "Yeah, like, I've always enjoyed the company of older ladies. My first girlfriend was in Senior High 1 while I was in Junior High 2." I gave a sheepish smile, knowing this particular "girlfriend" was also a close neighbor and childhood best friend. But hey, you know, records are records.

With a piercing glare, she returned her foot to my hands, demanding me to fulfill the dare of massaging it. It was as if her gaze could melt steel, but I pressed on, determined to complete the challenge.

***

"Believe me, I was joking back then at your apartment when I said the car was my dad's; it's actually mines," precious said, pointing to her nose.

"Oh, I actually took you for a wild card daddy's girl. You really got that vibe checked," I joked.

Precious giggled, resting her back on the marble coping of the tub, "Who says I'm not?"

****

As I glanced toward Precious's peaceful figure, she had drifted off to sleep in the tub a few moments ago. Her serene expression brought a smile to my face; she seemed so tranquil. Yet, staying any longer in the tub might lead to catching a cold. Rising from the bath, I wrapped myself in a cozy bathrobe and moved over, taking a seat at the edge of the tub beside her.

"Wakie wakie, sleeping beauty," I tapped gently on her arm. Her eyes fluttered, half-open and half-closed.

"Mmm, two more minutes," she grumbled, her voice laden with drowsiness.

"You'll catch a cold in two minutes. Do you want that or the warm comfort of the bed covers?" I advised, offering a towel. After a moment, she grabbed the towel, tying it around her chest area as she slowly stood up from the tub.