Chapter 6. Caramel

I felt embarrassed as Blaze got to know that I was his new coach, without me telling him myself. It was going to seem as if I intentionally did all that with him, because I was interested in him.

He must have thought that I enjoyed it and that is the reason I didn’t reveal who I am to him. While in his car, driven by his driver, I wasn’t comfortable, because we were not in that relationship for this and his driver seemed to be stealing glances at me.

“I would love it if you stop staring at me and concentrate on driving, to avoid an accident.” I said, trying not to sound harsh or frustrated.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m just curious. For my boss not to be going home with you, did you offend him? My boss doesn’t get angry, easily. It would be best if you tread on paths, carefully, when it comes to him.” His driver said as he took his eyes off me.

“You are rude. One more word from you and I will leave this car.” I said, with gritted teeth.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.”

The driver probably knew that his job would be on the line if I left angrily, because it was certain that Blaze was going to get to the root of the matter and find him at fault. Such a nosy driver.

Then my phone rang and I opened my purse to see who it was. It was my agent, Paul. He must have heard of the news and tried to reach out to be sure that I am okay.

“Hey, Caramel. I heard on the news about Blaze, shot. He was around Gran-jele and you were around there. I hope you didn’t encounter any issue?” he asked, with concern, heard in his voice.

“Yeah, I’m fine, actually. Although, he got shot, while trying to save me from a few men who wanted to get their hands on my body.” I said, trying to let him be assured that I was fine.

“Oh, jeez. I should have gone with you. I’m actually near Gran-jele. Where exactly are you? So, I can take you home.” He said, still with worry, obvious in his voice.

“You do not need to. I’m already near my home.” I said and chuckled slightly, just so his mind can be at rest that I am fine.

I didn’t want him to know that Blaze’s driver was taking me home. That didn’t seem professional to me and anything unprofessional, I was going to let go of, tonight and tomorrow was going to be a fresh beginning.

“Alright. I am sorry I wasn’t there. I’ll see you tomorrow, during your break, at work. For lunch. Agree to that?” 

“Yes, I agree to that.”

I was delighted to have lunch with him, but I have already decided that I wouldn’t let it get into my head as I couldn’t allow anything to make what was between us, become unprofessional.

In less than ten minutes, I was back home and I thanked the driver, regardless of how he wanted to frustrate me with his ignorance.

“Caramel!” Lucas hugged me as I entered into the house.

“Oh, brother. Seems you are in such a happy mood to see me, tonight. Spill it!” I said, with a smile as I dropped my purse and sank into the couch.

“Well, I have checked you out and seen that you are fine. So, I’ll get straight to the point. Where is the autograph I asked you to get from Blaze?” He asked, impatiently as he reached his hand out to me.

“Oh, goodness. So, it’s blaze you are after?” I teased, trying to sound jealous.

“Oh, come on. Do not act coy.” He said, closing one of his eyes and reaching his hand out to me the more.

Then I sat up and sat him down.

“Look, I couldn’t get his autograph and I am not certain I would be able to get it, because I am working for Blaze. I am his new coach and it would be absurd for me to ask him for his autograph. That doesn’t look too good, neither does it sound professional.” I said, trying to make him understand me.

“Whoa! You are working for Blaze?” He said, looking at me, excitedly.

“Yes. You are happy about that?”

“Of course. That you are working for a famous tennis player makes me happy. I am certain you’ll be earning big.”

“And I’ll be able to sponsor your education as I ought to.” I said, with a smile as I ruffled his hair.

He was happy and I was glad to see him jump around. Because of him, I wanted to make sure that I got good jobs, to be able to provide all that he needed. Afterall, he was my responsibility and he counted on only me.

That night, I went to my bedroom, thinking about how I met Blaze. That was so not a good first impression I gave as his new coach and it was so not the way I wanted to meet him, at first. Well, I had no choice than to get it off my mind.

I was about to lay down to sleep, when I got a call. Surprisingly, it was Nate, Blaze’s manager. I wondered why he had called me at this time. 

“Hi, Miss Caramel. Can we talk a bit, outside? I know it is unprofessional to see me at this time, but if we do not talk now, I am not certain of another opportunity to say this.” He said, over the phone.

It must have probably been a serious issue, for him to have wanted us to see each other, face-to-face. Before I went outside, I went to Lucas’ room to check if he was fast asleep already and he was, making it easier for me to leave, without any delay.

I made sure to lock the door and then walked down to the river bank which wasn’t far from my house. Mr. Nate was there, already, with his back, faced to me.

“Hello, Mr. Nate.” I said, with a smile as I walked up to him.

He turned to me and returned my smile, pleasantly. It made me feel a bit relieved that he wasn’t calling me out to scold me or something else.

“I hope you aren’t annoyed that I called you out at this time, when you should be having your rest, especially that you must have been startled by the gunshot which was directed, unintentionally at Mr. Nightingale.” He said, with a slight smile.

“I’m glad I am okay. I hope Mr. Nightingale got home, safely?” I asked, to show that I was concerned about his health.

“Yes, he is. Thanks for your concern.” 

Silence reigned between us and it was becoming awkward because he had called me out for an important conversation and it was only weird to keep quiet, right now.

“Alright, Miss Caramel, I do not know how to put this in a way that you won’t feel like I am placing you on restrictions and all, but I want you to see it as a reminder.” He said, looking at me like he was really trying his best not to say the wrong words.

“I’m all ears and will understand you.” I said, trying to assure him, so he would feel free to speak.

Although, I understood that he had respect for me as I was also a big deal, myself, but it seemed to him that he had to make some things clear.

“I would want you to keep things with Mr. Nightingale, strictly professional. Whatever past you both have had, now that you are his coach, I would love it if you keep everything professional. No matter how he tries to relate with you, especially because I know he is a free person, please try your best to keep it professional. He needs to win this championship as he has always been talking about it.” 

It was obvious that Mr. Nate was concerned about him and I was glad about that.

“Well, I understand what you are trying to tell me, Mr. Nate. And I can tell you, I have nothing aside work between Mr. Nightingale and I. I am such a person who doesn’t like when things get unprofessional between I and the people I coach or work with. If you have checked my papers and history, you wouldn’t hear of a scandal between those I work with and i.” I said, confidently, and with pride.

“I know, and I hope I have not offended you with what I have said.” 

“No, it’s fine. As his manager, you have to make sure things do not go wrong, so I totally understand you.”

We parted after making sure that things were cool with us and to be honest, I didn’t feel bad, I only felt slightly offended that I was not trusted wholly. I got to the house and found the entrance door, wide open.

“Lucas.” I muttered under my breath, with fear growing inside of me.

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