₦airaland Forum

Chapter Two

After the day's hard work, Bayo believed there must be moments to cool off. It should not just be work, work, work. By 6.00 pm, he was at the club house in Palm Groove. He had his own firm now and had just won a big case. That meant there was need for celebration. To savor the moment with him was Ada, his latest girlfriend. Bringing her to the place was one of the ways Bayo believed he was having a good time.

He ordered for two plates of pepper soup and drinks. The red wine was always his preference. As he took the peppery delicacies, he sipped the wine intermittently. Sitting across the table, Ada chatted excitedly, while Bayo nodded from time to time. It was his habit not to talk much while eating or drinking.

The big screen in the large room was showing musical videos. Some exuberant youth, with frenzy, half-clad ladies, were twisting their bodies and gyrating in what they called dance. Bayo was not a music fan and was barely paying attention to them. Even if he were to be a music fan, his choice would not be this very genre. He would rather put his interests in other ephemeral things.

'You're not answering my question,' Ada interjected his thoughts.

'Hmn? Sorry, what did you say?'

'What could you be thinking of that you were so distracted?'

He broke into a warm smile. 'It's the noise that distracted me. I'm sorry. What were you saying?'

'I asked if the shopping you promised will be this weekend.'

So he had even promised to take her for shopping during the weekend! He could not remember making such a promise. All the same, he smiled and nodded.

'Oh, you're such a darling,' she gushed and gave him a peck on the left cheek. He winked at her.

'I expected you to turn the other cheek,' she said, animatedly.

He laughed and obliged her. It seemed to please Bayo to indulge in such frivolities. Ada was recently employed in his law chamber. That was
about three months ago. So far, for a greenhorn , she was doing well. It was not difficult to see that she had a lot of zeal . She combined brilliance with beauty.

That combination was enough to make Bayo lose his senses. At first, he was given to making so much effusion about how beautiful and desirable she looked. A colleague of hers whispered a warning that she should not be carried away by his flateries. She was told that the highly sentimental boss had a beautiful wife at home and was only after flings. Ada was not dissuaded by such counsels. By the time Bayo offered to take her out for dinner, she said yes without any reservation.

Since then, the affair had been going on and had blossomed. She ignored the fact that apart from being married, he probably also had other lovers. To her, if he chose the life of a philanderer, that was his business.

Ada finished the first plate of pepper soup and indicated interest in having another. She was particularly fond of catfish own. Bayo smiled at her and wondered about her appetite. She seemed to like food a lot, yet she looked very slim. He nodded again and ordered an extra plate for her.

'What! Are you crazy? What is this?' Nancy was perplexed. Her disbelief was without bound.

'You're the one that is crazy.' Now, the woman was bawling. 'Let us see those yeye things you have on your chest! Those tiny things you call breasts!'

She was really ready to create a scene. The uniformed man that had accompanied her did not say or do anything. He was just looking on as if he was there as an observer.

Two or three people moved close to them to see what was going on.

'Just look at her!' The woman continued to yell. 'Useless lady. Go and look for your own man. Stop running after married men.'

One of the security men manning the complex was moving towards them fast.

'Madam, what is the problem?' The security man looked ruffled as if the scene was abominable.

''It is this useless lady.' The plump woman's reply was swift. 'This ashewo lady.'

The woman tugged at the strap more and succeeded in pulling the left cup off, but Nancy was able to pull the clothing back fast to cover her chest.

'Just look at her! See her useless tits!' The aggressor was gleeful.

'Madam, leave me o. Ah, what kind of nonsense is this?' Nancy wouldn't have anticipated the great embarrassment, even in her dream. She had heard of things like this before. In Lagos, such an incident was not unheard of. But she couldn't have imagined that she would be at the receiving end.

The few people around did not make any move to broker peace, save for the security guy.

As a matter of fact, the last action was to their delight. They looked on as if they were watching a premiere from Nollywood, Nigeria's version of Hollywood.

'No, you can't do that, madam.' There was concern and urgency in the tone of the security man. He held the aggressor and tried to restrain her from further attack.

The woman's hold on Nancy slackened. That gave Nancy the leverage. Still on the defensive, she dashed inside the car, slammed the door shut and kicked the engine into life.

She reversed out of the park and gunned it away from the shopping complex. The woman was still shouting after her as she drove away.

A Kiss of the Serpent



Tomi Danesi



The big store had assorted goods - both local and exotic. Nancy was happy she had more than enough options to make. She selected the items she had planned to buy. She must not forget the perfumes and wines.

As it was Saturday morning, the place was bristling with customers. The weather was good and was an encouraging factor to outdoor activities. There was no better time for shopping, too.

She went to the counter to pay for her items. She would be paying through the POS today. The lady that took the payments smiled perfunctorily at her. Nancy smiled back. A small queue was already forming behind her. She took her two bags containing her purchases and moved to the exit.

Another smile awaited her at the exit door. In addition, the security attendant touched the peak of his cap in salutation. His crisp uniform reminded her of military officers. Nancy waved and moved on.

It was just eleven in the morning, but the sun had come out in full force. African sun is never shy about radiance. It was already blazing like one eager to display its sheeny splendor. Nancy put on her sunglasses and moved briskly to her car in the lot.

She opened the boot of the Toyota. The car still looked and smelled new. She became its proud owner some months back, when it was gifted by someone close to her heart. Nancy had been glad about the generous gesture. Was there a lady that would not be?

She was still arranging the bags in the booth when a hand tapped her shoulders from behind. She turned to look.

'Are you not Nancy?' The woman's voice was imperative. The expression was more assertive than inquisitive. Behind her was a man who dressed like a chauffeur.

She was on the plump side and looked like someone who had a good life and who would stop at nothing to get what she desired. She was in t-shirt and jeans trousers, which appeared tight for her voluptuous thighs.

There was something impetuous about the way she talked.

'Yes. Can I help you?' Nancy's answer was short and expectant.

The plump woman shook her head. 'You're the one that needs help. You are the one to help yourself. I just came to warn you. I want to warn you to desist from going out with my husband.'

Nancy looked shocked. 'Who're you, and what're you talking about?'

'Don't you pretend with me.' The strange woman's voice had gone up. Still, it looked like she would gladly increase the tempo. 'I'm warning you to stop your prostitution with Gbade. Why are you going out with him? Don't you know he is happily married? Look at you. You're just a common prostitute! A LovePeddler! A useless LovePeddler!'

It was obvious the woman was ready for trouble. Nancy decided not say anything further. She closed the boot of the car and moved towards the door.

The woman followed her. 'I've only come today to warn you.' The agitation in her voice was unmistakable. 'Next time, I won't be so nice with you. You should be ashamed of yourself. Just look at you. What did he see in you self? What is special about you?'

Nancy remained mute. She opened the right , front door of the car.

'Just look at her! Shameless idiot! Can't you look for your own man?!'

The woman grabbed Nancy's top before she could enter the car and tore it. Her movements were as swift as a combatant. Not satisfied, she grabbed the strap of Nancy's bra and pulled.

Nancy was shocked, to say the least. With her left hand, she held on to her bra while the right hand fended off any further attack.

'I'm sorry to hear that,' he said. He had heard similar story before. As an assistant pastor, he had been in a position to give marriage counseling to troubled couples on many occasions. Some were even on the verge of calling it quit in the relationship. With divine and wise interventions, such relationships were mended.

'You need to be very prayerful about it. Yes, I can feel your pains and I sympathies with you, but you just have to endure the odds. Marriage is not a bed of roses as many people mistakenly take it to be. There're bound to be ups and downs. There will be the good times and the not-so-good ones. It is God that helps one to make it work - God, and our own conscientious efforts.'

'He has become very insensitive,’ she stated in a bitter tone. 'He makes life a hell for me and the children. As a matter of fact, if not for the sake of the children, I would've packed out of his house.'

'I'll advise you not to do that. That really is not the best option.' Femi said solemnly. He tried to assuage her agitations and to assure that God would intervene and heal the ills of the relationship, but he knew it was not always easy to mollify a woman who felt scorned.



Eneh was very happy. Things were going on the way she had envisaged, so why must she not be glad? At twenty five, she was certainly not too young to be getting married. She was working in a federal agency in charge of petroleum resources at Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos. She had decided to combine that with a degree program she was running at the open university. Her lucky groom-to-be was Martin, a slim, dark dude and a senior colleague at work. Martin was already forty years of age, although his looks bellied his age. When he first proposed to her about eight months ago, she had told him she did not wish to be a second wife. Her mother was the first wife to her father and she knew what a house of troubles their home turned to be the moment her father took another wife. Baba had got a woman assisting him on his farm pregnant and subsequently introduced her as a new wife. Eneh's mother could not believe her eyes. How could she have imagined that Peter, her husband, who always professed that no woman could be like her, do such a thing? Peter had looked like the meekest among the meek. Well, Eneh's mother had no choice than to accept the other woman. Ever since then, the erstwhile love, trust and peace in the house had waned to the minimum.

Eneh was thinking that she would not go for that kind of relationship. No matter what could be Martin's promises of love and undying affection, she would not be a victim like her mother.

She had been surprised when Martin said he had never been married. Did that mean he had a child or children out of wedlock? Eneh wanted to know. She had pleaded that he should tell her the truth. No, no, no, Martin replied. There was no love child anywhere.

Being assured, she had told him he should give her some time before she could give her consent. Her parents in Gboko had not posed any problem, although he was of a different tribe from Nasarawa state. They were happy for their daughter and wished her the best. As the wedding day approached preparations were in top gear.

So far, Martin had been a complete gentleman. He had related with her in love and respect. He also appeared to be generous and kind-hearted. Sometimes, Eneh would wonder why a man like him had not settled down with a woman before now. He seemed to be a devoted Christian. Maybe he was bidding his time.

Maybe he was waiting for divine assurance. Whatever it was, the wait was over, or about to be. Hadiza, her colleague came in to chat with her. She had been so carried away with thoughts that she did not know when she came in. Hadiza was older than her by more than a decade and was a senior colleague. Despite the differences, they were close. Eneh always confided in her while the latter would tutor her about life.

'You must be thinking of the great event ahead. We all look forward to that day,' Hadiza said.

Eneh knew the 'great event' she was referring to. What else could be the 'great event'?

'Good day, ma. How is work?'

'Fine, fine. I hope you and oga Martin are preparing well. We pray almighty God to make us witness the day in good health and sound mind.'

'Amen.'

'See how radiant you look these days. Allah be praised for His mercies.'

'Amin.'

Religion was another factor that could have created differences between them, but the two women would not allow that. Hadiza was a Muslim from Plateau state while Eneh was a Catholic from Benue, but that had never been a problem. For the proposed wedding of her good friend, Hadiza had decided that she would be travelling to Benue State, insha Allah.

'There you are,' Femi said as a way of greeting. She gave him a hug.

'Good to see you again,' she said. He ushered her into his office and motioned her to a settee.

'Please, have a seat and feel relaxed.'

'Thank you.' She looked around the office and nodded appreciatively.

'A nice office you have here,' she complimented.

‘Thank you.'

He sat down too, opposite her. That gave him the chance to look at her squarely. Sade had not changed much. She had gained some weight, no doubt, but the features of her face remained the same. Ten years ago, when they were still in the university, some of his friends had teased him that Sade would be a good wife and that he should not waste time to propose to her and in planning a lasting union. Femi had regarded it as a big joke. Sade was like a sister to him, he had argued, pointing out that he had no such spousal inclination. That was years ago. His recollection brought a smile to his face.

As a devoted student trying to make a headway, he knew he must fully concentrate on his studies. There was a time for every thing. He believed when it would be time for him to settle down with a life partner, God Himself would bring the person.

'So, how's your family - your husband and your children?' he asked.

'My children are okay.'

He nodded. He did not notice that she deliberately skipped commenting about her husband.

They chatted about old times. Lola came in to ask what the guest would like to have, but she said she did not need anything.

'What about your place of work? Are you not going this morning?' Femi asked.

'There is no problem about that. I've taken permission that I'll be coming quite late to work.'

He nodded again.

'I can see that your wife is taking good care of you,' she said.

'We thank God o. It is the doing of our good Lord.'

'How I wish I can say the same,' she said wistfully. The words and the tone had the desired effects. This time, there was no way Femi would not have noticed the tinges of sadness.

'My goodness, you sounded so low.'

She sighed. From her look, it was obvious a lot was on her mind. With a little prodding from him, she poured her heart out. Things were no longer as rosy as they used to be. Sade went down the memory lane. She had met Bayo about seven years ago, not long after she got her job. Bayo worked for a flourishing law firm. With his brilliance and charm, he had very bright prospects and was able to climb the success ladder fast.

Sade was certain it was 'love at first sight' when she first met him. A year after the sizzling romance, he was ready to take her to the altar. Bayo was the perfect lover and gentleman, or so it seemed. He would take her to high brow eateries, and for shopping. Sade had thought the glitz would last for ever.

Not long after the fuzz, the law of diminishing returns set in. The dim in his zeal started after her second pregnancy. He would come back late amd would explain that his work was becoming very demanding, and that explained why he was coming home late. The serious cracks in the wall started about a year ago. For nights, he would simply not come home, and he would explain it was all due to the workload.

Although then, he had started his chamber and was doing well, the way he talked about workload made Sade wonder if he was the only one handling criminal cases in the whole country.

When Sade told one of his uncles about his misdemeanor, Bayo raved and accused her of fanning the embers of discord by making a mountain out of a molehill. Sade was nonplussed. Had his love for her finally gone with the wind? She did not know who else to turn to. Even the pastor of their church who she had confided in could not successfully mediate.

Femi listened in rapt attention as Sade said all these. At the end of her story, even though he had only heard her own side, he felt sorry for her.

LightQueen:
Nice one dear

Sure I am following

Give me moreeee

THANK YOU.

LightQueen:
Why are you smiling at me?

Because it is wonderful to smile. It conquers all inhibitions.

DonZaggy:
Thanks lovetoread,you are a darling.

Yes, he is.

By the time Lola got home, it was a few minutes to seven in the evening. Despite the expansion of road, the traffic had been hectic, especially between Ogolonto and Round about, Ikorodu. She heaved sigh of relief when she finally disembarked from the bus. Her mother had already started preparing the supper. She was turning the yam flour in the pot the moment Lola stepped into the house. She had already made the vegetables that would go with it. Lola was not surprised. Amala was one local delicacy that mama cherished. Dear mother. She insisted that Lola must take a rest while she would finish the cooking.

Her younger brother, Kunle would not be coming home tonight. He worked on Lagos Island and had often bemoaned the stress of traffic from his abode to his working place. To minimize the stress, he had secured a friend's place at Ikoyi where he would be staying Monday to Friday. Mama did not really like the idea, but she had been persuaded about its merits. She always acted as if her children must be protected and pampered. Lola was however grateful to her mother for her unconditional care. She hoped she too would become a caring mother like her mother.



The following morning, Femi took his time while taking his breakfast. His flight was mid-day. It was only few minutes after eight in the morning. If he should leave his house by ten, he would still have ample time to get to the local wing of the airport and board his flight. His wife was by his side at the table. The fried eggs, bread and tea was his favorite breakfast. Maggie had prepared everything before she took the children to their school, which was in the neighborhood. Since she was self-employed, she had no compulsion about early time for work resumption.

Just as Femi took the cup of tea to his mouth for another sip, his cell phone rang. He checked the caller. It was Sade. Smiling to himself, he picked the call.

'Hello, good morning. How's everything?'

'Good morning. I was on my way to the office, and I thought of saying hello.'

'That's thoughtful of you. How is the family?'

'We're all fine. How about you? How're your wife and children?'

'We're doing fine. We thank God.'

'So, when will you be in the office for me to come and say hello? Or should the greeting be in your house?'

'Er, I'll be travelling to Abuja this noon. Don't worry, when I come back in two or three days' time, I will surely be available. I'll call and let you
know.'

'Oh, I didn't know you'll be travelling. I wish you safe journey, then.'

'Thank you. I will surely let you know when I come back.'

'Alright, my regards to the family.'

'Okay, bye bye.'

Femi disconnected the line. He did not wait for his wife to ask who the caller was. 'It was the lady, my former colleague that I told you yesterday I met on my way home.'

'Oh, ' was all she could say. He changed the topic. When the breakfast was over, he decided to be on his way. His wife gave him a
farewell kiss.

'The almighty God will keep you safe. The flight will be smooth to and fro in Jesus name,' she offered. 'Your purpose of travelling will be achieved without hitches by the power of almighty God.' Femi responded gleefully. A very supportive wife she was.



Three days later, Femi was back in Lagos. The Abuja trip turned to be very successful. He had concluded everything he went for fruitfully. It was gladdening to be back to the warm embrace of his wife who enthused a lot about missing him. Femi chuckled. If he could be missed so much as a result of a few days' absence, how would he be missed if he should be gone for months?

Lola came in to tell him that the system engineer was around to work on the computer and laptops. The system was affected by virus, thus the exigency to call an expert.

'Tell him to start the work immediately. I'll soon be joining him.'

She closed the door, left his office and he continued with browsing on his i-pad. He had made it a routine to read news headlines every morning. Although much of the news were unpleasant - from kidnapping to suicide bombings - there was a need to be informed.

His phone rang. It was Sade, announcing that she was on her way to see him. Since the day he had met her, she had been calling him everyday. Even when he was in Abuja, she was the first to call to ask if he arrived safely. She had earlier called to inform that she would be coming by nine o'clock that morning. Since the address of the office was on the complimentary card he had given her, finding the place would not be a problem. Femi was still talking with the engineer when Sade came in.

Hello, dear fellow writers. This is a story of love and betrayal. Comments are highly welcomed.
Happy reading.


Femi was a devoted family man until he meets a former colleague. Sade, a beautiful and vivacious woman, is going through some trauma in her marriage and she needs somebody to share the heart burden with. Meeting Femi by chance provides the opportunity she years for.
Femi falters and it takes a while for him to retrace his steps. Temptations are not always the best. They can make or mar one's life. This is exactly what Femi has to fight against.






Tomi Danesi







This story is all a fiction. All characters and events are imagined and do no refer to anybody, dead or alive.
The story is, however, meant to encourage, inspire and urge people to remain steadfast in the face of challenges.





© 2018






Dedication

This book is dedicated to the glory of almighty God. It is also dedicated to those who believe in faithfulness in relationship.










cover picture credit: eye-for-ebony-341041-unsplash


This book is available on


https://okadabooks.com/book/about/the_last_temptation/23329







The coolness of the morning could not be unnoticed. The cold, dry wind unleashed by the harmattan had come with a great deal of fierceness this time around. It was its season. People had expected it, but no one thought it would be as fierce as this. Lola switched off the air conditioner system in the expansive office. When she had first arrived that morning, she felt the need for her body to get some coolness after the bustle on the road while coming to her place of work. Thirty minutes after arriving there, she felt otherwise. She was sitting on her swivel chair with eyes glued to the computer screen as she typed a document her boss had given her.

Her mind was hovering between the work she was doing and the most prominent personal challenge she had At the age of thirty-three, her mother had been on her neck over her inability to bring home her 'future husband'. This was a big problem because many people from this part of the world placed so much value on ladies marrying on time. By the time a lady got to her thirties, the pressure would become intense. This was the category in which Lola found herself. Her mother saw no reason why she should not have settled down. The older woman had consistently argued that by now, Lola should be nursing her third child.

Lola had a good education, capping it with a degree in Mass Communication from a federal university. She was pretty by any standard. Her dressing was neither loud nor dull. She was modest in all that she did. With her job, it was apparent that she would not depend on a man for survival. That meant no man would see her as a liability. Yet, despite all the attributes, no 'serious' man had made any move to have a lasting relationship with her. Some men had come her way, but it was glaring they were just the 'play type' that had no immediate or remote plan for marriage. Lola was active in her faith - in principle and in practice.
The 'no sex until marriage' tenet drove those young men away. If she had been not so strict, she would enjoy the worldly thing to the
maximum, but thank God for her firm belief. She would rather wait until a serious guy came along. Even the guys in her church parish had been hesitant in making any amorous move. Well, all hope was not lost. She would have to intensify her prayers. This mountain of her life must come down.



Femi knotted his tie the way he liked it to be. He then put on the black coat. His wife, appreciating what she saw, smiled at him. It was her own way of playing the dotting wife.

'How do I look?' he asked, but it was a needless question as he already knew what the answer would be.

Maggie always appreciated her hubby. He gave her a peck and picked his briefcase. He was on his way to work. Luckily, the traffic was a bit light. In less than thirty minutes, he was taking the elevator to the seventh floor. His office occupied part of the floor. After breezing inside the office, he had some quiet minutes of prayer. Femi did not joke with his spiritual life. He believed in God, just as he believed that he could not achieve a thing without Him.

Femi's life had always been full of challenges but God had been helping him through. After graduating with a degree in English, he scouted for a 'good job' and when none was forthcoming, he settled for a teaching job. Many people did that as the last resort. The teaching was supposed to fill the gaps. He had planned to do it briefly, but he ended up having over a six-year experience in teaching job.

Despite the numerous challenges, he had trudged on. With dedication and unwavering commitment, he had been able to settle down and start a family. Maggie was the understanding type. She too had been a teacher and had a lot of similar experiences with her husband. Now, she was into confectionery. Over the years, she had been a loving and supporting wife. Femi knew God had really answered his prayers as far as his choice of wife was concerned. With three bright children and a loving spouse, one could say that he had a lovely family. In retrospect, he believed all that had happened to him were divinely arranged. He was grateful to God for his modest success. Indeed, nothing good came easy. Leaving the teaching job and embracing e-business was not got on a platter of gold. Now, Femi ran an on-line publishing firm which was not doing badly. He published an e-magazine as well as e-books.


During her break, Lola brought out her food flask and ate the fried plantain and egg she had brought. She ate slowly, savoring the taste. She hardly bought food outside as she preferred to cook her own food. The intercom buzzed. Her boss wanted to see her. She closed her flask and made for his office, and without knocking, she stepped inside

'The Abuja trip I told you about is tomorrow,' he told her.

She nodded. 'That means you'll be travelling tomorrow.'

'Yes.' His answers were always that simple. Lola had always known him as a simple man. For about two years now, she had been working with him. During those years, she realized what a cool man he was. He neither gave her trouble nor stressed her. In fact, he had been an understanding boss, the one that had sympathy and the one she could confide in. Lola could not have wished for a better employer.

'When will you be coming back, sir?' she asked.

'I shouldn’t be gone for long. Latest Friday, I should be back. '

'Wish you safe journey, and when you're coming, remember to buy a little nice thing for me.'

He smiled at her and nodded. The relationship between them was cordial but official. Femi knew where to draw the line. He regarded her as an employee and as a 'sister'. That meant she enjoyed some privileges.

'And what d'you want me to buy?' he asked.

She shrugged and it was her turn to smile. 'Anything nice.'

He seemed to think over that for some seconds.

'Okay, I will see what I can do.'

He sighed. 'While I am away I want you to ensure that the work goes on smoothly.'

'It will,' she assured.

It was a small office. Apart from her boss and herself, there was only one member of staff left - the office assistant. It was convenient for her to take over when her boss was not around. Femi preferred an ad hoc and a part-time arrangement whenever there was much work to do than to employ them on full time. He found it easier and more cost-effective to operate that way.

After Lola went back to her office, her work continued without any hitch. The closing time was 4 pm, but sometimes, she worked up till 5 pm. Sometimes, she would even have to take some of the documents home to continue the work. Such an assiduous action had earned her commendation from her boss.

By ten minutes after 4 pm, Femi decided to call it a day. Lola too rounded off what she was doing and got set to go home. Most times, she would get a 'lift' from him. From the office at Randle Avenue Surulere, she could always drop off at Maryland and thereafter take a bus to Ikorodu, where she lived with her mother and younger brother. Since the demise of her father when she was in final year in the university, it had become the responsibility of the woman to take up the challenge of footing the school bills of herself and her brother. Mama had really done well. What a caring and devoted mother she was. Little wonder that mother and daughter were fond of each other.

It was not surprising, also, that her mother was seriously concerned about Lola's marital status. She was always quick to proclaim that she wanted the best for her daughter.


After Lola had alighted from his car, Femi turned left and headed towards Ikeja. The traffic was already building up as the car could only move at the speed of crawling on the road. It was not unusual with Lagos traffic. Just a few meters after the filling station close to the helipad, he saw a figure that looked familiar, standing by the roadside. As he passed the figure, he was convinced that it was Sade, an old friend. He maneuvered the car and parked by the roadside. He then walled back about twenty meters to where she was standing. She did not take a keen interest in the approaching figure at first, but when she looked into his eyes and recognized who was coming, she broke into a smile.

'Hey, am I seeing who I really think I am seeing, or are my eyes deceiving me?' she asked.

'Ah, look who is here; I don't think there can be counterfeit.'

'Femi, is that really you?' It was more of a rhetorical question. He spread his hands and she was in his embrace.

'Waoh, you are the last person I could think of seeing here, I was just driving by when I saw you.' He pointed at his car

'I can't believe I could just run into you like this. What an age!' The smile on her face was wide and infectious.

Sade was a good friend of his some years ago when they were in the university. It was not anything amorous but they were good friends. Sometimes, they even discussed some knotty academic issues together. That was about ten years ago. After their schooling, they had gone their separate ways for their national youth service. They had maintained contact for a while but the loss of his phone and the subsequent inability to retrieve the sim line led to a seemingly permanent break in communication.

'So what are you doing now? I can see that you're not looking bad', she teased.

He smiled too. 'Well, we thank God. I'm on my own now. I'm into publishing business. What about you? Where do you work?'

'I work for the government, at the State Ministry of Information.' Her eyes went to the ring on his left finger. 'I can see you're married. How many kids do you have now?'

He smiled again. 'Yes, by God's grace, I'm married. Three young ones are the Lord's blessings - two girls and a boy. What of you? Who is the lucky one to sweep you off your feet?'

She chuckled. 'I'm married to a legal practitioner. We have two kids, although we're still expecting one more. He feels two girls are not good enough. You must be doing well. You look fresh.'

'Ah, well. We thank God. Things have not been exactly easy but we thank God. It is all by His grace.' It was typical of him to attribute everything to God.

'From the way you talk, I think you must also be a pastor, or you're about to be.'

'You're not far from the truth, but I'm actually an assistant pastor.'

She nodded as if she already knew. She was not surprised. Femi had always talked and acted like someone with a predisposition to serve in the Lord's vineyard, as a pastor, an evangelist or a reverend.

They chatted a little bit more. Femi gave her his complimentary card and stored her number on his phone.

'I will definitely call you,' he promised. We'll talk later. Where're you heading towards? Where d'you live?'

'Ketu. My car has a fault. I'll be going by commercial bus.'

'Oh, that's completely off my route. I live at Ikeja.'


'It's alright. See you again'

They hugged again - this time around, a very short one. He waved at her and sauntered to his car, feeling slightly elated.