Chapter 41

'Becca, meet Lili. She is the one I have being talking over the phone with and the owner of this restaurant. She is a great cook, I haven't seen anyone that can beat her cooking yet… Lydia blushed, I smile but I still wanted to hear more. How is Lydia related to him? Is she a friend, an ex, his wife or what exactly? I was beginning to get impatient. I spoke before Ohio will continue with the introduction. 'I have met Lydia before. I never knew she was the Lili you have being talking about. This place used to be my best restaurant but I stopped coming after my ex broke up with me here. That night I was devastated but Lydia offered to help and even took me home that night. I lost her business card and I never get a chance to thank her for her kindness. Ohio shouted 'wow" and Lili snapped her finger excitedly. 'ehee!… I knew that I have seen your face before. We have a lot of customers coming and going here, I couldn't figure it out. I remember that night very well and what a coincidence that the lady after Ohio's heart is same one that wanted to die because of an unworthy man. I told you that with time you will get a better man who deserves you and here we are….you are lucky to have a man like Ohio and he is blessed to have you because I see your selflessness that night. You are transparent and love deeply. You have nothing to fear Becca, you are in safe hands. I felt relaxed at Lydia's word. She makes me feel at peace, with the way she speak. It shows that she and Ohio are not into any Eros kind of love affair. Maybe is a platonic relationship, they have grown fond of each other. 'This is quite interesting to know that both of you have met before. Becca, I know I showed you my family members. My Mom, Dad, Klint and Natalie. Yes they are my family and Lili here is another family member that I didn't mention, you were so curios to know who she was and I decided to leave all the introduction till we meet with her. Lili is my cousin. We grew up together back in the state before she came down to the country. When my Mom was ill, she was the one taking care of the house, she was a good cook back then and even far better now and we all enjoyed her food. And most important she took care of Natalie during my mother's absence. We all grew fond of her until she decided to come down here, and later got married. She have two smart boys and her husband is also an international trained chef. They run this place together but sometimes he enjoy staying with his boys, teaching them how to be real men… hahahahaha! Lili has over fed me with her delicious cooking ever since I relocated down here. She sends food to my house, office and I can never complain that I'm hungry anytime she is around. She also thought Dora how to prepare some delicacies. She is really taking care of me like one of her boys, even though she is just 'three years" ahead of me in age which is really nothing. She used to spank me whenever I say that back when I was still a boy but not again. I have already accepted to be anything even if she sees me as one of her boys, I don't mind. All that matters to me is I get fed at all time, I won't complain….. We all burst out laughing. Maybe I was laughing even more because I feel so free and very much relaxed after hearing him say Lili was his 'cousin" As we sat, Lili called one of the staffs and gave him menu for Ohio. She seem to know his favourite foods. She asked me what I wanted and I mentioned mine without shyness. I know I said that I wasn't hungry before but I am now. Lili later left me and Ohio alone immediately our food arrives. Ohio turned to me with a smile and said. 'Did you think I will have another woman and still come after you? If Lili was my wife, girlfriend or lover why will I still want to be in another relationship? I know some men keep different women but I'm a whole different man. I can't keep two women at the same time and I don't rush into a relationship or rush into anything at all. I take my time Becca and that is what I want you to understand about me. I may see a lady and admire her, either her looks, her hairdo, her styles of dressing but it ends right there. I won't go further when I know I'm in a relationship with someone. I asked you to trust me and I need you to do just that. I love you Becca….i understand you might have had several heart breaks and confuse when the word 'love" is mentioned. This is why you need to trust me. I won't sugar coat my word just to please you. I'm too old for such games. Klint, my younger brother got married at 29years. I'm 34 and will be turning 35years soon and I don't want to make any mistake when it comes to settling down. Becca, I will tell you exactly how I feel and what I want from you, I hate to beat around with words. You got me glued the first period I started noticing you back in the office. And ever since then I have not being able to think of another woman except you….even when you pushed me off with the news of your engagement I still thinks of you. But still have to respect your decisions. i hate double dating, I don't adhere anything cheating in a relationship and will not because of my selfishness pressurize you into my life and you will end up hurting another man who trusted you. I stayed away from dramas. I believe even if you are not the right person, I will end up happy with another woman that will understand me. And I'm glad….that is you Becca" I wanted everything about you right from the day I started nurturing my feelings towards you" I was enjoying both the food and the words as it poured from his mouth. I love hearing him reassure me of his love. It makes me feel so good and secure. Even though I'm yet to understand how he loves and want me but will turn off anytime i try to get so intimate with him. We had a great day with Lili. She asked the managers to take charge in her absence as she took us to meet her family. I met her husband and two sons. Her house was not far from the restaurant, so it was a short drive. We stayed over there and the husband made desert and ice tea for everyone, his wife was not left out. They look good together. We later hugged and said goodbye to everyone before entering the road back to our base. Ohio went to drop me off and as usual we said our good nights and he waited until I was in before driving off. The following week, our relationship blossomed beautifully. He still come to the office with his pretty secretary whom he also introduced to me as Cherry. Weekend came again and Ohio was busy with business meeting outside the state which will take him up to a month. I spoke with Melinda who said she was going to check out wedding gowns and shoes for her upcoming wedding. She asked me to join her and since I was less busy I jumped at the offer. She drove all the way down to pick me up before we left. While at the place, she was given different wedding gowns to try, and at the end she made a choice with one. it was very beautiful gown that fit perfectly with her shape. I also tried some of the wedding gowns just for fun and I looked forward to that day I will finally be in one. We got what we wanted and left and Melinda drove me back to my place. We stayed inside talking about different things and Ohio was one of our major topics. Ohio called me to check on how I was doing and even get to speak with Melinda. After the call we continued our small gossip. I opened up to Melinda about my fear concerning Ohio. Melinda was even surprised.