Love and Hiplife

by Nana Prah

  His words were too beautiful, reminding her more of poetry than messages.

  One in particular had her heart racing.

  ‘I am not worthy of such a blessing as her.

  The woman of faith had me longing for more.

  Light in her eyes, laughter from her mouth, kindness from her soul

  Bring me to a state of need too great to contain.

  My world has been thrown off course and a new path set.

  It is with her that I see the future flow.’

  She slid her finger across the screen to clear it. Time to stop moping about him and get on with life. His texts weren’t enough to make her change her mind.

  What would? her heart taunted.

  Deola had contacted her and told her in a covert manner that she would back off. It didn’t mean that she belonged with Blaise. If they got together, wouldn’t some other woman who thought she deserved him more than Lamisi come and try to bump her off one day?

  But then again, maybe she could be enough.

  She’d never know unless she gave them a chance. Did she trust him enough with her heart to do that? Did she believe in herself?

  She sank into her bed, ending the question and answer period in her overactive mind. Picking up the remote control, she turned on her television and switched to the station showing the music awards. They were still ushering people onto the red carpet, so she kept it on mute while watching the glamour pass by on her screen.

  How many of the artists she’d interviewed would be at the ceremony?

  Who was she kidding? She didn’t care. She watched for one reason only. To catch a glimpse of the man who had shaken her world and caused her to question so many things about who she knew herself to be.

  Whatever happened between them, she hoped Blaise won all the categories he’d been nominated for, especially Artiste of the Year. He deserved it. His competition consisted of some great musicians, but Blaise was the absolute best.

  You only think that because you’re in love with him.

  She bounded out of bed, slapping a palm against her forehead. “Oh my goodness.”

  Dropping onto the edge of the mattress, she supported herself with braced arms so she wouldn’t slide off.

  Was she in love with him?

  She wiggled her fingers, and prickles of numbness woke them. How long had she been contemplating her feelings about the man she’d tossed away out of fear and self-preservation?

  Yes, she loved him. Unexpected and scary, but true.

  What would she do about it? Love wasn’t something that came into her life often. Precious would tell her to go for it. Should she, or was it too late? His texts didn’t indicate it. Those treasurable words spoke of the opposite.

  For the first time since she’d tried ghosting herself out of his life, she thought of Blaise and smiled. Her heart still hammered with uncertainty, but at least, she was willing to give them a chance.

  A banging on her door jarred her out of her musings. “Come in.”

  Amadu burst in, glanced at the silent screen, and then grabbed the remote control. “You’ve got to see this.”

  Her breath caught as Blaise filled her screen.

  Amadu turned the volume up. “He’s singing a new song. In French, Twi, and English. Is it one of the ones you two were working on?”

  As she listened, the lyrics sounded familiar, but the song hadn’t been one she’d translated for him. She would definitely recall a tune that made her wind her hips while still seated. The music was slower than his previously released songs. Smoother.

  After a few minutes, the impact of the words hit her, and she gravitated to the television.

  “Damn!”

  The lyrics were the same as the texts he’d sent her. Only instead of them being in English, he sang the chorus in impeccable French.

  Amadu tugged her out of the way. “Yeah, he sounds amazing. I don’t understand half of what he’s saying, but the beat is killer.”

  The crowd seemed to think so, too, as they danced. Rotating their hips, showing off the strength of their thighs and asses. At least the ladies did. She expected at least one of them to injure herself with the extent of their movements. The men in the crowd didn’t seem to mind as they watched with smiling appreciation.

  Was she the only one who knew he was pouring his heart out? Did anyone else care that the lyrics could bring tears to their eyes if fully understood? Or was it just her?

  She blinked away the burn.

  And then, the camera focused on a woman with hair flowing over bare shoulders. An emerald green dress cascaded over her curvaceous body. Deola smiled wide with one hand against her chest as she blew a kiss to Blaise.

  Lamisi’s skin went cold with dread. She couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed. The two were together. They had to be. Why else was she at the event gazing at him like a woman enamoured? It had to be the reason why Deola had contacted her, because she’d won.

  Like a scared sheep, Lamisi had walked out on him. Leaving him to fall in love with whoever his heart chose. It obviously wasn’t her. She didn’t blame him, either. The easy way out of a situation wasn’t always the best. Now that she’d come to terms with her feelings for him, she wished she could’ve handled things differently. Trusted that he would take care of Deola like he said he would.

  “Are you okay?” Amadu asked.

  She forced a smile. “I’m fine. The song just got to me. It’s a masterpiece.”

  “I’m sure the radio’s going to be playing it on the constant when it comes out.”

  She nodded her agreement as she watched his performance come to an end.

  Blaise looked at the cheering crowd and gave them a broad smile. “Sealed with a Kiss is dedicated to my mountain woman.”

  Had she heard him correctly?

  If she hadn’t, the camera panning to view Deola with her lips pressed into a tight line confirmed it.

  Lamisi stared at the screen. Breathing didn’t come easy as her chest tightened. The song had been for her. He’d created and sung it just for her.

  The floor developed trampoline-like properties as she did high-knee jogs while squealing. She ignored her brother’s look of incredulity as she jumped side to side and waved her hands high.

  Breathing heavy and grinning so hard that her cheeks were starting to hurt, she flung her arms around herself and squeezed.

  “What’s gotten into you? One minute you look ready to cry, the next you’re all manic. Do I need to call Mom and Dad to take you to the hospital?”

  “For a case of extreme happiness? No.” When his drawn brows didn’t relax, she added, “I’m mountain woman. We first met on Mt. Afadjato.”

  Nodding, Amadu joined her with the grinning. “Now you can stop being so crabby.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t—” Why bother to deny it? Being without Blaise had turned her into a grouch.

  “Sorry,” she said. It would’ve been a better apology without the ear-to-ear smile she still sported.

  “No problem. It’s good to see you happy. So, what happened between you and Blaise to get you down?”

  “I was dumb.”

  He stumbled backwards and gasped three times in a row. “Are you admitting that women can be the cause of relationship breakdowns? I’m sure you can’t tell, but I’m shocked.”

  The giggles wouldn’t stop bubbling out of her.

  Her phone pinged, indicating a text. She picked it up. Blaise.

  ‘Did you watch my performance?’

  She flicked a gaze to her brother.

  “Thanks for informing about Blaise’s performance.”

  Amadu chuckled. “Tell him he hit it hard. He’s got a for sure number one on his hands.”

  “Just get out.”

  As soon as the door clicked shut, she tapped into her phone.

  ‘Yes.’

  Blaise: And…

  Lamisi: Amadu told me to tell you that you’ve got a #1 hit on your hands

  Blaise: Tell him I said
thanks. What did you think?

  Should she play with him or get to the point? How fragile was his ego about his music? May as well find out.

  Lamisi: I didn’t cover my ears when you sang in French

  Blaise:  All thanks to you. What about the lyrics?

  The moment of truth.

  Lamisi: Even though you plagiarized yourself from the texts, they were beautiful. I thought so when they were words on my phone, but you singing them brought them new meaning. I loved the song, Blaise. You’re an amazing musician

  When a response didn’t come after a couple of minutes, she settled in to watch the award show while keeping a strict eye out for Blaise. She wished she could be seated next to him.

  She didn’t care if the world knew they were together as long as she could spend time with him. Appreciate his considerate and seemingly carefree nature. Laugh with and adore him until ... Hopefully, neither would get tired of the other.

  Her phone played her favourite song of Blaise’s. She’d have to get a hold of his new one and swap the ringtone.

  Biting down on the inside of her cheek while her heart did dangerous things in her chest, she put the TV on mute and answered. “Hello?”

  “I’m glad my number one fan liked the song.”

  Applause and people hooting filtered through the phone, corresponding with the activity on her television.

  “It’s always important to keep a mountain woman happy. You never know the consequences.”

  Their laughter merged.

  “I’d like to see you tonight, but the awards ceremony seems like it’s going to last forever.”

  Last year, it took five hours. “You have to stay and grab your award for Artiste of the Year.”

  “There’s no guarantee I’ll win. The competition is intense.”

  Such a humble man. Something she hadn’t expected him to be before they’d first met, and it increased her respect for him.

  “Yeah, but you’re the best out of all of them. That award is yours. Make sure you have your speech ready. No bumbling around on the stage so that they cut to the adverts on you.”

  He chuckled. “I wish you were here.”

  “Me, too.” She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “We both know I would’ve declined the invitation if you’d asked earlier.”

  “True. We need to talk, Lamisi.”

  They sure did. “Okay.”

  “How about if I pick you up tomorrow at around one and we’ll have lunch.”

  “Sounds good. I have a couple of things to take care of in the morning.”

  He didn’t need to know that she would’ve skipped out on washing her clothes to see him again. She had some apologizing and explaining to do.

  “I take it,” she continued. “You’ll be partying for the rest of the night and will sleep the morning away.”

  An aspect of his life her introverted personality would have to get used to.

  “Huh. Everyone calls me the old man, and that’s when they’re being nice. I’m a homebody. It’s why my house is filled with so many expensive toys. I attend parties to show my face and meet the key players. Once that’s done, I’m out.”

  She could handle that. “Try to enjoy yourself a little, old man.”

  He did a combination groan and chuckle. “I probably shouldn’t have shared.”

  Things on his end started getting loud as music blasted through the air. “Nope.”

  “I’ve got to go,” he shouted into the phone. “Text me your address.”

  “Okay. Have fun.” But not too much.

  “Thanks. Have a good night, mountain woman.”

  The unromantic nickname made her ecstatic. “You, too, King of Francohip.”

  His laughter tickled her ear as he hung up.

  Thing between them had gone from miserable to getting so good. Love was pure power.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  If Blaise didn’t settle down, he’d crash his car before reaching Lamisi. He wrapped his fingers around the steering wheel to stop the repetitive cracking of his knuckles. Willing himself to keep his backside still, his leg no longer propelled the vehicle faster than he intended.

  The computerized voice told him to take a right. Another turn had him on a wide dirt path where the road had yet to be paved. She’d mentioned that she still lived at home with her parents and two of her siblings. Would he get to meet any of them?

  He wanted to be with her. If he had to chat up every member of her family to make it happen, then he would.

  The app told him he’d reached his destination. Instead of calling to tell her he’d arrived, he opened the door, climbed out of his Volvo SUV, and strode to the gate. After pressing the bell, mouth dry and hands moist, he waited.

  Lamisi bounded out of the house a minute later. She looked through the open slats of the large gate and waved at him.

  Grinning, he returned the gesture as she let herself out.

  Not even writing and recording his own songs had ever been as thrilling as this moment of finally being with Lamisi. Such a deep longing to see someone astounded him. Maybe he’d never been in love. Until now.

  “Hi.” She flounced towards him wearing a light blue floral dress that reached her knees.

  “Hey,” was all he could get out.

  “Congratulations, Mr. Best Music Video of the Year, Hiplife Artiste of the Year, Record of the Year, and Artiste of the Year. A clean sweep. I told you you’d win.”

  He dove into the arms she held open. Their embrace was much too short as his head swelled at the pride her voice carried.

  “You certainly did. Thank you for believing in me.”

  “It’s easy to have faith in apparent talent.” As if his winning the awards was an everyday event, she changed the subject. “Instead of going out, I cooked lunch. The house is all ours.”

  She broke eye contact and kicked at a stone. Was she worried that he’d say no? Being alone with her was his dream.

  “That’s if you don’t mind. My food isn’t as delicious as Aunty Vida’s, but people have asked for another serving on occasion.”

  He chuckled. “I’d thought about inviting you over to try some of my home cooking.”

  She let him into the compound. “Next time.”

  Sounded like a promise. Although she seemed relaxed and happy to see him, playing it cool got harder with each moment in her presence.

  He diverted his attention to the massive home. Nothing flashy, but solid. A place where five children could have their own space to explore. The interior was simply decorated and comfortable.

  “I’ll be right back with some water,” she offered once he was seated.

  He stiffened his muscles to stop himself from following her into the kitchen. Taking in a deep breath, he reminded himself that she had allowed him to see her. A positive sign.

  She returned before he could study all of the pictures filling the room. He’d spotted Lamisi right away and grinned at the child missing two front teeth in her wide smile while standing in front of a cake.

  He removed the bottle of chilled water from the tray, opened it, and took a sip.

  “Are you hungry? The omotuo and groundnut soup are ready.”

  Mashed rice formed into a ball was one of his favourites. “I’m looking forward to eating your food, but I think we should talk first.”

  ***

  Why couldn’t he let them continue on the path of renewing what self-preservation had set her to destroy? She appreciated his directness and willingness to communicate, but there was no need to dive into the main topic.

  “How did you produce the song you sang last night so fast?”

  “Would the fact that I was motivated be an adequate answer?” he asked in a deep, smooth tone. His voice of seduction.

  Heat crept up her neck and into her face. Goodness, she wished she was better at flirting. “No, it wouldn’t. First tell me what motivated you and then how you got it done so quickly.”

  His eyes lured her in
to their depths. Could he see that she loved him? She didn’t care if he never answered the question, as long as she could stay near him.

  “You inspired me to write and record the song. I needed you to hear it so you’d understand just how serious I am about us. How much I enjoy getting to know you. You’re an incredible woman, Lamisi. Genuine, beautiful, supportive, kind, and playful. I’m a better man when I’m with you.”

  The sentiment must’ve punctured a lung because the air whooshed out of her.

  She sucked in a deep breath through her nose. “Deola sent a sequence of texts saying that she was backing off. Thank you.”

  “I told you I’d take care of her. I promise that she’ll never bother you again.”

  Curious, she hinged forward at the hips to get the dirt. “What did you say to her?”

  His casual shrug let her know she wouldn’t get the complete answer.

  “We established an understanding.”

  Sounded rather gangster, but she wouldn’t press it. Not fearing for her or her family’s lives every time they opened the front door had dissipated.

  Her body sang a song dedicated to him when he placed a hand on her cheek.

  “Now that your life isn’t at risk, are we okay? Can we get back on the dating track?”

  She became weightless as everything in world clicked in place. “Yes.”

  Not wasting any more time, he captured her mouth in a kiss that she responded to with all the passion which flared up in her. A homecoming that made her forget why she’d ever tried to leave him. She knew for certain she wouldn’t again.

  Gripping the front of his shirt, she tugged him closer, opening to him. Giving and taking. Ravenous hands roamed over his shoulders. She took in his unique scent and minty taste as she absorbed his essence and gave hers freely.

  She moaned, letting the perfection of the moment permeate into her.

  He ended the kiss with a light brush to her lips. Pulling away, his soulful eyes gazed into hers with a concentration she adored having directed only at her.