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EPISODE 4

The next call Ugochi received was from Frederick.

“Hi.”

“Hello dear,” he answered. “I just received a very distressing call from Ijay some minutes ago. She said it seemed your man saw us together the other day.”

“Yes, I think he did. It’s not confirmed yet but he’s been acting very strange. I think that could be the reason for his behavior, although he hasn’t asked me directly.”

“Ugochi, don’t you think it’s time we come clean? I mean, we are not helping anybody by being secretive. I think it is better we call Ikem and tell him about this. At least now that he seems to be suspecting you.”

“Do you think he’s ready to hear this yet? Personally, I don’t think he’s ready for a revelation of this magnitude. After all, I know him better than you do.”

“I know we agreed to take our time and break it to him gently but I don’t think we can go through that same route now that he is suspecting you. I believe it is better we come clean and just get it over with.”

“I understand you. Can you give me time to sort this out my own way? At least allow me determine what he knows first. This might not even be about us, you know?”

“Okay then. Let’s know what he knows first. Then we can make our decisions based on that.”

“Good. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah, later. Bye dear.”

By the time Ikem got home, he was boiling with anger. His stomach felt tight with tension and his chest felt like it was going to burst from holding in his temper. After that ridiculous lunch meeting with Donald, he had not been able to hold back the anger churning in him. The nerve of Ugochi. A woman he had loved for three years, and for her to treat him this way? It was disrespectful, it was disheartening, and above all, it pissed him off.

He slammed into the house only to find Ugochi seated calmly on the settee in the living room watching a movie. She was sprawled on the settee, a bowl of nuts beside her and a chilled glass of wine on the stool where her hand can easily pick it up.

Ikem stood behind her for a minute, breathing in and out, trying to calm himself and probably find a way to ice down the hot pool of anger in his belly. He was not succeeding though. The sight of her seated there, seemingly without a care in the world just annoyed him the more. He couldn’t fathom how she would throw away three years of a loving relationship just like that. And she didn’t even have the decency to tell him it was over? Instead, she was sneaking around, going behind his back and seeing different men. He decided to confront her once and for all.

Ugochi looked up when she saw Ikem, and smiled. “Oh hi baby. I didn’t hear you come in, I was so engrossed in this movie,” she sat up. “Have you been here long?”

“No, I just came in.” he wanted so much to slap that smug look off her face.

“Okay, welcome. How was work today?”

“I went to see Donald during the lunch hour.”

“Oh, okay. How is he? Hope there is no problem with him?”

“He told me something I found very hard to believe. How could you Ugochi?”

“How could I what? You’re not making any sense Ikem.” Ugochi said as her heart hammered furiously in her chest. Here it comes, she thought.

“Do you want to sit there and pretend you don’t know what I am talking about? You honestly want to play dumb with me?” his voice rose any octave as he talked. By the time he finished the sentence, he was shouting.

“Ikem, keep your voice down please, and explain to me what you are going on about.”

“I don’t owe you any explanation. You are the one who has a lot to explain so you better start...........................

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EPISODE 3

I got home that night very tired though exhilarated. The day had been full of fights and victories, and I was so ready to crash in front of my TV and watch my favorite station; Telemundo. There’s something very relaxing and soothing about watching lovers fight and make-up in these TV dramas. I microwaved my dinner of fried potatoes and fish, grabbed a bottle of soda, and settled down to watch the show presently on. It was at that moment my phone rang.

“Girrrrrl, you were supposed to call me the moment the deal went through.” It was Adelaide, Daniel’s cousin on the line. “I just ended a call with my cousin and he was filled with nothing but praises for you.”

“Really?” Who would have thought?

“Really, girl. You must have done a hell of a job because my brother is not that easily impressed.”

“I guess.”

“Hmmm, that sounds cryptic. We have to get together for a drink.”

“Now? Tonight?” I groaned.

“Yes, tonight, girl. Don’t worry, I’m coming to pick you up. I won’t subject you to Lagos night traffic. Get dressed; I’m almost at your house.” She hung up.

I groaned once more and flopped on my chair. So much for a quiet night in with my Telemundo.

Thirty minutes later, I found myself seated in front of Adelaide. She ordered a glass of apple martini and I settled for club soda. I don’t drink, my years of experience with ‘the boy’, Bayo, had taught me what too much drink can do to the mind. I sipped my soda, while I listened to Adelaide tell me all her cousin said.

“When I asked DJ what he thought of your beauty, he said that was none of my business. Trust me that raised my antenna higher than if he had just told me he found you irresistible. He found you irresistible, didn’t he?”

“DJ?” I asked with raised eyebrows.

She laughed. “Just a nickname that stuck with him since we were kids. You can ask him about it sometime.”

“Well, he did ask me out to dinner tomorrow night.” I answered.

“Yes!” she punched the air. “I knew it. So, where are you guys going?”

“I’m not going out with your cousin, Adelaide.”

She reacted as if I just hit her. “Why not?”

“I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

“Oh, Ella! You’re too straight-laced for me. Why did you think I sent you to him in the first place?”

“Well, forgive me but I thought it was because of my very lovely work.” I answered, hurt.

“Of course, I love your work, Ella. My brother wouldn’t have given you the time of the day if he hadn’t seen some pictures of your works and loved it. But I was so hoping you guys will hit it off.”

“He saw some pictures?” The nerve of that man! And he was busy asking me all those questions.

“Yes, I sent him some.”

“Interesting.”

“Can’t you make an exception for my cousin? He’s very handsome, don’t you think?”

I smiled. “Yes, he’s alright. And if you dare tell him I said that, I’ll cut off your tongue.”

She laughed. “My lips are sealed. So?”

I knew what she was asking. “Adelaide, your cousin is cute but I don’t want to complicate things. My life is in order right now, and I’m not looking for any disruptions.”

“It’s cool. I hope you change your mind though.”

I smiled. “Thank you for looking out for me, babe.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” She gave me a high-five. “So, I got the impression that you had a harrowing day?”

“You have no idea.” I launched into just how harrowing the day was.

“By the time I was done checking all of your cousin’s offices and making a list of everything I’ll need, I was very exhausted. I had to rush down to the LASTMA Office though, because I had to get my car. Suffice to say, I finally got it out. I went home immediately and was about to settle down to my dinner when your call came in.” I gave her a nasty look.

She laughed. “Forgive me, darling. I just had to hear the full gist from you.”

“I’m glad I came out. It’s a nice end to a not-so-enjoyable day.”

“All is well that ends well.”

“That reminds me, I’m going to need the services of a trucking company. Do you happen to know any?”

“No, I don’t. But I can help you find out from someone.”

“Please do.”

“Will do.”

“By the way, I’ve not thanked you for hooking me up with your cousin for this job. It’s really a lifesaver.”

“It’s my pleasure, darling. I know you’ll do an awesome job.”

I winked. “You got that right. It’s going to take a lot though, your cousin’s office is very impressive.”

“You don’t know the half of it. The guy is loaded.”

“Really? How loaded?”

“I’m telling you. Like the caliber of Dangote and the rest.”

My eyes almost bulged out of my head. “Seriously”

She laughed. “Nah, I’m just kidding. He’s stinking rich though. I mean the guy can afford to buy an Aston Martin without batting an eye.”

“Hmmm. That’s really cool. I can’t imagine what it’ll feel like to have that kind of money.”

“Me neither.”

“What does he do anyway?”

“He’s into real estate. I mean the big guns; buying and selling of properties in Lekki, Banana Islands and so on. He’s not in the minor league.”

“Wow! I’m impressed.”

“I’m impressed too and he’s ‘only’ my cousin.”

I laughed. “Lucky you.”

“Would you like another glass?” she eyed my club soda.

I yawned. “No, girl. I’d rather just go home. I’m so tired.”

“I understand.” She signaled the waiter and paid for the drinks, and we walked out together.

By the time I got back home, I was so ragged that all I could do was crash into my bed. Before long, I was far in dreamland, having dinner with Daniel.

The following day started a lot better than the previous. I was able to get a lot of work done. I went to the ..................................

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