Love's Second Chance by Myne Whitman Read Free Book Online Page B

what she would do during the meeting with Dr. Mukoro. Efe was herself unsure of what to do.
    Nneka smirked. “Will you ask him?”
    They stood in the car park next to Nneka’s car while she strapped the baby carrier into a car seat. The hotel’s official driver who ferried Efe around was right across the yard, and already waiting.
    Efe rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to, unless he brings up the topic.” She paused before adding, “If it doesn’t come up, then there’s no need. Nneka, let sleeping dogs lie, OK?”
    Nneka eyed her with a shrug. “I hear. Will you call me later?”
    “ Sure.” They exchanged a hug before Nneka got into her Peugeot 306 and drove away.
    Efe walked over to the Hilton vehicle and got in the back. She gave the driver the address in Utako and leaned back with a sigh of dread. She didn’t think the doctor recognized her last week, but he might this time. He’d been fully aware of her relationship with Kevwe, and she guessed he would have some questions for her today. She was so confused right now.
    Honestly, while she had feared meeting Kevwe again, a part of her had looked forward to it. The possibilities had definitely increased when she moved back, but she hadn’t seen him or his twin on Facebook, and had kept her hopes buried. She hadn’t lied, but the mass of knots squeezing her insides had made her not as open as she usually was with Nneka.
     
    **
     
    Abuja. November 27, 2009. 5pm
     
    Kevwe stood at the window in Ofure’s office shifting looks between the view outside and his brother, who was making notes on the records of his patients. Half an hour earlier, an airport taxi had dropped him off following the flight from Lagos. Ofure had tried to dissuade him from coming, but he’d insisted.
    Now, nerves and impatience crawled over his skin like ants. He pushed open the blinds and blinked. The glare of the sun drew his attention to the massive pylons of the shadow roof over the Julius Berger head office building in the distance. He studied the sprawling Utako Market wondering if Efe was already on her way. Whatever happened, he was determined to speak with her today.
    Kevwe dropped the blinds and joined his brother at the wide table strewn with papers. Ofure’s gaze was fixed on the screen of the computer placed near the end of the table, and his right hand pushed and clicked at the mouse.
    Leaning into his chair, Kevwe sighed and closed his eyes. If he weren’t so exhausted, he would still be watching for when Efe arrived. He wanted to see her before she entered the office. Feeling Ofure’s gaze on him, he looked up to see his brother had vacated his seat and stood by the window.
    “ Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Ofure asked.
    “ Yes and thanks, I got tired.” His right leg throbbed, and he bent to massage it at the knee. After a while, h is brother’s silence prompted Kevwe to sit up. Now facing inside, Ofure stared through the glass wall overlooking the lobby. Kevwe followed his gaze and felt a jolt when he recognized Efe standing in front of the receptionist’s desk. His first impulse was to rush out, but he forced himself to remain seated.
    When the knock came to announce her arrival, Kevwe was propelled into action. Standing, he walked over the desk and leaned against it. He wanted to be the first person Efe saw when she entered the office. He glanced over his shoulder, and realized with Ofure would be out of view from the door if he remained by the window.
    He wondered if his brother had moved deliberately, and then the door opened again and Efe stepped in, driving all thought away. If it was possible, she looked exactly as he remembered her .
    “ Good evening, Doctor,” she said, coming further into the room.
    “ Good day, Ms. Sagay,” Ofure stepped away from the window.
    Kevwe noted the moment Efe realized there were two of them. She stopped walking, and her mouth sagged. Her eyes closed and opened again as if she’d seen a ghost. As she looked