“Your tea, good sir,” I announced as I set it down in front of him.
He barely glanced up as he pointed to an entry on one of my bank statements. “What’s Night Owl Accessories? It’s only come up once so far, and you have it marked down as a business expense.”
My brow furrowed as I eyed the name. I bought something for £150 last September, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember what it was. “I’m not sure. Let me check.” I pulled out my phone and Googled “Night Owl Accessories,” laughing quietly to myself when I saw it was the name of a parent company that owned an online store where I bought some sex toys.
Neil glanced at me, waiting. “Well?”
“Never mind. It’s not a business expense. Just put it under personal.”
“Are you certain? These accounts need to be perfect, Afric. You can’t afford any errors.”
Oh, well. I tried to let him off easy, but he did ask. “If you must know, the purchase was for a dildo and one or two items of a similar ilk.”
Neil
I couldn’t look her in the eye as I returned my attention to the screen of my laptop. I was certain my cheeks were flaming red at this point. Afric’s accounts were a delicious mess, but in the future, I’d just Google items I wasn’t sure about instead of asking her directly. Anything to avoid awkward moments like this. Then again, she didn’t seem awkward at all. On the contrary, she seemed to enjoy my embarrassment.
“You’re right,” I replied soberly. “That should definitely be under personal drawings.”
I continued transcribing, hoping she’d leave me to it, but instead, she came and leaned against the edge of the desk, arms folded as she studied me.
“Could you turn on some normal lights? All the neon is giving me a headache,” I complained, feeling more uncomfortable the longer she studied me.
“Do you know who you remind me a little of?”
I shrugged, wishing she’d just go and let me work. “I don’t know. Who?”
“Tom Holland.”
“The actor? I don’t see it, but okay.”
“Well, obviously, you’re a bit older than him,” Afric allowed. “But the resemblance is uncanny.” Her lips formed a little smirk.
“Why are you smirking?”
“No reason.”
“There’s obviously a reason,” I stated flatly, getting annoyed now.
“Next time you have a moment, go and look up his performance on Lip Sync Battle. It’s pretty much my favourite thing on the internet.”
“Okay, I’ll do that,” I replied.
“I think it’d be a good Halloween costume idea for you. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it.” Praise Jesus. “I’m going to watch Drag Race with Sarita and Mabel but give a call if you need anything.” Before she left, she turned off her many neon lamps and flicked the switch for the regular ceiling bulb.
I returned my attention to my computer and tried to focus on Afric’s bank statements, but my curiosity got the better of me. I navigated to Youtube and searched for the video she mentioned. Hitting play, I stared wide-eyed as Tom Holland lip synced to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” while wearing a wig, corset and hot pants. There was something oddly entrancing about the whole thing, though it was safe to say I’d never be confident enough to wear that as a Halloween costume.
I realised I’d neglected to turn the volume down when Afric poked her head into the room again. “You’re watching it!” she exclaimed happily.
“Uh huh,” I replied, sheepishly exiting the page and clicking back to my excel sheet.
“So, what do you think?”
“I think I don’t look anything like him,” I responded stiffly.
“I meant what do you think of the video? Does it make you question your sexuality?”
I pursed my lips, shooting her an uncomfortable look. “A little bit, yes,” I admitted grudgingly.
Afric barked a laugh. “Ha! I knew it. It makes everyone question their sexuality. That’s the magic of that video.”
“I should get back to work,” I said, turning away from her.
“Right, yes, you work. I’ll be out here if you need me,” Afric replied, ducking back out of the room.
I got a good two hours work in and was packing my things when she returned.
“You’re leaving?” Afric asked as she leaned against the doorframe.
“Yes, I promised my grandma I’d stop by for dinner.”
“Aw, that’s nice. Are you two close?”
I nodded. “Pretty close. She raised me and my sister, Rosie, after our parents passed away.”
“Your parents died? Oh, my God, Neil, why didn’t you tell me?!”
I shot her a perplexed look. “Um, it didn’t come up during the three brief occasions we’ve spent time together.”
Afric came farther into the room, sitting on the edge of her bed as her bright blue eyes met mine. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
I frowned, something about the sincere look in her eyes hitting me right in the chest. I cleared my throat. “It was a long time ago. Listen, I need to get going.” I wasn’t too keen on having a heart-to-heart. I was exhausted and hungry and not in the mood for anything deep and meaningful, especially not with her. Afric already knew way too much about me.