Chapter 37 Date with Nia
AUTHOR’S POV
Caleb sneaked into Kingston’s room and jumped into the bed, groaning in satisfaction. “Are you going on a date?” He asked.
Kingston ignored him as he sprayed a perfume and rechecked his hair in the mirror. “it’s none of your business.”
“Sometimes I think you forget that family is significant. What if something happens to you? How, then, do we find you and have access to that money you have been trying so hard to keep from us.”
He gave his brother an irritated side-eye. “Why are you so shameless? Jobless and senseless still. Stay out of my business.”
“I heard when you received that call. You place Nia over the rest of us. We won’t know anything until you tell her.”© NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
Kingston swallowed hard, “can you not mention her name?”
Caleb scoffed, “There is no need for you to act defensive anymore. I am sure now that Nia already has a forever reputation. Our parents wouldn’t mind that you are interested in her.”
“Get out of my room.”
“Come on, bro. Don’t be so cold. I want you to know I am rooting for you.” He grinned with mischief as he headed out of the room.
Shutting his eyes tightly, Kingston held onto the edge of the vanity, consoling himself to calm down and not get angry. Many times, he feels the urge to punch his brother right in the gut. He had called Nia in a good mood and had no intention of ruining it.
Grabbing his car key, he moved out of the house. Thankfully, his parents and sister, who might irritate him further, were nowhere to be found.
Driving down the road to the packhouse, Kingston smiled to himself. He didn’t think luck would shine on him so quickly. After working so hard, he finally gets his dream job, leading to him escaping his family. The only clause is the distance that would be between him and Nia. But then, now that he knows she is going to be safe. He would go for a year and return for her sake. He thinks it’s important to let her know about his intentions towards her. He only has five days to get ready and move.
Kingston parked the car in front of the house; Nia already walked towards him. He stared at her in awe; despite no obvious makeup, she still looked stunning with her hair down and a lovely fitting dress that elongated her already long legs. He could feast his eyes on her all day long.
Nia pulled at the dress consciously, “is something wrong with what I am wearing? Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Oh, no, please don’t mind me. I have never seen you dressed up before. You look beautiful.”
“Don’t tease me. I have seen others look prettier for outings. I just had to make do with what I had on the ground. It has never occurred to me to leave the pack house since I came here.”
Kingston smiled at her. “You don’t have to worry. Let’s go.” He urged, opening the door for her.
Excitement was written all over Nia as she stared out the window, enjoying the sight. “This is so nice. I can’t remember the last time I felt this way.”
“I’m glad you do. I am very sure you will love the restaurant we are going. I think it’s one of those places that you have always loved to visit.”
“Really? Can I get a clue?” She giggled.
“Just wait a little.” He cajoled. Ten minutes later, they stopped in front of a restaurant. Kingston waited patiently for recognition to dawn on Nia. She gasped at the sight. “You remember now?” 
She was clapping her hands in excitement. Nia laughed heartily. “I can’t believe you remember this place. I have always dreamt of coming here.”
“I’m glad I could make your dream come true. Let’s go in. I already reserved a table for us.” Kingston said, leading her inside.
When the restaurant opened, Nia was around the place on an errand with Kingston. She had seen some girls her age come out of the place smiling brightly. It’s not like there aren’t other restaurants around the pack. It’s just that this particular one has a lively touch of warmth to it’s interior design. You can catch a glimpse from the outside due to the mirror. Anyone going in there sure has good taste in terms of design. It made Nia want to be an interior designer over time. But now that she is a healer, that dream has been washed off.
“This place is beautiful,” Nia commented, looking around in awe. “I will never forget this night. Thank you so much for bringing me here. Probably sometime in the future, I will be able to dabble into designing building spaces. Looks fun.”
“Anything you choose to do. Just know I will always support you.” He assured, patting her outstretched hand. A waitress walked up to them, and they made their order.
Nia sipped her drink, “So, why did you suddenly ask that we come out here?”
Kingston grinned widely, “I have good news to share with you. And I thought it’s worth celebrating.”
“Alright, let me hear it.”
“Well, I got the job.”
“What!” She exclaimed. “That job you have always wanted. Oh, my goodness. I am so happy for you, Kingston.” Her face fell almost immediately. “Does this mean you are leaving for New York too?”
“What do you mean too?” He asked.
“Well, Perry has gone, and now you too. I won’t have any of my people around at this rate.”
“About that.” He drawled, suddenly feeling anxious. All his life, Kingston has never precisely opened up to anyone about his feelings. He had been pushing his confession forward, waiting for the right time, which meant when he got a job and could stand on his own. Independently far away from his parents. The intention was to take Nia along with him. But that seems impossible now. “There is something else I want to tell you.”
“Okay. I am all ears.”
“Don’t take it the wrong way, Nia. And I promise I am not a pervert. I have always loved you.”
“I do know that, and I sincerely appreciate you.”
“Not in that sense, Nia. I have loved you as one would feel towards a lover. You weren’t just a younger sister to me. I saw a future with you. Thankfully, we aren’t related, but it made me comfortable with the feeling when I discovered it. I source for this job because I wanted to take you far away from here. I could no longer stand the maltreatment. The desire became more intense when you moved to the packhouse. I want more than what we share now with you. I intend to go to New York for a year and come back to you if you accept me. I promise to love you till the end of time.”
Nia blinked slowly, staring at him like he had grown two heads. “What are you saying?”
“It’s fine, Nia. You have all the time in the world to think about it. I am not expecting you to give me an answer now. I am willing to wait. But one year is all I have to give. Please.” Their food arrived, causing Kingston to pause a little. “I see you are startled. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything yet. Let’s eat and get back.” He urged, feeling deflated.
Her mouth was agape, and she had no idea what to say or do. Bowing her head lightly, she focused her attention on the food. She will not be forgetting tonight so soon.