“Good morning, Ma,” he said, bowing slightly. She tilted her head. “You must be the new driver my mom told me about.”
“Yes, Ma. My name is Andrew.” “Nice to meet you, Andrew,” she said, smiling faintly before walking into the house.
That afternoon, Madame Tina called Andrew. Please drive my daughter to her office for an urgent meeting.
She’ll tell you the address. Yes, Ma. Minutes later, Naomi came out in a navy blue dress holding a small handbag.
Andrew opened the back door respectfully, but she smiled and said, “No, it’s fine. I’ll sit in front.
I don’t like shouting instructions from the back.” He smiled awkwardly. Okay, Ma. The drive was quiet at first.
The gentle hum of the car mixed with faint afro soul music from the radio.
Then suddenly, as they approached a roundabout, a reckless motorcyclist swerved across their lane. Andrew reacted quickly, turning the steering sharply and stopping just in time.
Naomi gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Oh my god!” Andrew’s breathing was steady.
“Sorry, Ma.” I saw him early enough. “You’re safe.” She turned slowly to look at him.
The calm in his voice, the steadiness in his hands. For a moment, she forgot to speak.
There was something about the way he handled the situation. Protective yet gentle. “Thank you,” she said softly.
When they reached her office, she hesitated before getting down. “You’re a very careful driver,” she said.
“Most men would have panicked.” He smiled. “It’s my job to keep my passengers safe.”
Days passed, and every morning she began to look forward to their drives. She would ask him to join her for lunch.
She asked about his day, his family, even his dreams. He would answer gently, always respectful.
Sometimes she would laugh at his simple jokes, surprised at how peaceful she felt around him.
One afternoon it started raining heavily. They were stuck in traffic, raindrops dancing across the windshield.
Naomi turned slightly, watching how the light caught his face. “Andrew,” she said suddenly, “do you ever wish for more in life?”
He glanced at her briefly. “Yes, Ma, but I also thank God for what I have now.”
She smiled, a quiet, lingering smile. “That’s rare. Most people I meet only complain.” He shrugged.
“Complaining doesn’t fix anything, Ma.” She nodded slowly, her heart strangely warm. “She didn’t know what it was, his calm voice, his humility, or his eyes that looked like peace itself.
But something in her began to shift. When they reached her office, she sat still for a while, pretending to scroll through her phone just to stay a few more seconds.
“Thank you for the ride, Andrew,” she finally said. “You’re welcome, Ma,” he replied, smiling.
As she stepped out into the soft drizzle, she realized she hadn’t felt this alive around other men she had met.
“The next weekend, Madame Tina gave him permission to visit his grandfather. Go and see him.
I’m sure he misses you. You can go with one of the SUVs. Andrew was excited.
He packed some groceries and a little gift he bought for his grandfather with his first salary, a new CFAN, and a pair of leather shoes.
When he arrived home, his grandfather rushed out and hugged him tightly. My son, you’re looking fresh.
God has done it. Andrew laughed. Grandpa, I missed you. Inside the house, Johnson served him spicy rice and stew just as he liked it, and they sat down to catch up.
Grandpa, Andrew said, I need to tell you something. Johnson looked up. What is it?
There’s a girl. She is Madame Tina’s daughter, Andrew said, smiling shily. She’s stunning, respectful, funny, and Johnson asked, folding his arms.
And And I think I think I’m falling in love with her. Johnson’s eyes widened.
Andrew, you’re falling in love? Andrew nodded. Yes, Grandpa. I haven’t told her yet. I’m afraid.
I don’t even know if she feels the same. But there’s something about her. The way she looks at me, the way she talks, the way she takes care of me.
Johnson smiled slowly. Love is a beautiful thing, my son, but be careful. Don’t rush.
Look well. I’m not rushing, Grandpa. Andrew said, “I’m just I don’t know.” My heart feels soft every time I see her.
I can’t explain it. Johnson laughed gently. That’s how love starts, Grandpa. Andrew whispered. What if she doesn’t love me too?
Then my son, Johnson said, placing his hand on his shoulder. Pray. If it is truly from God, it will happen.
No man can stop what God has planned. Andrew smiled and nodded. His heart was full of hope.
