Hidden Currents (Lagos Romance Series) - By Somi Ekhasomhi Page 0,3

object of their desires, she whispered. “But he is so hot!”

‘Of course’ Ada thought sarcastically. ‘Let’s talk about Eddie Bakare’s body temperature by all means.’

“He asked me if I had done something new with my hair.” Fadeke continued, oblivious to Ada’s lack of interest, “He said that I looked prettier than usual.”

Ada rolled her eyes. Seriously! Of course, that was exactly the sort of thing Eddie would say! Guys like him tossed compliments around and just waited while girls dropped on their laps, or beds, like ripe fruit.

“He’s so handsome!” Fadeke continued dreamily, her eyes wide in her pretty, little, pixie face. How old was she again? Ada wondered, getting rather annoyed. Didn’t the fact that she was old enough to have a job also mean that she was too old to indulge in silly fantasies about men she didn’t know?

As Fadeke started to say something else, Ada decided that she had heard enough. “You know he can hear you across the partition.” She said bluntly.

Fadeke squealed and clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my God!” She exclaimed. “Do you think he heard? Oh my God!” When Ada didn’t bother to reply, she deflated into a self-conscious silence.

A few minutes of quiet followed for which Ada was immensely grateful. Fadeke could be such a chatterbox sometimes. She turned back to her computer and continued stalling, checking a photo spread she had done the night before. Hopefully, Sophie would forget that she had asked her into her office and only remember after Eddie left.”

Her hope proved futile as Sophie soon poked her head out of her office, “Ada.” She said with a slight frown, “I meant this year, not next year. Come on.”

Ada got up reluctantly, wondering why Eddie was not at his own office. He worked in an oil-marketing firm that belonged to his father, and from what she’d heard, he had proved to be a shrewd oil marketer in the past two years, earning his place in the top management. He hardly ever bothered with Living Lagos anymore, Sophie was the boss now, and anyway, he had other investments. Ada supposed he still came around occasionally when he found himself in the area because he was such good friends with Sophie.

He was sitting on one of the chairs opposite Sophie’s tiny desk, with his body stretched out and relaxed as if he had no care in the world. He would look relaxed even if he were stuck in a market place under the hot sun, surrounded by thousands of sweaty people, Ada thought enviously. That was just the way he was. She took the seat beside him, placing her hands demurely on her lap. He turned and gave her a conspiratorial wink and a smile as if to say - let’s hear what Sophie has to say this time - Ada turned away and gave all her attention Sophie.

“I wasn’t expecting you today Eddie.” Sophie said, as she gestured with one hand, the one with the rings, creating a light diamond and platinum sparkle. “But it’s good that you stopped by. I have wonderful news.”

Eddie raised a perfect brow. “Better than, I’m getting married!” He teased, affecting a high pseudo feminine voice, which sounded nothing like Sophie's own.

Sophie gave him a warning look, and then her face softened into a smile. “No, actually, nothing’s better than that.” She paused, the light of excitement dancing in her eyes. “The good news is…We’ve been nominated for the TRANSCEND awards for Entertainment in Print…”

“Well done!” Eddie looked very pleased. “Congratulations.”

“I'm not done yet.” Sophie continued, “We've also been nominated for Best use of new media, for our website.” She smiled sweetly as she took in their reactions. “And that’s not the best part at all.” She added. “Yours truly, Moi, Sophie Aliu Ade-Cole was nominated for the Young Person of the Year award.” Her announcement ended in an excited squeal.

“Oh wow!” Ada exclaimed, rushing up from her chair to give Sophie a hug. “Congratulations!”

Eddie got up and hugged Sophie too. “This is a big deal.” He said. “We should celebrate!”

“We will.” Sophie nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with pleasure. “We can all go out for a celebratory dinner, I think.” She paused, thinking. “I’ll arrange it”

“And when we win.” Eddie continued with a smile. “We’ll have a bigger party.”

“You bet.” Sophie said, grinning happily.

“This will be great for sales and advertising.” Eddie said to Sophie, the businessman in him seeing the opportunity.

“I know.” Sophie agreed. “We may have to increase