LULU'S POV

After my meeting with Ezra I had planned to go back to my cabin to freshen up and get a bite to eat but as soon as I lay on the bed after the shower for a five minute nap I'd passed out immediately. I must have been more tired than I thought. I had woken up hours later at four in the morning totally disoriented and well rested. It took me a while to gather my thoughts but once I did I got to work immediately unable to sleep again. My phone was filled with calls and texts that I'd missed while I was sleeping but I'd returned them once the rest of the world woke up.

I filled in my report with Marini and sent it to her via email. I texted her asking her to video call me as soon as she woke up. I also texted Rashid and asked him to meet me at the resort for a breakfast meeting. By the time I was done it was about six am so I got dressed in my work out gear and headed out to the gym. One hour later I was done exercising so I went back to my cabin for a shower and to get dressed. Since I'd be spending most of the day working at building greenhouses I chose a simple pair of black dungarees and sneakers which I'd swap for boots later. I was putting in my anklet when my laptop pinged with an incoming video call from Marini. I took a seat in the kitchen table to be more comfortable picked up.

"Good morning big sister."I greeted cheerfully happy to see her.

From what I could see she was in the backseat of her car, probably headed to work dressed impeccably in a yellow suit. Only Marini pull off such a bold color.

"Someone's in a good mood. I tried to call you last night but you didn't pick up."

"I passed out after my meeting with Doctor Ezra, was more tired than I thought but I'm good now. I've been up since four am."I informed her.

"Wow that's early but understandable. So any new updates that I need to know about? I've yet to read the email you sent me about the hospital."She asked.

I nodded and proceeded to give her in less detail all that I had learned and everything that I was planning.

"It truly is a sad story that the government doesn't care enough about its people to give them proper health care. Don't worry about the money though, I trust you that's why I gave you an unlimited budget. It doesn't mean you go around buying a private island but I know you'll do great."She encouraged.

"Thanks for having my back siz. "

"Anytime. Is there anything else? Anyone giving you trouble? Are you safe?"She asked getting into big sister mode.

I was tempted to tell her about Nalutuesha but that meant telling her about James too and I was not ready to talk about him yet. There was nothing to tell anyway since we were just friends or trying to be.

"I'm okay I promise. I'm making friends and I'm comfortable so there's nothing to worry about."I assured her.

"Okay that's good. I have to go now but call me in case of anything. I love you."

"I will and I love you too." She blew me a kiss before hanging up.

Marini could get a little over protective but only because she cared for and loved us. She sometimes forgot to take care of herself but Amani and I had her back. That's why we made her get a bodyguard. She had us chipped when we moved out so she could keep tabs on us and it was okay. She didn't get chipped herself and we didn't see it as a big deal until she got attacked a few months back. I think there was something more going on between her and her new bodyguard but Marini would never admit it. She'd only been in a relationship once before and it ended badly. Isaac was a good guy and would be a great match for my sister if he managed to get past her defences. I wanted my sister to be happy and she claimed that she was even though she was still single and almost in her thirties. I'd leave it all to God though, only he knew best.

I checked my watch and realized I would be late for my breakfast meeting with Rashid if I didn't leave immediately. I gathered all my stuff into a backpack and left my room since I would leave for the farm immediately after breakfast.

For someone who always late to everything it was a shock finding Rashid waiting for me in the resorts indoor restaurant. He was already having breakfast so I quickly did the math.

"I thought you were here for me but I see it was the food that called out to you. You do know you can eat here anytime right?"I announced myself sitting down across him.

"Yeah but the food here ain't cheap and you're paying so I'm taking advantage."

"I do pay you right?"I asked pouring myself some juice since he had already ordered for me too.

There was fresh juice, tea with milk, eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit bowls and maandazis.

"Yeah but I have to save every penny. Muslim weddings are very expensive."He exclaimed and I hummed biting into some delicious fruit.

"When are you guys getting hitched by the way?"I asked after swallowing.

"As soon as we're done with this project. Yasmin wanted it sooner but if she wants her huge dream wedding then she'll have to be patient for the payday."He explained.

"We'll be here for a year. I can give you an advance, it's not like you'll run away with the money."I teased and he chuckled.

"No it's okay but thanks for the offer boss."He declined too quickly and I narrowed my eyes at him trying to figure out why he was so quick to reject my offer.

"Loving bachelorhood too much are we?"I inquired with a raised eyebrow in question.

"It's not that, I love Yasmin and I do want to marry her. I just want to be stable first so we don't struggle later in life. Sure I want to be single a little bit longer but I'd marry her today if I could. The timing just ain't right."He expounded.

"If you say so, you're the relationship expert."

"Don't act so innocent, I've seen how you look at that tall Samburu guy with the locks. You want to jump his bones."He teased.

"Watch it, I'm still your boss. Now eat your breakfast we have business to discuss."I instructed and laughed softly.

He thankfully let it go and we enjoyed the rest of our breakfast in silence. I was not willing to talk about my relationship with James just yet, it was a sensitive topic so until we had the right footing I'd not talk about it. Just like Rashid had said, the timing just wasn't right.

After breakfast the table got cleared and we got to the important part of the meeting. Rashid got serious and I was able to explain to him all that I needed to happen with the hospital.

"The dispensary is smack in the middle of that piece of land and we can't expand it so well have to bulldoze it and start anew. Question is if we do that what will act as the temporary clinic?"Rashid asked and I thought about it for a few minutes.

"What if you build a few temporary houses like the ones you're living in to work as the make shift dispensary. It will work and give you guys enough time to do a good job without rushing."I suggested and he nodded.

"That's the reason you're the boss. That's a good idea. The other issue is the manpower, we don't have enough men."He asked.

"I posed that to the doctor too. He said there's a lot of locals we can use. You can just sub divide your best workers to supervise and use the rest for menial work. It'll ease your load."I adviced.

"That's a good plan. I'll get started on the plans while you talk to the elders about getting recruits to help."He suggested.

"I can work with that."I nodded and we continued discussing everything else like the ongoing construction of the new school building, the solar panels and the wells.

"How long till we can start using the wells?"I asked since we needed a lot of water for all the construction we were doing.

"We've made good progress. We've already got two with water but we need to dig deeper. By next week, they will all be ready for use and we can cut costs when it comes to the water."

"That's fantastic news, keep up the good work Rashid."I congratulated.

"Just doing my job."

Twenty minutes later we concluded our meeting and Rashid had to head back to the site to continue with his work. I took my time at the restaurant filling in the needed requests and making the required contracts for hiring the new labourers to ensure their safety and ours. Having done enough I walked outside and got into my jeep heading towards the farm. I had seven workers there who were helping set up the green houses. It would take two more weeks until we actually started planting but I still had much to do.

I was thinking of organizing a tree planting with tree species that could survive in such weather. Manpower again was another issue, I had over a thousand tree seedlings but no one to help me. They were too many to plant them myself and I couldn't ask my employees to stop working so that they could help me. I needed to figure out another way. I replaced my sneakers for rain boots and decided to water the seedlings while making a plan of how to get them on the ground.

Two hours later I was almost done when a familiar truck pulled up and a smile pulled at the corners of my lips. I put the watering can down, removed my muddy gloves and walked towards the truck.

"Looks like someone missed me."I teased watching James exit the car looking delectable in black worn jeans, brown boots and a grey T-shirt that clung to his arms accentuating his muscles.

"It's hard not to."He admitted making my smile grow wider.

"That's nice to hear. So what brings you here this fine morning?"I side asked assuming it was still morning.

"I saw that you did a water run for the sanctuary and came to personally thank you."

"You could have just texted me."

"Or I was just looking for an excuse to see you."He explained shyly and I smiled.

"It is nice to see you too James. We haven't seen each other much since our date so I'm happy to have you here."I expressed.

After that we both went silent and looked at each other, both of us hands in our pockets swaying awkwardly. It wasn't awkward because we didn't know what to say but because there was so much to say, it just wasn't the right time.

"Are you free? I'm watering the tree seedlings and could use the help."I asked wanting to end the awkward phase.

"Sure, lead the way."He agreed and I nodded gratefully before turning on my heel and walking towards the water tank.

I handed him a watering can filled with water, picked up my own and we got to work. We didn't talk much but it was nice having him there with me. I just wanted us to move past being uncomfortable around each other, him more than me and get to the fun part. I desperately wanted that but rushing things would only ruin them so I had to be patient.

"These are a lot of seedlings. Where are you going to plant them?"He asked as we refilled our cans.

"Everywhere, they can survive in this weather if well taken care off in their early stages. I'm hoping to improve the environment by planting them. They won't bring rain but they can be used for shade and their leaves can be used to feed animals. Their bark is really good for wood and coal."I explained and James just stared at me with an unexplainable gaze.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm just in wonder at how passionate you are about everything and also so educated. How are you still single?"He asked and seemed to regret the question as soon as it left his lips.

"Don't answer that, I'm sorry."He corrected quickly.

"It's okay. I'm still single because the timing was never right. I was always looking for the next place to go or visit and didn't have time for relationships."I explained.

"What about now?"He inquired.

"Now I'm where I need to be and hopefully soon with who I'm meant to be with."I replied winking at him before walking away.

He didn't follow me for a few minutes probably thinking about what I had said composing himself. I meant every word, my heart was finally at peace because for the first time ever I knew what I wanted and that was James. The timing just had to align and the rest would all fall into place.

"When are you going to plant these?"He asked when he joined me in watering the last batch.

"As soon as I get enough people to help me do it. I'm short of manpower right now."I answered.

He hummed in response, eyes darting around as if he was thinking hard about something. They finally stopped and he looked at me as if he had the right answer to a question I didn't know I had posed.

"How about you use the school kids? There's a lot of them and most of them are just idle on weekends. I'm sure the teachers will be happy to help you organize everything, especially Ruth. She's always asking about you and how she can help."He expressed and his idea was actually a good one.

"I like that idea. Send me her number and I'll ask her. Im too busy to go to the school in person at the moment."

"I'll do that."He nodded and I smiled.

"Okay now that we're done with that, what's next?"He asked hands on his waist making his arms muscles bulge.

I swallowed hard feeling my body temperature rise and it was not because of the heat. James was one fine specimen.

"Lulu?"He called out snapping his hands in front of my face and refocusing my gaze.

"Huh?"I asked dumbly.

"You spaced out for a minute there. Are you okay?"He asked concerned.

"Yeah I am. What was the question?"I inquired clearing my throat as I was feeling a little parched.

"I asked what's next?"

"Oh umh, I need to unload one of the containers there. It has manure in it."I replied.

"Okay let's go."

"You don't have to help."I declined politely.

"I want to and besides, manure is kind of my thing."He smiled and I nodded still stunned by my reaction to his body.

"Let's go then."I declared leading the way.

I just prayed that James and I figured the friendship thing fast because I wanted more from him than I was getting and I had no idea how long it would take before I cracked.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

Busy as a bee our queen is. No break for her and James but be patient with me my loves, it will all work out soon.

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I love you all.