Page 68 of Jade

Naseer then requested to meet the decorator which was Lande DeMoore because he felt I might want to make changes to the unit.

I’d met Lande DeMoore, and we immediately became friends. The only changes I had were to the curtains in the master bedroom and the office, everything else was perfect.

Our evening with the DeMoores’ was lovely with Lande and I speaking in Yoruba just to taunt Tate and Naseer.

We told the DeMoores’ we would both be out of Chicago for the next few months and promised to call them once we returned. Lande shares a list of things she wants from Lagos and Tate cannot understand why she wants to buy stuff from Lagos, making Lande and I laugh. I explain to him that certain items are best from Lagos, they probably exist in America but getting the specific item she wants from Lagos is preferred.

Friday evening, I’m packed and ready for my flight to Lagos. Naseer doesn’t want to let me go. I didn’t want to leave him either, but the plane wasn’t going to wait for me. I was surprised when I found my ticket had been upgraded to first class. I knew that was Naseer doing, though I told him not to.

He did it anyway. He doesn’t understand that when reality comes. I will be flying economy again and I don’t want to start flying first class now only to have my ass back in the economy when we do break up.

Rilwan won’t let me change it, since Naseer had to wait in the car and not be seen with me. Rilwan was with me till I got past security.

I then called Naseer. We talked for a few minutes before he boarded his private plane.

Tito, Bosun, and Lolade were waiting to meet me at the airport. It was nice to see Lolade and Bosun. I’m happy to know they are going strong. Knowing Bosun is a nice guy the issue in our relationship was simply the fact Naseer had stolen my heart and not the fact that Bosun was a bad boyfriend.

I felt bad breaking up with him because he was good to me but, I’d already given my heart away. It was pointless stringing him along. When I couldn’t even let him see me naked. He still visited me after I’d broken up with him hoping I would change my mind.

On one of his surprise visits, Lolade and Tito were also visiting. Lolade openly showed interest in Bosun, and I was happy to hook them up. Telling her Bosun and I were just friends. No point tainting the love in her eyes, they have been inseparable since then. I’m happy for them. They have each other and I have Naseer. A win-win, everyone is happy.

NASEER

Jadeleftaboutamonth ago and I dislike it more now than I did the last time she travelled to Lagos. If I thought, I missed her then and acted crazy, now I’m a hair trigger short of losing my shit completely.

I barely get to talk to her. My schedule plus the fact I’m craving her like a vampire craving blood is making me lose my mind. I thought I could handle not seeing her for months but I’m cranky without her. It’s time I visited her. If she can travel there, I can do the same.

Raheem always knows someone, who knows someone who can give me a crash course into my last-minute trip to Lagos, something I’m sure Mark might struggle with besides it’s best it stays between Raheem, myself and of course Rilwan. I decided to call him, he can arrange my travel to Lagos. “Hey, Naseer.”

“Hey, I have a favor to ask?”

“Shoot.”

“I need to visit Jade in Lagos.” He’s quiet, I know my request is surprising, to say the least.

“As in Lagos, Nigeria?” I detect the questionable tone.

“Yes, can you arrange it for me?”

“I can, but are you sure you want to travel there?” He’s probably thinking I’m losing my mind.

“If she can travel there, I can too. Last I checked, humans live there and it’s not an Amazon jungle.” He laughs.

“Certainly not a jungle, we just don’t have any business there. But if you girl is there, then I guess you have business there. Give me a day or two and I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks,” I say, hanging up.

Running my hand through my hair, I exhaled an exasperated sigh. I need to see her. I tried calling her and it just rings. She might text me later, but I’ll probably be sleeping. I’ve only talked to her about five times since she left, and I dislike it. It’s time I paid her a visit in Lagos.

I tried to bury my head in work. Checked my phone several times, hoping Raheem would reach out sooner but nothing. I tried calling Jade and no response on that end either. It is driving me crazy.

When I woke up the next day, I saw I’d missed calls from Jade, and it annoys me, I tried calling her back with no response. I go through my day. Working long hours and crashing just as well.

Two days later, Raheem calls.

“If you are serious, you can leave tomorrow evening. I have arranged your flight. I have a guy called Vincent, he will be your guide and he’ll be travelling with you and Rilwan. Your hotel, ride, and extra security when you arrive there will be ready for you.” He did it, I knew he was the right guy to ask though surprised he pulled it off fast but I’m beyond happy.

“What time is my flight?”

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