Two years down the line

Two years down the line. The business had significantly picked and become a household name for those intending to have their events. Peter had been of great help. Most of the things he handled. I had to just go to the venue and confirm. Sometimes I didn't even need to go at all.

My office was well decorated and designed courtesy of Peter. His full name was Peter Dawn. I asked him many times if he was related to the prominent Dawn family in city D, but he said no. I had a hunch he was hiding something, but I could not tap into it.

For the two years that we have worked together, we employed the best team ever. The efficiency of the work done by the team has always been superb. I planned to take my team out for dinner one of the weekends. At least to bod more and show them appreciation.

Getting out of work one evening, my dad called me, as he does almost every evening.

"Darling daughter, how are you?" he started. I stopped in my tracks the moment he greeted me with darling. I knew that greeting too well.

"What do you want, dad?" I asked him without reservation. I knew whatever he wanted was not going to go well with me.

"Well, can't I greet you with love, my darling?" he asked, but I could trace excitement in his voice.

"Okay. Go ahead and say it. Don't let me be anxious for nothing." I said. I took a few steps and walked to a parked taxi waiting for me. I hate driving. I prefer getting a taxi, but I plan to get my own car.

"It has been two years since you broke up with that stupid boy. Don't you think it's time you find someone else and get married?" he said

There was a silence as the taxi took off.

"Dad. I am in no hurry to get married. Besides, I have not found someone that makes my heart skip yet."

"Your heart doesn't have to skip dear for someone to be good. My friend has a son, and he is outstanding. Handsome, good family upbringing and he would be suitable for you."

"Come on, dad. If I want someone, I will look for one myself."

"I know, dear, but you are not growing any younger. I am old and need to see my grandkids."

"Dad. Josh is there. Ask him to marry, let me be. Besides, have you checked that boy's character yourself?" there was a hesitation before he sighed.

"I know what you mean, dear. I have not checked him out myself, but I know him."

"Your friend is vouching for his son. He will not tell you his son is not good. I also don't like arranged marriages. Let me love someone and marry him."

"It's okay. So, how are JS Events?" he changed the topic as fast as an abrupt storm.

"It's going great. Though I am miles from you, your friends have called me to set up their events. Thanks for the support, dad."

"You are welcomed, my dear. If I don't support you, who will?" he said," come home one of these days. We have missed you."

"I will soon, dad" I wasn't lying. I wanted to go home as well. I have missed them.

My brother had graduated with a bachelor's in computer science.

He was going abroad for a master's degree. I didn't think I needed to go for further education. What I was doing was not what I went to the university for. My certificate was deep down on one of my suitcases. I didn't even know when I would take them out again.

I went back home. Being alone in the spacious house sometimes takes a toll on me. The loneliness is so bad that sometimes I thought of going out to get company for the night. But that was not how I was brought up.

Opening the door, I entered the house and strode to the living room. I dropped down on my coach before taking off my shoes and lying down on them. I had made it and habit to lay on the couch the moment I got home before taking a shower. I stayed there facing the ceiling for a while before going into my room to take a shower.

Though I stayed in residence for two years, I didn't know my neighbors' names. But one handsome guy always went in and out of the next residence. Oh boy, sometimes I find myself looking at him in a very suggestive way. He reminded me of James somehow.

James. Well, that name has been my nightmare for so long. I couldn't stop thinking of him. His kisses. His caresses. He hugged me from behind and told me sweetly, sweet nothings.

Shaking my head from the weird thoughts, I went to my room and took a shower. I changed into a short and a plain pink top. The attire was my signature home wear. I like being totally free when I am home.

Cindy would sometimes visit when she was not busy with her business. Preparing dinner in the kitchen, the gate bell rang. I wondered who would come at that time. It was rare to have a friend over.

I reduced the cooker heat and took the keys. I then switched on the security light and went outside to check. I could see Peter Dawn standing outside with files in his hand through the gap. I shook my head and opened the gate.

"Peter!"

"I am sorry, boss, but I could not do it all without your signature. It's needed in different places by tomorrow."

"But I could've done it in the morning," I said, but he strode past me, heading into the house. That was not the first time he had come to my place for work or visiting purposes.

I closed the gate and followed after him. I opened the door, and there he was in my kitchen, stirring the food.

"Sorry, it almost burnt" I rushed to check when he said it. I hated it when I had to add water to already made stew. It always alters the taste.

We ate dinner together as we checked the documents. Peter sat on the couch watching a movie while I worked. By the time I was done with the work, Peter was snoring. Deep and loud snores that you could not ignore.

Since it was late, I arranged the guest room and woke him up. He wanted to go, but I insisted he sleeps in the guest room. I was glad I had someone over for the night. The presence alone made me feel not so alone anymore. I seemed to have seen a car parked not far from my house when I opened the gate for Peter. It looked like I had seen the car following me in the last few days. I don't know if it was my imagination or paranoia.