He loved to stay in hotels. He owned exquisite homes scattered around Lagos, all good enough for his taste, but he preferred the luxury of hotel suites for some unknown reason. This strange behavior birthed one of the popular rumors about him, as it was whispered that he belonged to a secret cult and had been warned not to live in any of his houses or he would die.
But none of that was true. Imade Harrison sometimes spent nights at home with his wife. They had a cold marriage but were both reasonable enough to engage in the infrequent marital intercourse, usually initiated by Imade himself, who sometimes got aroused while watching his wifeβs TV show. He didnβt consider himself a sexual being. His pursuit of wealth gave him more orgasms than any vagina could. These days, however, having finally climbed to the place of his dreams, he allowed himself enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
One of them was Toni. He wanted her like he sometimes wanted his wife. Maybe even more. Or maybe it was the chase he enjoyed. He was not the type to possess a woman. His wife was allowed her own share of side distractions as was he, but he hardly took advantage of the privilege. Now, he felt it was time to reward himself for all the hard work. And Toni was the only present he could think of.
Toni, on her side, was aware of what the game was, and this was why she broke no sweat when she came to work on Wednesday and was informed that Imade had done an interview on one of the big newspapers, revealing unnecessary but implicating details about the death of his former boss.
βThese types of clients are trouble,β her associate complained, shaking his head and tapping his knuckles on her desk. He also rested one half of his butt on it. βWhat should we do?β
Toni kept a calm demeanor. She was drained of froth. Aching eyes that were fatigued from crying hid behind her glasses. She played with her nails in distraction.
βToni?β
βLeave Imade to me,β she responded. She brought her fingernails forward to stare at them with much concentration.
Pascal burst in, informed her of her next appointment and disappeared.
βYou may leave,β she said to her associate. He stepped down from the desk and faced her.
βToni, this is not my business but I think you should not come to work for the next few days. You look like shitββ
βImodumeh, get out,β she uttered quietly.
βIβm worried about youββ
βThe day I decide your worry or anything you have to say or do matters to me, Iβll let you know.β
βYes, boss.β
Imodumeh left the office without another word uttered. Leticia came in, throwing the door wide open and slamming it hard to show she was in a mood. She had on an outfit that Toni had never seen on her before. It wasnβt something special. Just an army green blouse tucked in a black pencil skirt that hugged her curves. Probably one of Dapoβs many gifts to her.
βHere comes the bride,β Toni said cheerlessly.
βBride ke? Thatβs never going to happen.β She dropped the blue file holding Dapoβs prenuptial agreement on Toniβs desk. βRead!β
βTish, not now. I am bushed. Just gist me the whole proposal thing. I need some fairytale in my life right now.β
βYour brother proposed to me on Saturday night.β
βI got your message on Whatsapp.β
βI was going to gist you how it went but a lot of things happenedβ¦β
βAnd four days went by and you never bothered to see if I was dying and youβre only coming here to report my brother to me.β
Leticiaβs annoyance immediately switched to guilt. βAww, Iβm sorry, Tone.β She hurried to her friend with open arms and hugged her. βI didnβt mean to.β
βI know. Dapo was all up in your vagina. Itβs okay.β
βItβs not like that. I was going to call, butβ¦β She exhaled. βI have no excuse. Iβm sowi. How are you, though?β
βPathetic. God! I miss him. And Iβm tired of being on this side of the fence. Iβm ready to drop my pride and climb back in to work something out with him. How terrible can it be falling in love with a three-year old?β
βBabies are adorable.β
βThe boy is not a baby. And heβs a boy, which means his energy level is going to be high, and I canβt deal.β
βTry not to think of the negatives. Go for the positives.β
βOkay.β
βBut youβre seriously thinking of going back?β
βIβve been using Tochi as my cuddle pillow since Saturday.β
βPoor Tochi.β
βNo. Poor me. Heβs been trying to cup my boobs.β
Leticia laughed, forgetting her anger at Dapo.
βSo, whatβs this file about?β
Leticia wore a frown again. βBefore we get to that, Dapo proposed without a ring.β
βAnd did you say yes?β
βNo. I didnβt say yes. Why should I say yes? But it wasnβt just because of the ring. I was actually thinking of saying yes when he gave me that file in front of you.β
βWhatβs in it?β
βOpen it.β
βJust tell me, Tish.β
βA prenuptial agreement.β
Toni pulled the file towards her and opened it. βA prenup?β
βYes. Thereβs a form I have to fill and then thereβs the agreement proper. Can you imagine? He says weβre not getting married until I sign it. When did Nigerians start doing prenups?β
βThereβs a lot of legal jargon here,β Toni shut the file. βDid you understand it?β
βAt first ,I didnβt. I just opened it, saw all the big-big grammar and closed it. I was like last-last, I wonβt sign shit. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday passed. Uncle now asked me this morning if I had read it. I told him that I hadnβt. He said I should and I should get back to him with my answer latest this eveningβ¦β
βWait. Who is older in this relationship?β
βToni, our age difference doesnβt matter. You know that.β
βThatβs bullshit. Dapo is still a baby. When he starts to give you ultimatums like that, tell him whoβs boss. Thatβs why heβs with you. He wants you to put him in his place sometimes.β
βToni, Iβm not you that will be forming boss and end up losing the man I love.β
Toni opened her mouth to retort but closed it in a sad frown. βThatβs unfair.β
βGood. Shut up, let me finish talking. Anyways, I came to work and first thing, I went to the lawyer and he broke it down for me. So, Iβll break it down for you. One, it states that I must get pregnant before marriage. Two, that once the baby is born, a DNA must be done. Three, if the baby isnβt his, heβll divorce me and Iβll get nothing from him. Four, if I ever cheat on him, heβll leave me with nothing. Five, if he cheats on me and we get divorced, I will get only five percent of all he owns. Six, I cannot own any part of his businesses. Seven, no joint account. Eight, he will not help my family out financially. Can you imagine?! I am so pissed, Toni! So pissed! Dapo clearly doesnβt trust me. And he doesnβt feel like what we have is special. If you love somebody, you donβt do a prenup! You just get married to them!β
βIβm sorry, Tish. But in all fairness, my brother is fucking rich.β
βSo, now Iβm a gold digger?β
βWould you have gone near him if he was broke?β
Leticia pretended to mull on the question and then replied. βNope. Maybe knack him once but after that, nope.β
βExactly. Anyways, Iβll advise that you talk to him about it and see reasons why it canβt work with all these demands. But if he insists, get a lawyer and add your own terms and conditions. Then you can both sit at a table and come to a common ground.β
βItβs like you are not understanding me, Toni. I am not doing any nonsense prenup!β
βI truly feel your pain.β
Leticia crossed her arms. βThatβs all youβre going to say? You truly feel my pain?β
βAm I supposed to feel something else?β
βCall your brother and talk to him.β
βNo. Iβm not getting into this.β
Leticia dropped her arms. βPlease, babe. He worships the very ground you walk on. He always listens to you. Please, talk to him for me.β
Toni stood. βNo.β
βHaba nau.β
βThereβs no haba nau in this thing. Heβs my younger brother. Youβre my friend. I canβt put my mouth in you peopleβs matter. Handle your wahala, abeg.β
Toni picked up her car key.
βSo, itβs like this now.β
βYes.β
Annoyed, Leticia started for the door, but stopped and turned. βWhat if I bring Andre in all his dark chocolaty hotness to your bed tonight, will you knock some sense into Dapoβs head?β
βAndre is mad at me. He wonβt listen to you.β
βI have my ways, Toni. Do we have a deal?β
Toni laughed. βGood luck with that.β She strode to the door. Leticia took her hand.
βHeartbreak is a bitch, innit?β
Toni didnβt give an answer. She clasped Leticiaβs hand tightly as they both left the office. Pascal, who was on his phone, turned to them and informed Toni that Raji was asking to see her. They continued out and parted in the lobby. Toni took a walk to Rajiβs office.
βHey Toni.β Raji looked away from his laptop when she entered.
βHey.β
βSit down.β
βWhatβs this about?β
βEverythingβs good, Toni. Make yourself comfortable on any of those seats there.β
Toni noted that Rajiβs office had changed since she had last been in it, making it look a lot more like hers. The long leather couch that was previously there had been replaced by a couple of two-sitters, facing each other, with a low table between them. It made for a less formal setting when one wanted to discuss business. There was also a third table for impromptu meetings. Toni was impressed by the new arrangement and dropped a compliment.
βBetter use of space,β she added.
βNot as executive as yours or Christieβs.β
Toni sat on one of the two-sitters. Raji went to her, taking the second couch.
βToni, the other senior partners and I discussed, and we feel it would be great if you went on a vacation.β
βThe other senior partners?β
βChristie and Jumo.β
βYou guys agreed to me taking a vacation?β
He nodded.
βAsepita, Iβm fine.β
βItβs only a two-week long vacationβ¦β
βTwo weeks?β
βAll costs handled by us. Go and grieve and heal your heart. Youβre broken, Toni.β
She couldnβt argue with him.
βPick anywhere in the world you want to go and let me know so that my assistant can handle the travel arrangements.β
βThank you, Raji.β
βIn your absence, weβll come to an agreement over the new equity partner who will be in charge of marketing. We need someone who knows their beans in the marketing world. I canβt handle management and do that at the same time. Itβs beginning to tell on me.β
βHow many offers do we have?β
βAs it stands, three offers.β
βI only know about two.β
βThereβs a third person wanting so badly to take the position.β
βJust do your thing, Raji,β Toni murmured, rising up. βI trust your judgment. You made me partner, didnβt you?β
He held her hand as she made to leave. βHe still loves you.β
βRajiβ¦β Toni took off her glasses. βHave you ever seen me this sad?β
βNo.β
βThatβs how much I love him too, butβ¦β
She couldnβt say more. She wanted Andre back. And she didnβt understand why she was helpless to stop the feeling of desperation that haunted her. In the past, she easily walked away from men and never looked back, but leaving Andre was giving her nightmares. Toni was ready to throw in the towel.
βI understand,β Raji said. He gave the back of Toniβs hand a rub before letting go.
Toni left the office and made a stop at Imadeβs hotel suite to have a word with him about his latest shenanigans. As she had predicted, it was all about her. He pleaded for a single night with her. She declined and left his suite. When she got home, she popped a couple of analgesics to help calm a fever. Subsequently, she dove beneath the sheets and went into a snooze.
***
Christie was having one of those passing moments in which she was worrying about how fast Vanessa was growing. The girl had just asked if it was okay to finally have an account on Instagram.
βNo,β her mother replied.
βOkay.β
Christie sighed. She knew it would take only another couple of weeks and the question would be repeated. Vanessa was known to go hard after something until she got it. Her parents, on the other hand, were stubborn too. They had resolved that she wasnβt getting on social media until she was thirteen. She was allowed to use the internet only for educational purposes. They were terrified of the kind of information and sexual predators she could come across on the web.
βDoes that mean I stay with them Ayo for the holidays?β Vanessa asked Christie from the blue.
βDo you want to stay for the holidays?β
βYes. Thereβs no crying baby there.β
βVanessa?β Christie scolded.
βTami likes to cry. I donβt get it.β
βSheβs a baby. Babies cry all the time.β
βDid I cry like her?β
βA lot. And your daddy and I didnβt get angry at you.β
βIβm not angry at her. I just donβt know what to do with her.β
Christie smiled, walked to where Vanessa sat and sat with her. βI didnβt know what to do with you either. Your daddy was a better mommy than I was.β
She put an arm around her.
βBut now, I canβt get enough of you. Iβm so going to miss you.β
Vanessa didnβt push away from the side hug Christie gave her but she made a face. Christie knew she was being a little too mushy, but she couldnβt help herself. She was about to make a drastic decision which she believed would save her marriage and family from falling apart. It was going to involve sending Vanessa to stay with her aunt, Mosunβand she, Christie, moving to a smaller apartment, away from Folarin. It had been a heart-wrenching decision to embark on, and it had given her sleepless nights. But the more she thought about it, the more she was certain it was for the best. Her clothes and Tamiloreβs were already packed. She was now finishing up with Vanessaβs. Mosun was on her way to get her.
βLetβs finish packing.β Vanessa pulled away from her clutch. Christie dabbed at her tear ducts and also rose to her feet. Several minutes later, Vanessaβs travel case and an extra carryon were filled. Christie dragged the case out to the living room and was surprised to find the duo of Mosun and Folarin in a conversation.
She put a smile on her face when they both looked her way. Mosun was always a sight for sore eyes.
βChristie, youβve lost a lot of weight o! Ha-ahn! Come and tell me your secret.β
Christie laughed, went over to her and hugged her, avoiding Folarinβs stare. Today, she had made the effort to look good, doing away with her drab post-pregnancy appearance. She had worn some makeup, a snug t-shirt and a mini skirt. Her natural locks which she had been held in braids for months were let free today, and they fell all the way to her shoulders.
βThereβs no secret, Mosun. You know I donβt even try.β
Mosun stood up and took her hand. βLetβs do two aside, jare.β
She dragged Christie to the kitchen.
βWhat is going on? You sounded weird when you called.β
βLong story, Mosun. Weβll talk, but not today. Not with him here.β
βFolarin is now him?β
Christie didnβt give an answer. She opened the fridge and took out a jug of ice tea.
βJust help me out with Tife. Let her stay until school resumes next termβ¦β
βChristie?β Mosun gave her a pointed stare.
βIβll call you tonight and explain. But not now. Not here.β
She poured Mosun a glass of ice tea and another for Folarin.
βPlease, help me give this to him.β
Mosun withdrew her stare and took both glasses to the living room where Folarin and Vanessa were having a moment. The child was seated on his las and nodding to whatever it was he was telling her.
Christie went into her bedroom. Tamilore was awake, staring up at the ceiling and kicking her legs in excitement. Christie went through their luggage, ensuring she had packed all they needed. She wasnβt sure how long she was going to be away. It was all dependent on Folarin. All she was certain of was that she was done seeking his forgiveness. She couldnβt let him or any kind of heartache eat up what little was left of her person. Her kids needed her to be strong. Covet also needed her creative mind back in motion.
It had taken just a night alone on her bed, without Folarin, to come to this decision. It was either she was going to lose him or lose herself. She chose the former. A moment of separation was best for both of them. She hadnβt discussed it with him yet because he hadnβt slept at home since Saturday. He only came in to shower, spend time with Vanessa and his mom and was off again. Christie had resolved not to let it bother her, although she cried every night. But she would wake up strong in the morning and go through her day with a straight face. Earlier today, when her mother-in-law, demanding to know what was going on with her and Folarin, accused her of driving Folarin away from the house, Christie had looked at her and given her a calm response that revealed nothing of her pain or Folarinβs anger at her.
βAnyway sha, I am leaving today,β the old woman said acerbically. βI have done all I came here to do. Let it not be said that I didnβt.β
Christie didnβt beg her to stay. She thanked her, and when it was time for her to leave, she carried her things to the car.
βMommy, this is from Folarin and I. Our little way of saying thank you for all you have done.β She presented her with a fat envelope containing cash, but the old woman looked at it and cast a hostile stare on Christie.
βIf this is a bribe for me to overlook all the sadness you are making my son go through, you can take it and burn in hell with it. You have no shame. After sleeping with his friend, you still carry yourself around like you own the whole world. You ought to be burying your head in the sand. Thank God the DNA test you did stated that Tamilore is an Adediran. If not, youβll be out of here at the snap of my finger!β
Christie took the words in bravely. Her heart couldnβt hurt any more than it already did. But when the car drove away and the gates shut behind it, she remained on her feet, staring into the air, until the gateman asked if she was okay. Giving him no answer, she returned to the house. For the stretch of the day, she went about like one who was drugged. She couldnβt wait to get into her new apartment, lock herself in and commence on the ideas buzzing in her brain. Strangely, it was at this weakest moment in her life that she found herself pregnant with creativity.
A cooing sound from Tamilore drew her attention. She leaned over the newborn and kissed her forehead. While in the act, Folarin walked in. He gave the space a thorough stare and then turned his attention to her.
βWhere are you going?β
βAway.β
βTo where?β
βFar from you, Folarin, since that is what you want.β
βI never said I didnβt want to be around you.β
βYou didnβt have to say anything. Staying away from the house and refusing to talk to me pretty much sends the message. Iβm leaving.β
Folarin pushed his hands into his pockets. βWe should have discussed this.β
βThereβs nothing to discuss.β Christie picked a few items from the bed and dumped them into her handbag. βYou need space and time to deal with your anger, and Iβm going to give you that. In short, do whatever you want. Have your own affair, fall in love with someone new, I donβt care. Iβm done begging you.β
Christieβs heart beat wildly against her chest. She didnβt mean any of the words she had just uttered. All she wanted was to be held in his arms, to hear him say that despite everything, they were going to be fine.
But he didnβt. Instead, he asked, βWhy him?β
Christie, holding on to Tamiloreβs bib, dropped her hands, her shoulders dropping as well. She had given him an answer to this question before, but only a half truth. And he had known she was hiding something more.
βI sincerely want to know.β
βFolarin, I canβtβ¦β
She was scared to let him know the truth because of what it could do to him. But she knew he already knew what her answer would be.
βWe just sort of fell intoββ
βDonβt lie to me, Christina. Not today. Please, donβt.β
She sat on the bed. βHeβ¦ I was turned on by who he was. His status, his leadership position, his command of respect,his wealth.β
βYouβre just treading lightly,β Folarin stated in a raspy tone.
βIβm sparing you pain, Richard. Donβt push me into digging into a past I have let go of.β
βSince youβre finding it hard to say the words, Iβll say them. Raji is the man you want me to be.β
And that was the unblemished truth, but it was no longer Christieβs reality.
βHe was the man I wanted you to be. But no more.β
βYeah. Because Iβm now famous and have more money than I used to. You suddenly find me attractive.β
Christie gave a long sigh. She was tired of speaking but she needed to let it all out. βYou told me you forgave me. We got back together. We had a baby. But Iβm not the one who is changing because your status changed. Itβs you, Folarin. Youβre finally the man you want to be and suddenly, you donβt need me. Suddenly, you call the past to account.β
βThe past is refusing to go away.β
βWell, Iβm saying this for the last time and Iβm saying this with all my heart. I am sorry for what I did. The shame of it kills me. I wish I could undo it but I canβt. I am stuck with the memories of a person I never thought Iβd be. I miss us.β
She sought his eyes. βI miss you, chief. I want us back, but since it all lies in your hands, Iβll let you be.β
She went up on her feet again, preparing to take Tamilore in her arms. Folarin came towards her.
βStay.β
Christie shook her head. βNo. Thereβs so much going on right now. We canβt work things out magically. I know you need some time alone.β
βCan I know where youβre staying, at least?β
βSure. I expect you to come around to check on Tami now and then.β
Folarin pulled Christie to him unexpectedly, burying his fingers in her hair as he held her. And as she remained in his arms, she realized how much of a distance there was between them.
βWill you ever be open to counseling?β She looked up at his face.
βNot now. I donβt think I can handle it.β
She nodded in understanding.
βDo you want me to help you take your things to the car?β
βNot yet. Nessa has to leave first or sheβll start asking questions.β
βOkay.β
And so, Folarin stood awkwardly; and for the first time since falling in love, they both felt like strangers to each other.
βIβm sorry about Saturday night,β he murmured.
βItβs fine.β
βIβll be waiting in the parlor.β
He lifted Tamilore from the bed and left to the living room with her.
***
When Andre heard the knock on his front door, he knew his attempt at a brief nap was futile. He was yet to have a full nightβs rest since returning from Abidjan the day before. It wasnβt so much that he was tired as he was seeking a clear mind to finish up on some business models he was working on. He needed his mind refreshed to be able to soak himself deep into work.
He left his bedroom to the front door, sidestepping a couple of Joziβs toys on the floor. The boy had been kidnapped by his aunt, Andre’s sister earlier, who had burst into the house, had a single glance at him and fallen in love. She then packed a bag and made away with him to her house. Andre was grateful for her timely intrusion. Going from being a bachelor with no family obligations to becoming a parent overnight was not as easy as he had imagined. From the moment he took on responsibility for his son, he lost his freedom.
Jozi was a handful. Eerily quiet one minute and hyper the next. Andre had already replaced a laptop and a wristwatch that had unfortunately landed themselves in the boyβs hands when he had been left to his vices. But that was only the beginning. He discovered that the boy threw tantrums if he didnβt have his way. Once when Andre asked him to pick his toys from the floor, he went into a fit that lasted more than an hour. Andre, traumatized, had watched him from a distance, unsure of what to do. He had eventually placated him with some candy. And that had been a terrible mistake. More tantrums came after that, especially in public places. And each time, Andre would appease him with a candy.
βThis boy needs a mother,β Andreβs aged mother told him on one of the tantrum nights in her home in Abidjan. βAnd you have to stop giving him treats to appease him. I would use the cane, if I were you.β
Andre had shaken his head. He didnβt believe in spanking kids. His father had been brutal to him and his siblings, leaving them with haunting memories of their childhood.
βYou should try it,β his mom insisted. βLook how great you all turned out.β
And Andre had given the old woman the eye. But it didnβt quite take twenty-four hours after that discussion for him to start thinking of what length of cane would be perfect for Jozi. As a father, he already felt like a failure, and he also felt bad for the undue pressure he had put on Toni that led to their breakup.
But he wasnβt going to tell Leticia, who was standing outside his door, that he was regretful of his actions.
He opened the door and welcomed her in. She reached up for a hug.
βHow are you?β she asked.
βGreat.β
She walked in, eyes darting about.
βIf youβre looking for the little bugger, heβs not here. Heβs with my sister.β
βAwwβ¦ And I brought him some chocolate.β
βHeβs off treats for a while due to naughty behavior.β
Leticia laughed.
βSit down, jare.β
She sat.
βCan I get you anything?β
βNo. Iβm good.β
βHow is Dapo?β Andre asked, pushing away some of Joziβs books off a sofa.
βHeβs fine.β
βAnd Omolade. That one is now a star. We donβt hear from her these days.β
βI spoke to her last week. She was in Enugu for a shoot.β
βAnd Tayo? Are they still together?β
βNo. They separated a long time ago. And I think you know that. Youβre just asking about everyone to avoid asking about the one person you badly want to see.β
Andre stretched out on the sofa he had just cleared, placing a pillow between his legs. He smiled as he did so, in response to Leticiaβs insinuation.
βThe one person being Antonia?β
βYour darling chatte.β
He threw his head back in a hearty laugh. βHow is she?β
βHeartbroken.β
βWell, she has herself to blame.β
βNo, two of you are to blame. And Iβm angry at you that you didnβt come to see her to offer your condolences over her loss.β
βYou mean, Mark? I hated that asshole when he was alive and my feelings havenβt changed.β
βAndre, itβs not Mark youβre going to see.β
βI know. But to be fair, I have been away. I just got back.β
βA call would have been nice.β
βOkay, I fucked up. I will call andββ
βYou will go and visit her. Today.β
Andre was laughing again.
βDre, she is vulnerable right now. In a moment of weakness, she let out that she wants you back. I think this is the time you sneak back in.β
βWhat if I want things to go on this way?β
βThings canβt go on this way. My friend is dying without you. Sheβs tired of fighting you.β
Leticiaβs words made him feel good.
βI know youβre also tired of your pride.β
βMe?β
βYes you, you this annoying Frenchman.β
More mirth erupted from his throat.
βSo, you better go back to your woman and make things right. Thereβs this friend of ours that has always liked her and heβs back in her life. Actually, I called him to come back, thinking his massive crush for her would be gone, but from what Iβm noticing, dude is still trying to get into her pants. So, you better go back to her.β
βAnd fight for what’s mine abi?β
βIβm not joking, Dre. Go to her. This night.β
βIβll think on it.β
Leticia sprang up.
βYouβre leaving already?β
βYes. I have a boyfriend I have to go and fight with.β
Andre rose up and walked her to the door where she stopped and asked, βDo you think prenups are necessary?β
βYeah. For those that theyβre necessary for.β
βAnd who are they?β
βCouples who donβt love each other. Or when you have a case of a gold digger and a rich partner. Awesome marriages donβt begin with contracts.β
Leticia smiled and thanked him but he was sure he saw something in her eyes that belied her expressions.
βBye, Andre.β
He leaned toward her to drop a peck on her cheek. βAu revoir.β
When she left, he strolled back into his bedroom and sought the nap he badly needed, waking hours later to a ringing phone. It was his sister calling. He answered the call and they conversed in French for a while before she informed him that Jozi wanted to have a word.
βPut him on.β
Andre waited and his sonβs voice came on.
βDaddy?β
A warm feeling filled him. βHey, buddy. Are you having fun?β
βYep.β
βOr you want to come back to daddy?β
βNope.β
βAlright. Be good, okay?β
βOkay.β
βGoodnight.β
βGoodnight.β
Andreβs sister came back on. He thanked her for her kindness. She brushed off his gratitude and called it a night.
Alone in the dark of his room, he was just realizing it was almost 9PM. He entered the bathroom for a shower, changed into fresh clothes, tossed his laptop and work documents into a shoulder bag and left the house with his riding gear. Outside, he fired up his power bike and sent the speed demon racing into night. He arrived at Toniβs apartment just as a light shower began. He stood at the door a short while before pressing the doorbell.
The door opened and a tall, slim guy whom he suspected to be the friend Leticia spoke about, appeared in his view, giving him a probing stare.
βYou have something to deliver?β Tochi asked.
Andre ignored the question. βIs Toni in?β
βSheβs sleeping. Maybe you should come back tomorrow.β
Ignoring his words a second time, Andre entered the house, intentionally nudging him out of the way as he trudged in. He aimed for Toniβs bedroom and opened the door. Tochi went after him.
βI said sheβs sleeping.β
βAnd I want to sleep with her,β Andre responded in whisper. βIf you know what I mean.β
Tochi gave him a full stare. βYouβre Andre.β
βYeah, and unless youβre washing the dishes, you shouldnβt be here.β
Tochi stepped back. Andre shut the door. The room was quiet and chilly. Toniβs body was half-covered with a blanket. Andre discarded his riding gear and left only in his normal clothes, he tossed aside the blanket and lay beside her.
Her eyelids fluttered several times before it registered in her head that he was the one.
βAndre?β
He pushed shocks of her weave off from her face, pulling her towards him to crush her lips with his. The familiar softness of her mouth and the pleasure it gave him drew out a moan from him. But he stopped before he got consumed by the sheer suppleness of her body against his.
βI heard about Mark. I am so sorry.β
βIβm fine.β
βNo, youβre not. You look awful. Youβve lost weight. And your eyesβ¦β
βI just woke up.β
βYouβre not talking to a stranger, Antonia. Itβs me. And Iβm here to make things right. Fill me in on all thatβs been happening.β
βIβd rather kiss you again.β
And so, he gave his lips to be caressed by hers, and she kissed him like one who was afraid to do so. There was nothing passionate about it. Andre sensed her neediness and responded by tugging her towards him, locking their legs together and holding her in a soothing manner. It took only a short sentence whispered into her ear in French to unleash her emotions. She broke down, face buried in his chest. But her sobbing lasted only a few minutes before her vulnerability was replaced by the need to be comforted through some other means.
And Andre, understanding her implicit yearning, swathed her mouth with more kisses, as his hand switched from delivering soothing back rubs to stroking her sensuously.
Soon their bodies were engaged in a tango only they understood. It was neither rushed nor wild. The abundance of affection given and received made it one of Andreβs best sexual moments with Toni. They stopped sometimes to talk and laugh and continued at the same pace, using up a stretch of two hours before they finally brought the session to an end. And even then, Andre was sure they would jump right back into it.
βSo, are we a couple again?β Toni asked, lighting up a cigarette she had between her lips.
βLetβs take it one day at a time and see how it goes. No obligations.β
βI want to meet Jozi.β
Andre shook his head. He didnβt think she was ready. Toni read his thoughts.
βI really do.β
βYouβre sure?β
She lowered her bum on his groin, her back to him.
βIβm sure heβs an adorable little guy.β
Andre gave a mischievous laugh. βHe is.β
Tony slowly lay back on Andre and his hand followed the curve of her upper body down to her waist and coursed down to the juncture of her thighs until he found her warm moistness. But she pushed his hand away and turned around to straddle him.
Still enjoying her cigarette, she let him inside her and initiated a slow forwards and backwards movement on him.
Like the previous session, this carried on leisurely. Andre felt hypnotizedβby the smoky ambience her cigarette gave in the dark and her measured rhythm which sometimes turned into fine, subtle, circling gyrations brought on by her fiery waist. But it didnβt last as long as he wanted it to. Toni worked them both to orgasms; she getting there first and causing him to join her shortly, after being driven to the brink by the contractions of her inner folds.
Drowsiness hit them both afterwards. They burrowed beneath the blanket and went to sleep linking their pinkies together.
When the morning came, they were both too lazy to leave the bed.
βI have tons of work I need to do,β Andre mumbled, face buried in a pillow.
βIβll make you breakfast, Frenchie.β
Toni kissed the back of his head and dragged herself out of the bedroom, wearing nothing. In the living room, she bumped into Tochi.
βJeez!β She covered her breasts. “What’s wrong with you?”
βWhat are you covering. Itβs not like I havenβt seen it all.β
Toni retreated to her bedroom and came back in a bathrobe. βDonβt you have a house or something? I thought you left last night?β
βIt was raining. Not that I expect you to recall, since you were having such a good time. I would have gone home but I donβt have a car here, so I crashed on your couch. Now that youβre awake, let me be carrying myself and be going.β
βGood idea.β
βSo, does this mean Iβm no longer your side cock?β
Toni glowered. She went toward him and said in a low tone. βYou were never my side anything. We were just friends with benefits. A loooong time ago. And you will never mention it around my boyfriend. Yeah, thatβs him sleeping in my room. The Andre Leticia and I told you about, the one whose name I was moaning out last night. And from now on, youβll visit only when I ask you to. Understood?β
Tochi shrugged. βHeβll dump your ass again and Iβll be back to wipe your tears.β
βThatβs never going to happen.β
βYouβre sure? Why donβt you take a look outside?β
βWhatβs happening outside?β
Tochi went to the front door, opened it and called Toni over. She went to the door cautiously and peeped out.
Sitting on her verandah and having breakfast were Ruby and Duke. There was no one else with them, except the set of childrenβs suitcases resting on the floor beside them.
Toni drew back in, shock on her face.
βWho brought them?β
βSome guy.β
βWas he tall and huge with a big tummy?β
βNo. Lepa like me with a long neck. He said, βme I just be driver. Abeg, tell the aunty say I no fit wait.β He then got into the car and left.β
βAnd you didnβt think to knock on my door to tell me?β
βThat would have to mean Andre finding out. I didnβt think youβd want him to.β
βSo, leaving them in front of my house was the best thing to do?β
βToni, it was a few minutes past seven when they came. I tried to call your phone but it was switched off. Tried Leticiaβs, the same thing. What was I to do? Throw the kids out? Anyways, the long neck guy says I should tell you that oga said you should check your text messages.β
βOh God. Oh God. What is this? Why would Uncle Abrams do this to me?β
βSo, the kids are legally yours?β
βTochi, your question is not helping me now.β
βBut Iβm really handy. Always your handy man. I figured the kids would be hungry, so I made them breakfast. The least you can do is say thank you.β
But Toni hadnβt heard him. She had gone to her bedroom, tiptoed in and picked her phone from her handbag. When she returned to the living room, she turned it on and then peeped out the window, staring at Ruby and Duke.
βOh God. These kids need to go back to where they came from.β
βHow about me? Can I go?β
βNo. Stay. Youβll be useful to me somehow. I donβt know how, but somehow, you will.β
A series of vibrations hit Toniβs phone. She unlocked the screen and clicked on her messages. She got a couple from Abrams, explaining that he urgently needed to talk to her.
βWhy did I off my phone?” Toni whined.
βAnd fuck my boyfriend all through the night?β Tochi added, mimicking her voice.
A third unread SMS from her bank caught her attention. When she tapped on it, her jaw dropped.
βHoly shit!β
βWhat?β Tochi came forward. He took the phone off her hand. His brows came together in a squint. βAm I seeing well? Toni, how many zeroes are here? Somebody credited your account?β
She snatched her phone back. βThat was the money I told you that Mark stole from me. Uncle Abrams returned it. And the kids!β
She went through her call log and tapped on Abramsβ contact. A few seconds passed and she was informed that his number was switched off.
βHell no.β
She tried a second, a third and fourth time and was given the same response.
βI canβt reach him. His number is not available, Tochi. I canβt reach him. Oh God. Oh God, what do I do?β
βWhat do you do to what?β
Andreβs voice came from behind her and she spun around. He was standing by the door in the nude, hands covering his privates.
βWhatβs he still doing here?β he asked, eyeing Tochi.
βIβm out of here,β Tochi announced and began heading for the front door but Duke walked in, causing Toni to freeze.
βUncle Tochi, my tea has finished,β the boy said, thrusting his mug at Tochi.
βTochi, please give him more tea,β Toni said in a shaky tone. She was out of balance.
Andre, who had withdrawn to the room at the appearance of Duke, returned in his jeans just as Tochi and Duke disappeared to the kitchen.
βTone, whatβs going on? Who is the guy and who is the kid?β
βThe guy is emβ¦thatβs Tochi. And the boy is his nephew.β
βWhat are they doing here?β
βTochi is a friend. We know each other from way back. He just moved into the neighborhood, so his nephew and niece are on the way to his house.β
βAnd they did a stopover here?β
βYeah. The car they came with broke down, so Tochi wants to borrow mine to continue the journey.β
Toni almost cringed at her lies. This was the first time she had been dishonest with Andre, and she hated herself for it. She was aware of how ridiculous her tales were. She just prayed Andre didnβt catch on.
Tochi came back to the living room with Duke.
βTochi, Iβll get you my car key and you can take them home,β she said, avoiding Tochiβs eye and hurrying to her bedroom. Upon her return, she saw Ruby also waiting in the living room. Andre had rested curious eyes on the child.
βLet me escort you guys out,β Toni announced, taking Dukeβs hand and leading him out. She kept her lips sealed until she was out of earshot.
βTake them to your place, Tochi. Once Andre leaves, Iβll come see you.β
βOr come get them, you mean?β
βPlease, help me.β
βWhy canβt you just tell him the truth?β
βI dumped him because of his kid. And now, weβre back and you want me to tell him that I am solely responsible for the care of my exβs children?β
βSo, youβll keep lying to him?β
βI will figure a way out to clean up this mess. Just help a friend here.β
Tochi shook his head wearily. βWhen Tisha told me to come back to you, this wasnβt what I was anticipating.β
βTochukwu, get your mind out of the gutter and help me.β
βNo wahala.β
She carried the childrenβs luggage to her car and dumped them in the trunk.
Ruby sat in the front passenger seat and Duke took the backseat.
βAunty Antonia?β Ruby called. Toni felt her tummy churn. She took a step back to have a better view of the girl.
βMy daddy said youβll take care of us if mommy never comes back.β
βWait, how did you know my name?β
βDaddy showed us many pictures of you and him together.β
Mark, you were out of your mind.
βWe want to stay with you, Aunty Antonia.β
Fuck you, Mark!
βSweetie, I will see you in a few hours and weβll talk about this, okay? Go with Uncle Tochi. Heβll take good care of you.β
The girl turned away. Toni could see the sadness in her eyes. She looked at Duke. He was unperturbed, swinging his legs and sipping from his mug.
βThank you, Tochi,β Toni mouthed silently. He winked.
She hurried back to the house. Andre was in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal of scrambled eggs.
βAre they gone?β
βYeah.β
He opened the fridge and took out peppers and tomatoes and washed them. He then set them on a chopping board.
βPass me an onion.β
Toni picked an onion from a basket on the counter.
βYou asked me earlier if we were getting back together and I told you weβll take it one day at a time,β Andre said, chopping a green pepper into little chunks.
βYeah.β
βWell, I think it’ll be better if we take it slower than one day at a time.β
βI donβt understand.β
βI want an open relationship, Toni.β
βWhat does that mean?β
βYou know what an open relationship means.β He kept on with his green pepper. βIt is when two people feel deeply for each other but still want to hit it with other people outside.β
βWhy would we want to do that?β
He looked at her. βI donβt know. Maybe because thereβs Tochi who spends the night in your place and drives your car and then Mark Ebuteβs kids who have their luggage in your frontage and are asking for extra tea.β
Toni felt her mouth go dry. She placed a hand on the fridge for support. βAndre, Iββ
βDonβt bother explaining. I donβt even want to know whatβs going on. You have your shit you have to deal with. I got mine. When time allows us, we come together and do us. In the end, we either merge both worlds or we find our separate ways.β
βWhat are you saying?β
βI like what happened last night. I want more of it, but at the same time, I donβt want to be burdened by your responsibility or burden you with mine. So letβs keep it open and see where it leads.β
βAndreβ¦β
βItβs fine, Toni.β He went back to the fridge, stopping to peck her cheek. βWeβre adults. And I understand how complex human relationships can be.β
Toni felt a glob in her throat and tried to swallow it down but couldnβt.
βYou can take a moment to mull over it,β Andre added, smiling like he was not shoving spikes into her heart. She left the kitchen, pulling out her phone from her pocket. She put a call through to Leticia.
βHello?β Leticia answered.
βWhere are you, Tish? My world is falling apart. Please, come home.β
Β©Sally@moskedapages
I feel like giving Toni a hot slap. Why didn’t she just tell Andre the truth? As for Christie that space is for the best, it will either make or break them. Nice twist though Sallyβ€οΈ
Toni and Andre are both *******
Mschew, they are annoying me.
They should just bring all the children together biko.
At least, Folarin and Christie are sort of getting their acts together, it might be a long way to recovery but at least it is recovery.
Thank you Sally, I just finished dinner and saw an email from you, if you see the way I started grinning ehn, I just had a good read while waiting for my Eba to digest? and indeed it was a good read. Looking forward to the next episode like
Seeing the pre-nup in another light though.
Have a good night rest. God bless you.
I just caught up on the episodes. Phew! And I wish there was more.
Thank you, Sally.
I so love Andre ehn. See how he just acted like he didn’t know what was happening. Lol. Smart dude. I’m sure he suggested the open relationship thing to make Toni appreciate him more.
As for Christie and Folarin, they’ll get better. The separation is the best.
Dapo is what fits Leticia. I’m sorry but I see her as a gold digger for real.
Omolade. Thank you for mentioning her. I wonder how life has treated he.
I miss Salma in this episode sha
Bring it on Sally. You remain standing string after all these years. All my favorite writers have quit ?please beg them to come back
It’s hard to see how Toni and Andre can be a couple again…from zero kids to 3kids just like that!
Christie has tried, I don’t excuse her infidelity (she hurt Folarin and myself bad) but Folarin should cut her some slack, let them go for counseling.
Imade Harrison… haven’t made much of his character.
As for Leticia and Dapo, the conditions in that prenup showed plenty lack of trust. Abeg that’s not love.
Nice one Sal!
Sally oo, Sally oo Sally boo****** THANKS So MUCH for this piece you really don’t know what dis did for me cos I’ve been moody all day, this is my RELIEF MEDICINE. Thanks for this beautiful Lines , don’t know what to think cos of my mood but I feel for Toni and Christy is just the best to make Chief wake up from his grieving Past. Thanks Sally and Nanight.
wehdone Sally
Great.. thank you once again
Awww Toni! Pele, it is not always easy to say the truth, but it is the best option for peace of mind.
Sal, thanks for ur email. Christie and Folarin need that space…
Andre just wants Toni to sweat small, to know how it feels not to want to be burdened with kids, talk about karma for Toni. ..lol..
Dapo doesn’t trust Tish.. .
Omolade, u really had d guts to leave and stay out. .nice.. .Glad u r doing well. .
Well done, Sally
Thanks sally
Following
Omg!!!! What’s happening with my Toni and Andre ? Everybody needs a friend like leticia thanks aunt sally for the bonus ?β€οΈ
Wow wow wow
Thank You sally, you make waiting for you so worthwhile
I am glad we had this sequel to TFF, it really shows that forgiveness is a process, it doesnt just happen.Cuz i was surprised though happy by how Folarin and Christie just got back together in TFF. i LOVE how you make your stories relatable, you show that actions have consequences, one of the consequences of Christie’s infidelity is suffering her MIL ‘spite’
Toni and Andre, your matter sha, so basically you guys have 3kids between you both, una doo
Leticia, oh well a pre-nup is what you get in a relationship where you are basically a sponge,sowie
Christie and Folrin needs the separation I think it will give both of them enough time to think. Toni !!,I don’t even know what to say about her matter sef, Leticia should just sign the pre nup jare,after all is cos of money she is still with Dapo and the young man is trying to play safe. Sally God bless you real good, you are just a bundle of talent
Wow! Just Wow!!!!
Thanks Salz
Amazing! The tables have now turned on Toni. I wish she had been upfront with Andre but I am glad they are back together open relationship or not.
Tish is such a good friend. How is she able to manipulate all these men to her friend’s advantage? I wish I had that kind of skill. She should just hurry up and sign the pre-nup joo. She should add one or two clauses of her own and negotiate a better deal for when Dapo cheats. What is good for the goose….
Christie and Folarin – I hope u sort your ish out. Dont want to see this heartbreak u r giving each other continue. I see myself in Folarin. So hard for me to let go. Lord, please help me change.
Thank you Sally. This was a welcome surprise. Spell binding as always but then, what else do you expect from the mistress herself? xoxo
Thanks Sal. Plenty twists everywhere. Waiting anxiously for next episode.
First thing i said when i saw this post was…..God bless Sally.
Honestly, i dont even know what to say, i want to read it again and again. Andre’s confidence is sensual in so many ways, i see why the High Mistress fell so hard. Let me go and read again!
Just reading this at sea.
Hmmmm. Separations. Reminds me of sometime in my past. Well done Sally. This episode is rich in emotions and naija realness. I love it!
The themes are quite strong. Make up sex. Prenup again. Separations. Teenagers. Interesting…..
Oh Sally, you are the best, I keep saying it and I will say it over and over again…..xoxo.
My heart breaks for Toni and Christy but am happy Omolade is doing great. Tisha, please come up with your own conditions too.
I just caught up on the episodes. I was hesitant about reading at first, I mean I quite like how it ended with TFF and I know as soon as I start this i will get all involved. That’s the thing with your writing, you pull us along with the characters and we are there experiencing the emotions with them. I thank God for this gift of yours.
Folarin and Christie you definitely need that time apart, I believe it would do a world of good even if you can’t get back what you had to begin with.
Raji, I really have a soft spot for you. I wish Salma will make more appearance though.
Comfort aka Commie please take your fantasy inducing body away from our Folarin, we don’t want things that cannot be explained.
Andre and Toni, don’t even know for you two. I wish you well.
Waiting to connect with the other characters.
I’m so loving all these drama! #teamtonidre
That prenup!!! Ishhh!!!! I understand where Dapo is coming from, or am trying to understand. I stand with Andre on the prenup sha. I love Dapo and Leticia’s story, and I know our girl Tish wouldn’t back down that easy, no way.
Tone, I can’t believe you thought you pulled a fast one on Andre, I mean, how??? Suddenly this two have three kids, interesting!
Teenage hormones, I cringe and wait with baited breath, I wonder how our parents survived topside. Tife’s drama is just adorably cringy to read.
Folarin, abeg stay very far away from Comfort, na so e dey start oo
Sally, thanks for bursting our brain, more juice to your writing
It’s almost 2 weeks and I check my phone every hour
Sally pls post another episode
Plssssssssssss
Sigh! Toni just complicated her life in a few short minutes. The truth is always better hot and fresh out of the oven sha.