The One Who Holds Me (Sovereign Love #4)

41. Olanna

41

OLANNA

NOW

T oday is the day, and Lerato has not let me rest since I came in this morning. “So, did you pray about it?” she asks as she hands me my usual Monday morning chai latte from Rosa’s Café.

“Yes, girl. I sure did.” I sip on the hot drink as we walk into my office.

“And?” She plops herself in the chair opposite my desk. “Are you going to give him another chance?”

“No comment.” I force down my smile and then pretend to zip my mouth shut before throwing away the imaginary key behind me, just like Melissa does when we call her out for talking too much.

“Oh, come on, sister.” Lerato switches her accent. “Why would you do that to me? I’ve been rooting for you two and praying all weekend.”

“Aww, you’re such a wonderful friend, you know that, right?” I lean forward and squeeze her hand. When I first hired Lerato as an assistant, I never imagined we would end up being good friends like this. She has been a blessing all along. “Don’t worry. You’ll find out what my decision is by lunchtime.”

“ Phew , okay. I wish I didn’t have to wait that long, but I’ll take it for now.”

“Thanks for understanding.” I flip open my Filofax planner as Lerato and I go through the agenda for the day. Then when we’re done making our to-do list, she stands up to leave, but then stops at the door.

“Oh, by the way. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

I straighten my back as she sits down again. “Sure, is everything okay with you and Paul?” Worry wraps around my voice and squeezes my heart tight as I search her face for clues. Paul and Lerato are so perfect for each other, and my heart won’t recover from it if something goes wrong.

“Yes, everything is fine.”

Phew. Thank You, Jesus.

“Olanna, would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?”

I press my lips together as my eyes water. “Aww, girl. Really?” I reach across the desk and hold her hand.

“Yes, really. You know my story about my previous employers and how horribly they treated me. When I first applied for this job, I was so lost about what I wanted to do with my life and I prayed for God to put me in a place where I could grow and get closer to where He wants me to be. I not only got an amazing boss, but I got someone who I can genuinely call a sister and a friend.”

“Stop it, girl. You’re gonna make me cry.” I dab the corner of my eyes.

“Oh, not today.” Lerato picks up a notepad on my desk and fans my face as we both try to fight off the tears so I don’t ruin my makeup. Today is a special day.

“Honestly, Olanna, you are the definition of a queen. Your attitude toward serving in this company has been so inspiring. I don’t know how you do it, but you inspire me so much.” She stands up and I walk around the table to meet her.

“Aww, you’re the sweetest person ever. Of course, I’ll be one of your bridesmaids. It’ll be an honor. I’ve never been to a South African wedding before, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“ Aye , sister. Prepare yourself because it’ll be lit.”

“Yes, I can’t wait.” We hug each other again before Lerato leaves and I get ready for my Monday meeting with the department managers. At face value, I’m concentrating and listening to everything that is being said, but God sees my heart, and He knows I want to be with the man I love.

So when the clock strikes twelve, I push myself away from my desk, and Lerato joins me on our mission. While in the elevator, Lerato adjusts my curly puff, which I got by doing a twist-out on my locs last night. I touch up on my Monday black matte lipstick and Lerato sprays my underarms with the perfume she always carries with her.

After getting off the elevator, it only takes a few steps into the open plan office before Alex comes into my view. He is wearing a black, gray, and brown sweater, black jeans and suede high tops. He got a fresh trim over the weekend and he looks even more handsome than the last time I saw him. It should be illegal for someone to look this good.

Alex lifts his head and locks eyes with me, and that warm, fuzzy sensation returns, making me all jittery like a little girl. Yin, who was speaking to Alex when I walked in, walks away when he sees me. Lerato drifts away to meet Melissa in the digital marketing section of the office and Neil, who I can spot at the far left of the office, is on the phone, but craning his neck in our direction.

“Hey.” Alex smiles when I stop in front of him. It’s the one smile I’ve been looking forward to all weekend.

“Hey.” I return his smile and when I realize how many pairs of eyes are on me, the shy little girl inside me takes over.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asks, but I feel having this conversation here would help dispel all the rumors.

“No, I think I’m okay here. Unless you are…”

“No, I’m fine.” He pauses, waiting for me to speak.

We stare into each other’s eyes and I block out everything and everyone around us as memories from all the times we shared in college flash back in my mind.

A lot has happened between us, but he still looks at me with the same kindness in his eyes, the same kindness I saw in the guy who stayed up all night with me to distract me from missing Mom.

A lump builds in my throat as emotions well up in my chest. “You’re leaving Madu Health in two weeks.” I inch forward and he does, too.

“I can always ask my bosses to extend my stay here.” His response is quick, as if he already knew what I was going to say.

“Yeah, but eventually, you’ll have to leave. What will happen then? What about the days when I’m all moody and sad and all I want is a hug from you to make everything better? What are we going to do about days like that, huh?”

I know I’m being dramatic because we’ll only be less than an hour away from each other, but I think I’m allowed to do some shakara like the true Naija babe I am.

My antics do not fluster Alex, though. With his hands in his pockets, he towers over me and holds my gaze. “If you say yes to me, baby, you won’t have to worry about me giving my all. Distance is not a problem because whenever you need me, I’ll be there.”

He caresses my cheek with his thumb. “You won’t have to worry about me having your back or about me staying or leaving. I’m not the same Alex who broke your heart two years ago. That man has done a lot of maturing. That man has encountered God in ways you can never imagine and that man is standing in front of you today—a new person who would do anything to put a smile on your face and love you the way you deserve to be loved—like the strong, beautiful and relentless queen you are.”

As I stare into his brown eyes, standing this close to him and listening to his words, my heart accepts what has always been. This is the moment God was telling me about. He told me to trust Him to bring us back together, and He did.

“I love you, Alex.” My hands rest on his chest and he wastes no time in kissing them. He cups my face and leans closer. When I don’t move away, he takes it as a sign and kisses my forehead. I stare at his pink lips, waiting and expecting them to meet mine again.

He closes the gap between us and plants his lips on mine. The surrounding crowd erupts in cheers, but we’re not moved by their applause. His arms run down to my neck and I wrap my arms around him, pulling him close to me and inhaling every scent he exudes. He kisses me softly and gently—the same way I remember, and when we’re both running out of breath, we break the kiss.

“I love you, Olanna.” He leans his forehead against mine. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to kiss you again,” he whispers.

“And you have no idea how much I’ve longed to be in your arms again.” I plant his arms around my waist as we both sway side-to-side to the unheard music that our hearts are dancing to. “So, we’re really doing this again, right?”

“Yes, baby.”

“No more lies, right?”

He nods vigorously. “Baby, I’m done being stupid.”

I chuckle. “You really want this as much as I do?”

“With every fiber of my being.” He leans close, sensing the desire in my voice.

“Then kiss me again.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He pulls me close and plants another kiss on my lips. His arms, his lips, his closeness are familiar. It feels right. It feels safe.