Black Sparkle Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

fruity and delicious, filled with the tangy scent of citrus and ripe bananas. Finally he stopped at a large bamboo building with a red corrugated-iron. A yellow board with a pictureof a dancing woman and the words ‘La Bonga Tropicana’ stood on the roof. A restaurant, Mira assumed – she could smell the faint aroma of egusi soup, curried stew and fried fish. Dominic parted the beaded curtain at the doorway. “My crew members are having breakfast. We were at it when you called … come in.”
    The interior of the restaurant was simple and picturesque – bright-blue walls, white plastic chairs, tables with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Dominic led her onto a wooden deck in the back yard, and Mira could hear the ocean before she saw it. A few metres from the fence the frothy waves were hitting the shore at intervals, and she could see a few people walking on the beach – hawkers selling cheap ice cream, soft drinks and beer, children playing on the smooth white sand, splashing in the water and laughing. The beach was outlined by a large grove of coconut trees that extended into the horizon, and she could see a few houses far to the east. A gust of wind sent a shiver down her spine – now she realised why Dominic had suggested she dress warmly. Wrapping her useless cardigan around her, she followed him to a table where a man was eating a meal of fried potato chips and roast tilapia. “Mira, this is Rufus, my friend and co-photographer,” Dominic said.
    Rufus scrambled to his feet as he shook her hand firmly. “My pleasure,” he said with a polite grin on his face. He was slightly taller than her and had thick muscular arms, a clean-shaven head and bushy beard, small eyes and dimpled cheeks. Mira liked him instantly.
    “Hello.” She smiled back.
    “The famous Mira,” Rufus said as they sat down. “You’re the same Mira who busted my friend’s car at Cocoa Burn, right?”
    “Rufus,” Dominic coughed.
    Embarrassed, Mira nodded. “Yes, but it was an accident.”
    Rufus grinned. “We’ve heard so much about you—”
    “Where’s Ajoke?” Dominic interrupted, changing the subject.
    Rufus jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “She’s outside … said something about making a phone call,” he smiled at Mira. “Ajoke is our make-up artist. She says the weirdest things sometimes, so don’t take her too seriously.”
    Dominic laughed. “You know what she’d do to you if she heard that.” He turned to Mira. “Ajoke is a sweet girl. She’s just, well, you know … alternative.”
    “Yeah, alternative with her tattoos and gothic rock,” Rufus said. “All that oyinbo music with loud guitars and mad wailing … no offence to the alternative but I’m an Afro juju fan for life. Bring on the drums, trumpets and marijuana.” He raised a fist. “Long live King Fela of Kalakuta Republic!” he declared, before bumping fists with Dominic. They both laughed, and Mira joined in – she was beginning to feel more comfortable with them. They made small talk about Fela’s music for a while, and then Rufus stood up. “I’ll leave you guys to discuss yourbusiness. Take care, Mira.” He bowed and walked away, mouthing, “Dude, I like her!” to Dominic.
    They watched him as he walked away, his white cotton shirt billowing out in the wind. “I like your friend,” Mira said. “He seems nice.”
    “He is,” he smiled warmly. “What about me? Don’t I deserve a compliment from Her Majesty too?”
    Her face suddenly felt hot and she remembered why she had come here in the first place. She brought out the file with the documents. “I think you should sign the contract now … I’ve got to get to the office.” She changed the subject in a curt voice.
    He looked at her with his gorgeous eyes, and she felt her insides melt. “Wouldn’t you like something to eat?” he asked, ignoring her suggestion. “Bose makes the best jollof rice and fried plantain.”
    She shook her head. “No, thank you. I have to