Spending Mommy's Money

Spending Mommy’s Money #9

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CHAPTER NINE – Mommy and Daddy Dearest

Nadia was sure she had dated the most annoying married man on earth. The sex and financial benefits had been amazing. In addition, he had scored high on the scale of brains and wit. There had never been a boring moment with him. The only problem was his craziness. She suspected that it had to do with the rush of engaging in something illicit. Somehow, he had wanted to get caught by his wife, and Nadia hadn’t signed up for that type of drama. This had come after he did everything to get her pregnant. When she didn’t budge, he dumped and ghosted her.

Today, he reached out to her after a month. He apologized for breaking up with her and asked her to return to his life. Nadia laughed, recalling how callously he had ended things with her, under the excuse that she no longer inspired excitement in him, as she had become as boring as his wife. The breakup came at a wrong time, just shortly after her father’s death. She had been so shaken that she wasn’t sure if she was grieving for her father or for the relationship she lost.

Now, he was back, promising to act better and give her the world. Nadia didn’t think she was interested. She had a list of men on her case, married and single. She was going to take her time to sift through the chaff to find the substance. But again, men were not her top priority; making money was.

But she wasn’t bothered. She had a plan that would set her feet back on the grind and open doors for her siblings as well.

This evening, she invited Lanumi, and Nehi, who now lived with Lanumi, over to Xavier’s for grilled fish and drinks. They sat out at the backyard, listening to music from Xavier’s Bluetooth speaker. The stars and an almost full moon were out tonight, giving light to their small gathering. Xavier’s compound was bordered by a fence that created a vortex between it and the house. He used to sit out here with Bamitale on hot nights, to feel the cool breeze and listen to it howl.

Right now, they were talking about what Nadia had just told them of Sunny and the contract Ituah signed with Kofo years ago.

β€œSo, what are we going to do?” Nehi asked.

β€œI…” Nadia began to speak but Lanumi interrupted her. She frowned.

β€œSorry, sorry. Before you answer, I just want to state that the picture is beginning to look clearer now. Mommy wasn’t the villain you all thought she was.”

β€œAnd Daddy was what?” Nadia asked.

β€œI didn’t mention Daddy.”

β€œHe was the parent that stayed.”

β€œI agree, but was Mommy given a chance to stay?”

β€œLanu, she left.”

β€œIt’s fine that you want to hold on to that lie—”

β€œLie?”

β€œYes, lie. Nadiakhe, I was old enough to witness their fights. They were many and intense. I also witnessed Uncle Sunny and Aunty Atiti being absolute assholes to her. And after every fight, Mommy always cried like a baby. She would hide somewhere, cry it all out, clean her tears, and come out to act like they weren’t breaking her will. Yes, she wasn’t mother of the year and she had issues connecting with us, but she was a broken woman, Nadia.”

β€œNo.”

β€œDaddy and Uncle Sunny, as you already told us, treated her like shit. And we’re talking about the eighties and nineties here, Nad. Women hardly had the rights they have today.”

β€œStill, it was no reason for her to abandon us!”

Xavier raised his hands, stopping them. β€œLet’s end this talk about who was bad or good. What we need to know now is the way forward. Uncle Sunny is trying to double-cross us—”

β€œAs he did with Mommy,” Lanumi said.

β€œPlease, let me finish talking. Uncle Sunny is still trying to control everything. We have options.”

Nehi lit a cigarette. β€œLike?”

β€œWe go to him and let him know that we now all know. Then, we ask for whatever we want from him.”

β€œOr?”

β€œWe go straight to her and ask for what rightly belongs to us.”

β€œXavier, you can call her β€˜Mom’, you know?”

β€œShut up, Lanumi.”

Lanumi got up. Nadia could tell she was drunk. β€œMe, I am not into blackmailing the woman who gave life to us. There must be some sort of karma for that.”

β€œWe’re not blackmailing her,” Xavier corrected. β€œThe clause we all read in that contract puts her and Dad as partners for life. Now that he has handed everything to me, it means I can claim my stake in all her businesses.”

β€œIt doesn’t work like that o, Xavier. It doesn’t. Mommy can challenge you to court and win, that’s if that contract is even legally binding on her in the first place, because it was signed under dubious circumstances. She has the money, she has the power, and you’re going to be seen as an ungrateful son who is out to ruin his mother.”

β€œBut she won’t take me to court.” Xavier said with a sure smile. β€œYou know why? As you said, I am her son. She would want this in-house and will settle me, all of us, the way she settled Uncle Sunny. Fighting me publicly would ruin her rep. She doesn’t want that.”

β€œWow.” Lanumi rested her hands on her waist and stared down at Xavier. β€œYou’re worse than Daddy and Uncle Sunny put together, you know that?”

β€œLet’s not get sentimental about things here, Lanu.”

β€œThat’s why you couldn’t keep your marriage.”

β€œThere we go.”

β€œBamitale was a good wife, just like Mommy was—”

β€œCan you not bring my marriage into this discussion? And please, fucking sit down! You’re drunk!”

β€œOh, the truth is bitter, isn’t it?”

β€œThere’s no bitter truth here, Lanu,” Nadia responded, β€œexcept the fact that our mother is out there, living and swimming in billions while we’re in the trenches. She could have come for us a long time ago, but she didn’t.”

β€œShe did, and they didn’t let her!”

β€œShe didn’t fight hard enough!”

β€œNadiakhe, we’re adults, for fuck’s sake! Why didn’t any of us reach out to her? Instead, we judged and hated her, based on lies we were told. Despite everything, she kept reaching out to us. Did you know that she used to send clothes for us in bags and Aunty Atiti used to take them home to those her ugly children?”

Nadia frowned and looked at Xavier.

β€œYes, Xave knows! Ask him!”

β€œI don’t know shit.”

Lanumi shook her head. β€œI hate you right now, Xave. You’re the meanest of all of us because you knew her more than we did and—”

β€œENOUGH!” Xavier jumped to his feet and faced her. β€œThis is the last time we will have this conversation! Now, go inside and get your stuff, I’m taking you home!”

Lanumi held Xavier’s stare.

β€œNow.”

She rubbed her eyes. β€œNehi, let’s go.”

β€œI’ll sleep here tonight, sis.”

Lanumi took a step forward but she staggered a little. Xavier grabbed her before she stumbled over his seat.

β€œEasy.”

β€œI hate you.”

β€œI know.”

He gently guided her into the house.

β€œYou know we’re all messed up, right?” Nehi told Nadia. β€œHer, him, me, you. We’re into some deep trauma shit that has affected us individually. It’s why Lanumi has two husbands and Xave couldn’t even keep one wife. Same reason you were fucking a married man.”

Nadia gave him a sharp stare.

β€œSame reason I did badly in school.”

β€œDon’t bring that Gen Z self-diagnosis shit to me.”

β€œOur parents fucked us up.”

β€œNo, Mom did—”

β€œStop living in denial, Nad.”

β€œShe could have fought harder,” Nadia said, feeling a lump in her throat as her emotions tried to take over. β€œShe should have. Do you know how many times I watched her on TV or read a newspaper and imagined her fabulous life out there while ours kept going down the drain? I put this woman in a freaking hero cape and waited and waited for her to show up and rescue us. But she never did. She just acted like we weren’t there.”

β€œAnd that’s why you attach yourself to men you can never have. Your attachment style is—”

β€œJust shut up, abeg.”

But Nehi was right. They were all a mess. Lanumi and her second husband now regularly attended orgies, organized by a Lekki swinger group. Xavier hadn’t been able to get a job since he was fired. He saw less of his daughter these days, and it was because he was pushing her away. Nadia herself now lived with him, having moved out of her apartment, as her rent had expired. She lost the job in Port Harcourt because she hadn’t shown up for it. Her dad’s death screwed her up so much that she couldn’t function for a while.

β€œBut you know Lanumi is not lying sha,” Xavier stated. β€œMom is not the villain, and I think we don’t have to wait for Bahamas to connect with her.”

β€œYou’re saying this just because of her money.”

β€œYes. I’m tired of how I live. I need to ball. Have you seen your mother’s house? Gaddem!”

Nadia wasn’t sure she made the right decision to share the details of the contract with her siblings. She would have gotten a better deal with Sunny. The last thing she wanted was to be in direct communication with her mother. Her resentment of her was deep, and she wanted it to remain that way.

β€œMore beer?” Nehi asked.

β€œI’m good.”

He walked into the house and Nadia checked the numerous messages on her phone from her married ex. It was weird that she needed him nowβ€”so badly, she could cry.

She texted him to come get her.

xoxoxo

Tari must have looked at his outfit a thousand times before deciding to jump on a video call with Rain for fashion advice. She spent the first minute adoring his looks before telling him to change into something that would make a statement.

β€œYou’re going to be a boss, and your first day has to show that. A black suit is too basic.”

β€œYou’re right. So, I was thinking… Since we’re a thing now and work in the same company, do you think we need to let HR know about our relationship.”

Rain laughed, clipping on an earring. β€œYou’re still thinking like lay staff, Tari. Hara is yours for the taking. You don’t owe anyone any explanation. At the same time, let’s keep our thing private.”

β€œI like private.”

β€œGreat.”

β€œSo, see you at work later today.”

Rain blew him a kiss and hung up. He went to his closet and picked something more befitting for the day. There were moments in which he stopped to look around him, still trying to take in the fact that everything around him belonged to him and he was living a life that was bigger than his dreams.

He had moved in a couple of days after returning from Dominica with Rain. Sunny asked him to postpone coming to the office, as management was moving people around and restructuring departments and positions. While he waited, Tari registered for courses online that would help him do his job better. He also researched on Ms. Adelabu who was currently occupying the position he was being groomed for. He still didn’t think he deserved to take over from her, but he was determined to do the job.

Once the clock struck 8:30 am, he stepped out of his bedroom with Oscar whom he left in the care of his housekeeper. The young man was in his late twenties who spoke well and always smelled of aftershave.

β€œYour driver is here, sir.”

β€œDriver?” Tari asked and remembered that Sunny had told him that a chauffeur was assigned to him. β€œDon’t overfeed my dog. Just give him the portion I asked you to.”

β€œYes, sir.”

Tari stepped out of the house. An older man was standing beside Tari’s new car, dressed casually but looking neat.

β€œGood morning, Mr. Atari,” he greeted cheerfully.

β€œGood morning.”

β€œI’m Nelson, sir.”

β€œNelson. How’s it going?”

β€œGood, sir.”

β€œGood, So, you know the way to the office?”

β€œYes, sir. If we leave now, we’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

β€œLet’s go.”

A couple of minutes into their journey, Tari noticed that Nelson was chatty. The man told him that he had worked as a driver at Hara Telecoms for seven years. He had no plans to get another job, as this one paid well. It could take care of his family and pay the bills.

β€œJust out of curiosity, how much are you being paid?” Tari asked.

β€œTwo-hundred-and-fifty-thousand, sir.”

β€œFor just driving me around?”

β€œPlus, other things. I’ll handle your very special needs and fix things that need fixing. I am not just a driver. So, if you have any problem, I’m your man.”

β€œI will remember that.”

Nelson continued chatting until they arrived at Hara Telecoms. He gave Tari his number and told him that he would be waiting in the driver’s lounge.

β€œI do food runs too. If you don’t want to eat from the restaurant, don’t stress yourself ordering for something online. Call me and I’ll get you what you want.”

β€œThanks.”

The moment Tari stepped out of the car, he felt his insides churn. He didn’t know what to expect once he got into the building. His phone rang and he answered the call.

β€œGood morning, Mr. Atari,” a male voice greeted. β€œIt’s your assistant calling, sir. My name is Tosin.”

β€œGood morning, Tosin. I’m in the building. Just entering the reception.”

β€œI’m on my way down, sir. Please, wait for me.”

Tari sat on a waiting couch, as he had no ID to access the elevator. This was his first visit to Hara Telecoms Headquarters. The reception looked unassuming, but everything about it, from the high ceiling to the floors and walls, spelled classiness.

Tari kept his eyes on the elevator until Tosin appeared. He was darkskin and of a small stature.

β€œGood morning, Mr. Atari.” He bowed his head a little. β€œPlease, follow me.”

He walked through a security barrier by swiping his ID. He did it a second time for Tari. They entered one of three elevators and rode up to the fifth floor. Tosin explained what his duties would be, in his service of Tari.

When they got to the executive floor of the marketing department, he led Tari down a hallway and into an office that had an outer room.

β€œAnd this is yours, sir.”

Tari entered the inner office and forced down whatever excitement wanted to bubble out of him. The space was large and impersonal, but it was made for a boss.

β€œNice.” He pushed his hands into his pockets and looked around.

β€œYou got one of the best offices in this entire building.”

β€œReally?”

β€œYeah. Let me take you to HR. They’re expecting you.”

Tari braced himself for a long day. The assistant VP of human resources was a pleasant woman, who seemed to have an instant crush on him at first sight. She ensured that his details and file were processed speedily. Then, she took him on a tour, explaining that someone high up wanted him to be treated like VIP. Hence, she had to show him around herself.

β€œI suspect you’re related to one of our new CEOs?” she asked. Tari smiled without responding. β€œSo, Hara Telecoms consists of Hara Internet, Hara Labs, Hara Mobility, Hara Phone, Hara Digital and Hara Cybersecurity. Marketing covers the fourth to eighth floors,” she explained. β€œWe also share the building with legal, strategy and development, compliance, external affairs, etc. Tech and innovation is in our other building, down the road. We call that place Blue. It’s a campus, sort of, but also a hotel, which has 75 rooms, asides the office spaces that are quite different from this. The hotel is exclusive to Hara employees and their partners. You can pop in there anytime you like and check it out.”

β€œI’ll definitely do that,” Tari said, thinking of Rain, who had begun her job at Blue a week ago. She had been so swamped that they had seen each other only once. He wondered if she would like to spend the night at his.

The tour went on for another forty-something minutes, in which Tari was introduced to the directors and managers in his department, all of whom where under him but each boasting of years of experience he didn’t have. Every time he shook a hand and was called β€˜boss’, he felt like a fraud. Now, more than ever, he wanted to earn his position.

β€œAnd this concludes our tour. Next on the list is a proper onboarding, which will kick off tomorrow. For a position as yours, it might take up to two months. The idea is not to allow the process interrupt your job. We want you to ease into it.”

Tari responded to her smile with a polite nod. β€œLooking forward to it. Thank you.”

He made sure to take a separate elevator from hers and made a mental note to stay away from her. When he returned to his office, Tosin informed him of a management meeting at ten. Tari had barely sat in when he got an official email from HR, welcoming him onboard and granting him access to all the systems. Thirty minutes later, he received an email from his boss, whose office was opposite his. She wanted to see him.

Ms. Adelabu was her name. A tall and fierce woman who had held down the job for four years. She gave Tari a thorough stare when he entered her office.

β€œI’ll make this quick, Abashi. I know when I see bullshit, and you are a pile of it. Your position as junior chief marketing officer is ridiculous, but we’re not going to talk about that because it could cost me my job. You’re here to understudy me, not for me to babysit you. To catch up with what I do, you’ll have to work like an ass. I’m not going to make it easy for you. Are you ready for me?”

β€œYes, ma’am.”

β€œSee you at ten for management meeting. I just sent you an email. Check it out and respond ASAP.”

Tari left her office with a plan, already forming in his head. Once he got into his office, he called Tosin in.

β€œMake friends with Ms. Adelabu’s assistant. Infiltrate that office.”

β€œYes, sir.”

Tari checked out the fresh email Ms. Adelabu sent. He got lost in it until the clock struck ten. He attended the management meeting, which lasted an hour. Afterward, he returned to his office to find more work from Ms. Adelabu. It was clear what she was up to. She wanted him lost in unimportant paperwork.

When lunch hour came, he got a call from Sunny.

β€œSo, how’s your first day at work?”

β€œGood, so far.”

β€œAdelabu giving you stress already?”

β€œNo.”

β€œGood for now, but watch out for her. Anyways, I have in my possession some detailed documents and videos that will help you with your job. Asides that, if you have any difficulties, reach out to me. You’ll commence training by Wednesday. Do you have any questions?”

β€œNo, sir.”

β€œGreat. How’s Rain, by the way?”

β€œShe’s well.”

β€œRemember our plan, Atari. Stay focused. Keep your mind on the prize. Don’t screw things up with her.”

β€œSure, sir.”

Sunny hung up. Tari mulled on his words. This so-called grand design to use Rain as a backup plan if pushing him to the top failed was a joke to him. Rain was the sweetest, most open person he had ever been with. He would be a cursed man to hurt her.

He recalled how, a week ago, Sunny walked into his house and re-introduced himself to him as his father. He opened up about his relationship with his late mom and how Ituah had slipped into her life at his absence. When Tari didn’t believe him, he showed him the result of the DNA test he had taken before he left for Dominica with Rain. Tari had never wished for a truth to become a lie so much in his life. Having a dead father who hadn’t cared about him was better than having a living one that was dubious and greedy. He asked for a second DNA test in a lab of his own choosing. Two days later, the result came out the same. Tari was upset, but he moved past it and looked forward to building his own legacy without relying on Sunny. Rain would never be the ladder he would step on to get to the top.

Tosin popped in to tell him that Habib Kareem asked to see him.

β€œMe?”

β€œYes, sir. He’s at the executive restaurant. Second floor.”

Tosin left and Tari breathed in and out. He didn’t see this coming; at least, not now.

He picked his phone and made his way to the restaurant for senior management. Habib was seated by a window, eating a sandwich. He eyed Tari as he approached him, taking in everything about him.

β€œGood afternoon, sir.”

β€œAfternoon.”

β€œYou asked to see me?”

β€œPlease, sit.”

Tari took the seat facing his.

β€œYou want some sandwich?” Habib asked.

β€œNo, thanks.”

He pushed a sandwich wedge toward Tari. β€œIt’s homemade. Rain likes it.”

β€œI just had lunch.”

β€œThen, let this be your dinner.”

Habib’s eyes arrested his. Eyes that looked like Rain’s.

β€œThank you, sir.”

Tari took the sandwich, bowing to the man’s powerplay.

β€œSo, you’re fucking my daughter.”

Tari was caught off-guard.

β€œHm?”

β€œI…”

β€œIt wasn’t a question.” Habib wiped his mouth with a napkin. β€œI don’t trust you, considering whose son you are. I don’t know how Rain got entangled with you, but it has to stop. You must end it before you get her heartbroken.”

β€œSir…”

β€œShe is the heir to all of this. Everything you see here, it’s all hers. A woman like that needs a man on her level, and son, you’re not there. You can never be. You’re just gold-digging. So, end this nonsense.”

β€œI…”

β€œYou may leave.”

Tari didn’t stand immediately. β€œCan I say something?”

β€œNo.”

β€œI like her a lot. It’s not love yet, but I really like Rain. And I know she feels the same way about me. Maybe you should talk to her about us and let her tell you how she feels.”

β€œI will.”

Tari picked his sandwich. β€œThanks for this.” He took it out of the wedge and had a bite. β€œIt’s nice.”

Habib’s brow jerked up slightly.

β€œHave a good day, sir.”

Walking back to his office, Tari ate the sandwich. The rest of his day was spent watching videos from Sunny. At exactly 4pm, he informed Nelson that he was leaving.

β€œClosing time is 5pm, sir,” Tosin informed him.

β€œFor you, not me,” he answered, entering the elevator.

xoxoxo

Rain was starving when she arrived at the family house. Asides a sandwich from Habib and a cup of hot chocolate in the morning, she hadn’t eaten all day. She longed for a hot meal, a cold bath, and to sleep uninterrupted for six hours, at least. But she wanted badly to see Tari. Taking out her phone from her handbag, she texted him, asking if he was home.

β€œOh, hell no,” she muttered as she drove into the compound. Habib and Kofo’s cars were parked in the driveway. She should have known that Dora’s insistence on her coming over for dinner was a ploy to get her into a family meeting. She had invited her to spend the weekend, but Rain had had to dash into Dubai to handle some real estate issues.

She parked her car close to the gate with the intention to leave once she was done with her parents. She knew the topic was Tari. Dora had tried to wheedle out gist from her, concerning the man she was presently seeing.

Rain turned off the engine and checked to see if the message that just dropped was from Tari. But it came from Naomi, a third threat to destroy her life as she had done to hers. Rain blocked the number, which was the fourth now. Jaya didn’t think the threats were supposed to be taken lightly, but Rain knew that all Naomi wanted was money.

She shoved her phone into her handbag and walked into the house, drawn in by her father’s laughter over Kofo’s. Her mind had created versions of their history, based on the love stories they shared with her. In each version, they were a beautiful couple. Something about their love made her smile every time she thought about them.

She entered the living room and found Kofo’s leg on Habib’s thighs. He was massaging her calf. She tried to pull away at the sight of Rain, but Habib wouldn’t let her.

β€œThere goes my favorite girl!” His eyes were warm and bright behind his glasses.

β€œGood evening, Dad. Good evening, Aunty Kofo.”

β€œEvening, Rain,” Kofo responded with a grin. β€œHow are you, girl?”

β€œGood.”

β€œWork?”

β€œFantastic.”

β€œCome for a hug,” Habib said.

Rain went over and hugged him. Dora walked in just then.

β€œWatermelon?”

β€œHey, Mom.”

β€œYou look exhausted. Work stressing you?”

β€œNo.”

β€œThat’s a lie.” She rubbed Rain’s back. β€œPele, my baby.”

Rain was soothed by her touch and fragrance.

β€œSit down and gist us about what you’ve been up to.”

Rain sat, cross-legged. β€œIt’s all technical jargon. Nothing serious. So, why are you two here?” she asked Habib and Kofo.

β€œWe?” Kofo pointed a finger at herself.

β€œYes, you two. Is this an intervention or what?”

β€œWell…”

Dora sat beside Rain.

β€œWe know you’re seeing Atari Abashi,” Habib said, β€œwho is incidentally an Olumese.”

β€œYeah, I know.”

β€œOh.”

β€œSo, what’s the problem here?”

β€œRain…” Kofo drew her leg of Habib’s body and let her feet down. β€œYou know what that family can do for power and money.”

β€œTari is not one of them. He was raised by his mom.”

β€œWe know, but he’s still an Olumese.”

β€œMy siblings are Olumeses too. I’d like to meet them, by the way.”

Kofo gave Habib an uneasy stare.

β€œThat’s not the reason for this discussion, watermelon,” Dora said.

β€œYou don’t want me to be with Tari, I get it. But it’s not your decision to make.”

β€œHasn’t it occurred to you that he came into your life at a strategic moment?”

β€œOh, his uncle planned out meetingβ€”sort of. It wasn’t by coincidence.”

β€œHis uncle?”

β€œYes, Sunny Olumese, your co-CEO, Dad.”

β€œHe’s not his uncle,” Habib stated. β€œHe’s Atari’s father.”

Rain scowled. β€œNo.”

β€œYes, darling. You should ask Tari.”

β€œHe calls him his uncle.”

β€œJust like you call me Aunty Kofo?”

Rain was confused. β€œJust chill. I’m sure there’s a mix-up.”

β€œI’m sure Tari is lying to you, and we would understand because he doesn’t want you to feel threatened by his presence at Hara.”

β€œI don’t understand.”

β€œLet me break it down for you.”

Kofo unraveled the part of her past with Sunny that had her at his mercy. She further explained that his plan was to hold down the CEO position for Tari in due time, which was why Tari was given one of the highest positions in the company without any experience for it.

β€œYou think Tari knows nothing about this?” Habib asked.

β€œYes, he knows that his uncle—”

β€œHis dad.”

β€œHe knows that Sunny Olumese wants him to use me to climb to the top, but he’s not supporting it.”

β€œDid he tell Sunny that he isn’t?”

β€œNo—”

β€œWhy?”

β€œBecause—”

β€œBecause he’s really doing what Sunny asked him to do.”

Rain sighed.

β€œDon’t be gullible, baby,” Dora advised.

β€œBut…”

β€œHey…” Dora moved closer to her. β€œI know that Tari is a rebound boyfriend, a place where you seek succor after what Noah did, but you don’t need another man in your life who would lie to you and hurt you while you give him a hundred percent.”

β€œHe’s not lying to me.”

β€œWhat if he is?” Kofo asked. β€œSweetheart, you deserve better.”

β€œOkay. I’ve heard everyone. Can we just eat? I’m starving.”

β€œRain…”

β€œPlease, no more talk about Tari.”

xoxoxo

Kofo had plans to spend the night with Habib before she hopped on a flight to Cairo tomorrow morning, but Lanumi had asked to see her. So, she sent her chauffeur to pick her up and bring her to the house. It was strange to Kofo that she was nervous to see her own daughter. Of the few things she had done in her life that she wasn’t proud of, abandoning her children with Ituah was the worst.

She asked her chef to make dinner for Lanumi and her kids and place the food in take-home packs. Then she sat in the living room in restlessness, waiting for her.

When Lanumi arrived, she walked in with a nervous smile. Kofo could recognize that smile, as it mirrored hers whenever she was in the same state of nervousness. Her daughter was gorgeous, but more than that, she oozed of sex appeal. Even as her mother, Kofo could see it. Donning an adire boubou couldn’t hide her curves. She reminded Kofo of her staunch enemy, the late Atiti.

β€œGood evening, Mom.”

Kofo got on her feet and called her over for a hug.

β€œHow are you, darling?”

β€œI’m good.”

β€œSit and let’s have some wine.”

β€œSounds good.”

At the mention of wine, a steward, standing by approached them with wine in a pail. He served them and left the room.

β€œSo, how are my grandsons doing?”

β€œGood. Each with his father.” Lanumi clung to her wine glass, a sign that she was still nervous.

β€œLanu?”

β€œYes, Mom.”

β€œRelax. This is your home, okay? Be at ease.”

Lanu smiled and exhaled.

β€œThat’s better. I’ll give you a tour around before you leave.”

β€œOkay.”

β€œSo, I’ve always been curious about this husbands situation you’re in right now. How did it happen?”

β€œPlease, don’t ask me.”

β€œI’m not going to judge you, dear. I’m just so curious.”

β€œI’ll talk about it another time. I just want to get off my chest what brought me here.”

β€œOkay.”

She gulped down her wine and put the glass away.

β€œYou want more?”

β€œNo.” She breathed out, and in one long sentence without breaks, she told Kofo all that had been discussed in Xavier’s house.

β€œI feel like a snitch,” she whined. Kofo refilled her glass with more wine. She finished it a second time and rubbed off the tears gathering in her eyes.

β€œYou’re not a snitch.” Kofo took her hands. β€œYou’re a loving daughter who is doing the right thing. Thank you for telling me.”

β€œBut you can’t tell them you know.”

β€œI won’t.”

β€œSo, what’s going to happen now?”

β€œI don’t know. I haven’t heard their demands, yet, which to me would be so myopic and stupid. I had grand plans for all of you that I wanted to announce in the Bahamas. But I guess that’s eons away. Nadia and Xavier are both jobless and Nehi basically lives like a drifter. I think I should move things forward and do right by them. What do you think?”

Lanumi nodded.

β€œYou too. You need a better house in a better environment, an A-class school for the boys, and a real job for you.”

Lanumi nodded again. This time, tears spilled to her cheeks.

β€œWe must upgrade you.” Kofo wiped her tears. β€œWhy are you crying?”

β€œWhy did you wait so long?”

β€œBecause I didn’t think you and your siblings wanted me in your lives. I felt like a stranger, an intruder. But trust me, you’re all in my will. My death would have made every one of you a billionaire. I kid you not.”

β€œIt’s not just about the money.”

β€œI know, but I felt it was too late to make a connection, as I had lost out all these years.”

β€œSo, what changed your mind?”

β€œI couldn’t anymore. I just…” Kofo felt strength leaving her. β€œI am sorry, Lanumi. I have no excuse for what I did.”

β€œMommy, I understand. I don’t think the others do, but I do. And I have a lot to tell you about all we’ve been through. It’s been so hard, and I can’t…”

Kofo drew her into a hug before she betrayed herself with tears. But Lanumi clung to her and cried.

β€œLet it all out, Lanumi. Your mom is here. Let it all out.”

Kofo had struggled with letting go of Hara Telecoms, not only because she couldn’t let Sunny get a hold of it, but also because it had been her safe space for almost two decades. She didn’t think she could find purpose in anything else, even though she had other ventures. Now, she was starting to see that everything happened for a reason. If retiring at this age meant that she got to reconnect with her children, then she was going to make the most of it. But first, she had to fight for Rain to take over from her, even if it were the last thing she did. Clearly, the Tari boy was already working his way into her system.

xoxoxo

When Rain rang Tari’s doorbell, she didn’t expect to see him answer the door with Ariella in his arm.

β€œHey, gorgeous.”

He spied the small suitcase she came with. She followed his eyes, and asked, β€œToo much?”

β€œNo, no.”

β€œI wanted to do just a night, then I thought why not three days. Is that okay?”

β€œAre you seriously asking your boyfriend if you can bunk at his? Are you crazy?”

Rain entered the house and received a peck on her lips from Tari and a disapproving frown from Ariella.

β€œIt’s official. She hates me.”

β€œAri, is that true?” Tari asked and Ari buried her face in his neck. β€œHer mom is ill. My former neighbor called me to help take Didi to the hospital. So, Ari gets to spend some time with me here until Didi gets discharged.”

β€œOh.”

β€œIt’s past her bedtime. Give me a minute to tuck her in.”

Tari took Rain’s suitcase along with him. She went into the kitchen to find something alcoholic to drink. She ended up with a bottle of whiskey and some juice. The mix tasted awful but she endured it in sips as she lay on a couch and watched a reality show on TV until Tari returned.

He lay on the couch with her, facing her.

β€œDid you miss me?” he asked. He smelled like something she wanted to snuggle up to all night.

β€œYes. A lot.”

β€œWhy didn’t you just show up at my door, wearing nothing underneath a sheer dress?”

Rain giggled. β€œIs that one of your fantasies?”

β€œI have many o.”

She slipped her hand underneath his t-shirt. She caressed his back as his lips sought hers for a kiss.

β€œHow serious are we?” she asked.

β€œSerious?”

β€œWe started this thing in a crazy way. I mean, it happened just like that. One minute, we meet in a wedding. The next, we’re jetting off to some country to spend three weeks together. Then, we have all these threads connecting us from our parents’ past. My head is still reeling from everything and I can’t seem to get my feet on the ground to really process what we have.”

β€œO-kay?”

Rain sat up and he gave her space to be comfortable as he sat beside her.

β€œWhat’s going on, Rain? Are you having doubts about us?”

β€œIs Sunday Olumese your dad or uncle?”

β€œOh, that!” He laughed. β€œHmmm…”

β€œWhat is he to you?”

β€œApparently, my biological dad.”

β€œBut you said he was your uncle.”

β€œYes. I found out who he really was to me just last week.”

β€œOkay. Why didn’t you tell me?”

β€œBecause I didn’t think it was important. Who told you?”

β€œMy parents.”

β€œOf course, they don’t like me.”

β€œIt’s not that. They think you’re sort of sleeping your way to the top.”

β€œWith you?” Tari laughed again.

β€œYes. Just like your uncleβ€”I mean, your dadβ€”wanted you to.”

β€œYou told them what I told you?”

β€œNo. They just figured it out themselves because Sunny Olumese is who he is.”

β€œI am not Sunny Olumese. I don’t even know the guy. Besides, I told you all he told me, Rain.”

β€œExcept that he’s your dad.”

β€œI was going to tell you. Why are you acting like I’m not being honest with you?”

β€œI just want to know that I’m not being used.”

β€œRain, you’re not.”

β€œAre you sure?”

β€œAm I sure? Goodness. Rain, it’s me o. The guy that traveled out with you on a whim and just threw himself into you without thinking twice. I’m also still trying to process this thing we have. Plus, I went from low income to having tens of millions in my account and this house and the job from my so-called dad. I still can’t believe I’m living this life right now. I fear that I may wake up one day and it would be gone. The only thing that makes it real for me is you. Why would you think I’d want to destroy what we have by lying to you?”

β€œI…”

β€œHaba, Rain?”

She felt bad for questioning him, but the voices of uncertainty in her head were louder than her feelings. Nobody that mattered to her trusted him. She wanted to throw off their doubts and dive right in, but she was scared. Asides the Sunny thing, what if he broke her heart like Nzamo and Noah did?

β€œI’m sorry. I’m just scared. Maybe we shouldn’t have rushed.”

β€œAre you serious?”

β€œYes, we rushed into it. We just followed our genitals and…” She couldn’t look at him. β€œI’m sorry, Tari.” She stood.

β€œRain?”

β€œI need to go home. Where’s my stuff?”

He didn’t give a reply. She walked up to his bedroom and picked her suitcase. When she tried to step out, he blocked her from moving.

β€œI know what’s happening here. You have trust issues.”

β€œMe? No.”

β€œYou do, and that’s understandable. In one fell swoop, your man betrayed your trust, the person you thought was your mom betrayed your trust, and your real mom betrayed your trust too. Everybody lied to you. Then, I appeared and I was a breath of fresh air, until the doubts showed up. Now, you want to put me on the list.”

β€œNo.”

β€œYou already have. But that’s fine. If you want to go and deal with your issues alone, I won’t stop you. If you want us to deal with them together, then stay.”

She was silent.

β€œStaying helps you with your avoidance wahala.” He raised her chin and looked into her eyes. β€œIt needs to go.”

β€œI…”

β€œRunning from me and telling yourself that what happened to us never did is not going to erase the fact that it did happen and it was the best thing that ever happened to your love life.”

He held her chin and her eyes until it came to her that her feelings for him were strong and not just an excuse for her to escape her pain. The recognition of this was so jarring that she let his hand down.

β€œI’m sorry, Tari. I just can’t.”

β€œFine.”

He moved away from the door and let her through. She walked off, praying that he neither called her nor went after her. She made her way to the parking lot and got into her car. She knew she was doing a stupid thing, but this was the best time to run away from what might end up consuming her.

Maybe if she stayed away from him long enough and took the memories they shared together and tossed them into a burning fire, she would forget about him and he wouldn’t have the power to mess her up as he was doing now. How could she have given him so much control over her emotions in such a short time. Was she insane?

She bolted out of his compound, recalling Jaya’s advice to her in a message yesterday.

-Whatever you think you want to do with him, don’t do it. Just fuck and go!

Rain nodded to herself as tears burned her eyes. She had done the β€˜fuck’ part. Now, it was time to go.

Β©Sally Kenneth Dadzie @moskedapages

Sally

Author. Screenwriter. Blogger

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16 Comments

  1. Mo says:

    No naw…Sally😩 Please don’t do this to Tari and Rain

  2. Mo says:

    No naw…Sally😩 Please don’t do this to Tari and Rain

  3. Kemi says:

    Sally oooo, thanks for this.

    I just literally thought in my head that is it the elections that has distracted you from writing as it’s been 3 weeks. I refreshed my mail and saw the update. Thank you, a wonderful distraction from Nigeria politics….i wish it didn’t end.

    Tari and Rain,bikonu don’t let your past and family dabaru your future together o.
    Kofo, i want to like her but at the same time, she should have reached out to her kids.

    Looking forward to the next episode like….

    Thank you, Sally

  4. Zee says:

    Aaww… I understand how Rain must be feeling…. She has to be sure..only time will tell..
    Thanks ,Sally

  5. Rida says:

    Sally did you study psychology? I noticed that you really go deep into your characters minds. How do you do it?
    I enjoyed this episode, let Tari go after rain. She’s not serious, fvck and stay

  6. Ejibabe says:

    Tari and Rain belongs together. I know this is a storm they have to face and that they will come out stronger than ever. It’s a test of their love. Thanks Sally babe . As for Sunny his days of wickedness are numbered. Naomi sha na real craze .

  7. Sylvia says:

    Rain!!!!!
    Thank you, Sally. Sure helped to remove my mind from today’s activities.

  8. Steven says:

    You just made my weekend .
    Sally U don start ooo
    No do bad to these tari and rain characters ooo

  9. Bookunmie says:

    Wow
    Thank you Sally ❀️
    Rain and Tari are made for each other joor… They will deff come back.

  10. Bookunmie says:

    Wow
    Thank you Sal ❀️
    Rain and Tari are made for each other joor… They will deff come back.

  11. Jacy says:

    Thanks a bunch Sally,had a good read.
    I feel sad for Raindrop and Tari,but I actually think it best they try to work things out separately and maybe reconnect later, because even if they both love each other,it’s actually a whole lot to handle right now.

  12. My Eluanza says:

    At this point I feel love and hate towards Kofo even though she’s just trying to protect her daughter. The battle for Hara isn’t between Tari and Rain but her other children who will feel owed and entitled. Anyways I’m keeping my fingers crossed

  13. Mariah says:

    Noooo!!! Rain come back! Don’t go!!! This is an aftermath of Noah, Kofo etc. Serious trust issues which she can’t be blamed for. I really hope she is able to work it all out. I love them (Rain & Tari) together. Thank God Lanumi gave her Mum heads-up concerning her siblings… I thoroughly enjoyed reading this episode, thanks Sally.

  14. Adewunmi says:

    Thank You.

    Tari win Rain her family’s trust and win the girl.

  15. Rikitava says:

    Tari and Rain must not separate o πŸ₯²

  16. Seye says:

    This episode corroborates a part of my loooong comment during the previous one. These things happen and move at a very fast pace then doubt sets in and the protagonists start questioning themselves if what they have is right or can last. Rain is at that stage and I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes right now. Everyone is making her feel Tari is not her best option so much so her stubborn resistance to their opinions is starting to get weakened.
    Just doing my own marathon with this serial and I’m enjoying it all the way.

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