CHAPTER TWELVE

Three of the most incredible days of Lamisi’s life had gone by in a whirlwind of heart-racing excitement. How many times had she pinched herself when in the midst of such extraordinary Ghanaian musicians? They had all been gracious and generous with their time and answers. A few of them had even wanted her to contact them about the results of the research, which had elevated her exhilaration into the outer galaxies.

Other than receiving several calls from an unknown number with someone breathing on the other end of the line without speaking, it had been a perfect week.

She’d gotten Blaise’s interview out of the way first. After the ease of conversing with him about his music, she’d found the interactions with the others to be more of a comfortable chat than a strict interview.

She smiled when Blaise answered his phone on Friday. For the past few days, she had called and gushed her gratitude for having set her up with the artists. They’d end up talking about their day, which she enjoyed. Talking to him was like conversing with a friend who had the ability to make her core pulse with a need that hadn’t been fulfilled in a very long time.

“Lamisi, if you thank me one more time, I’m going to turn each of the interviews you did into their own favour.”

The giggle tripped out of her. “Okay. Okay. No more. How was your day?”

“Stressful.”

She sat up in the seat at her desk, ready to take care of whatever had worried him. “Why? What happened?”

“My manager wants a few of the new songs ready by the VGMAs.”

Lamisi watched the most popular music awards held in Ghana every year. “When are they holding them?”

“In three weeks. They asked me to perform. As my manager pointed out, it would be the perfect platform to introduce the new sound.”

It certainly would since the ceremony was broadcast all over West Africa. “Can you have them ready by then?”

“Yes. The tunes and the lyrics are set. At least the English version. I just need my star translator to transition them into French. Are we still on for tomorrow?”

After having his voice in her ear all week, nothing could keep her from seeing him again. “Yes.”

“Great. I can pick you up and bring you to my place.”

A loud ‘no’ resonated in her head. She couldn’t be alone with him in his home. She’d kissed him in a restaurant and had longed for more. What would her traitorous body allow him to do if they were alone? They hadn’t known each other long enough. “Can’t we meet somewhere more public?”

“I have recording equipment in my home that we’ll be using.”

“Oh.”

“How about if you bring someone with you? As long as they don’t tell the world about my project, it’ll be fine.”

Had he read her mind, or had she been so conservative in her dealings with him that he’d guessed why she’d hesitated? A smile spread across her face at his ability to make her feel at ease.

Tomorrow being Saturday, she could ask any number of people to join her. Her youngest brother Amadu had completed his exams; he’d be perfect. Precious had a wedding to attend—otherwise, she’d have been her first choice. “Okay. What time?”

“I’m under a bit of pressure to get this completed. How about eight? We’ll get some work done, and then, I’ll feed you lunch.”

“Sounds like a deal. See you then. Can you send me the address?”

“Will do. Have a good night.”

“You, too.”

Just like every time she’d spoken to him, she hung up first. Lingering on the phone would be too telling of how much she liked him.

Whether anything would come of it, only time would tell.