It felt weird when he opened his eyes to find a beautiful face that was not Christieβs. For a second, he forgot where he was, but when soft, wet lips touched his cheek, he was reminded of everything. The consumed bottles of champagne, blithe banter, intemperate laughter, brazen covetousness, hungry kisses, fiery touches, loud moans, primal movements on soft, cottony sheets in a room glowing dimly with scented candlesβ¦ It all came to him in a rush. The guilt was there too, hanging over him like a heavy cloud. But that seemed like it was all it could do. It had been there from the moment Comfort left her position and took his lips and he did nothing to stop her.
βYou can stay in all day.β The wet lips left his cheek and caressed his ear as warm fingers traveled down his tummy.
βI have to go to work.β
βWork can wait.β
A low buzz from the nightstand drew his attention to his phone. He reached for it. The number flashing on his screen was familiar. There was a momentβs unwillingness to take the call, but he did as the wet lips began to kiss their way down his body.
βIs this a good time to talk?β the voice on the line asked.
βItβs never a good time to talk to you, Raji, but Iβm listening.β
βLook, manβ¦ I donβt know what you think youβre doing with Comfort, but you need to stay away from her and face your marriage.β
βYouβre one to talk.β
βYeah, I screwed up big time, but it doesnβt stop me from protecting whatβs mine.β
βSheβs not yours.β
βSheβs the mother of my son, and anything that affects her, affects Raheem and affects me.β
βWelcome to my world, bastard.β
βSomething is going on with you. I understand it, but donβt take it out on Comfort. Face me like a man.β
Folarin laughed.
βLeave her alone. Donβt get her hopes up. Donβt screw with her headββ
βYou think Iβm stupid, Raji? You donβt give a shit about Comfort. This is about Christie.β
βIt is not about her, but think what itβll do to her when she finds out.β
βYou want to tell her? Maybe fuck her too while youβre doing it?β
βFolarin, I wonβt have this conversation with you, man. Just fix your shit and leave Comfort alone. And please, get help. Youβre messed up.β
βGet off my line, abeg.β
Folarin tossed his phone on the bed, drew his companion into his arms and turned her around to pin her beneath him. He reached for a condom on the nightstand. There was a pause before he wore it, a voice asking if he wanted to do this again, wondering if it was a good time to stop and end his foolishness. But he shut his mind as he had done the night before and took the juiciness offered to him.
LAST NIGHTΒ
βCan I kiss you?β
Folarin responded to Comfortβs request in silent laughter. He had expected this. Wine, chocolate, and brainstorming over how to end an erotic novel had driven them both into this moment.
βYouβre laughing,β she said. βYou think itβs funny? Folarin, youβve been seducing me since you came in here.β
βI was not the nude one earlier.β
βBut youβve been the one staring directly into my eyes with that hazy look. How does your wife not rape you? And how have you stayed faithful to her all these years?β
He shrugged.
βI just want to kiss you, to kill my curiosity.β
βOr let your curiosity kill you?β
She reached toward him suddenly and placed her lips on his. When he didnβt resist, she parted his lips.
βSatisfied that curiosity?β he asked.
βNo.β
And then she kissed him deeper, while he sat there in guilt, responding to her, yet, wondering if that was how Christie had felt when she first kissed Raji. Did her conscience burn as his did? What did she tell herself to keep from sinking under the weight of her own guilt?
βThis means nothing,β he said to Comfort. βIβm not going down Rajiβs path.β
βI donβt want to be your sidechick, Fola,β she answered, holding his face and looking into his detached eyes. βYouβre a broken man and I understand why youβre doing this. Let me be your cushion as you hit rock bottom.β
He gave no protest when she kissed the muscular planes of his chest and scratched her nails over the tattooed hardness of his arms. She then ran her lips all the way down to his blatantly-aggressive bulge, and there, she stopped to admire him, moaning as it throbbed out of his briefs.
βDamn, Folarin. Your dick is gorgeous. If it was all mine, Iβll never look outside…β
Her last word had been muffled because she had taken him and stuffed her mouth before she finished speaking.
He felt immense pleasure when her mouth covered his hardness. It left him groaning and releasing deep sighs. She was excellent with her mouth and tongue skills. It wasnβt news to him. Raji had once let out details to him and Izu, lamenting how he missed Comfortβs oral ministrations. Izu had made no attempt at hiding his lust, but Folarin had shaken his head at them both and asked Raji to repent. Yet, here he was, experiencing the ecstasy her mouth gave.
He didnβt feel like a hypocrite. The guilt stung less with each bop of her head. Yet he knew he wasnβt going to have enough balls to go through with his plans.
βCommie,β he called weakly after a while. She didnβt respond. βComfort.β
βMmm?β
βStop.β
She kept on. He moved backwards a little. βStop.β
Her head emerged from between his legs. βWhy?β she asked, wiping her mouth.
βI canβt, and you know why.β
She rose up and in one sudden movement, threw her dress to the floor. Folarin swallowed at the sight of her nudity. She went back to the couch on which he sat, stretched herself on the available space and opened her legs. He dove after her. She put her legs around him to lock him in, but he kept a distance between them.
He kissed her and then said, βI really want to do this, Commie. You have no idea how much.β
βThen why are you holding back, handsome?β she asked, digging her fingers into his mouth and gasping as she did so.
βItβs complicated. For one, Iβm your boss. Two, weβre friends…β
βWeβre adults.β
βYouβre also the mother of the boy whose father slept with my wife. Itβs too thorny.β
βBut Raji slept with Christie, Fola. Doesnβt that get you angry enough to want to do something about it?
βI just canβt, Commie. Iβm sorry.β
Comfort reached down and seized his penis. βYouβre already there,β she whispered, arching upwards to meet him. βJust do it.β
βComfort, I really want to. I came here to be with you this evening just to do it, but I canβt. And my hard-on means nothing.β
βThanks for killing the mood.β
βI apologize.β
Comfort gave up with a sigh. βThen just go home and be with her.β
He straightened up, tugging his jeans over his waist. Just then, someone knocked on the door. Comfortβs phone began to ring at the same time. She looked at it.
βItβs Raji. Heβs here to sign some forms,β she revealed, leaving the couch languidly. Folarin picked up his phone and laptop and headed to the door.
βPlease, let him in,β Comfort murmured.
Folarin stopped. He glanced at her. βNo hard feelings?β
She shook her head. βJust a throbbing clit. Go home, Folarin.β
Folarin unlocked the door and opened it. Raji, leaning by the entrance, came to a straight posture upon seeing him. He stared down at his unbuttoned shirt.
βHey,β he greeted with a face displaying curiosity.
Folarin grunted in response as he walked past him to his car. When he sat in, he breathed out. He was both relieved and mad at himself for passing up on Comfortβs offer. He was messed up. It was a painful recognition of his state of mind. He had journeyed far from the man he used to be and he didnβt know how to get himself back. Two days ago, after begging him not to cheat on Christie, Khanyi had told him he was suffering from PISD.
βPost Infidelity Stress Disorder.β
He had laughed loudly. βBullshit, Khanyisile. How do you come up with these things?β
βI didnβt. And itβs a thing. A theory.β
βA theory?β
βI want you to get help, Folarin.β
He had smiled, eyes darting around her cozy office which once was the living room in her former apartment. She had turned it into a snug space for her private practice. He wasnβt seated on a couch or some comfy chair as her clients loved to do. He was standing by the window; looking out at times, staring at her now and then. He hardly ever sat when he was with her. He liked to walk about or stare out that particular window. She had told him his behavior was a reflection of the disquiet within him.
βWhen you have PISD, which is almost like PTSD, you re-experience the trauma of your wifeβs infidelity repeatedly and also have recurring images of her being with someone else. Does this happen to you?β
βNo,β he lied.
βAnd then you have the stage where you avoid her and become emotionally numb. Feelings of anger, dejection, hollowness… You lose pleasure in the things you used to love doing so much. You withdraw from people that mean so much to you. Tell me, have you gone to see Vanessa since she went to stay with your sister?β
βNo. And thatβs because Iβve been busy.β
βYour mom? Tamilore? Christie herself?β
βKhanyi, Iβm not suffering from PISD whatever.β
Khanyi left her seat. She strolled to her desk and from a collection of complimentary cards on a mini cardholder, she pulled out a card.
βDoctor West.β She thrust out the card to him. βTalk to him. Heβs good. And heβs also a pastor, in case you need spiritual guidance.β
βThank you, but I donβt need shit.β
βOff the record,β Khanyi said, pushing the card into his pocket, βspeaking as a friend, I worry about you. It breaks my heart that youβre not the man you used to be.β
βWho is speaking to me right now? Khanyi the friend or Khanyi the woman whoβs crazy about me?β
βStop it, Folarin.β
He took her waist without warning. βIf I leave Christie today and decide itβs you I want, will you refuse me?β
βStop misbehaving.β
βJust answer.β
βYes. Maybe I would want to be with you, but Iβd be too scared to be with a man who canβt forgive.β
βWhy? Because youβd cheat on me too?β
βAww, Folarin.β She ran her palm along his cheek gently. βPlease, for the sake of your kids, if not for Christie, get the help you need.β
He stepped away from her. She went back to her chair and continued her analysis. βThird stage of PISD comes with insomnia, change in sleep, lack of concentrationβ¦β
He tuned off from her and kept his eyes outside. Now, her words were returning to him, and it was scary that she had gotten him right on the mark. He hadnβt been able to sleep well in a while. He spent most of his nights writing, and when he wasnβt doing so, he was in some hotel nearby, seated at the bar, watching reruns of football matches and managing a beer or two.
This felt like one of such nights. He buttoned his shirt and set his car wheeling down the street, away from Comfort’s apartment. In a short while he was driving through the gates of the hotel.
When he got to the bar, the barman set his preferred brand of beer before him. They both kept their eyes on a widescreen television, watching highlights of football matches played during the weekend. The bar was empty, excluding a couple of guys playing a game of pool.
The minutes passed and Folarin found himself taking meager sips of his alcohol. The barman had served him a complimentary dish of asun which he had poorly consumed too.
βStill fighting with the missus?β a female voice asked, coming from behind him. Folarin turned. A voluptuous lady in a bikini with a towel around her neck was smiling at him.
βBarakah,β he mentioned with a demure smile. She moved towards him and called the attention of the barman. He came forward.
βTwo bottles of champagne to my suite. The usual.β
βYes, ma.β
Barakah rested her elbows on the bar table and thrust her body at Folarin.
βTwo bottles?β he asked.
βI canβt finish them alone, baby boy. Care to join me?β
βWhatβs in it for me?β
She ignored his question. βYou look like a lost puppy.β
βMaybe I am.β
βLetβs go.β
She started out. Folarin followed her. She led him to her suite which was on the second floor of the building. It was a luxurious space, personalized to her taste. She had been staying in the hotel for more than half a year. She had the money to get herself a house but she had no plans to take up residence in the country as she was soon traveling back home to Libya.
Her late mother, a Nigerian, married a Libyan forty-something years ago. Barakah was a result of that marriage, which lasted barely five years. Barakah followed her mother back to Nigeria after her parents divorced. She had since lived in the country. She grew up to become a woman of learning and intellect. Professionally, she was a pharmacist. She had worked with some of the countryβs top drug manufacturing companies. However, Barakah loved politics and the men who loved to dabble in it. She found powerful men stimulating. They gave her a sort of high nothing else in the world could. She didnβt go after them for their money as she was already self-made. She simply enjoyed the thrill of romancing Nigeriaβs top politicians. She had made the mistake of marrying one of them once only to discover that being tied to a husband was not her calling. She ditched him after two months and continued her life as a political courtesan.
It was she whose story Folarin was writing. They had met in the hotel last year. He was having a drink and she was seated beside him at the bar, engaging in a lengthy phone conversation with her mother. Folarin had caught a few words about her desire to tell her story but not being able to. He had been curious as to what her story was. Guessing from her looks, she couldnβt have been anything younger than forty. Yet she didnβt seem married. She carried the sort of flightiness unbridled women bore that men couldnβt take their eyes off. When she ended her call, he introduced himself and told her that he could ghost-write a book for her. She had given him a long, scrutinizing stare and then asked him why he wasnβt at home with his wife and kids.
βJust chilling, watching football.β
βOr staying away from the wife?β
βNothing like that.β
βItβs Christmas.β
βWe just came back from a vacation and Iβm drying my feet out here.β
βBy soaking them into alcohol. Look, Iβve seen a lot of situations like this long enough to know how it all goes down. Youβll end up cheating on her one day. Today, itβs the beer. Tomorrow, itβs a woman.β
Folarin laughed.
βWhen that day comes, though, let me be the one you do it with.β
Folarin had been stunned at her brazenness.
βAbout the story I want to write, give me your card so that I can look you up to know if youβre worth your onions.β
He did as she ordered. Two days after, she called him and requested an appointment. A professional and friendly relationship ensued between them, but there was always a whiff of something more in the air. Barakah was sensuous without even trying. She was a woman who loved life and never held back on indulgence. That part of her reminded him of the Christie of his past who was carefree, uninhibited, and earthy. Nowadays, she laughed less, worked more and was emotionally complex.
Spending time with Barakah always took Folarin to a place of warm memories. And just like the other women in his life, she served her purpose.
Upstairs in her room, she lit scented candles and lay in bed in an inviting pose. But Folarin held back for as long as he could, even though he knew how things would end. They had champagne and spoke on banal topics before she sauntered over to where he sat and stripped him until he was nude.
βIβll make you forget your pain,β she said into his ear. βWhen you taste me, thereβll be no going back.β
And he had thought to himself of how much a hypocrite he was, ending up with a woman who had slept with numerous men, yet he was angry at Christie for sleeping with just one. But he didnβt care anymore. He was tired of being the good husband, the faithful spouse. He wanted to know what lay on the other side.
***
The radio was on this morning. Celine Dionβs version of Natural Woman was playing. It left her in a good mood, adding to the sense of pleasure she was already feeling. Someone on air seemed to have the same collection of songs on her phone and had been blessing her with good vibes for an hour. Holding a party dress in her hand, she gave a slow dance, following the soulful rhythm of the music.
She knew he was watching. Sitting on the dressing table, brows brought together, his eyes were fixed on her in that adorably-destitute way of his that often left her wanting to smother him with affection. She was also aware that, in that same stare, curiosity lay. He wanted to know why she was packing her things without telling him her reasons.
She folded the party dress and dumped it in a bag. Her eyes lifted up and met his. He bit his lip. She returned her concentration to her clothes, dancing still, even more enticingly.
βTish,β he called. She pretended not to hear. βLeticia!β
She stopped swaying. βWhat?β
βWhere are you going?β
βHome.β
βWhy are you packing your things?β
βBecause Iβm going home with them.β
βSeriously? Whatβs going on, Tish?β
βNothing.β
βSo why are you packing your things and ignoring me? You wonβt let me touch you. You wonβt have sex. Whatβs up with that?β
βOh. Yeahβ¦ Umβ¦ Old things have passed away.β
βHuh?β
βDapo, last week I rededicated my life to God.β
βAnd?β
βIβm changed now. I wake up, read my bible, pray, go to church when Iβm supposed to, stop being a bitch and stop fornicating.β
She picked another dress off the bed.
βI donβt understand a word of what you just said.β
βI want to live a chaste life.β
Dapo laughed. βYouβll starve yourself of sex?β
βI know it sounds impossible but with God all things are possible.β
βBaby, this is about the prenup, isnβt it?β
βPrenup? No. I already told you Iβll sign it, didnβt I? Itβs not about it. Why would I want to give you the impression that Iβm with you only because of your money? Dapo, Iβm with you because I love you. And that is why I have to keep my private part untouched until our wedding night.β
βYou said private part.β
βYes. My language has changed too.β
Dapo stepped down from the table. βAnything else changed around here?β
Her eyes caught the swell of his bulge underneath his sweatpants. She forced herself to look away. He had a delicious talent of maintaining an erection while engaging in non-sexual activity. He did it solely for her pleasure, and each time, she pounced on him.
βNo more wife privileges too. I wonβt cook or clean or do your laundry or cuddle you in bed. All of that will come only after weβre married.β
βYouβre joking.β
βNo. Iβm not.β
He walked to her and stood staring at her for a while. βTish, are you still angry about the prenup?β
βNo, Dapo. No. This is me setting my priorities right. I agree with everything written in that prenup except the pregnancy before marriage part. You can sacrifice that little one for me, right?β
βTisha, I need you.β He sat on the bed, facing her. βPlease, say youβre joking.β
βIβm not, but donβt be upset. We can still kiss…β
He pulled her to him and dumped her on his lap. She settled in comfortably.
βWe can even dry-hump,β she said, twirling her bum on him in cadence to the Kevin Campbell song now playing.
βI know youβre joking. Youβre still mad about the prenup. I understand. But I know youβll calm down and weβll talk about it.β
She smiled at him, trying her best to fight the moan hanging in her throat brought on by the feel of his bulge. She delivered a kiss and pounced up. He continued to stare at her. It was a pastime of his. He would spend long minutes with his eyes fixed on her, saying nothing. Just gazing.
βI need to make some calls,β he said suddenly, standing up.
She knew he was upset but was trying to be a big boy about it. She wasnβt going to enjoy breaking his will as Toni had anticipated. It was going to hurt, but it was something she needed to do. She prayed that the numerous girls who were crazy about him wouldnβt begin to blink on his radar.
Leticia, done with packing her clothes, zipped up her bag and took her things out of the room. As she had suspected, Dapo wasnβt making any calls. He was seated at the dining table, having a bowl of cereal. She watched him for a while, feeling bad about her actions. He was, in some ways, her pet. She was excessively affectionate with him sometimes, filling up the empty spaces his motherβs absence left in his life. She prayed he could cope with the new state of things.
βIβm going.β She went over and enclosed him in a hug, kissing his head. He pushed a bundle of one-thousand-naira notes to her.
βChange your hair.β
She gave him a reprimanding stare. He loved carrying money around. Crisp notes, precisely. He would sometimes sit and play with the notes for no reason. Leticia understood it was therapeutic for him, even though she didnβt necessarily like the idea of him keeping huge amounts of cash around. Sometimes he had them in foreign currency. Two days ago, it was the Chinese yuan she found him counting repeatedly. She feared that the silly habit would attract the wrong attention.
βTake it,β he urged. Leticia shook her head. She badly wanted to. In fact, she wanted the money to send home to her mother who had called the night before to say she needed some help. But Leticia didnβt want to drill a hole into her well-laid plans. Dapo needed to know she was no gold digger.
βI canβt take it.β
He looked at her. βWhen did that one start?β
βBaby, I just canβt.β
βGive it to Toni then.β
βYou know your sister doesnβt like when you give her money.β
βTell her itβs for the kids sheβs taking care of.β
Leticia picked up the cash and gave him a rub on his back. She left the house a little sad. When she got home, she found Toni and Duke watching Miles from Tomorrow on the Disney Junior channel. The boy was cuddled in Toniβs arms. Leticia thought they looked cute together.
βWhy aren’t you at work?β Toni asked.
βI called in sick. You?β
βHis temperature went up again. I had to call Tochi to take Ruby to school.β
βHave you given him paracetamol?β
βYeah. I just wish I knew why he keeps having these fevers. The doctor says heβs fine.β
Leticia rested compassionate eyes on Duke who was presently dismembering Toniβs cigarettes. Toni hadnβt been able to smoke freely since she started caring for the kids. They often gave her weird stares if she tried. Duke would then destroy any cigarette he came across.
βHow are you? Leticia asked Toni. She was concerned for her. Being responsible for the kids came with its challenges, and for Toni, it was new territory. She had told Leticia that it hadnβt occurred to her that she was a mother until Duke crawled into her bed some nights ago and clutched her tightly. There was a thunderstorm and he was scared. He had begged her to make it go away. She was forced to play soothing music and conjure up some story about bravery before he went back to sleep. For the best part of an hour, she cuddled him tightly, unable to move away because he called for his mother each time she did. Toni had cried through that night, out of exhaustion and sympathy for the kids whose pain she was beginning to understand. Ruby was a quiet child. She hardly spoke with anyone asides Duke, but was mannered enough to help around the house and assist Duke with his homework. Last night, Toni had told Leticia over the phone that she was falling in love with them.
βHeβll be fine,β Leticia assured Toni as she took space on one of the couches.
βThis one that you came back with your thingsβ¦β
βI did as I planned. I told him weβll stop smashing.β
βHow did he take it?β
βNot good, but heβll survive. He gave me a hundred grand. I refused.β
βReally?β
βHe now said I should give you.β
Toni frowned.
βWeβll sha share it.β
βTake all of it abeg. Money is the last thing I need right now.β
βIβm guessing the first thing is Andre?β
Toni hissed.
βYou guys really broke up a second time.β
βAndre is tiring.β
βHe loves you. He wants all of you, Toni.β
βWell, all of me now includes Duke and Ruby, and if he doesnβt want them too, Iβm sorry, I canβt be with him.β
βYou guys make me sad.β
βYou canβt be as sad as I am, Tish. In short, Iβm angry. Angry at him, angry at the woman who has kids but left them to follow someone elseβs husband halfway across the world, angry at Uncle Abrams.β
βWhy?β Duke asked. Toni smiled at him, patting his arm.
βWatch your cartoon.β
βThe man had to travel to treat his sick wife,β Leticia said. βWas he to take them along? And seriously, you should stop putting the blame on him. You wanted this. You should have gone to court to swear an affidavit that you werenβt taking responsibility.β
βI was busy through that week, Tish.β
βThe lawyer said he wanted to do it but you stopped him. It wasnβt about being busy. You simply didnβt want to do it.β
βOkay, fine. I didnβt want them ending up with any of their greedy relatives. I was sure Uncle Abrams would keep taking care of them.β
βWell, look where we are now.β
βAunty Toni, is Uncle Abrams coming back?β Duke questioned.
βYes, he is, but I donβt know when.β
βHow about my mommy?β
Toni gave a silent sigh, looking at Leticia for help.
βSheβll come back soon, okay?β
The boy nodded.
βSee what I go through?β Toni said to Leticia inaudibly.
βWell, Iβm here now. But can I be honest? Iβm not liking Andre now.β
βMe too.β
βAnd I feel sad for you.β
βDonβt be. Iβm getting myself a revenge boyfriend.β
βRevenge boyfriend?β
βYes, so that I can make Andre my side cock.β
Leticia burst into laughter. Toni joined her.
βYou sha must still smash the Frenchman.β
βIβm addicted. But really, itβs simple. The moment he knows Iβm seeing someone else, heβll start circling around me.β
βBut wait… who is this unfortunate soul you want to string along?β
βTochi,β Toni answered with a straight face.
βWhat?!β Leticia yelled. Duke startled up.
βItβs fine, Duke. Your aunty is in shock.β
βAre you crazy?!β
βMaybe, but I think Tochi is the best person for the job. Andre already dislikes him, heβs cuteβ¦β
βHe is not! Heβs just fair and tall andβ¦β
βYou know Tochukwu is cute.β
βAnd broke!β
βExactly. Heβs everything Andre is not right now. Plus, he would do anything I ask him to do, like eat me out…β
βWhy?β Duke asked, lifting up his head to stare at Toni. She winced.
βYou should watch your cartoonβ¦β
βAnimation,β he corrected.
βAnimation. Watch it. Iβll clean up this mess you made.β
Toni lifted him off her lap and cleared out the cigarette shards he scattered on the couch. When she headed for the kitchen, Leticia followed her.
βYouβre seriously out of your mind, Antonia. Tochi? That skinny, annoyingββ
βSometimes insanely-sweet guy who has done nothing to deserve your dislike.β
βAnyone but him, Toni. Please, donβtββ
βI will. And nothing will stop me. He is Andreβs punishment.β
Leticia grumbled as she marched to the backdoor. She threw it open, bringing daylight into the kitchen.
βIf you hadnβt dashed me that 100k, I wouldnβt be talking to you right now.β
Unruffled, Toni fixed a smirk on her face. βI want to fry yam and eggs. You want?β
βYes.β Leticia unbuttoned her blouse. She leaned on the kitchen counter. βYou know Tochi likes you, right?β
βI know.β
βAnd you still want to use him to get at Dre? When two of you now reconcile, what happens to him?β
Toni gave no response. She walked into the store and came out with a tuber of yam.
βYou didnβt answer me.β
βIβll explain everything to him,β Toni replied defensively.
βAnd he will still agree to it, but it doesnβt stop him from liking you. Why do you want to break the boyβs heart?β
βItβs not your heart Iβm breaking, Tisha,β Toni said edgily. βSo let it be. Leave me, abeg.β
Leticia hissed and grumbled her way out of the kitchen.
***
Raji was swimming in a depth of emails when his secretary announced that Comfort was waiting to see him. He had been informed of her presence minutes earlier but had responded that he was on a video call. He was angry at Comfort. Last night had ended awfully between them. He felt she needed to be punished a little.
βSheβs already on her way in, sir.β
The secretary had barely finished speaking when Comfort barged in. She stomped to his table and dumped a collection of forms on it.
βSign them, Raji.β
He slowly looked up at her. He found a fuming face and eyes that wouldnβt meet his.
βYouβre beginning to have too much guts these days, Commie. Youβve forgotten your place.β
βPlace?β She laughed. βIβm no longer your sidechick. I have as much claim on you as Salma, seeing that she doesnβt wear your ring anymore, and that is why I wonβt leave here until your drop your signature on my sonβs education trust fund. Whatβs your problem? Your other children already have millions accumulating in their accounts but Raheem has one miserly account with barely anything in it. And I wouldnβt even have known that he was cheated on had Salma not opened her mouth to brag. Look, better mind yourself, Raji Asepita.β
βIβll mind myself after you apologize for the way you spoke to me last night.β
βYou brought it upon yourself. You came into my house and started shouting on me like you own my body and can tell me what to do with it.β
βAnd so you walk me out of the house I pay rent on, abi? It has now reached like that?β
βYou deserved it,β Comfort held stubbornly.
Raji left his chair.
βSign the form, let me be going, please.β
βWhat are you doing with Folarin?β
βIβm not answering that question.β
Raji leaned forward on the backrest of his chair, facing her.
βHe is married.β
βAnd werenβt you?β
βHe is happily married.β
βIf he was, he wouldnβt be coming to me.β
βComfort, leave the man alone. For once, do the right thing. You want to be a sidechick forever? Donβt you have self-respect?β
βYou have no right to judge me.β
βI am judging you. Donβt go and tear the poor guyβs family apart. If you want a boyfriend, Iβll help you find one, but please stay away from other peopleβs husbands. Raheem shouldnβt have to grow up with an image of his mother as a home wrecker.β
βYeah, because his father already wrecked his own home with another manβs wife.β
Raji shook his head in exasperation. βIβm no longer that man, Commie. I lost Salma and it still devastates me. And thereβs Christie whose present marital problems make me feel terrible. I blame myself for what sheβs going through with Folarin. Trust me, Comfort, you donβt want to be on the receiving end of a broken marriage. For you, itβs easy. You enjoy the sex and get paid for it. For the person whose home you helped wreck and the kids who have to suffer it, there is no end to the pain.β
βJust sign the forms, please.β
βIβll sign them when you leave Folarin alone.β
Comfort brought her eyes to slits. βOh, thatβs how it is now?β
βCommie, have a good day.β
Comfort left his office in the same angry manner she had come in. Raji picked his phone and connected with Salma to get his mind on happier things.
βYou canβt be calling me after last night,β Salma said when she took the call. βI am depleted, Raji.β
He laughed. βIβm coming back for more this night.β
βIs there a way I can divorce you a second time? We canβt keep doing this.β
He picked out the seriousness in her lighthearted tone.
βHaba nau.β
βI donβt want the kids thinking weβre back together.β
βAnd whatβs so wrong in them thinking that?β
βRaji, we seriously have to stop. Tomorrow, youβll meet some girl and fall in love and then the kids would have to go through the torture all over again.β
βSalma, youβre all I want.β
βAnd Christie too.β
βNo.β
βBe honest, Raj. I wonβt be mad at you. If you hear that sheβs no longer with Folarin tomorrow, wonβt you go after her?β
Raji pushed back his chair and rested his feet on his table.
βRaji?β
βChristie is my past. Iβve moved on.β
βYeah, right.β
βSerious.β
βWhy are you calling, though?β
βJust to check in on you.β
βRajiβ¦β
βI know, I know. I should stop. We should stop. I know, but I canβt help it, Sal. I need you back.β
βIβm cutting this call, Raji. Bye.β
She hung up and left him staring at his phone. He felt no remorse for his actions. The truth was that Salma had become more desirable to him after their divorce. And unfortunately for him, he was not the only one who had eyes on her. When word got out that she had now become single, suitors started coming in from all corners. He had never imagined a woman at her age with three kids would be hot commodity in the dating market. Raji considered himself lucky to have her attention on some nights. But these days, the frequency was dwindling. He knew she wasnβt amorous with someone else. She wasnβt that sort of woman. But he feared that she would soon be taken.
Yesterday, driving to work, he spotted Ahmed at the fuel station. Of all the suitors coming for Salma, Ahmed was his biggest threat. The man had been out of the country. Seeing him pop out of nowhere on a random day put Raji ill at ease and pushed him into visiting Salma after work hours. He had arrived at hers with presents for her and the kids. She received hers with a suspicious smile.
βA vibrator and a dildo?β she asked, pushing the box aside to attend to the meal she had on fire.
βFor nights when Iβm not there.β
Chuckling, she shook her head at him. βJust because I fornicate with you doesnβt mean Iβve totally fallen off the wagon, dear ex-husband.β
βItβll help you keep strange men out of your bed.β
Tasting her soup, she gave Raji an eye.
βDid you by any chance run into Ahmed?β
βAhmed? Whoβs that?β
βRaji?β
βOkay, I saw him somewhere.β
βAnd then you went to buy me sex toys.β
Raji was going to give her an answer, but Fahad and Raheem burst into the kitchen, calling for his attention over some argument they were having.
Later, after dinner and a satisfying lovemaking session that involved the use of the sex toys, Raji asked Salma about Ahmed.
βHe proposed,β Salma revealed. βWe had dinner last night and he popped the question.β
Rajiβs heart sank. βAndβ¦?β
βI said no.β
βWhy?β
βIβm still scared of marriage, Raji. I donβt want to go down that path again. Ahmed is an awesome guy and we click emotionally and spiritually, butβ¦I just canβt do it.β
Her confession made Raji happy, so happy that he snuggled beneath the sheets and began to drift in slumber. But Salma tapped him awake and asked him to leave.
βCome on, let me just spend the night.β
βNo.β
βI promise Iβll be out of here before the kids wake up.β
βNo, Raji.β
He placed both hands behind his head stubbornly. βItβs not fair. You cook a heavenly meal for me, give me the sex of my life and then you kick me out just like that.β
βYes, Raji. Itβs late. Be on your way.β She yanked off rumpled sheets from beneath him. He rose up with a yawn. She tossed his briefs at him.
βHow is Christie, by the way?β she questioned. βI heard she was at work today.β
βYou still have your spy at Covet?β Raji laughed.
βYup.β
He pushed a leg into his trousers. βChristieβs doing great. Back in her game.β
βButβ¦?β
βBut what?β
βShe and Folarin?β
βI donβt know. Is he not your friend again?β
Salma went for the second bedsheet and tugged if off. βFolarin has changed. He doesnβt feel like the guy I used to know.β
βHow so?β Raji picked his shirt.
βI canβt really say, but when youβre close to someone, you sense when something is off about them. I know he and Christie are not having the best of times right now. I pray they get through it.β
βAwwwβ¦you have a big heart.β Raji placed a peck on her shoulder. βThat was why I married you.β
βAnd yet you broke the big heart. Oya, be going.β She looked into his eyes with a smile. βGoodnight.β
Raji caressed her lips with his before making his exit. In his car, he turned on his phone which he had left charging earlier. A voice note from Comfort dropped in, reminding him that he was yet to append his signature on Raheemβs education fund forms. He grunted. The one person he didnβt want to upset was Comfort. She had her own special type of hell for him whenever he messed with her. It usually left him parting with huge sums of money. He hadnβt put aside signing for their sonβs education fund. He had been busy with restructuring Covet. But Comfort would not understand even if he explained. She believed he loved Salmaβs kids more than Raheem.
She still felt intimidated by Salma, even now that Raji was no longer married to her. She kept tabs on the other Asepita children, and if she as much as got a whiff of any type of favoritism on Rajiβs side, she gave him trouble. But she wasnβt as niggling as she used to be. And she didnβt seem like she still yearned for him. The chemistry between them hadnβt been extinguished, but the urge to act on it was gone. He had been pleased that she was dating other men and had commended her for moving on, but the last person he had expected to see with her was Folarin.
Last night had Raji disappointed in him. The one friend he could vouch for as being forthright was now going down the deep end. He wished he could tell Folarin that he was playing with fire, but in some way, he wanted him to walk a mile in his shoesβif only he would stay away from Comfort and not hurt Christie while at it.
***
The mug felt warm on her lips. She had been on her way to taking a gulp of her special hot chocolate when Savanna walked into her office. She left the mug suspended as her eyes regarded Savanna coldly.
βHi, Comfort.β
βHi.β
βIβ¦came to apologize for yesterday. I said some pretty nasty things to you. Iβm sorry.β
Comfort let the mug down. βOkay.β
Savanna remained standing like she was waiting for something.
βAnything more?β Comfort enquired.
βThis is where you say youβre sorry too.β
βOh, okay. Iβm sorry too,β Comfort stated.
βAwesome,β Savanna said humorlessly. βUmβ¦one more thing. Please, stay away from Folarin.β
Comfort leaned back and crossed her arms troublesomely.
βHeβs going through a lot right now, and heβs open to doing stupid things. You shouldnβt encourage it. He loves his wife and theyβre gonna get through their issues. You donβt wanna make things worse for them.β
βAre you insinuating that Iβm trying to break them up?β
βI didnβt say that. But I know he slept over at yours yesterday. That shouldnβt be happening.β
Comfort had a nasty reply for her, but she didnβt think it was a good idea to let it out.
βOkay.β
βGreat.β
Savanna smiled and left to her office. Comfort let her arms down. She was angry. She hated that she was being accused of sleeping with Folarin. She was yet to find calm after Rajiβs shenanigans earlier and here was Savanna with her own allegations. She had only wanted one night with Folarin. He was not the type one kept as a sugar daddy or even had an affair with. Everyone knew of his love for Christie. Comfort, in her defense, had only wanted to help heal his pain. She hadnβt been hurt when he turned her down. In fact, it left her wanting more of him. Her night had been spent in fruitless fantasies of him which she had exorcised by morning, coming to the necessary acceptance that nothing could happen between them.
However, she was presently having a change of mind. She had always been that person that carried out an act she was wrongfully accused of, just to get back at her accusers. For Raji and Savanna, she would go after Folarin until she got him. She didnβt reckon it would be so hard, considering that he had been at the door of her pleasures so easily.
βHey, Comfort!β she heard him call. He had just gotten into the building, and for obvious reasons, it got her blushing. Memories bringing back the taste of his lips and feel of his body over hers filled her thoughts. Pushing them away, she chugged down her lukewarm chocolate and made her way to the kitchen where she prepared another for him. She took it to his office.
He had his concentration on his laptop, his fingers playing with the collection of bracelets on his left wrist. She let her eyes run over the length of his veiny, tattooed arms, remembering how he had held her.
βIs there a reason youβre ogling?β
She shook her head and went forward.
βTo start up your morning,β she said, placing the mug before him. He gazed into her eyes.
βDo you want to talk about yesterday?β he asked.
βNo.β
She saw that he had more to say but she made her way to the door.
βComfort.β
She turned.
βIβm sorry,β he whispered.
βIβm not.β
She left the office.
Β©Sally@moskedapages
Hmmm in as much as am mad at folarin..am happy it wasnot comfort
Sally, how are you? I enjoyed this
Ohk HV bin waiting for dese all day. Awesome epi left me dissatisfied like tasting cake knowing it can be enough.
Prayn for a bonus.hope ur inspiration is on red alert.
More inspiration to ur mind.
Clad it wasn’t comfort at least.
How can one episode be so long yet seemly short…..
I want moreeee
I had to check the other day if I missed an episode. LOL! Comfort is a witch. As for Folarin I wish he could have a taste of that medicine Raji is talking about, it might give him a brain reset. Thanks Sally…..!
Yesso, thank goodness he didn’t do it with Comfort. I really wish Raji and Salma could somehow be man and wife again…man messed up big time.
Folarin…
Sigh…
Thanks Sally for the update. Folarin please reset your brain to default settings and go get your family. Comfort so when you destroy Folarin what will be your gain? I pray Folarin sacks you while you are at it. Toni and Dre? Hmmm Tish way to go
Haba people have started labelling Comfort plz Sally let her have her curiosity with Folarin may be he will have closure. Great read, more of this awesome erotic inspiration fall on you, and a Big Thank you Sally boo, wish you awesome week ahead.
And Folarin just had to fall off the deep end ???
When men cheat they don’t go having revenge sex up and down, folarin is taking things to the extreme at this point. He should go for therapy and forgive his wife. Comfort really likes the idea of been a side chick sha, common shame nor dey her face. Sorry if am greedy Sally , I want more and that is how good u write. U leave people wanting for more. Thanks for this lovely episode
Uhhhmmmm
This is even more scarier…
Thank you so much for this lovely and looonnng episode. God bless you muchos ????
My prayers are with Folarin. Thanks Sally
At least it wasnt Comfort. Aaawwww if not that Raji sometimes thinks with the D I would hope for him and Sally to get back together. Well let’s wait and see how it goes. Tone Tone you’re playing with fire oh. L’homme franΓ§ais a dΓ©truit ta chatte ET IL VA continuΓ©r Γ Te contrΓ΄ler…. But she seems a good mother tho. Tishhhhhhh hope this plan works oh if not bye bye Dapo
Thanks Sally
Thanks sally for the update. Beautiful piece as usual. This comfort ehn…… and folarin should just forgive his wife already abeg
Thanks Sally……interesting episode but I want moreeeeee
Na wa o! I feel so sad for them. Thanks Sal
How did you see into Folarin’s mind Sally? weldone sis. I was once a Folarin, you know. You captured the emotions wella. weldone
Good episode
Folarin needs to let things go. He is heading straight for hell.
He will just end up hurting himself and not even Christie.
Thanks Sally!
Folarin needs a brain reset, dazall.
Thanks Sally. As insomnia no gree me sleep, I decided to stalk Facebook and saw this. Now I can go back to sleep
Thanks. Madam
And with this, am sure to have a splendid night rest?Am glad Uncle Fola didn’t take a trip downtown to madam comfort the comforter comfort zone last last, thanks for the Leticia and Dapo’s part especially even though am not all that comfy with Tish’s plan. And as for the other characters, am keeping my fingers crossed and my mouth shut for now. Thanks again ma’am for this, love always ?
It’s amazing how people jump to conclusions without bothering to ask for the facts. Folarin left with an unbuttoned shirt and, now, is being accused of sleeping with Comfort. Shouldn’t he have actually slept with her since that is already what people think happened?
Raji needs to have some sense drilled into his thick skull. He has committed his crimes and is now being Mr. Hypocrite. Mscheeeeeeeeew!
Sally this suspense ehn,,thought it was comfort,,what’s wrong with that husband snatcher sef,,she should remain on her lane,,fola should get the needed help before he loses Christie ,loving Toni’s new role as a mother,,thanks Sally
This is awesome, Sally you are an amazing writer. Can you ever really forgive a cheating partner and let the memories go, it leaves you feeling inadequate like you did something to deserve it, I hope Folarin gets the help he needs especially for his children.
Anytime I see a new episode of Dear high mistress,or any of your stories there is this feeling I can’t explain. I always have to wait till I am in a secluded area,with a bottle of my favourite drink,zero noise, then am off to Sally world. Thanks for this wonderful experience Sally
NB. Biko let folarin find peace soon.
Sally, i appreciate you for giving us such literary thrills. My book heart will never stop loving you and thanks you beyond words. Folarin will not allow himself heal until he commits the same crime as Christie because his mind is clouded with anger and pain. As for Toni, i hope she truly understands what she is considering doing. Getting back at someone isn’t always all it’s played out to be. I’m watching the others from the sidelines for now.
I sometimes feel like these characters are real and are people i know, but then again, they seem so because they portray the struggles and character traits of real people;Humans in their brokenness.
Once again sally, my heart says thank you.
So folarin did it but not with comfort.. I like the twist so all hands will point to comfort but Ashe it’s madam Aristotle… Hmmmmn
Mehn! Folarin o ??? Andre will soon realise that the having the kids with Toni is good for her. What’s up with that nonsense plan Toni has? Leticia sef, stupid plans. Mstcheeew
Folarin pls don’t fall deeper, it’s high time you get back to your senses and let go of the past,kudos Sally
after unending page refresh, thanks sally. way to go for trish nd toni is gettin annoying already. as for folarin, I’ll say ‘oga why na’.
I am just glad it was not comfort… Thanks Sally.
Very interesting. Thanks sally
This is getting tough and thick……elemi loma last
You’ve don well Sally….thanks
Thanks Sally, Good Stuff!
i totally understand what folarin is going through. its not easy forgiving a cheating wife when you know you have always been faithful.
thanks sally.
So Folarin finally cheated…..it’s okay ooooo, do me, I do you. Am just happy it wasn’t with that Commie abi Comfort, before another baby pops out
Bring back Raji and Salma. But I noticed Raji didn’t answer Salma’s question oo. Waiting to see how everything plays out.
Comfort is a piece of work. I love how Salma is on control of the situation now… no more weepy or stalking or the victim. She’s the real mvp. Well written as always Sal.
This is so real; the realities of some people. Thank you Sally.
Folarin is a broken man, he’s in a very terrible zone. Unfortunately, he’s running from admitting that he needs help. Many go looking for a revenge that mostly leaves them more scarred than they were. I hope Folarin will find healing for the sake of the people who hold him dear.
For all of Raji’s misdemeanors, there may be a sense of true ‘repentance’. Losing Salma and his other friends (especially the Fola he really offended) might have brought back his senses. He can sound a note of warning to Fola about Comfort but there’s this thing about moral justification that Fola’s on about.
Motherhood has been thrust on Toni. It might just end up being a blessing in disguise. I have a feeling Andre will eventually find a common ground with Toni, and beyond the sex, both will make themselves better.
Dapo and Tish…e get as e be for this duo but they just might click eventually. These things are good during courtship/dating so both parties know what they’re getting into.
I can go on and on. Big ups Sally. Thank you for these wonderful, relatable stories. Your ink will not stop flowing.
Lk
Wat wrong wiv diz folarin Sha, ehn must u do d same tin ur wifey did…. Abeg receive sense to acknowledge u nid help jhare. Tish I pray ur plans goes well Sha mke u no cum lose@last….. ToniMama motherhood is gud jor, I believe our Frenchguy will c dat
Sally ?????fresh inspiration
Interesting……Sally please biko jor just sell this too. Episode by episode is breaking me. Thank you…….xoxo.
Thanks Sally for this interesting episode. You never disappoint big up to u.
FOLARIN DID IT!!!!! A man like Folarin goes all out, so i have a feeling there is no going back unless he gets the help he needs. Even though i am glad it wasnt wit Commie, i think he would have been safer with Commie because she cant have any the kind of hold this Aunt WOBE will have on him. I really feel for Christie because as far as i am concerned she just lost Folarin to the wrongest hand. Barakah has daddy issues, and once she discovers that Folarin is not like every other man she has met, she will not let him go.
Leticia and Dapo ehn! Tish you for tell him to send the money to his sister’s account or give her himself so he will know that you mean business.
Toni, i hope you know Andre is not the kind of man that will share his garage with any other man, is like you want him to kill poor Tochi.
I dont know if i am the only one that still sees Raji for who he is! The guy is a born philander that enjoys the privileges that come with been a father and husband but does not want to be responsible for the down side of it, like “unnecessary clingness”. If he senses that Christie will not get unnecessarily attached to him during this her hard times, he will seduce her and smash her any opportunity he gets.
I wish Salma was so over him!
Thank you Sal. God bless you.
Folarin!!! U shouldnt have done this..chris is very sorry for her mistakes and now how do we resolve the whole issue when u don commit adultery with Aunt barakah
I wish raji and salma could just be husband and wife again the love is still there
Hmmm commie watch ur steps o8
Toni and Dre need serious deliverance..na to dey break up everytime una sabi
I have read this episode 3 times and still go blank on what to say.. I think I had Folarin on a pedestal and hope although implied he actually did sleep with Auntie B for he will not get the revenge nd fill hurt himself more and all he stood for before. Poor Folarin help is out there go for it man. I feel sorry for the kids for they ate the one to suffer most.
Toni, what kind of twisted idea is this? As Trish and Dapo hmmm!!
This episode was sooooo gooooood! Sally. Well done.
Drum roll….why are Jezebels around Folarin naa?? born again leticia??
Beautiful piece. I love!
Folarin and Comfort tho, fingers crossed.
Tish and Dapo, it has been a while oo. Tish clamping down, good idea, but am very curious has to how long she can go without.
Finally, Toni is getting the motherhood vibes, I always knew she had it in her, poor Tochi, I pray Toni changes her mind on that. Raji Asepita, pick a hustle man!!
Folarin, the tatted man, am glad it is not Comfort, it wld have been a bit too much.
Sally! God’s blessings fall on you dear
Commie should please stay away from Folarin.
Toni please stop using people… is not fair o!
Amazing series usual Aunty Sally.