Episode 23

I wasn't sure of the name of the hotel and so I asked him to hold on for a few seconds while I checked my email.
“It’s the New York Marriott Downtown Hotel.”
“Great. Exactly the same place I’m headed.”
“Oh yes it definitely is.” I whispered with a smile as we walked through the exit to get a cab.
Rico was a very interesting guy who had an idea of almost everything there was. Just a few hours together, we had talked about almost everything. He was really chatty, I didn’t realise when I told him everything about Deji and I including the bet that never saw the light of day.
“So, why don’t you just get a contraceptive. It’ll help ease the worries and fears of having Deji’s baby.” He teased.
“I have never given opting for a contraceptive method a thought honestly.”
“Ain’t you Nnigerians risk takers?” He teased again. C'mon it's really not a big deal. I could take you to one of the sexual health clinics to talk to a health professional if you don't mind.
“Oh No.” I replied in a rather harsh tone. How did I ever get to discussing sex education with a total stranger my first day in New York. It definitely didn’t sound right. I held my bag firmly for comfort and looked out of the window the remaining part of the journey.

We said our goodbyes at the reception after we got the keys to our respective rooms. I almost thought there was a spark between us before the sex education lecture came up. I watched him smile again as he said, “maybe the universe may just bring us together, some other time. Take care.”He walked away without asking for my contact details or room number at least. The shenanigans with the cute american guy I just met was definitely over I thought as I watched him go into the elevator without looking back.


I got to my room a few minutes later and just as I opened the door, my mouth did same. The view was amazing. I could see the Hudson River from my study table and a part of the city as it lit up. It looked so beautiful as night time was setting in and I was in awe. At that point, I could definitely say Rico was wiped out from my memory for the next minute.
I really wanted to share all of the beautiful scenery with someone. I called Ladi but there wasn’t any response. I wasn't surprised because it was past midnight in Nigeria. I decided to put a call through to Deji. I could bet he was going to act as mean Deji this time but I was prepared. To make the conversation less awkward, I was going to quickly say, "Hi Deji. I just checked into the hotel. I thought I should let you know." Then if that goes well, I'll just ask, "Do you mind seeing the view? It’s very beautiful." Right in the middle of my practice, the call got picked.

"Hi Cleo. You must be having a great time. We are doing good here. She said as she pointed the phone camera on Deji who was fast asleep with the duvet covering just his pelvic area."
I couldn't believe what was happening. "What are you doing there Ranti? I asked in surprise.
"Making a Castle baby." She laughed.
"A baby?" I shouted
"You should be happy for me Cleo. I'm 30 years old already. Except you plan on hooking me up with your brother which you clearly don't have then I think Congratulations from you will be in order.”
"What! I can't believe you." I voiced out loudly before hanging up and slipping into the sheets to digest all that just happened.
I had just a few hours before the start of the conference. The right thing to do was go to sleep but the zeal to completely forget what had just happened and to make my organisation proud at the same time just wouldn’t let me. I stayed up all night studying for the next day before finally catching about three hours of sleep

Continues in the next episode tomorrow

Can't wait? Get the complete e-book online here https://paystack.com/pay/u7ltid6ol4

You can also make a transfer to Health Platforms Zenith Bank 1015683060 and either drop your details below or send to info@healthplatformsng.com and your book will be on its way

Cheers!

Thanks for the update ma'am.

Ranti should stop playing games.

Thanks for the update .

You are weL come

Nifeesimi:
Thanks for the update ma'am.

Lol. Don't mind her

Treasure17:
Ranti should stop playing games.


Thanks for the update .

Thanks for the update ma"am

Episode 24

The two weeks of the conference had gone pretty well surpassing my expectations, the closing date was only one day away. I wished it didn't come to an end so quickly. I had gotten myself quite a good number of potential partners and clients and that made me understand why certain big companies would usually stop at nothing to get a seat at the table in conferences like this. It was definitely worth every penny. It made the phrase, "Your network is your net worth" so valid.
As I sat at the coffee place, going through every complimentary card with a broad smile, I felt a presence behind me. The cologne was so familiar, I was sure it was someone I knew but still I decided to act oblivious and just wait until he said a word.
"Hey, how long do you plan on going over those. I got you a nice mix. Coffee like you've never had it. You wanna try?" He asked as he gave me the cup.
It was Rico Shunt.

"Hi Rico. I never thought I'd see you again." I replied as I took the cup of coffee from him.
"I was hopeful the universe would bring us together again. I apologise for the last time. I was only being a concerned friend. I shouldn't have. I apologise." He said looking above my head.
"It's okay. I get it." I replied with a smile tilting his face gently towards mine.
"Thank you." He said with a broad smile.
"Have you been attending the conference?"
"Yea sure. I listened to your lecture on Communication and Media Psychology. Really good Stuff Cleo. You ever need a new job, make sure you give me a call.”
"That's really thoughtful. Thank you but how. I don't have your contact information.”
"Okay. Here it is." He said as he wrote a Nigerian phone number on my cup.
"Is this yours?"
"Yes. I am in Nigeria once every three months. You could get lucky." He said as he smiled and walked away. I would be lucky indeed.

It was a tradition to close the conference with a dinner party. It seemed everyone but me came prepared. I didn't have a dinner dress and I wasn't sure I could afford to buy one from the city.
"Hi Cleo. You ready for tomorrow night?" Sandra asked as she drew out a chair to sit beside me. I met Sandra on the fifth day of the conference right after my presentation. She came in from South Africa sponsored by her organisation too. She was a lady in her mid-thirties, very beautiful, most people would always turn to have a second look at her. When she walked up to me and congratulated me after my session, I was honored. I couldn't believe a lady that beautiful would recognise me in such a big conference and since then, we became good friends.
"I don't think I'll be attending Sandra. I don't have a dress." I replied.
"Why?" She asked pretty concerned at my …..
"Okay. I’ll get you a dress in a second."
"And how do you plan on doing that?" I asked
"Who's the cute guy you were speaking with before I walked in?" She asked with a mischievous smile.
"That's Rico. We were on the same flight. He is just a friend." I stressed after seeing the look on her face.
"Okay. Cool then." She replied as she looked around, picked up her cup of coffee and stepped out.

Sandra was many things including a very confident woman. One time we had discussions about the power that comes with being a hardworking intelligent black woman, she made me see things differently. She knew what she wanted and always found a way to get it. After that conversation, I could understand why she was the only black female director on her company's board. I watched her pace up and down the conference hall until she found Rico and stopped to have a conversation. From where I sat, I looked at the both of them, watching every move and trying really hard to understand what the conversation was about. I really hoped it didn’t have anything to do with me or the fact that I didn't have a dress for the party.

Continues in the next episode tomorrow.

Can't wait? You can get the complete e-book online here https://paystack.com/pay/u7ltid6ol4 or make a transfer using the details in the previous post

Cheers!

I just hope Cleo won't love in absentia. Now you have alternative and a spare tyre in form of Rico If Deji continue with his shakara, dump him.


Thanks for the update.

Thanks for the update mma teacher

Treasure17:
I just hope Cleo won't love in absentia. Now you have alternative and a spare tyre in form of Rico If Deji continue with his shakara, dump him.


Thanks for the update.

And who says Rico is interested in Cleo?

Rico is just being naturally friendly. if he is interested he would have shoot his shot during the sex education session

Hehehe just like that

Treasure17:
I just hope Cleo won't love in absentia. Now you have alternative and a spare tyre in form of Rico If Deji continue with his shakara, dump him.


Thanks for the update.

Emex100:

And who says Rico is interested in Cleo?

Rico is just being naturally friendly. if he is interested he would have shoot his shot during the sex education session

Episode 25

"Sandra what was that about? I hope that didn't have anything to do with me or the dress I need to get. I hardly know this guy."
"Relax Cleo. Not exactly. I just mentioned that we needed to get you a dress and weren't familiar with the city and so we will use his help."
"Okay and then what happened next?” I asked curiously.
"And he said he would be happy to help." She laughed as she touched my chin. I wasn't sure how to feel about all she had just said. I was very much aware of the notion of these men had about Nigerian women. A perceived sole dependence on men for every single need. I didn't want to further confirm it, especially not with Rico.

“You may not need to go to any shop after all... Oh there he is.” She exclaimed as she picked up her folder and hurriedly ran after a well dressed Italian man she had carefully looked for since the beginning of the event. I wasn't going to be surprised if he was the reason she attended the conference in the first place judging by her admirable level of ambition. “What do you mean I may not need to go to the shop after all?” I asked as I tried to pick up the remaining of my coffee in an attempt to rush behind her.
“Hey I see you made friends already. Isn’t it too soon. I almost thought I was the only one who had the privilege.” Another familiar voice spoke behind me with a hand on my shoulder.
I stood still for a few seconds watching Sandra catch up with the guy she was running after as she started a conversation. I really hoped she was with me at the time because if it was who I thought it was, I wasn't sure what to say or do next.
“Wouldn’t you even turn to say hi. Did I hurt you that much? This person asked as he turned around to stand in front of me.”
I wasn’t mistaken. It was him.

“Deji I see you made it to the conference. Nice!” I said as I took his hand off my shoulders and began to walk towards Sandra quickly.
“Will you stop this awkward attitude of yours. I came all the way to surprise you. You really think I’ll be attending the conference barely 24 hours to the end seriously. You didn’t even bother to give me a call in two weeks or even a message. Can you at least be nice?”
“Deji Castle did you just say awkward attitude?” I asked as I burst out laughing. I couldn't believe Deji would think anyone else could have an awkward attitude. As far as I was concerned, he had the most awkward attitude.
“Deji. I don't care. You could cross seven seas for all I care. Of course you turned down the opportunity for the conference because you had to stay back with Ranti to make a Castle baby. Congratulations daddy to be. I’m happy for you!” I said as I turned around and continued walking.

“Castle baby? What’s that?” He asked looking really surprised at what I had just said. I interpreted the look on his face as “how did she get to know about it?” and not “what is she talking about?” His look communicated both but I chose to believe the former. I wasn’t dreaming. So, if he was thinking of lying about what had happened between them, he had to try very hard.
I looked around for Sandra but couldn’t find her anymore. I had missed her while I had a chat with Deji. I figured it was time to go back to my room.
“Deji I really don’t know what you are here for but I’m definitely not buying your story. If you would excuse me.” I said as I walked into the lift and watched as he paced up and down the hallway trying to make a phone call. He probably was trying to get through to Ranti so they could get their stories straight I thought.

“Hello Miss Cleo.” I heard a lady say from the front of my room as she waved while I walked towards her. She had a proper American accent, neatly dressed with her hair packed in a shiny ponytail. She also had a very cute smile that exposed her perfect set of white teeth.
“I am Diana Lincht. I’ve brought this beautiful dresses for you to make a choice, Miss Cleo.” She said as she pointed towards the rack behind her. “Beautiful!” I replied as my eyes shone brighter just like the glitters from the collection.

Continues in the next episode on Monday.

Complete e-book is available online here https://paystack.com/pay/u7ltid6ol4

Cheers!

Have a great weekend.

Emex100:

And who says Rico is interested in Cleo?

Rico is just being naturally friendly. if he is interested he would have shoot his shot during the sex education session

Doesn't work like that. Asking a girl out after just two random meetings is a wrong signal guy. You should know better Eme..


Thanks for the update

Thanks for the update

Do have a wonderful weekend too dearie

Treasure17:

Doesn't work like that. Asking a girl out after just two random meetings is a wrong signal guy. You should know better Eme..


Thanks for the update

Oga why should know better?

And where is it written that asking a girl/lady out on the first meeting is not appropriate?

It all boils down to how you approach the person.

Emex100:

Oga why should know better?

And where is it written that asking a girl/lady out on the first meeting is not appropriate?

It all boils down to how you approach the person.

Lol. Never mind, stick with your strategy.

Maybe short term relationship though but for me it's awkward to do that. Stop quoting me out of context alright. I never said that, inappropriate is a strong word.

Treasure17:

Lol. Never mind, stick with your strategy.

Maybe short term relationship though but for me it's awkward to do that. Stop quoting me out of context alright. I never said that, inappropriate is a strong word.

i like you already!!!

Maybe am old school but i remember i woo my woman on our first ever meet. And now we are expecting little "Emex" number two.....lol

Emex100:


i like you already!!!

Maybe am old school but i remember i woo my woman on our first ever meet. And now we are expecting little "Emex" number two.....lol

Lol. Eme my guy. So you are married. Wow. Congratulations. Stop chasing izaray then.

Treasure17:

Lol. Eme my guy. So you are married. Wow. Congratulations. Stop chasing izaray then.

You dont even if izaray or Ann2012 is my wife

Emex100:
You dont even if izaray or Ann2012 is my wife

That can't be.

Treasure17:
That can't be.

Why are you so sure

Emex100:


Why are you so sure

Well, none of your posts ever suggest that and besides my instinct hardly disappoint.

Treasure17:

Well, none of your posts ever suggest that and besides my instinct hardly disappoint.

This is a virtual space and i dont expose more of myself, relationship or family relationship online.

Emex100:

This is a virtual space and i dont expose more of myself, relationship or family relationship online.

Episode 26

“Did you say I have to make a choice from all of these?” I asked as I ran my fingers through all ten dresses walking from one end of the rack to the other. I was still in awe when I realized I hadn’t asked the beautiful lady who sent the dresses and so I did.
“Mr Rico placed the order, Miss Cleo. He asked that you make a choice. However you could take all of it if you so desire.” She said as she smiled and pointed to the door to my room.
“Oh sorry.” I apologised as I opened the room. I was still in shock. I had never seen anything anything like that. I guess she wouldn’t blame my reactions instead she would blame it on the surprise.

While I tried on the dresses one after the other , I walked around the room, imagining my alluring look for the night. While at it, I got a call from Rico asking if he could swing by to help me pick the best dress.
“You could drop by for a cup of coffee if you want. You are definitely not seeing me in this dress. Coffee date in my room in 30 minutes.” I said giggling as I dropped the phone and looked into the mirror one last time.
“This is the dress Diana. Thank you.” I said confidently as I moved both hands below my breasts which were now properly aligned even without having a brassiere on. I moved my hands further down to my abdomen which had never appeared so slim in a dress. My hips exposed the hour glass figure I never paid attention to. I just couldn’t wait to show off the new me at the dinner party.

I’ll be here at 6pm to take care of your hair and makeup.” Diana said as she arranged the remaining dresses on the rack.
“Thank you. I had no idea that was included in the package as well. ” I replied with a smile as I took off the dress, put it back in the hanger and placed it carefully in the wardrobe.

As I stood there with my hands on the handles of the wardrobe admiring the dress and asking myself why Rico would want to do this, I heard a knock on the door. “Rico is here. Please open the door.” I asked Diana politely. Perhaps it was time to ask him the question.
“Cleo, I could go back if you are busy.” Deji said with surprise written all over his face as he looked at me, Diana and the dresses on the rack really closely.
“I’ll be back at 6pm ma’am.” Diana said with a smile as she moved the rack out of the room.
“What is all this you are doing Cleo? Deji asked as he banged the door behind Diana.

“Is this how you choose to spend the company’s money. C’mon you were given the liberty to get whatever you want but not to abuse it like this. I’ve never known you to be vain. What's happening?” He asked calmly as he held my hands and walked me to sit on the bed as he sat beside me.

“Why are you here Deji?” I asked with a straight face like all he had just said meant nothing.
“To apologise to you. The night you spoke with Ranti was one of those nights when I worked late and decided to stay in the office guest house. I have no idea how she got in there or had access to my phone. I truly don't understand what happened. You have to believe me.”
“The same way you had me over at your place and almost made me believe nothing happened between. Nice story. Please leave Deji I requested as I stood up from the bed and rested on the reading table.”
“Nothing happened Cleo.” Deji said laughing really hard. At that point, I became really confused and angry at the same time. Did he think I was so stupid or what. He told me without a doubt he had sex with me and now he didn’t. “Please get out of my room Deji.” I shouted.

"I didn’t do it. When you accused me of sleeping with you. I thought you were up to something. I mean which girl wouldn’t know if a guy had sex with her. I agreed to your claims just to see what plans you had, maybe to frame me up. It’s not strange in the Castle family. It happens all the time with girls who want money. We are used to it.” He laughed again. I couldn’t believe how much of a fool I had made of myself.

Continues in the next episode tomorrow.

Complete e-book available online here https://paystack.com/pay/u7ltid6ol4

Cheers!

Chai.. Can't believe this and my assumptions were totally off. Thanks for the clarification. Well-done.

Thanks for the update

thanks for the update

Episode 27

"You are different Cleo. I thought I could stay a few weeks without you but I couldn't and that's why I am here. I'm here to apologise and tell you how I feel about you. I want you to be mine." He said as he moved closer slipped my hair which was covering half of my face to the back of my ear. I felt a strange movement through my body. My feet and palms became cold. "Did you say you want me to be yours?” I whispered as he wrapped his hands around my waist, turned me around and dropped me gently on the bed.
"Yes I do and I mean it." He whispered back as he bent over me guarding me with both knees as he placed his lips on my forehead slowly pecking my forehead, down to my nose and was almost on my lips when we became distracted by a knock on the door.

"Deji you have to go." I said shivering. It was too much for me to take in. I felt like my head was going to explode.
"Why?" He asked taking off his shirt. "That should be housekeeping. They will come back later." He said as he kissed me on the lips and tried to take off my top.
"I’m serious Deji. It's not housekeeping." I said as I pushed him away and stood up to watch him leave.
"Then who is it?" He asked as he wore back his polo shirt and paused to get an answer.
"I'll explain later." I replied looking away.
"Oh." He said nodding slowly as he stood up to look me in the eye. "I'm sorry. I'll just leave. Have fun." He said as he shook his head, walked to the door and opened it.

"Hey. I hope you've got a really nice cup of coffee." Rico said in excitement without taking a minute off pressing his phone to see who had opened the door.
While I was still thinking of how best to salvage the situation, Deji moved a few steps forward requested a handshake from Rico and said firmly with a smile, "Deji Castle, Lancast Media, Lagos. I work in the same company with Cleo. She's told me so much about you. I'm glad to finally meet you." “Thank you. Did you get to see her in those dresses I sent because she wouldn't let me?" He asked with a smile.
"Not at all. If she wouldn't let you, why would she let me?" He laughed. "I'll see you around." He said smiling at us before walking away.
"I'll take it that you want to surprise me this evening. I'll try not to pass out." He said with a charming smile as he took a seat. "So where's the coffee?" He asked looking around.

I rushed quickly to the table beside the bed to plug the electric kettle while I tried to sort out the different brands of coffee on the tea tray. I turned to look at Rico from time to time while I made the coffee to see what he was up to. I didn't want to believe for a second he didn't suspect anything between me and Deji. He was keenly reading an article on his tablet. I thought it would be stupid to bring up the matter and so I decided to just make the coffee. How many stupid things could I possibly do in just one day. As I made the coffee, I reminisced the scene with Deji. How did we go from having regular conversations to being all cozy and the way he touched me. I had never experienced anything like that. I acted otherwise but it felt so good.

"Wait a minute Cleo. Was that Deji we spoke about? Cleo? Rico called again after I went silent for a few seconds. I had just finished making the coffee and as soon as he asked the question, my heart skipped several beats and in an attempt to consciously coordinate myself for what was ahead, the cup slipped from my hands and the coffee spilled all over my body.

Continues in the next episode tomorrow
Can't wait? Get the complete e-book online here https://paystack.com/pay/u7ltid6ol4

Cheers!

Thanks for the update

Interesting story . thanks for the update