Chapter Eleven

We went to get dinner at some eatery close to the bookshop and after that, we went to the bar. When we got there m, there was music playing.

I and Jean sat down and we ordered drinks. After a few hangouts with Laurie and Jean, I have learned to take a little alcohol.

Then our attention was drawn to the podium. A woman had come to welcome everyone. A young lady who I had seen the last time I sang came over to inform me that I was needed backstage.


I turned to look at Jean. She had already planned with them before now.

Jean stood up and pulled me.

"Trust me you'll make money tonight and you will want to do this again"

"And what if I don't want to?"

"I won't force you"

We walked backstage and I met with the manager.


"The last time you sang here, you left an impression. Everyone keeps asking of you"

"Thank you"

They led me to the podium and Jean followed me. The moment I came out, I could hear the loud cheers and claps"

I took my position behind the microphone, and while Jean dropped a pan in front of me I went behind.

I started singing, and people came in numbers to drop money in the pan. Everyone was moved by my voice, but I noticed a handsome man sitting by the corner and he didn't take his eyes away from me as I sang.

He didn't look like he was into the song. He had a hard countenance on his face, but it did not hide his beautiful features.


I sang for quite a long time, and I noticed the number of people increase and I noticed they were mostly men.

I turned to see the fine man but he was gone. I spent some more minutes singing and then finally ended. I turned to Jean and then she carried the pan and we left the podium backstage.

"That was ecstatic," the manager said.

"Thank you for the opportunity"


"We wish to keep you so you can sing for the people"

"I don't think I want to do this often. I have a hectic job already"


He tried to convince me why I should work with them but I turned it down. I had a lot on my plate already, and now the boss had added more hours to my job and I wanted to keep my job. Singing at bars was never the plan.

Jean and I  left backstage and went to sit back at the bar.

"You got some mesmerized, they can't stop staring and you made a lot of money"

"Really...  You are making me shy Jean"

"One of them is heading over here"

I turned around to see Vale coming over. The last time we didn't speak for long because I had to take Laurie home.

"Hi Arya"

"Hi Vale"


"You remembered?" He said smiling

"Yes I did"

"You did great today. You are on everyone's lips and they can't stop admiring you"

And I looked around to confirm what he said and it was true. They couldn't stop smiling at me.

"I'm getting shy already"


"You don't have to, who's with you?" He asked, turning to Jean.

"Oh, that's Jean my friend. Jean that's Vale"

And they both exchanged pleasantries. Jean excused herself, leaving just me and vale.

"I'll be right back," she said and then left.

"Do you stay around?"

"Yeah. Wbu?"

"I stay in Gole"

"Gole is very far from here."

"Yes ... but I have a house here in Salamanca"

"Do you mind if we hang out next time? I'd love it if you'd sing for me. I'd love it if you don't mind"

"I'm always busy at work, and now my boss just added more hours"

"That sounds like a lot of work"

"Where do you work, by the way?"


"The bookshop is down the street"


"It's not far from here. Can I come to see you sometime at the book shop?"

"That would be nice"

We spoke for a while before Jean came back and then vale said goodbye and left.

He was funny and handsome too but not as handsome as the man I had seen while singing.

"He likes you," Jean said
And what makes you think so?"
"The way he looks at you is huge evidence"

"Oh Jean please we barely know each other"


We left the bar and Jean continued teasing me till we got home.



Jean had her day off today and I was going to work alone and I was already late. I got there to see the tag saying open already.


"The boss must be here. I'm in deep shit"

The moment I got into the book shop, the boss called me into his office and I walked straight up into his office, when I got there he had a death glare on his face.



"I don't pay you for you to be incompetent"

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again, sir"


"It better not and get out" he shouted and I left immediately.


The day was a bit slow and there were not so many customers. I heard the bell coming from the boss's office.


"What does he want me for now??" I asked myself.

I was trying so hard to avoid any problem with him.

I walked into his office. He was standing it I saw his back.


"Yes sir"

And then he came over to stand behind me. I could feel him standing very close to me. He rubbed something on my butt and I was uncomfortable and tried to move but he held me back to him.

"Please let me go, Sir"

"Let me touch you, I promise you will like it"

I tried to wriggle free from him but he held me tight and at this point, he had lifted my gown up and his hands were on my thighs.

"Please let me go" I shouted but he didn't listen.

I tried to push him away but he was stronger than I was. I shouted so loud for help but then he slapped me and held my mouth to stop me from shouting.

"I like the way your body feels under my touch"

I was so disgusted and then I felt his weight off me, I was already bleeding from my lips because of the slap he gave me.

Vale had come to my rescue. He pulled him off me and was now punching him.

"Please let him go" I pleaded but Vale was not listening.

He beat the boss up to a pulp. I managed to pull Vale out and then the boss stood up and staggered to safety.

"You are fired" he shouted and ran back into his office.

I didn't need to be told that the boss meant the last words he said and so I picked up my bag and left the book shop with Vale.

"I'm so sorry about that, I came to see you as I promised and I couldn't stand to see him take advantage of you"


"I should be the one thanking you, you saved me. As for the job, I'll have to look for another one"

"I'll assist. But can I have your number if you don't mind"


"Sure"
I gave him my phone number

"I'll definitely give you a call"

"I'll be expecting your call"

I was going to break the news to Laurie and Jean when I got home. But for now, I wanted to clear my head.