by Nana Prah
Jason smiled.
She crossed her arms over her chest, bringing the crest of her breasts into view. Nice. He made a mental note to make Ora cross her arms throughout the night.
“You feel me vibrating with anger and then you smile when I tell you why? Not a wise move, buddy.”
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t wipe his grin off. “I’m not smiling because you’re angry. It’s because I’ve never seen you jealous before.”
“I’m not jealous.”
He lifted both of his eyebrows.
She paced the small area of the hut. “Well, maybe just a little. But I overheard her last week when I went to pick up a suction machine from the theatre saying she’d be stealing you away.”
Jason broke out into laughter that lasted for a full minute. When he got control of himself, he wiped the tears from his eyes.
Ora stood glaring. “You’re walking in quicksand, Jason. What’s so funny?”
“You are. Do you know how many women try to ‘get me’ as you put it?” He made air quotes with his index fingers. “I have no interest in any other woman than you. I asked you to be my girlfriend. I am a one-woman man and you are my one woman.”
Ora narrowed her eyes.
“Don’t you believe me?” Jason asked. “And besides, even if we weren’t together, I would never date her. I see right through her. She’s beautiful but she has no depth and she can be mean.”
The word “bitch” came to mind, plus her nursing skills needed a major revision. He wouldn’t get into her laziness and weak work ethic. He’d brought her to the party because she’d invited herself when he asked Kwaku and Rose, two of the best theatre nurses he’d had the pleasure to work with in Ghana.
“So you admit she’s beautiful.”
“I’d have to be a blind man not to. But she’s not a good person. Not like you, Ora. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, kind, generous, and fantastic woman. You’re all I desire.” He punctuated this with a kiss on her left cheek. “You’re all I want.” He kissed her right cheek. “You are mine.” He kissed her lips.
She wound her arms around his neck and he deepened the kiss by sliding her tongue inside his mouth.
They didn’t notice Esi had joined them in the hut until she cleared her throat. They sprang apart.
“Again with the kissing!” Esi exclaimed and tried to hide her smile. “There’s a party going on out there. I came for some more salad; they love it.” She got the salad and left the area, dancing to the latest Samini song.
Jason and Ora laughed.
“Are you all right now?” He hoped he’d waylaid her fears. He’d been honest. He couldn’t envision himself with any other woman but her.
“Yes. Let’s go enjoy the party.”
Ora needed a break from the guests and drifted toward the sea. She skittered backward with a squeal of delight as the cool water lapped onto her feet. The second time the small wave hit her, she stood still, looked out into the vastness of the ocean, and said a prayer of gratitude.
She sensed someone’s presence. One of the tallest men she’d ever encountered had decided to join her. He had to be at least six foot five with a body of pure muscle. Handsome but not in the same way as her Jason. His brown trousers were rolled up to his knees.
She moved forward until the water hit her shins. “I’m glad you could make it to the party.”
He followed until he stood at her side.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Dr. Adam Quarshie winked.
Ora didn’t fall for his flirtation. “Your reputation precedes you, Quarshie.”
He angled his head. “What reputation? You know I’m one of the best doctors in all of Ghana?”
Ora laughed. Dangerous was the one word she’d use to describe him and yet she felt comfortable. “There’s that, and you’re a flirt by nature. A player.”
He put his hands on his chest as if he’d been wounded and then laughed. “Guilty as charged.”
They watched the waves roll in for a few minutes. “I wouldn’t have taken you to be a contemplative guy.”
“You shouldn’t judge people. Just because I love women, doesn’t mean I don’t have depth or other dimensions.”
She removed her gaze from the horizon to look at him. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“There’s one way you could make it up to me.” He smirked.
This rogue had set her up, but her curiosity got the better of her. “I won’t promise to do it, but how?”
“You could introduce me to your cousin. Leaving out the player part.”
Ora quirked her eyebrow up in surprise. No way Esi would go for this smooth-talking man. His reputation roamed as legend through the hospital and Esi didn’t want to be one of his statistics. Ora smiled in anticipation of how she’d react to him. She pitied the handsome giant.
“Okay, but don’t get your hopes up. Because you’re Jason’s friend, I’ll give you a heads’ up.”
“What is it?”
“Her words can be scathing, worse toward men who use women.”
“Thanks for the info. Let me clarify that I don’t use women, I enjoy them. We enjoy each other.”
Ora put her hands over her ears and sang, “La, la, la, la. Too much information.” They laughed. “Just remember I warned you.”
“I’ll take my chances.” He bent over and threw water at her.
The cold shocked her, but not for long. Instead of being angry, she reached down, splashed him back, and giggled while running away so he wouldn’t get the opportunity to retaliate.
As they walked back to the party, Adam pointed toward the food table. “It looks like I’ve upset Jason.”
Her man glared at them—at Adam, actually—with a snarl on his face. When he noticed her observing him, he changed his countenance and lifted one corner of his mouth in what should have been a grin.
Adam did a teasing finger roll wave while Jason gave him a rude finger gesture. “He’s a good man. The best friend I’ve ever had.”
“He is a good man. I’m not sure how good a friend you are, splashing your best friend’s girl like you just did.”
“If you weren’t with him, I’d put my real moves on you by placing the water in strategic places.”
She squinted at him. “And I’d put the real shut down on you.”
“I wonder who’d win that battle,” he asked with a genuine pensive expression. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I like to embarrass Jason every chance I get. He’s into you. I’ve never seen him so committed to a woman.”
“You say committed as if it’s a bad word.”
“Isn’t it?” He shivered, making his mouth and cheeks shake. “He likes you a lot and I can see why.”
“Thank you. I can see how you obtained your reputation. You’re a slick rascal.”
He bowed at the waist while moving his right hand in repeated circles. “Your compliments abound.”
“I renege on my offer. You’ll have to find your own introduction to Esi.”
“No problem. I didn’t gain my reputation by sitting on the sidelines.” He winked.
Jason marched over and glared at Adam.
“Jason!”
Adam touched her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, Ora. He’s all bark and no bite. Right, Chale?” Adam punched his friend in shoulder and walked away laughing.
A slow song played through the speakers. Jason pulled her into his arms and she sighed with contentment as she laid her head on his shoulder and their bodies moved in an unhurried, smooth rhythm. She inhaled his spicy cologne mixed with the salt air of the ocean and curled her arms around his neck so she could touch more of him.
Ora spoke without moving her head from where it should have been all night. “You know he intended to make you mad.”
“I know.”
His petulant tone amused her. “He said some good things about you.”
He pulled away to look down at her. She moved toward him to close the gap.
“Are you sure he didn’t try to embarrass me?”
“He admitted to doing that, too.”
They swayed in union to the music. Ora closed her eyes and her world became this wonderful man holding her in his arms. At that moment, they were one.
***
The party had been a success. When they walked into the house that evening, Ora, Jason, and Esi flopped down on the couch with exhaustion.
“You throw a great party, Esi. Worthy of my college days,” Jason said.
Esi beamed at the compliment. “Thanks. You’re a great dancer.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t I get any of the compliments being thrown around here? I helped with the party...a little. And I can dance, too.”
“Yes, baby. You can dance. You made me look good.”
Esi rolled her eyes. “I’ll put the food away. We have more than enough to last us for the week. Sorry, Ora, but the cake is almost gone.”
“Don’t worry about that. She ate most of it.”
She hit him on the shoulder. “I did not.”
He rubbed his shoulder as if in pain. “If you say so.”
Esi headed toward the kitchen. “After that, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”
“Sleep well, cuz. Thanks for talking me into the party. I had a good time.”
Jason grabbed Ora’s hand, leading her to the door. “I’m ready to go home.”
She hid her disappointment. She wanted him to stay and chat, maybe do some other things, but he’d worked all day and needed to sleep. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“I had a good time tonight,” he said when they were at the driver’s side.
“Me, too. Thanks for coming. Call me when you get home so I know you’re safe.”
He bent forward and kissed her on the mouth. She clung to his lips, enjoying their sweetness.
“Have a good night with dreams more delicious than all of that cake you ate tonight.”
“You’re funny. Have a good night.”
She watched him get into his car and waved as he drove away. She’d fallen in love with an amazing man.
Throughout the party, she’d watched that Gifty tramp trying to get close to him, but he had great skills when it came to avoiding her. What had he said earlier in the hut? Something about being chased by a lot of women. Remembering his words didn’t console her. But the fact that she’d seen him avoid Gifty so adeptly at the party made her feel better.
Expressing her feelings to him about that trollop made her feel more secure about their relationship.
When she fell asleep, her subconscious conjured dreams about Jason that she would never be able to tell her mother about.
Chapter Eleven
Although Ora had never been to the Aburi Gardens, she’d expected lots of flowers scattered around a vast area of land. Perhaps she’d been unfair to the Ghanaian gardens by comparing them to the glorious Kristenburg Botanical Garden she’d visited in Cape Town. The Aburi Gardens were nice, but they could have been richer. Plants of varying species were labelled making the area simple, pretty, and inviting.
The pathway lined with palm trees had to be her favourite. There, she took off her shoes, giggling at the sensation of the well–manicured, lush green grass tickling her feet.
“Thanks for bringing me here. I’ve heard it’s a romantic place to visit and now I can see why.”
“How could I resist taking the sweetest woman on Earth to a romantic spot?” Jason wiggled his eyebrows.
They’d seen each other in passing for the past couple of weeks because Jason had worked his own rotations and covered for a colleague who’d gotten married last weekend.
Ora put her sandals back on and joined him on the pavement. “I’ve missed you,” she confessed as they walked hand in hand. When he’d picked her up, she’d attacked him with kisses. If Esi hadn’t been in the house, they may not have made it to the gardens.
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“Dr. Canto had better be grateful to you for covering his shifts. I’m a little upset with him for keeping you away from me for so long.” She exaggerated her pout.
“Be careful of that bottom lip. You’ve stuck it out so far that I might have to nibble it.”
“You wouldn’t. Not in a public place.”
As an answer, he bent his head and nipped her lower lip. Her knees went rubbery. The teasing nibble turned into a full kiss. She slid her arms around his waist to pull him closer and lost herself in his embrace amidst the beauty of the gardens.
The laughter of children made them spring apart. She turned away, her face hot with embarrassment. In her whole life, she’d never kissed anyone in public. Ever. What had he done to her to make her forget herself? She couldn’t be mad at him, though. She’d been a more than willing participant.
For lunch, they ate at the garden’s restaurant. The forkful of dessert that would force her to unsnap the top button of her skirt had been midway to her mouth when his cell phone beeped, indicating a text. He read the message and frowned.
She put the fork down untouched. “What’s wrong? Please don’t tell me you have to go in to work?”
“No. It’s your friend, Gifty.”
“My real friend, Gifty?” What a ridiculous question. He’d never met her Gifty and Ora had never mentioned her to him.
“No. The theatre nurse. The one you met at the party.”
“What does she want?” Her voice had come out harsher than she’d intended.
His glance shifted from the message to her narrowed eyes before he handed her the phone.
“Hi Jas. I’m missing you. Wish you were with me. How about if we get together later today? I can show you a good time.” Punctuated by a winking smiley face.
She almost raised up her fist to smash the phone onto the table as if it was the hussy’s face, but logic intervened. She’d never been one of those women who hid her anger from a man until after the wedding. “What does that bitch think she’s doing?” Ora hissed. The park had changed from a healthy green to a hot red in her eyes.
Jason shifted his chair back a little. She guessed so he could beat a hasty retreat if the need arose.
“I don’t know, but I’ve told her to stop. She’s not getting the message.”
“That. Trifling. Whore.” Ora hadn’t shouted, but venom dripped from each word. Deep breaths. In...out...in...out. When she still had the raging desire to drive to her house, grab the little slut by her weave, and slam her face into a wall, she counted backward from ten. It helped calm her down a little bit. “What are you going to reply?”
“I just ignore her texts. I never reply.”
The breathing and counting had been for nothing because she’d returned back to square one, struggling to keep her voice under control. “Do you mean to tell me that slut has texted you more than once and you never mentioned it?”
The expression of innocence on his face would have made her laugh if anger hadn’t taken hold of her sense of humour.
“I didn’t think anything of it.”
“Didn’t think anything of it.” She mocked. “I told you she professed to be out to take you from me and you didn’t think anything of it? I can’t believe this.” She flung herself back into the chair and crossed her arms over her chest. Her left foot tapped over a hundred beats per minute.
“I know you’re angry, but it’s not my fault.”
“You’re damn right. I’m furious. I thought we had an open relationship where we actually communicate.”
Jason held his palms upward and out in front of him. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
“You did a great job of protecting me, didn’t you? Telling me about the first provocative text message wouldn’t have worried me. It would have put me on my guard.”
“I didn’t think it was a big deal.” He shrugged. “I’m dating you and I told you I don’t want anyone else.”
Ora saw the truth in his eyes. Perhaps she’d overreacted. “Okay,” she said in
a more normal tone as she struggled with her rage. “I’m sorry. I may have gotten a little upset.”
“A little?”
“A lot,” she admitted. “It’s just that I know what a great guy you are, and if I know it, then other women do too, and they’re going to desire you as much as I do.”
“I want you.”
She had her doubts. The man could have anyone. Sometimes, Ora wondered what he saw in her when he could be dating someone who was more than her.
His dimple undid her when he smiled. She didn’t return the smile, but relaxed her face.
He held her hand. “I never anticipated your anger could be so fierce. You’re such a calm person. I’ve never heard you cuss before.”
She shrugged. “You know what they say about still waters. I don’t like getting mad. The swear words aren’t my favourite to use, but when I’m angry, they flow. I didn’t even use the good ones.”
Jason chuckled. “I’m glad I got to see this side of you.”
“Why?”
“It shows me you’re human. You’re always so in control. Calm, cool and collected. I’d been wondering about your more negative qualities.”
“I don’t have any,” she teased. “I’m not a human being. I’m an angel.”
“Ahhhh. It would explain why your kisses feel heavenly, but I didn’t know angels had tempers.”
“We don’t like to show them, but when the occasion arises, we do what we have to do.”
“Thank you for explaining that to me, Madam Angel.”
“You can just call me Miss Angel.”
They broke out into laughter.
Ora brought the conversation back to the cause of her wrathful outburst. “What are you going to do about that woman?”
“I’ll have a talk with her at work on Monday.”
“If you want me to have a discussion with her, I’d be more than happy to.”
“That’s a horrible idea, baby. I have a feeling I’d have to bail you out of jail.”
“You think my temper’s so bad I’d hurt another human being?”
“If provoked, yes. And I’m sure she’d make the unwise move of goading you to the point of violence.”