The next day…
'Hello. Seen today's papers?'
Darryl was just about to listen to the morning news when Leroy called him. he was yet to step out so he had been unable to purchase any of the morning newspapers. He was aware that the Movie Awards will be one of the main events most media houses will be reporting on.
'Not yet. What's up?'
'You have some great pictures. I hope you didn't have to bribe the photographers for the pictures?' Leroy said this and laughed.
'If that's why you are calling, please let me be. I am about to eat breakfast. Don't you have work or a meeting to attend?'
'Alright, alright. Let's meet over lunch. I will expect you.'
'Sure, bye.'
Leroy didn't bother to tell his friend that the media had implied that Raina was his new love interest. It was a good thing Raina was unknown else they would have been all over her by now. He had wanted to confirm his suspicions about Nadia having a boyfriend, however, he had decided to wait and ask over lunch. That seemed more laidback and appropriate. He did not want to seem too eager.
When the call ended, Darryl put the phone down and turned on the television. Soon enough, the entertainment segment was up and Darryl watched in amazement as pictures of Raina and him flashed across the screen. She was very photogenic. She had looked prettier in person and the screen did nothing to detract from that. It appeared they were always together in every shot on camera. They had posed for several pictures together. Some media pundits were even touting them as the best dressed pair for the evening.
Darryl could not believe his eyes and his ears. He hoped Raina was not bothered about the insinuations running rife on the media. He checked his twitter feed and realized his followers were asking if she was the new lady in his life. Darryl buried his head in his hands. He hoped and prayed that this will not scare Raina away. The limelight could be glamorous and fun but it could also be unforgiving. He wanted to draw her into his world, but slowly, not all at once.
He turned off the television and decided to go over his lines for his next movie role. However, he was unable to concentrate. He wanted to find out how Raina was doing but he did not know how to form the words. He was unsure if his words will be the right words to say. Darryl yawned loudly and stretched. He checked the time and realized it was 20 minutes past 11am. He got up and went to his room to start preparations for lunch with his friend. He hoped Leroy would make it worth his time.
Darryl met Leroy in the company's cafeteria. The company had a cafeteria to shorten lunch intervals and to increase productivity. The food was as good as any of the other restaurants in town but cheaper. Leroy had already ordered his meal when Darryl arrived. Darryl decided to order beans stew with friend plantain for lunch. It was a common favourite among the population, more especially those in the universities. It was one of the cheapest meals on universities' campus and was commonly known as 'red-red'.
'What was so urgent that I had to meet you here for lunch?'
Leroy grinned and smiled at his friend.
'I haven't seen you in a while.'
Darryl just shook his head. 'I knew I should have stayed at home. People have been staring at me and pointing at me in the traffic. I just wanted to rest at home today.'
'Yeah, I figured. Anyways, have you heard from Nadia? Did she ask about me?'
Darryl raised his eyebrows in surprise.
'Wait! You like Nadia? You like Nadia! Wow! I never would have expected that. No wonder you asked me to come here. If I had known I would have introduced you two sooner.'
'Yeah, about that, how come I have not met all the pretty ladies in your family? I let you hang out with Raina all the time.'
'Relax, it was just once. She has been out of the country for a while now. And you know my family dynamics. We are family only in name. I never expected that you would be interested in her. If I had known, I would have introduced you to her sooner. She is one family member I have a close relationship with. She has been very supportive. Unfortunately, she has a fiancé.'
'I figured that out. I was oozing out all this charm and she wouldn't even bite. Who is this guy anyways? He should know that he has some serious competition.'
Darryl put his spoon down in his plate and looked closely at Leroy.
'You are not joking about this. But why her? I know you don't like to go after girls who are engaged or in a relationship.'
'She is my future wife, Darryl. I know that for sure. I am a very patient when I want to be. What is mine is mine.'
Darryl only shrugged. 'I can only wish you all the best. I will do my best to help you. She seems in love with the guy. Currently, he is not in Ghana. He will be back in 6 months. I believe that is when they plan to have the wedding. He is also a medical doctor. They met in school.'
'Whatever. I am just telling you she will be my wife. You will be the best man of course. You just watch me. I won't even apply any pressure.'
Darryl did not say anything. He knew Leroy had made up his mind. He did not know how it will play out though.
'How is Raina doing? Has she seen the pictures? They are all over the place today'Yes, she has. She had no idea she would be such a hit. The girl is excited. My dad is a bit worried the attention will be too much though. I can only thank God that the only app my sister has is facebook.'
'That's great then. She told me she wants to go into fashion design. I guess this will be good exposure for her.'
'I hope so. She is really serious about it. Her designs are great. I believe she can really go far. She hopes to start fashion school soon. She is still searching for one that will meet her needs.'
'That's great. I am excited to hear that. I am sure she can't wait to start.'
'The rumours are flying round that she is your new girlfriend. How are you going to answer that?' It was Leroy's turn to look at Darryl.
Darryl swallowed visibly. How was he to answer this question without making it obvious he had feelings for Raina?
'I haven't thought about that yet. I will tell them the truth. That she is a close family friend and that there is nothing going on between us.'
'Do you want something to go on between you two?'
Darryl was taken aback at his friend's question. Where had that come from?
'Of course not, she is your sister. I respect that much at least. Anyways, we have a football match to watch today. Don't forget.'
Leroy noted carefully that Darryl wanted that line of conversation to end quickly. Did Darryl have feelings for his sister? Five years ago, he would have warned Darryl against dating his sister. Now, they were both older and wiser and he knew Darryl was a friend he could trust with his very own life.
'I just want you to know that when you do decide to start a relationship with Raina, it should be for the long haul. I don't want to clean up any broken-heart tears.'
After saying that, Leroy quickly changed the topic and moved on to other matters. Darryl tried to follow but his mind kept on replaying Leroy's last words on the subject of Raina and how he had said 'when' not 'if'.