BIBI - CHAPTER 5

 

Bibi walked into her manager's office. It was a lovely Thursday afternoon. She had recovered completely and was feeling great. She was excited about working on a new project and helping to coordinate the volunteer event with Tyndale Bank. 

She showed her manager her presentation slides. 

“Well done, Bibi.” Sade Adeyemo articulated, clearly impressed with the presentation Bibi had just shown her. “I love your ideas. You're such a creative genius. That's why you're one of our top creative directors here anyway.”

“So, from a budget perspective, do you know how much we need to invest into this project?”

“Yes,” Bibi replied, sitting across from her manager. She scrolled through her laptop.

“I worked with Mr Gboyega in the finance department. We are looking at a total sum of Five million Naira.”

“Hmmm.” Sade swung her chair around. “Can we work with two million Naira instead? You know restrictions have been placed on company expenses now.”

“Sure thing,” Bibi replied and made a note on her notepad. “Two million should be doable.”

“Great. Sade responded. I'll run this by the GM, and I'll let you know what his thoughts are.”

“Thank you, madam,” Bibi said. 

“Not a problem,” Sade said before picking the phone to answer the incoming call. 

Bibi picked her laptop and made her way to her office. She got a text message from Bade. 

“Babe, I’m going to be late today. Please get an Uber home. I'll reimburse you.”

Several minutes later, he gave her a call. 

“Yes. I got your message. Wanted to reply but I got carried away by work. Not a problem. I'll get an Uber.”  Bibi answered while scrolling through the calendar on her iPad.

“Our German Partners just came to town. Sarumi wants us all to go to dinner.” Bade called his manager Sarumi.  “Happy hour things, you know.”

“Oh okay. Don't drink too much.” Bibi admonished.

“Okay, mum,” Bade answered making Bibi chuckle. “So, should I not make you dinner? 

“Young lady, I shall be waiting for a hot plate of pounded yam and my favorite melon soup.”

“Tonight?” Bibi asked incredulously. 

“Why not?” Bade asked giggling. 

“Go away. I should have known that you were pulling my feet.”

Bade snickered. “I'll have something light. Boiled plantain with corned beef sauce and veggies should be fine.” 

“Okay. I'll make that.” Bibi replied running her hands through her hair.   

“Want me to get you anything on my way home?”  Bade asked. 

“Uhhmm,” Bibi muttered. “Chicken Shawarma, please. Been too long I had that.” 

“Your wish is my command,” Bade stated. “Talk to you later, wife.”

“Bye babe,” Bibi replied before hanging up the call. 

Celine Dion's Happy played in her head. “I wanna be the one to make you happy… I wanna be the one to give you hope.”

****

Pere whistled around the house. It was going to be a beautiful day. He could feel it in his bones.

He and Adesua had not been on talking terms since the day he had slapped her accidentally. He had told her sorry repeatedly, but she had chosen to ignore him. He wondered how much longer they could continue this way. Adesua was so hard-hearted. He couldn't blame her though. He knew she was disappointed in him. He had made a blunder and couldn't forgive himself. 

Adesua walked around the bedroom in her silk nightwear. She headed towards the walk-in closet and looked through for something fabulous to wear out. Just because things weren’t going so well for her didn’t mean that she could not put on a stunning appearance. The whole world didn’t need to know that she was having problems.

When Pere walked into the bedroom whistling, Adesua turned to look at him. “Good morning beautiful.” He said to her.

“Good morning.” She replied. She wondered what was so good about the morning. “Did you win a jackpot?” She queried.

“Ah! At last, ice queen is talking to me.” Pere mused inwardly. “Sorry?”

“I’m wondering if you won a jackpot. You’ve been whistling around the house.” Adesua elucidated.

“Oh! Let’s just say I know it’s going to be a lovely day.” Pere stated.

“Uhm. I see.” Adesua answered casually, laying the dress she intended wearing out on the bed.

“Going out this morning?” Pere probed.

“Yeah. I’m meeting with my friends.” Adesua said before walking into the bathroom.

Pere scratched his head. He wanted to ask her which of her friends, but he refrained from doing so. She had just started speaking to him again. He didn’t want to mess things up.

****

When Pere walked into the bank where Dayo worked, excitement bubbled within him. ‘A righteous man falls seven times and rises again.’ That's what the good book said. 

After discussing his business plan with Dayo, he had requested to see the feasibility report for the real estate business which he wanted to embark on.

Having worked in real estate for a good number of years, an idea struck him that he could start a real estate development business. It occurred to him to ask Dayo if he wanted to be an investor as well. 

He had spoken with two of his friends who had indicated an interest in partnering with him on the land development project. He truly hoped they would come through for him. 

"Mr Apata will be with you shortly. He's got visitors in his office."

"Oh, no problem," Pere answered and sat in the waiting area. 

An hour later, Dayo's secretary let him know that he was available and no longer in a meeting. He thanked her and walked into Dayo’s office. 

He and Dayo exchanged pleasantries. He presented the feasibility report and answered Dayo's questions. 

"Well, there is no denying the fact that real estate is a thriving business especially here in Lagos. Have you got any collateral in case things don't go as planned and you're unable to repay the loan?" Dayo stated. 

Pere heaved. “Truth be told, the only collateral I can think of is the house in which we currently live. I’m sure Adesua would not hesitate to divorce me if she ever got wind of the fact that our house is what I put down as collateral.”

Dayo cleared his throat and fiddled with his pen. 

"Pere, I'm willing to help you get a loan that's even more than the amount you’re requesting for. Frankly, I think you should be asking for more than 95 million. I am also willing to become an investor. I know one can never really go wrong with real estate.”

“Thank you, thank you so much Dayo. How do I even begin to express my gratitude?”

“You’re welcome, Pere.” Dayo smiled and fiddled with his pen again “There's a condition though.”

“What condition?” Pere asked.

“I want your wife. I want Adesua.” Dayo stated as a matter of fact.

“Excuse me?” Pere squinted. “Want as in you'd like to marry her?”

“Oh, C’mon Pere! Don't be naive.” Pere watched Dayo as he stood and walked to the window rolling his shirt sleeve up.

“You see I've always had my eyes on Adesua even before you married her.  All I'm requesting is a piece of her, you know. A night here, a night there and whenever I have the itch for her.”

Pere saw red. He could feel his hand shaking where he sat. He looked at Dayo bewildered. Was the guy losing it? Perhaps, he had a mental problem? Heck, Dayo was someone he'd known for years.  Never in a million years would he have imagined that he was this way. 

“Oh, Pere! Stop looking at me like you've just seen the devil with his two horns. This is Lagos. You know how things roll here. I am going above and beyond to help you get on your feet. All I'm simply requesting is a small favor in the light of all I want to do for you.”

“Really? Pere asked, anger coursing through him. You want me to share my wife with you! Forget it Dayo.”

“You know what?” Pere said after grabbing the documents he had presented to Dayo.

"Go to hell!" He walked out of the bank, got into his car, and drove away from the bank's premises. 

“I want your wife.” Dayo's words played in his mind again and again. He thought about Adesua. She didn't love him anymore. He knew it. They tolerated each other but he knew the love had left their marriage years ago. 

Adesua treated him like garbage every time. Her words demeaned him time and time again. 

He could get back on his feet if he fulfilled Wole's condition. He mulled over the suggestion again. 

He tapped the steering wheel and spun the car around.

****

Adesua couldn't get Ebika's words about Wole out of her head.  She had managed to stay away from social scenes in the past few months, much to the chagrin of those in her social circle. She only hung out with those friends that she knew had her back any day. But the upcoming Sokari wedding was one she had been looking forward to and intended to attend. 

Oh, she wasn’t used to this life of managing things at all. She needed a vacation badly to escape from her current realities. 

She suddenly saw Nkem's incoming call. “Adesua, what's up now? Feels like you've been hiding from everyone.”

“Well, I'm having a party at my place next weekend, and I'd like you to come.”

“Nkem... Pere's parents are coming in from Bayelsa that weekend.”

“So? Can't you excuse yourself for a few hours? They will be fine joor! Darling, please don't tell me that abeg. I'm looking forward to seeing you.”

****

When she got to Nkem's house that Sunday, she saw cars lined up outside and in the compound. Parking her Range Rover in the only free spot she found, she walked into Nkem's home on John Badero Street. 

Nkem walked up to her looking gorgeous in a turquoise blue satin dress with silver accessories. She gave her a peck on the cheek when she spotted her.

“You look amazing, Nkem. The truly quintessential host.” Adesua remarked.

“Thank you, my friend. You look beautiful as always too, Adesua.”

“Well, if it’s not Adesua Brisibe we have here. Long time no see. How have you been?” Nkem’s husband who was 6ft 5 inches tall bent to hug her. She felt like a dwarf in his embrace. “Hello, Tojo. Good to see you.”

“Adesua, have you had a taste of the Hors d'oeuvre? They are the best!”

“Really?” Adesua questioned raising her brows.

“Yes, you should taste the fried calamari and shrimp scampi. They are tasty.” Nkem pointed to a corner of the room. “They are over there. Help yourself. I’ll be with you shortly.”

“Ah, let me grab some then,” Adesua replied.

Moments later, after catching up with people she hadn’t seen in a while and helping herself to a generous serving of the hors d'oeuvres, she went to the buffet table and got a plate of food.

She was seated, enjoying her meal which was jollof rice, coleslaw, chicken and moimoi when she looked up and saw a familiar pair of eyes looking at her. 

Wole Adefarati was standing in the flesh staring at her. She had ended things between them badly a little over ten years ago, calling him all sorts of names in the process. Here he was standing tall, looking handsome and dapper. He turned away from her and continued his conversation with Nkem and Tojo.

Adesua took in his appearance in a well-cut navy-blue native wear. He wore a Hausa like cap on his head and a pair of brown leather sandals. She averted her gaze sharply when he glanced at her again. She was staring at him, and he had noticed. “Don’t stare, Adesua.” She cautioned herself.

“Adesua.” She heard her name and knew instantly that he was the one standing beside her. She raised her head and looked at him.

“Hi.” Wole greeted her. 

“Hi,” Adesua answered him shyly. 

“You look good,” Wole said to her.

“Thanks. You look great too.” She commented.

Wole smiled. “Fancy seeing you here after all these years. Heard you got married some years ago. How's the fam doing?”

“We're very well,” Adesua replied suddenly feeling an urgent need to run away from him and his penetrating gaze. It felt as though he was mocking her inwardly. 

“So, is your husband somewhere around here?”

“No, I didn't come with him. I left him at home with my son.”

Wole nodded his head. “I see. Well, I do hope you enjoy the evening.” He gave her another look before walking away from her. 

Adesua gobbled down the rest of her food and walked up to Nkem who was chatting with her guests. 

When they were alone, Adesua spoke in hushed tones. “My dear, you didn't tell me that he was going to be here today.”

“Who? Oh, you mean Wole? How was I to know?” Nkem answered, shifting from one foot to the other. “Maybe one of our mutual friends invited him…” She said, spreading her palms out.

“Nkem!” Adesua prodded her on the chest. “Tell the truth. You invited him.” 

“Oh yeah. Okay, okay. You got me there. I did.” Nkem admitted looking slightly embarrassed.

“So why did you invite me here knowing he would be here?” Adesua questioned. She was annoyed.

Nkem shrugged. “Maybe I just wanted you two to see each other after all these years!” 

“Mission accomplished. Now what? You know I’m married!”

“To a man, you do not love?” Nkem quizzed and looked away.

“He’s still my husband, Nkem.” Adesua furrowed her brows, giving her friend a pointed look.

“I didn’t hear you deny my allegations.” Nkem asserted.
“Drop it. I’m going home.” Why was everyone trying to thrust her into Wole’s arms? Though she didn’t have the hots for Pere anymore, she was not going to break her marital vows to him.

“Are you sure?” A voice in her head taunted her.

“Don’t leave on my account, Adesua. Okay, I’m sorry.” Nkem pleaded.

Adesua huffed. “Please don’t pull such stunt on me anymore.”

“I promise I won’t.” Nkem pleaded. “I’ll be right back.” She said before walking away.

Minutes later, she walked in Adesua’s direction with two plates.

“Ah! Pudding! You know my weakness.” Adesua giggled.

“Yes, I do. It’s my peace offering. Shall we sit?”

“Why not?” Adesua remarked.

She avoided Wole the rest of the evening.  He had also been busy chatting with their mutual friends anyway.”

An hour and a half later, she decided that it was time to head home.

“Nkem. You throw one of the best parties. I had a great time.”

“Thanks for coming.” Nkem hugged her. “Sorry, I won’t be able to walk you to the car. “You know Daddy Ikoyi just came in.”

“No worries. I understand.” Adesua flashed her friend a smile. Daddy Ikoyi was Nkem’s father-in-law.

She’d gotten to her car and was about to open the car door when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Adesua…”

“Wole…” she said turning around. She recognized his voice.