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For the music album launch, Gladys wore a purple skirt that ended just above the knee with cowl-necked lavender print top. She‘d bought them from a store opposite Silverbird Galleria on a shopping trip with Ayo and Jennifer. She had sprayed the Christian Lacroix perfume Edward gave her sometime ago on her wrists, neck and behind the ears. The outfit was set off by a pair of gold drop earrings, two trendy bangles, a large lilac plaid handbag and gold stilettos.
Edward sat beside her in the VIP lounge of Planet One sending out traces of musky aftershave. He looked more handsome the longer they dated. Right now, his well placed features and the thick dark brows were relaxed and fixed on the musician. His lips were curved in a smile, a lure to her senses. After the few light kisses they shared, she always fantasized about what more those chiseled lips could do. She blinked to clear her naughty thoughts.
Everybody in the hall clapped as the music came to an end. The crowd soon began to mill around and they strolled up the curving stairs to congratulate Edward‘s friend Bolaji and his girlfriend. Kanayo was there too and they chatted together in a cluster of settees. The tables and chairs on the lower level were pushed to the sides as some people began to dance.
“She was really good wasn‘t she?”
“Oh yes she was, I hear that Kennis Music are after her, she‘ll be just the third female on their Label. And wait for it; she‘ll be touring with Tuface and Sound Sultan next month.”
Gladys allowed the gossip to flow over her.
“Are you OK?” Edward‘s whispered breath fanned her cheek with goose bumps.
She looked over at him and smiled. “The noise is getting to me I think.” The music was being handled by an upshot DJ whose hard beats pounded in her skull.
“Hold on,” Edward said and turned to Bolaji. She didn‘t hear what they whispered together before he stood and held out his arm. She grabbed it and stood.
“There‘s a quieter room meant for some close friends. We‘re supposed to go up there later but since it‘s already open we might as well. The rest will join us when they‘re ready.”
They left the lounge and climbed some steps to the upper lounge. The room had a cozy ambience, the wide glass doors showing a relaxing view of the swimming pool and hotel grounds. African art adorned the walls and she admired the one of a village setting as they walked to a settee. She relaxed into the plush back and rolled the kinks out of her neck.