Juliet had been assigned to oversee the Fish Project, and to her dismay, Raymond had paired her with Francis, her now mysterious first love and Bower Bound's newest employee.
The tension between them was palpable as she awkwardly explained their plans for the project, both of them avoiding eye contact.
After stumbling through her words, she finally mustered the courage to face him directly."Did you understand everything I just told you?".
Francis, with a hint of sarcasm, replied, "The Fish Project officially opens in November, the chemicals, and the new branch manager—I got it all, even though you weren't exactly vocal while avoiding my gaze." He rolled his eyes.
Just then, her phone rang.
It was her boyfriend, Derek.
She sighed, feeling even more uncomfortable, and turned away. "Er... Hi. Oh, yes, I'm overseeing the Fish Project, and we'll be closing late today, but I'll stop by your place," she said, trying to sound casual.
As the call ended, she noticed Francis had entered the building.
Was he really so indifferent to her relationship?
She wondered.
She joined him inside, where he was gazing at the fish with unexpected admiration. "I never knew you were so interested in fish," she finally managed to say.
He nodded, his expression serious. "I have to be interested in anything that could lead to a promotion."
"Promotion?" she echoed.
"Of course. I heard the branch manager position is still open."
"But you're a new employee. There's no way he'll hire you," she countered.
"Why not? Even if I'm one hundred percent qualified?" he challenged.
"You can't be qualified until you gain more experience."
He grinned. "And what if I do?"
"I've never known you to be into this kind of thing..."
"You've never known me," he interrupted."As far as I'm concerned, the first time we met was barely two weeks ago."
***
Juliet pondered over Francis's recent behavior, wondering if this was the same man who once stood outside her door for hours, begging her to come back.
When she walked into the sitting room, Catarina was watching a fashion show but immediately turned her attention to Juliet, grinning mischievously."What did Mr. Mysterious do this time?" She teased.
"Boss paired us together to oversee the Fish Project" Juliet replied, still baffled.
"Are you sure he applied there because of you? Or was it just a coincidence?" Catarina asked.
"It can't be a coincidence. It's obviously not the will of God," Juliet said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Obviously?" Catarina raised an eyebrow.
"Guess what? He's eyeing the branch manager position! Francis has suddenly become so ambitious. It's freaking me out. He didn't even care when my boyfriend called. Why has he suddenly become so cold towards me?"
"Why does it bother you so much? I thought we agreed you only love your new boyfriend,Derek?" Catarina pointed out.
Juliet shrugged. "I'm not bothered. I just don't like that he's in my way."
"He's not in your way; he's just living his life."
"He should leave Bower Bound," Juliet muttered.
"If you're so bothered, why don't you tell him that yourself?" Catarina teased, grinning mischievously.
Juliet nudged her, unwilling to admit how much Francis's change in behavior really disturbed her.
***
After a day of road evangelism with a few other members of Christ Love Ministry, I started walking home.
Juliet had gone out on a date Derek, leaving me feeling a bit lonely as I walked alone.
As I strolled, I suddenly heard a car horn from behind.
I turned around, surprised to see Jeremiah Lewis's red Toyota Camry approaching.
I couldn't help but grin and wave at him.
To my surprise, he pulled over and motioned for me to get in."I was thinking about stopping by an amusement park. How about we go together?" he suggested, his excitement contagious.
Delighted, I eagerly agreed, thrilled at the idea of spending time with Jeremy.
He drove us to the nearest amusement park, paid for our tickets, and we soon found ourselves on the spinning roundabout ride, screaming with joy as it twirled us around.
Afterward, we moved to the swings, laughing breathlessly as we soared through the air.
We even took a turn riding one of the park's horses, sharing the exhilarating experience.
When we finally stopped to catch our breath, Jeremiah took out a handkerchief and gently dabbed at the sweat on my forehead.
His unexpected gesture made my heart race.
It was the first time I'd felt so close to him."Are you okay?" he asked softly.
I nodded, swallowing hard. "I'm good."
"Let's grab something to eat," he suggested, taking my hand and leading me to a nearby restaurant.
I ordered rice, while he chose yam porridge.
After our meal, we walked back to his car, which was parked outside.
As I climbed in, I finally found my voice. "Thank you for today, Jeremy."
He smiled warmly. "Thank you for keeping me company, my dear friend."
He drove me home, and we waved at each other as if we were long-lost lovers.
It wasn't until I was standing by my door that I noticed Juliet had been watching us all along.
She grinned mischievously."My friend is in love," she teased.
I laughed uneasily. "We're just friends. Besides, he's divorced. Christianity doesn't allow it."
She shrugged. "Who says they were officially married?"
"Swanta isn't an illegitimate child," I retorted.
"Is that your only reason?" she pressed.
I rolled my eyes. "Don't make me tackle you with Francis since you want to tackle me with Jeremy"
We both burst into laughter, the tension between us dissolving in that moment.