Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 51

Chapter 51: What Are You Hiding From Me?

Brianna

Why did you do this for me?” I asked in a sheepish tone.

I had been preoccupied with everything around me to ask but this is the most thoughtful thing anyone had done for me. Callan's jaw tightened slightly and his hands slipped away from me.

“I heard about it and I knew you would enjoy it. Since Bryce wasn't able to take you himself, I decided to do it. No big deal.” He muttered.

“I still really appreciate it, I can't remember the last time I was this happy.” I told him honestly. He looked away from me which made me remove my hands from his delicious firm chest.

“Do you enjoy sushi?” He suddenly asked and I nodded yes.

“Mostly cooked ones.” I admitted, he nodded and guided me out of the museum by placing a hand on my back.

I have more pictures of today's event than I care to admit. When we got to the car, he explained where he was taking me.

“It is a hidden place, it looks like a seemingly random office building and you will enter what looks like service doors but there is this sushi one can't get somewhere. There isn't much to look at there, it is mostly take out restaurants but I still asked my friend to keep one of the two tables open for us.”

When we got there, I saw what he meant. You would never find this place unless you already knew about it and were given direction. You walk into a random building and go to a random floor, there are only two patio tables and a sliding window that gives you a peek into the kitchen. Exposed white painted brick walls, gray floors and exposed pipes. It isn't a restaurant per say but it is a very cool experience. We sat at the table and were completely alone here, hos friend came out to greet us personally and offered to give us the best. I told him I mostly eat cooked sushi which he had no problem with. He custom made our platter for us.

Because of the quiet intimate setting, this oddly felt like a date, though I know it isn't. I had complained that Bryce hasn't taken me around Port Harcourt and I am sure after what I endured yesterday, Callan pities me. I noticed earlier on that his knuckles were bruised between all the ink. He looked ruggish this way.

“Why are you crazy about fashion?” He asked and I smiled fondly on the topic even though the beginning isn't the best start.

“Honestly, it was because of my father. He pressured me to look good all the time and put me down everyday for not being good enough. I started to use clothing as my outlet, I fell in love with it after a while and knew it was all I wanted to do when I grew up.” He nodded.

“Why didn't I know anything about you?” I decided to ask.

“You know enough.” That was his disinterested answer.

“And that is?” I didn't know anything.

“That my family owns a lot of businesses and I have taken over. That I was in the military, that I am your brother's best friend.” He shrugged and I scoffed.

“That is nothing, what about your family? Do you have siblings? Do you parents live close?” I tried to coax the topic out of him.

“I have two sisters, my father is in Epe handling our casino branch of the business. My mother is here but isn't very family oriented. She likes spending my father's money and parading around with her friends.” He said coldly.

“What made you decide to join the military?” I continued, he seemed slightly annoyed by it.

“It is something my father did and his father before him. Traditional, I guess.”

When the man came out with our food, we fell into less serious conversation. He mentioned which sushi I would like and sorted them out for us. He also mentioned a few other food spots where people were familiar with him and made delicious food.

“You are well known in Port Harcourt, huh? I have heard you call it your city but I thought you were being facetious.” I smiled sheepishly at him, his bedroom eyes always gave me pause. They darted around my face as I smiled.

“What did you leave behind in Asaba? What made you decide to move across the country?” He snapped out of our stare.

“Just school and some superficial acquaintances.” He nodded.

“No more boyfriends?” He asked, I snorted.

“No, after Ezekiel, I think I was traumatized. I focused on my studies, work and having fun. Well as much fun as I could with my busy schedule and lack of money.” He shrugged. Did he not want me to have any boyfriends? Why would he care?

“And I moved here because I didn't have enough to keep me in Asaba. Bryce and I used to be close, because of his life choices, we were forced apart for a long time. I wanted to reconnect with him.” He nodded.

“He really wanted you here.” He said.

That felt good to hear, our conversation continued more easily than I thought it would die Callan being the kind of man he is. I guess you talked much more than he did but he seemed to encourage it. Maybe so that I wouldn't ask him so many questions, a thought kept crossing my mind but I didn't want to ruin the vibe between us. Eventually, my curiosity beat my fear of ruining the evening. We had already left the restaurant and we're driving again.

“What are you and my brother hiding from me?” I got the words out, he glanced at me before having to look back at the road.

“I don't know what you mean?” He lied.

“I think you know exactly what I meant,” I crossed my arms.

It was already five o'clock in the eve but he checked his watch before clearing his throat.

“Do you want to go home or grab a drink? I have something set up for nine o'clock if you were willing. And no, I am not telling you what it is.” He surprised me by saying. I was aware he used this to distract me from my question but it worked, I was curious.

“Why won't you tell me? How can I agree to something I don't know?” I challenged his logic.

“I guess you are forced to trust me.” I saw a hint of smirk on him, it made me lean over and study his handsome face for a second.

“Why are you looking at me?” He sounded displeased.

I leaned back in my chair and told him I was willing to grab a drink with him. My stomach keep fluttering throughout the night, this felt much like a date and it made me nervous at times while at other times, I almost forgot who he was and just talked and laughed and enjoyed myself without fear. He doesn't laugh, he studied when I do.

The place was called Phantom Grills and it was a rooftop bar with greenery-lined walkways. There was a view and hanging from its makeshift ceiling were branches and flowered walls. There are wooden patio style tables and group seating arrangements around trendy bonfires.

The twinkling lights looked lovely against the dimming sky. It was so visually pleasing here, it only added to my picture collection today. I will have so much to post on my fashion page.