"Cal's girlfriend?" Jake asked, looking very irritated.
"Isn't that what you said, beautiful?" the colonel asked.
I gave him a stern look, he must have been really shocked. I didn't know what to say. Everyone was expecting my response, including Cal. Couldn't he help me? "I didn't mean it in that way"
"Then, tell us how you meant it," Jake said, acting furious.
I began to wonder why he was so furious and every other person was so interested in hearing me out. What's the big deal about being Cal's girlfriend?
"Sir, please, can we be excused?" Cal finally said something, he was requesting some privacy between himself, Jake, and me. He didn't sound confident like he always does when he speaks.
They all left. Leaving only I, Cal, and Jake
"Sidney, Jake had initially sent me to you," he exhaled for a moment and continued while I curiously waited to hear what exactly he was trying to say. Jake was also patiently listening to him. "He was a little nervous to approach you because he truly loves you."
He's got to be kidding me, right? What is this nonsense that I just heard? I didn't even know when I hissed and was about to walk away, but Jake held me back.
"He's right" he started looking me in the eye, and it was really difficult to maintain eye contact with him. "I developed feelings for you, Sidney. That was why I made time to always visit my sister, just to see you. I didn't know how to approach you, you didn't seem approachable. You were always too engrossed doing your job and never really gave me that audience."
I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. I struggled to maintain eye contact with him and listen to what he was saying. I was burning inside, for crying out loud! Why did this have to happen now when I have started developing an interest in this deceiver, Cal? I looked at Cal, and he pathetically looked back at me. Jake distracted me again.
"I have always had issues approaching a woman, and Cal seemed to know how to, so I asked him to help me talk to you. But I am glad he didn't, and I am doing it right now. Sidney, can I be your man, please?"
I almost pee my pants in anxiety. So, all the while, Jake had liked me. Why didn't he even throw advances at me? Rather, he made me feel invisible. I was dumbfounded. What would you have me say? Yes? I can't! What I felt for him is gone, just some lazy infatuation. Now, I feel something stronger for Cal, not knowing he was trying to match me. I thought he liked me too. Why then did he kiss me? Hold on! I need to ask him that.
"Cal, why did you…"
"I'm sorry," he said and immediately cut me short.
I melted. I had a million thoughts running in my head. Why did Cal hire me? Was that actually Cal's house or Jake's? What is happening? I let myself off Jake's grip and attempted to leave without saying a word, but he held me back again.
"I know, I know it's a lot for you to take right now because it's sudden. I will be waiting. I will be waiting for your reply. I'd be…"
"No." I managed to say. I couldn't let this continue.
"What do you mean?" Jake asked, his voice was shaky.
I knew instantly that he wanted this badly, but I can't afford to. I should just leave Abuja. Run away from these men. What kind of friends are these? This isn't what I want! I do not want Jake, I don't want him anymore! "I'm sorry, Jake, I don't feel the same way. I…" I looked at Cal once again and felt so disappointed. He turned his face away, also looking guilty. What has he done? Why the hell did he kiss me? He has feelings for me. I could tell. But….
"Give him a chance, Sidney. He truly loves you" Cal said, avoiding eye contact with me.
"I'll need time to think about it then," I said, I need to get to the root of this. I need to know if Cal feels the same way I feel.
"Thank you, Sidney. I will wait for your answer"
"So, who is actually hiring me?" I asked Cal.
"Actually, Jake will relocate to my place after his assignments to escort the president to the USA."
I just scoffed in disbelief. "Y'all planned this?"
"It wasn't planned initially, but it just happened," Cal said innocently.
"Don't worry, Sidney. Annie doesn't have any idea about this, and I do not plan to involve her in any way. I know my sister. She is trouble."
I just gave a smile. "Okay, I guess I should resume work. I have to cook, right?"
"I already ordered something so you don't have to" Cal gave a side smile. I just gave him a stern look and started heading for the way out. "I already arranged for the waybill of your belongings from Annie's house to the house"
"Thank you"
I was just too weak. I headed for the car while the both of them followed behind. I am in a mess! I am in a love triangle.
*********