Nicole finished changing into the sportswear in Nick's room and walked out looking even more odd among the lot. Nicole knew she looked odd but that word was like a second name so even as the people in the dancing floor looked at her, she walked on.
''Are you ready?'' Nick met her at the counter and placed his hand at her back protectively. As they walked out, Leo ran out and saw him leaving. He was about to stop him when Ray walked to him.
''Leo, what are you up to? Today is your birthday, shouldn't you be up there with us?''
''I was looking for someone, let's go'' Leo decided to return the next day and look for Nick, so he turned back and went with Ray.
…..
Two weeks later.
Leo walked out of the airport and Priscy met him. She took one of the bags in his hands and walked out with him.
''How did it go?'' she asked him.
''It went well. I was able to convince Mr. Swartz Hennessey and he has promised to invest in our new game. Hopefully, we will be able to officially launch the game in a month time. I have the papers ready for endorsement by the department of IT gaming and software applications'' Leo said and touched the bracelet around his wrist. He had gone on an emergency trip the next after his birthday party because of a game application they had just developed and wanted investors for it.
Two years ago, he had set up his own business with the help of Lizzy and Priscy who were also his partners. It was a gaming company that he started on his own. Lizzy had used her connections as a journalist to assist him in getting in touch with big shots who were interested in investing in games since it's market was becoming lucrative.
His trip this time though it was impromptu was because one of the investors had suddenly call the day after his birthday to set up a meeting. He had to go over to the person's company and explain the details of the game to them and convince them to invest in him. It was a successful one as he had been able to secure some investments for the game.
Leo was confident that the game was going to become a big hit as he had poured out all his resources into it. He and Lizzy had done so much to make the company succeed and even without her, he wasn't going to let all her efforts go to waste.
Walking side by side, Leo filled Priscy in on all the details about his meeting with the investors. She was the accountant in the company and also had some few shares. She has worked with him and Lizzy and made the company what it was, so he trusted her a lot.
…..
Nikki and the two ghosts stood outside a restaurant that Lizzy and Leo used to frequent.
''Noel eatery'' Nicole mentioned the name of the place as they looked inside through the glass.
''You need to go to the places he likes hanging out. Don't worry, I doubt he will recognise you. You are not the Nikki from 5 years ago, you are way prettier now''
''No need to tell me. I know I am pretty'' Nicole said arrogantly and Candy shook her head.
''Show off'' Lizzy scoffed and went closer to stare at a couple having their lunch, ''I really miss the food from this restaurant. I haven't eaten from here for a long time'' she said and turned to look at Nicole.
''Do you want a bite?'' Nicole asked her and two ladies walked pass her to the restaurant and looked at her strangely.
''Did you see that? Who was she talking to?'' one of them asked the other.
''I don't know; can't you see the way she is dressed. The sun is out and she is wearing such thick black clothes. Isn't she afraid of heatstroke?''
''She looks so strange, let's go inside'' the women looked at Nicole once more and hurried inside.
''Should I mess with them?'' Candy asked as she glared at the women.
''No, there is no need to do anything. I look strange to them because I am the only one who can see you two. Just ignore them'' she said and turned to Lizzy ''do you want a bite?
''Can I?'' Lizzy asked excitedly.
''Sure. I will get you whatever you want to eat'' Nicole removed her brother's black card and flexed it, forgetting she was in the public. ''Nick gave me his card. He said I can buy whatever I want''
''My Nick. Then, can I also have some?'' Candy blinked her eyes innocently at Nicole.
''No problem. Just wait here, I will be back'' Nikki plucked her earphones inside her ears and entered inside the restaurant while Candy and Lizzy stood outside waiting for her.
Nicole got to the counter to make her order as she listened to the music from her headset.
''Hi, good afternoon, how may I help you?'' a waiter moved over to her side as she was at a far end of the counter.
''I want pizza, fried rice with chicken and fish, tilapia; the biggest one you have here'' The waiter's smile froze as he looked at Nicole strangely. She noticed the strange looks coming from the waiter and chuckled explaining, ''you won't believe it but, I have a lot of mouths to feed. That is for about four people including myself. I could never finish all that by myself. Just so you know''
''Oh, I see'' I will get your order ready. You can please wait over there while I do that'' the waiter politely pointed at an empty table behind her and Nicole nodded her head.
Outside the restaurant, Leo arrived in his car and got down with Ray. They passed by Candy and Lizzy who were busy chatting to notice their presence. They went over to the counter to order for their food when Leo removed his phone and Ray saw the bracelet on his wrist.
''Where did you get this from? I noticed you had it on after the funeral?''
''Oh, my lucky charm. I saw it a few days after Lizzy's funeral. It was by her grave side and I picked it. I wore it and went for the presentation in City B and was able to win the investors over'' Leo said and touched the bracelet affectionately.
''Miss, your order is ready'' the waiter said to Nicole and she stood up and went over. She stood behind Leo ready to take the bags of food when Candy appeared behind her and tapped her shoulder.
''Candy, you scared me!!'' Nicole said to the girl. Leo and Ray turned to look at her and saw no one besides her.
''I couldn't wait'' Candy replied and they turned to the counter. Nicole smiled at the waiter and took the bags.
''Who is she talking to?'' Ray tapped Leo and asked, but Leo's mind and gaze was on the woman to even hear his question. He stared at Nicole and recognised her and subconsciously stepped in front of Nicole who was yet to notice him.
''Let's go, you little thing'' Nicole said and was about to go when she saw the shoes blocking her path. She didn't look up but instead stepped aside to allow the person to go first but the person blocked her path again.
''Wait!!!'' he finally said looking at her.
Nicole's body tensed up as she stood rooted on the same spot. Candy looked up and saw him.
''Leo Ankrah!!! Nicole, that is Lizzy's fiancée'' Candy said but Nicole already knew. She had recognised the voice the moment she heard him.
''Wait!!'' he said again, this time, taking hold of her hand.
''Whoa. This is a quick progress. Nikki, pretend you don't know him'' Candy said and looked at Leo's determined gaze.
''My hand… can you let go of my hand first?'' Nicole said in a soft tone which he almost missed but still he heard her.
''I'm sorry'' he apologised but still held unto her hand as he asked, ''have we met before? I feel that this is not the first time I've seen you''
''I don't know what you are talking about, and can you let go of my hand? It hurts'' she said and Leo looked at her wrist and saw the same bracelet on her hand. He showed her the one on his wrist and asked.
''This bracelet, it's yours, right?''
Nicole looked at their hands and the bracelet but shook her head, ''there is only one of this kind and this is mine. I don't know what you are talking about. Mister, you got the wrong person'' she flunked his hand away, ''excuse me''
Leo looked puzzled as he stared at her.
''Leo, what's wrong? Are you alright?'' Ray asked as the people in the restaurant looked at them.
''The bracelet. Is the same one I found that day'' Leo said and turned to look at the door. He saw her getting into a taxi.
''Do you know her?'' Ray asked again.
''Never mind. Are you done ordering our food?''
''Yes''
'Alright''