"Hello, beautiful". Came a husky voice from behind her.
It was the same guy who had walked into the hall a few minutes ago.
"Hi". Anne replied curtly, trying hard not to stutter.
"Do you mind if I join your table, seems to me like you would use some company". He asked with a smile and Anne smiled back at him despite his arrogance.
"I'm Elvis by the way". He said, offering his hand for a handshake.
"Anne". She replied with a smile, ignoring his stretched-out hand.
He eased into one of the empty seats at the table, pulling his hand back. He didn't seem to be bothered about her refusal to take his hand and soon they were engrossed in a conversation. Anne from time to time looked towards the dancefloor to check on her friends who were busy rocking with their partners and having so much fun.
On one occasion, she locked eyes with Michael who inquired about the stranger beside her by looking at him and looking back at Anne. Anne only winked at him, ignoring the fact that he looked hurt at the moment.
Elvis took her frequent gazes towards the dancefloor as a sign and asked her to the dance, but she dismissed him with a laugh and instead pointed her friends out to him. He was quick to observe the uniformity in their dressing and was generous with compliments.
"Are you sure you don't want to dance?" He pressed further.
Anne answered in negative just as the cool music playing on the dancefloor was switched to a cacophonous one, making it impossible for both Anne and Elvis to hear each other so when Elvis suggested that they go somewhere far from the noise, Anne agreed right away.
They moved towards the exit door after Anne texted her friends, leaving them with messages. A last glance towards the dancefloor revealed a displeased Michael who instantly inquired about her movement. He was dancing rather absentmindedly with Josephine who was having so much fun at the moment to notice.
"Watch your steps, girl". A voice called to Anne, shoving her roughly but Elvis was quick enough to stop her from staggering hard or falling. Anne let out a startled scream out of fear at first but the fear gave way to surprise when she saw Elvis punch the guy hard. The guy who was way bigger than Elvis lifted his right hand to strike back but stopped himself as recognition hit him.
Quickly, he picked up his wallet which had fallen from him, and disappeared into the crowd.
They stepped out of the hall, ignoring the hushed conversations that were clearly about them after Elvis checked to see that Anne was okay.
It was already late in the evening, and as Anne only just realized, it had drizzled some minutes ago which explained the coldness of the weather. It was a good thing they had settled for dresses with sleeves Anne thought. She would be freezing now. She was surprised at the number of people partying outside. It seemed the dinner party took place outside as there were round tables where people sat in groups, dining and talking in loud voices.
There was no free table anywhere so Anne suggested they go back inside. Elvis only laughed at her suggestion and moved towards a table occupied by about three guys and their partners, gently pulling her along.
Arrogantly, he demanded that they leave the table at once while Anne gently pulled away from his hold, in readiness to run should the need arise. It turned out there was no need as the table was deserted in no time. Anne could bet she saw them tremble as they moved away.
"What just happened?" Anne asked, just as they settled on the table.
"It turned out those guys know just how freaking rich my dad is and I kinda capitalized on that". He replied with a grin and winked at Anne, who looked away for a slight second.
"What about the other guy back in the hall?" She pressed further but Elvis was already on his phone. Jerk! She cussed in her head.
Anne suspected there was more to the fear she saw in the guys' eyes but dismissed the thoughts, opting to not let Elvis' problem bother her.
They got busy conversing after Elvis got away from his phone although it was more like Elvis showing off the immense wealth attached to his family name. He talked about the companies, and business enterprises owned by his family while Anne listened with feigned interest, whereas his words went in through one ear and came out through the other. She was tired of his show of foul-tonguing and frequent displays of arrogance. Her first impression of him was fully in manifestation.
When her phone rang long minutes later, interrupting his speech, Anne gladly answered the phone, thanking whoever it was inaudible. It was Naomi, they had rounded up dancing and had called her, as she had requested in the message she left them. After the call, she informed Elvis of their arrival beforehand and he didn't seem to mind at all He could do with more audience on the tale of his family's success story.
Loud screaming soon announced the girls' arrival, while their partners trailed behind. They took their seats beside Anne, filling her in with how much fun they had, and hardly noticed Elvis who was engrossed with his phone, with a grin on his face, paying no attention to their squealing.
The guys got to the table and a proper introduction was made by Anne. While the guys exchanged handshakes, Anne and her friends continued with their chitchat exchanging their different experiences. They were thrilled when they heard that Elvis had punched a guy and scared some others from the table they were currently seated on.
"He is your knight in shining armor". Naomi teased while Anne put on a confused expression which got them all laughing.
Josephine, from time to time noticed Michael, stealing glances at Anne. If Anne noticed his glances at her, she didn't show it.
With the look on the guys' faces, Anne guessed Elvis was telling one of his success tales and she was not wrong. She only felt relieved she was not the recipient this time.
By the time they got ready to leave, it was already dark. Naomi's partner, Andrew had since left their company when he saw some of his friends who had so many drinks and Elvis had somehow got himself a new audience leaving just Michael to see the girls home.
Since the party had taken place close to the school premises, they all went towards the school hostel and dropped Naomi off. Then they headed towards Josephine's house. They left after the girls exchanged good night kisses and headed towards Anne's home.
Collins who had hoped all day for a moment with Anne felt excited. He utilized every second they spent on the way, asking questions or listening while she answered his question.
"The guy back there, where did you know him from?" He asked.
"I met him today at the party". Anne replied.
"Does that mean he is not your irresistible partner". He asked.
"Nah, my partner was supposed to be your friend, Daniel but for reasons I don't know, he didn't show up He called later to apologize though". Anne explained.
"Why would he do that? I must make him pay. Does he know who my family is?" Collins said, mimicking Elvis.
Anne was laughing hard, Michael too was a victim of Elvis' boastful talks.
"Be careful, he seems dangerous too". He added in a concerned tone.
"Yes, Daddy". Anne teased and an uncomfortable silence fell upon them afterward.
"Thanks, you should head back, I can find my way from here". Anne called out minutes later but Michael would not hear of it.
They got to the front of Anne's home but for some reason hesitated to part ways.
"Just so you know, Josephine is not a friend". Michael said unexpectedly.
"Excuse me? What do you mean?" Anne asked, prepared to defend her friend.
"Good night Anne". Michael said and disappeared into the dark still night, leaving Anne in a very confused state.
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