ALL FUN AND GAMES - EPISODE 7

Hello Everybody,

      Sorry for not posting last week. It was due to reasons beyond my control.
here's to inform you that the e-book for #DearFutureHusband would be out soon by God's grace. Below is the cover page of the book. Now you can have Kim and Tola and Ini as well as all others in the comfort of your pockets.

 

 

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  In case you missed Episode 6, click here http://tommyslav-island.blogspot.com/2014/02/all-fun-and-games-episode-6.html

 

EPISODE 7

 

Aisha stared at her wristwatch as another hour had passed since she sent Craig a message to meet her at the restaurant. She dialled his number for the third time. “Where could this guy be?” she thought aloud. “Or is he bailing on me?” she thought. It’s a good thing she had decided to wait in the VIP room, waiting that long seemed really embarrassing and with Val’s day lurking, the press wouldn’t mind smearing her name by saying things like: ‘Desperate Spinster, Aisha Bello, looks for attention in Lagos Restaurant.’ She wasn’t willing to take that chance so she decided to wait in the VIP room. She only hoped Craig won’t keep her any longer.

++++****++++

Craig stared at his phone as it rang again. He took a deep breath and ignored the call. Alhaji’s visit had left him confused. How could he love a woman that didn’t need love? How could he fool a father that needed help? Thoughts raced through his mind as he tried to find answers to the questions lingering in his heart. Aisha had sent him a message asking him to meet her but he just couldn’t bring himself to go and see her after what had happened with her father. Everything seemed really confusing at the moment.

++++****++++

A man in black approached Alhaji Ibrahim. His heart raced fast as he was about to find out the import of his action. If going over to Craig to do what a real father would have done was a mistake, he’d figure out soon.

“Everything is in here, Alhaji.” The man said as he placed an envelope before Alhaji Ibrahim.

            Alhaji swallowed. “Is he worth it?”

            The man blinked. “I’d rather you see for yourself.”

                        “I can take it, it is bad enough that I am having a man investigated without a just cause. Just let me know if I am right about my suspicions?”

            The man took his seat opposite Alhaji. “From our investigations on Craig, he is really clean.”

Alhaji smiled. “Thank you, Kola. Thank you.”

Kola nodded with a smile.

++++****++++

Aisha’s phone beeped and a message popped up.

“It’s done. You owe me big time – Kola.”

            She took a deep breath as she wondered why Craig had not shown up yet. This was beginning to worry her. She stared at her wristwatch and then finished her drink.

            Craig approached her. “Aisha, I am sorry.”

                        “Is this one of your many talents? Standing me up?” she queered as she folded her arms.

            He took his seat. “You may not believe it but I am really sorry about it. I promise you, this won’t happen again.”

“It better not, Craig.” She replied as she took a deep breath. “Look, Craig, I think we have to be really careful, my father would want to see a great deal of seriousness in this relationship and I am in no mood to be the loser here, so I think we have to-“”

                        “-Move in with me.” Craig cut in.

            Aisha stared at him and relaxed in her seat. “Move in with you?” she asked with an eyebrow raised. She smiled. “You have some nerve, don’t you?”       

He wiped his forehead. “I know it sounds crazy and not like what we would want. In fact, I doubt if the both of us can coexist under the same roof, but I just feel that for this thing that we want to do to be real and be done quickly, we have to take desperate measures.”

                        “You are right. Moving in with you is really desperate.” She replied.

He nodded. “Look, the house would be clean if that is what you are scared of.” He said staring at her. Aisha remained silent. “That is what you are scared of, right?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh come on, Aisha. I am not going to force you to go to bed with me.” He said through clenched teeth. “That would be your choice to make in the end.”

            “Just shut up, Craig.” Aisha replied. She ran her finger through her hair. “I think I should sleep over it. Even though this is a necessity, we still have to ensure that we are making the right decision.” She replied.

Craig nodded. “Okay, take your time. Should I send a cab over to pick you?” he asked with a smile.

            “Don’t start assuming roles that are not yours, Craig.” She replied as she clutched her bag to her waist. “I’ll call you in the morning.”

He smiled faintly. “I’ll have the house set up properly for you.”

She scoffed and walked out.

 

            ++++****++++

                        “Cheers to my destruction.” Craig said as he raised his glass.

            Daniel stared at Bolu. “Is he actually expecting us to reply?”

            Bolu shrugged. “Look, Craig, it’s not over for you…at least not yet.”

            Craig smiled. “Exactly. I am scared of Alhaji to be honest.”

                        “You don’t have to be scared of him, Craig.” Daniel replied. “You are the master when it comes to games like this. You shouldn’t get emotionally roped in. Remember, this is business.”

            Craig stared at Daniel. “You didn’t see the man’s eyes when he came over to my place. He is a father who wants the best for his child. It is unfortunate that she is that type of woman.”

                        “And that you are who you are.” Bolu chipped in.

            Craig stared at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Man, you don’t have to bother about what the old man says. He is only looking for his daughter’s interest, but she doesn’t need it. All you need to do is stay focused and ensure that in the end you are the one who comes out tops.” Daniel replied.

            Craig stared at him carefully. “I don’t get it. Some hours without our company and you are already so cold, Daniel? Bolu and I should take the credit for keeping you in check all this while.”

            Daniel smiled. “I guess I was just being realistic. No man should let any lady play him.”

                        “Aisha is not playing me. We have a goal.” Craig replied with a smile.

            Bolu cleared his throat. “Guy, what about the plan to clear her cash?” He asked laughing.

            Daniel gasped as he laughed. “Bad guy! You are one step ahead.”

            Craig shot at Bolu. “Must you talk?”

                        “Guy, how far nau? We are cool, right?” Daniel asked. “I no be busy body nau”

            Craig nodded. “I haven’t said that is who you are, but, I didn’t expect him to be so loquacious.”

                        “Na so! All join! So, today na our last day for here, abi?” Daniel asked as he finished his drink. “So, do we a need a schedule to visit you now that Aisha would be moving in?”

            Craig stared at Bolu. “Why is this guy being unnecessarily annoying? I thought you said that he wanted to make amends.” 

            Daniel relaxed in his seat. “I am just trying to be funny here.”

                        “Well, you have so much work to do on your sense of humour.” Craig replied and walked away.

           

++++****++++

                        “Do you have to pack everything away from here?” Moira asked as she watched Aisha pack her boxes.

            Aisha stared at her. “You don’t want me coming back here every time I need my underwear, do you?”

Moira nodded. “Oh well…you are right, but, I think you are packing as though you were moving out of here finally so as to be his wife. Anyway, since you guys will still have to be married for a while, you can use some tutorials on how to tolerate one another.”

            “Moira, there is only one thing that bothers me. Why did Craig ask me to move in with him?” Aisha asked as she dropped took a seat.

Moira smiled as she focused on her phone. “I wonder why we are visiting a topic that we should have started with. You came home all excited moving out that you have not even stopped to wonder why he wants you to move in with him. Isn’t it strange?”

Aisha stared at her. “Why should it be strange? I was going to ask him the same.”

            “But he asked you first. And that, my friend, is what should bother you.” Moira replied with more seriousness.

Aisha swallowed. “Are you saying he has ulterior motives?”

Moira nodded in agreement. “Exactly! He must have a hidden reason why he wants you to move in.”

            “What if he asked because he knows that it is one of the logical things and I might feel embarrassed to ask him about it?” Aisha asked.

Moira nodded in agreement. “You might be right about that, but what if I am right too?”

Aisha relaxed in her seat. “Moira, we can’t be thinking about all the bad things now. There is a lot to be done and we have to be really optimistic.”

            “Optimism is good, but caution is also very important.” Moira replied.

            “Well, I am going there tomorrow. Also, I have to prepare for this weekend’s tennis game.”

Moira smiled. “Good thing it falls on Val’s day.”

            “What makes it a good thing?”

Moira grinned. “That would be your own Val’s day special and it would really seem nice.”

            “What if Craig has a girlfriend?” Aisha asked.

Moira nods. “True…what if he has a girlfriend? He’ll be spending all your money on her.”

Aisha stared at Moira. “I don’t care.  As long as he keeps his sheets tidy and out of the public view, we are good.”

 

++++****++++

            “Craig, it is good to see you.” Alhaji Ibrahim said as Craig approached with Aisha. He exchanged handshakes with Craig and then hugged his daughter. “Little one.”

Aisha stared at her father with a smile. “Come on, Dad. I am not a little girl anymore.”

            “You are still my little girl.” He replied. “Happy Valentine’s day, Aisha.” He said as he handed her a small tiffany box.

Aisha stared at the box. “You still give me gifts every year, Dad. Thank you.” She said and kept his gift in her bag. “I got you something too, Dad.” She said as she handed him a gift pack. “I know you’ll love it.”

He smiled. “Thank you.” He said. Alhaji stared at Craig who seemed a bit lost and was looking at the members of the club. “Hey Craig, you should go and mingle. I’ll show you around.”

            “No!” Aisha protested as she grabbed Craig’s hand. “We are going over to the tennis court.” She said hastily.

Alhaji Ibrahim nodded. “Okay. Enjoy.” He said and walked away.

            “Relax, Aisha. Your father might begin to suspect with your attitude.”

She rolled her eyes. “Do you know what would have happened if my Dad had taken you to meet his friends? You’d have to tell them about your Dubai escapades, your budding company, your short term and long term goals? And I tell you, believe me when I say those men would ask you questions, drill you in and out till there is nothing left in you or in that lying skull of yours and then, you would really wish that I didn’t choose you.”

            “I am very convincing, Aisha.” He replied as they started to approach the tennis court.

She nodded. “I know you are, but sometimes, it is never good enough. Your trail will always be found.”

            “Happy Valentine’s Day, Aisha.” Craig said.

She shrugged. “Is there really something to celebrate on this day?” she asked as they approached the change room.

He smiled. “Love? Everyone is doing that.”

            “We are not everyone, and remember what we have is business. So, we don’t have to bother what others are caring about.”

Craig grinned as he saw some men with PRESS tags approach them. “Are you so sure?” he asked smiling in Aisha’s direction.

She took a deep breath as they smiled at the Press Officials.

            “Happy Valentine’s day to you both.” One of the press men greeted.

Aisha and Craig smiled and echoed a “Thank you” as though they had rehearsed it. Craig smiled at Aisha and then back at the Press.

            “Ms. Aisha, We don’t see Ms. Moira today with you. Is this the gentleman in your life that you have been hiding from the world? ” The Press Officer asked.

Aisha stared at Craig and then back at the Pressmen. “Like I have always said, my personal life stays personal. When the need arises, I will make an official announcement.”

Craig smiled and placed his hand behind Aisha. “Please, excuse us.”

            “By now, I am sure those rats have a picture of us and are thinking of how best they can come up with a headline for their magazine.” Aisha said as she entered the change room.

Craig folded his arms as he leaned against the wall. “As expected.”

            “Why were they allowed in here in the first place? This is not just any place. It’s exquisite.”

Craig nodded. “It is Valentine’s day. This is a good time to get good gist and I am sure they have paid good money for it. Besides, it’s not like you weren’t expecting to see them here.” He said as he took off his shirt.

            “Heyyy!!! What are you doing?” Aisha asked.

He stared at her. “Getting a change of clothes into my sportswear.”

            “In case you haven’t noticed, this is the female section and just because you aren’t seeing any lady here except me doesn’t mean that the front door doesn’t bear LADIES ONLY.”

He took a deep breath. “Fine! Where is the Male section?”

            “Down the hall.” She replied. “Meet me out front in ten minutes.”

He nodded and walked out with his bag. He located the Male section and walked into the room.

            “Hey!”

Craig stared at who had called him and his face seemed familiar, just that he couldn’t place the face.

The guy approached Craig. “I am Hakeem. We met at Alhaji Bello’s.”

Craig stared at him. “Oh…how are you?”

Hakeem ignored him. “So I am guessing Aisha is here?”

Craig nodded in agreement. “Yes, she is.”

            “So, how did you guys meet? I have never known you before.” Hakeem asked sternly.

Craig smiled. “If you want to know about me and Aisha, why not ask her?”

            “Because I think you are a man and you should be able to speak for yourself.” Hakeem retorted.

Craig rubbed his chin. “That’s the point. I think you should be a man and not be interested in other people’s affairs.”

            “Don’t get me wrong. Aisha and I have been friends since we were kids and we know all the friends in our circles, but we never knew you and your name doesn’t sound like ours.” Hakeem replied.

Craig nodded. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about Aisha then or would you rather I bear Mohammed?”

            “I have nothing against your religion. Who is your father?” he asked.

Craig shook his head pitifully and started to change into his clothes. “I am my own man, Hakeem.”

            “I am not against who you are, I just want to know about you.”

Craig stared hard at him. “Why are you attacking me?”

            “I love Aisha. You just came out of the blues and stole her from me.” Hakeem protested.

Craig grabbed his racket. “She is my woman now. What would you do about it?”

            “I can’t do anything about it but I…I just want to love her.” Hakeem said.

Craig swallowed. “Do you realize that you are talking to her man? You can love her silently. Don’t tell me about it.” He replied.

Hakeem nodded as he took a breath. “I am sorry, it was rude of me.” He said, turning away.

            “It’s okay. You want to play tennis?”

 

++++****++++

            “Happy Valentine’s Day, Vicky.” Daniel said, holding out a Rose flower.

Vicky took off her earphones and stared at him. “You don’t give up, do you?”

He held the flower out at her. “It’s just Valentine. Please accept it.”

She nodded and collected the flower.

            “So, would you go out with me tonight? I got two tickets to see this new movie.” Daniel said as he walked by her side.

She shook her head with a smile. “I just knew you were up to no good with the early morning flower and disturbing my morning exercise.”

            “I love to keep fit too. Please…Could you please just go with me to the movies tonight?” he asked.

She shook her in disagreement. “I am sorry, but I have plans. I am hanging out with my girls tonight.”

            “Vicky, I just think you should really give me a chance. I really do love you.” Daniel said.

She took a deep breath. “I understand that you love me, but you have to also understand that I don’t love you.”

            “And you love Craig? Look, for the record, Craig doesn’t love you. He is spending today with Aisha Bello. That is the woman that he is in a relationship with, that’s the woman he will marry. That’s the woman that he wants.” Daniel said and took a deep breath. “Please Vicky, stop punishing yourself. As we speak, Craig and Aisha are in one of the best facilities in the country, playing together, and you are here, drowning for him. It’s not fair on you.”

Vicky nodded. “Yes, I love him. Yes, I know he doesn’t love me. But, I don’t, I won’t and I can never love you. Are we clear?”

            “And why is that? I am the one who is trying to get you out of your misery, I am trying to make you see reasons, why is it so hard?” Daniel asked.

She shrugged. “You are very selfish. You are doing everything for your own good, and for the record, stop spreading lies about Craig and that woman, it’s getting pretty lame.” She replied and started to walk away.

            “What if I give you evidence?”

Vicky stopped and stared at him.

 

++++****++++

Craig held his racket in one hand and used his towel to wipe off the sweat on his face. “Mighty Serves, Hakeem.”

Hakeem smiled. “I am still a learner. Your strokes are massive, bro.”

BRO??? AISHA’S HEAD SPUN. She stared at Craig and Hakeem as they spoke about the game. “Hey!!! I played that game too. Nothing to say about my strokes?”

Hakeem stared at her. “I thought they were amazing.”

            “Weak.” Craig replied.

Aisha raised an eyebrow. “Weak? I thought I did well.”

            “I see you like being hyped out of talent. Wait till you allow the little thing you think you have in you grow before you think you did close to well.”

Hakeem stared at Craig. “Very funny, bro.”

            “No. It wasn’t meant to be.” Craig replied.

Aisha swallowed. “Okay guys, break it up.”

            “That’s the problem with you females; does it look like we are having a go at each other?”

Hakeem smiled. “Yeah, we are good.”

Aisha stared at them. “I think we should go and have something to eat.”

                        “I can’t join you guys.” Hakeem replied.

Craig stared at him. “Why not? It’s just food – Good for the body.”

Hakeem smiled faintly. “I know. It’s just that there are many things to be done.” He replied.

Aisha nodded. “Okay. See you around.”

Hakeem smiled and walked away.

Aisha shot at Craig. “What were you doing?”

            “I don’t understand.” Craig replied. “I was just making a conversation.”

She scoffed. “Some conversation that is! You know how Hakeem feels about me, you don’t have to make him feel so horrible.”

Craig smiled. “I am shocked.”

            “Why?”

He shrugged. “For the first time in your life, it seems like you actually care about another person’s well-being other than yourself. That’s impeccable. It’s a good day in history.”

            “Watch your words, Craig.” She replied and picked up her towel. “We are leaving. Ensure you smile as we walk out.”

He nodded. “So, we are just to keep smiling or are there hidden cameras?”

            “You know what I mean.” She replied.

He shrugged. “So, you just packed into my house yesterday and you decided not to sleep over, why?”

            “That’s my business, isn’t it?” she retorted.

He nodded in agreement. “I know that it is your call, but, the house looked brand new, didn’t it? I had it well scrubbed just for you.”

            “We’ll see about that.” She said and walked away.

Craig smiled.

 

++++****++++

            “Good evening, Hakeem. What do you want here?” Alhaji Bello asked as Hakeem walked into the living room.

Hakeem bowed. “Good evening, Alhaji. It’s about Aisha.”

            “What about her?” Alhaji asked.

Hakeem took a deep breath. “I don’t trust that guy that she is with. I want to have him investigated.”

            “Investigated?”

Hakeem nodded. “Yes sir. I just want your support so that I won’t be offending you.”

            “Well, you have offended me already.”

Hakeem sighed. “Alhaji, it’s…it’s just that I don’t like him.”

Alhaji nodded. “I understand how you feel, Hakeem. But Aisha chose him and we have to respect her wishes. He is the man that she wants to be with, we can’t do anything about it. I want my daughter to be happy.”

            “I don’t think he’ll make her happy. He was really rude to her today at the tennis court. It got me upset and what worried me more was Aisha’s silence. She didn’t react as she would do normally.”

Alhaji stared at him. “Rude? What do you mean by rude?”

            “I thought his tenses and words were not appropriate for Aisha.” Hakeem replied.

Alhaji relaxed in his seat. “Maybe Aisha is learning the art of submission. People become submissive when they are in love.”

Hakeem blinked. “Sir…”

            “Hakeem, I know how you feel about Aisha, but, I can’t allow you get in the way of my daughter’s happiness.”

Hakeem swallowed. “I love her.”

            “She loves someone else and he loves her too. Let them be, please.”

Hakeem buried his head in his hand.

            “I am going to advise you against investigating Craig. I won’t take it easy with you if you defy me.”

 

++++****++++

Aisha focused on her laptop as she worked. Her phone rang and she smiled at seeing ‘MOIRA’ on the Caller ID. “Hey babe.”

            “Aisha…when are you coming home?” Moira sulked on the other end of the line.

Aisha smiled. “Missing me so soon?”

            “Just come home. This place is really boring without you.”

Aisha smiled. “I thought I was boring.”

            “Oh well. Not exactly. You are boring in a good way.”

Aisha nodded. “Good to hear you speaking highly of me in my absence. A prophet is never respected in his hometown.”

Moira laughed hard. “Have you been reading the Bible? Because I know you don’t even know what the Quran looks like.”

            “Cut me some slack. I try with these things. Anyway, it is almost midnight, why are you calling? You should be asleep by now.” Aisha asked.

            “I am bored. I think I miss you. If you don’t come for me, I am coming over there right now.”

Aisha stared at Craig as he dropped a mug beside her. “Moira, I am gonna have to call you back.” She said and hung up. “What is this?” she asked looking at the mug.

He smiled. “Black Coffee. Low fat. I know you’ll like that.”

She fetched her coffee cup from behind her laptop. “I got my bases covered. Thank you.” She replied as she sipped some of the coffee.

            “It’s late. You should go to bed.” Craig advised.

She shrugged. “I have to make money. That’s the only way we can sustain this façade of a relationship. You are broke, remember?”

He nodded and handed her a friendship bracelet from his pocket. “Here, Happy Valentine’s day.”

Aisha laughed. “What is this? You could have just gotten me good jewellery if you wanted to play Mr. Perfect so bad. After all, it is my money.”

            “No. It is not your money.” He replied. “I got you this from my first earned salary.”

Aisha swallowed as she stared at him. “Do you have a girlfriend? Or someone you kick it with?”

Craig smiled. “Of course not. I am single.”

            “That’s good.”

He stared at her. “Why is it good?”

            “I don’t enjoy surprises. I won’t want any tiger tearing at me when I go to make my hair or something.” She replied as she focused on the laptop.

            “Is that all?” Craig asked, staring at the bracelet.

She nodded, “Of course, do you think I care if you love someone. You just have to play the part I hired you for and that doesn’t include buying me gifts from your first salary to impress me. I am not impressed.”

He nodded and placed the bracelet beside her. “I think you should have it anyway. I am going to bed.”

            “You don’t have to tell me. I don’t care.” She replied as she continued to type.

Craig took a deep breath and returned inside the house.

Aisha stared at him as he walked away and focused on her system. The doorbell chimed shortly. “Damn! Moira came!” Aisha thought aloud as she sprang to her feet. “That girl is such a pain.” She added as she dragged herself to the door.

Aisha stared at her visitor as she opened the door.

            “So it is true?”

Aisha blinked. “Excuse me? Who are you?”

            “My name is Vicky. Where is Craig?”

Apologies

Hello everyone,
       I regret to inform you that, for reasons beyond my control, I won't be able to post a new episode of #AllFunAndGames this week. Please accept my apologies and bear with me.

       Also, here's to inform you that the e-book for #DearFutureHusband would be out soon by God's grace. 

            Thank you, Tomi Adesina

ALL FUN AND GAMES - EPISODE 6

EPISODE 6

Hi guys. In case you missed episode 5 of  #AllFunAndGames, http://tommyslav-island.blogspot.com/2014/01/all-fun-and-games-episode-5.html

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Don't forget to subscribe to the blog for updates on new posts and comments too.

 

            If there was anything Moira knew how to sell perfectly, it was arguments like this. Aisha stared at her. “You can’t be serious.”

“Do I look like a clown to you?” Moira asked as she took her seat beside Aisha. “I know you might be freaked out about living with a guy, but I can assure you, it is nothing. There would be rules.”

            Aisha nodded. “How do you expect me to move in with Craig? Did you see that house? It looks like a mad house. There is no way I’m going there.”

                        “We are trying to make this thing as believable as possible; Alhaji has to see the seriousness in you. He won’t mind. I promise.”

            Aisha shook her head stubbornly. “Sweetheart, I think you should think up another idea. This one is not reasonable.”

                        “This is reasonable. I know you know it is. You are trying so hard not to believe it and I understand you, but the truth is, it will boost Alhaji’s belief. He’ll think you just fell in love.”

Aisha rolled her eyes. “It is not so easy to fall in love. My father won’t believe I just fell. At least not me.”

“What are you trying to say? Are you so amazon that you can’t fall in love? Look, if there is anything that a woman wants, and I mean even the toughest of women, it is to be loved. I can bet you, this is a golden chance.”

“So I am just supposed to show up at Craig’s doorstep and say, ‘I am moving in’.” Aisha asked.

Moira nodded. “Yes. Since when do we care how he feels about our decisions?”

            “He has friends living there with him. I need to talk to him about it so that he could at least tell them to leave.” Aisha replied as she picked up her phone.

Moira yanked it from her hand. “No. Don’t give him any room to decide. You are the one who pays the piper; you will dictate which tune he plays.”

            “What if this piper doesn’t want to play my tune? He seems the very independent type, Moira?” Aisha asked.

Moira shrugged. “We’ll make him. You know how you do these things, right?”

Aisha took a deep breath. “I just need my money.”

 

++++****++++

            “I just need to make her pay.” Craig said as he threw his jacket on the seat.

Bolu stared at him. “How do you intend to do that? She doesn’t seem very easy and you know it.”

Craig nodded. “I just hate her guts. I tried to be nice to her but it didn’t work. I have bigger plans for her. I’ve been sketching them throughout my ride home.”

            “What’s in that head of yours now?” Bolu asked raising an eyebrow. “You are up to no good and I know it.”

Craig nodded. “You are not going to like it, so I am going to apologize in advance. I am going to ask Aisha to move in with me and that means you have to move out.”

Bolu gasped. “No way, man. Daniel has kicked us out of his place too.”

            “Nah. Just beg him, he’ll take you in.”

Bolu shook his head stubbornly. “You don’t get it, Daniel is pissed. He said we are done.”

Craig stared at him. “You are messing with me, right?”

            “No, I am not.” Bolu replied. “I’ll have nowhere to go if you kick me out.”

Craig relaxed in the chair. “What do we do? I want Aisha to move in with me, I have plans for her. There’s no way you can live here with the both of us.”

Bolu nodded. “I get it. But, where do I go?”

            “I will give you some money. I’ve started saving for the rainy days.” Craig replied as he swiped across his phone’s screen. “I have to see Daniel and know what’s up with that guy.”

Bolu sighed. “Maybe he would feel better if you help him win Vicky.”

            “I don’t think this is about Vicky. Daniel is a bad loser, I think that’s where the problem is.”

            “I might agree with you, but he is family, we can’t just let him hate us.”

Craig stretched his leg. “I don’t care how he feels right now. I have stopped caring.”

            “I know you do. When are we going to see him?”

Craig shrugged. “Tomorrow?”

Bolu nodded in agreement. “Tomorrow is great.”

 

++++****++++

            “Why are you telling me this?” Vicky asked as she stared at Daniel.

He took a deep breath and held her hand. “I just want to open your eyes. Craig is getting married soon and it is real.”

“Look Daniel, I find it hard to believe that Craig would just get married like that. I mean, why would a man just wake up and want to marry soon without anyone even seeing him around his fiancée? Or how long have they been dating?” she asked.

Daniel blinked as he tried to think. “I…I don’t know if I should be telling you this.”

            “Look, Daniel, I love Craig. And, I won’t let you put ideas into my head, I think you should go away now.” Vicky said as she clutched her bag to her arm.

Daniel immediately stopped her. “Please Vicky. Just…Just give me a chance.”

            “Daniel, I don’t love you and you know it. Quit trying.” She replied.

He rubbed his forehead. “But Craig won’t be with you either, he…he has bigger commitments.”

            “Like marriage? How is it that you are just bringing up this marriage thing?” she asked.

            “It is very recent and it is going to be rushed too. He’ll be married in no time.” He replied.

She stared at him. “You are being paranoid.”

            “No, I am not. I…I just wish that you could really see what I am trying to tell you.”

She scoffed. “You have not said anything. Okay, who is he getting married to? Why is he marrying her? Is she pregnant? What’s the dirty secret?”

Daniel swallowed as he took a deep breath.

Vicky hissed. “Stop wasting your time. I won’t be yours.” She replied and turned to walk away.

            “Aisha…Aisha Bello.” Daniel said. Vicky turned in his direction swiftly. He took a deep breath and continued. “Craig is marrying Aisha Bello.”

Vicky approached Daniel. “The closest glimpse of Aisha Bello that either you or Craig can have is through the television. How is he going to marry such a woman?” she asked with a smile. “I really think you need medical attention, and pretty fast too.”

            “I am serious. He is marrying Aisha Bello and really soon too. If you want to believe me, fine. If you don’t want to, well, I have tried to open your eyes.” He replied.

She stared at him carefully. “And you think you are doing all these for love, right?”

He nodded. “I love you and I don’t want you to be in love with a man that clearly doesn’t deserve you.”

            “No matter what you think you are doing, this is not the right way to love somebody, Daniel. It never works out this way.” She replied and walked away.

 

++++****++++

Craig hurled a dart pin into the board. “Bull’s-eye.” He said as he went over to collect the pins.

            “So, you come to work every day to do nothing?” Bolu asked as he paced round Craig’s office.

Craig nodded. “Yeah, all I do here is act the figure head and sign documents for them.”

            “I can see that she has everything all covered. She must be doing this for so much.”

            “Yes, Bolu, I agree with you. But I have mega plans for her; she is not going to enjoy that kitty alone. She had got me, and I won’t leave until I get so much from her.”

Bolu smiled. “That’s my man. Exactly what I guessed your mission would be.”

                        “Who does she think she is? No one bosses me around.” He replied with a grin.

            Bolu grinned. “When are we going to see Daniel?”

                        “We should leave by lunch; I want to see Aisha too. I have to ask her to move in with me today.”

                        “What if she turns you down?” Bolu asked.

Craig smiled. “I don’t think she will. She is really desperate now and I actually discovered there’s a guy in her life but she is not interested in his love…or maybe just for now, which means I have to act fast before she decides to discard me.”

            “Are you planning to sleep with her?” Bolu asked.

Craig laughed. “Do you think I am going to let her gorgeous body go to waste?”

            “My guy!!!” Bolu said as he shook Craig emphatically. “That’s what I am talking about!”

The intercom buzzed. “Yes?” Craig said as he lifted the receiver.

            “There is a man coming upstairs to see you.” Craig’s secretary said.

He stared at Bolu. “Who is he?” he asked.

            He didn’t have to get an answer from his secretary as the door opened allowing Alhaji Ibrahim in.

            Craig replaced the receiver slowly. “Alhaji Ibrahim Bello.” He said, standing up.

                        “Hello Craig.” Alhaji replied.

            Bolu stared at them and then bowed before Alhaji. “Good day, Sir.”

                        “Hello young man.” Alhaji replied.

            Bolu stared at Craig. “I’ll be on my way, I’ll see you later.” He said and walked over towards the door, “Good bye, Sir.” He said and slipped out.

           

            ++++****++++

“So, when are you going to tell Craig?” Moira asked as she paced around Aisha’s office. She had a mug of coffee in her hand while Aisha stood by her large office window looking through some papers.

            Aisha did not reply.

                        “Aisha?” Moira called.

            Aisha still did not reply.

                        “When are you going over to Craig’s?” Moira yelled.

Aisha turned in her direction. “Moira, do you think I spend my time scheming on my next pseudo-marital plans? There is money to be made. I just discovered that a client might be playing funny and I need to sort that out.”           

            “Aisha, there are people that can deal with those investigations here. Why does it have to be you? I think this is more important because we need to secure all your money first before you start worrying about thieves.” Moira replied.

Aisha shook her head in disagreement. “You are very wrong, sweetheart. I won’t spend my time thinking of how to move into one of my properties even though the owner bears Craig. Right now, you should help me trace the irregularity in this document, not remind me of Craig.”

            “You only think about work. You bore me.” Moira replied as she took a seat.

Aisha smiled faintly as she took her seat opposite Moira. “I know you are bored, but I am doing this for us all. If I don’t get the missing money back, it might affect my inheritance on the long run. I am not willing to take that chance.”

            “Okay, where do we start looking?” Moira asked.

Aisha stared at the paper. “The first contract we signed will do us some good.” She said, handing the paper to Moira.

Moira took the paper and stared at it. “Most of these clients tend to play funny only if we let them. But, I am your fairy godmother and I won’t let anyone mess with your money.”

Aisha smiled as she stared at Moira who was now looking absorbed in looking through the documents. “I am having lunch with Craig.”

Moira smiled as she tossed the paper back at Aisha. “Great! Exactly what I wanted to hear!” Moira said delightfully. She stared at Aisha. “Not one of your nervy moments, else, he might just put up a resistance. You have to be firm, really firm.”

Aisha nodded in agreement. “You are right. I won’t let him dictate anything; I am the one who calls the shots here.”

Moira smiled. “That’s my girl.” She said.

A smile danced around Moira’s lips and Aisha stared at her suspiciously. She knew Moira must have started conceiving thoughts in her mind with that evil smirk on her face. “What is it, Moira?”

            “It’s…It’s just that I think you and Craig are a match made in heaven. I am actually beginning to doubt the possibility of two gorgeous bodies under the same roof without any intensity. I don’t think you guys would last an hour alone without getting some action.” Moira said grinning.

Aisha turned on her laptop and started to type.

“Do you know why I love you, Aisha? You have a way of creating a distraction for every moment. I am serious about what I am saying to you, maybe we should consider Hakeem. In all honesty, he is not as cute as Craig, he won’t turn you on.”

Aisha shot at Moira. “Don’t you have any work to do in your office?”

Moira smiled and rose to her feet. “I want the feedback on your lunch with Craig. The full Goss! Don’t leave anything out.” Moira said grinning as she picked her digital tablet from the table.

            “Leave, Moira! There is money to be made.” Aisha said.

Moira smiled at her and approached the door and then returned to her with a whisper. “Damn! I wish I was the one having Craig to myself right now. That dude has the body of a Greek god.”

            “I take it as he is one of your numerous escapades?” Aisha asked without taking her eyes off the laptop.

Moira closed the laptop furiously. “Numerous escapades or not, you and I know that he is so attractive. I can’t wait for this weekend.”

            “What’s happening this weekend?”

Moira grinned. “You are moving in with him and you’ll both be at the tennis club. The media won’t spare you guys. Front cover, baby!” she said as he walked out.

 

            ++++****++++

Bolu bit his nail as he thought of the kind of trouble that Craig might be in with Alhaji Ibrahim Bello. Maybe Alhaji had overhead them talk lousily about his daughter? Bolu fought back the thought of Alhaji knowing what they had said. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t hear Daniel drum on his desk.

            “Hey!!!” Daniel said as he shoved Bolu roughly. “Wetin you dey think?” he asked in pidgin English.

Bolu adjusted his shirt from the rumple that Daniel’s handling had formed on it. “Guy, why you push me like that na? You no know say I iron this shirt before I comot for house?”

            “No vex. Wetin dey happen na? Craig don chop your eye?” Daniel asked with a smile.

Bolu scoffed. “Why do you always see the bad in people?”

            “I am not. I am only being realistic here. Okay, tell me, why were you so lost? Is it not because Craig has done something to you too?”

Bolu smiled. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Craig and I are good. You are the one who has decided to act like a woman and hold grudges for nothing. Our guy needs us now and not for you to start acting as if we haven’t been friends for a long time.”

Daniel took a deep breath. “So, where is he living now?”

            “I’ll give you the address after work if you want it.” Bolu replied.

Daniel nodded. “Of course, I want it. I need to see him and apologize for everything.”

            “You better do, man. Maybe, we’ll go there together after work.” Bolu replied.

Daniel nodded. “Thank you, Bolu. I…I am really sorry for everything.”

Bolu smiled. “It’s fine. What are friends for, right?”

            “Yeah. How is it going with Aisha and Craig?” Daniel asked, taking a seat.

Bolu took a deep breath. “It gets complicated every day, but I trust our guy to come out tops.”

            “Is it a competition?” Daniel asked laughing.

Bolu shrugged. “Not really. But when dealing with a woman with so much power at her disposal, one needs a backup plan. Who knows what she is planning for Craig? We have to be alert, just in case of any problem.”

            “I don’t think she would want any problem for herself, she has a name to protect too.” Daniel replied.

Bolu nodded in agreement. “Yeah. You are right, man. I would tell Craig to keep records just in case she tries anything funny. He’ll be needing to play his games tight, especially now.”

            “What’s going on now?” Daniel asked.

Bolu wiped some sweat from his brows. “Craig is going to ask Aisha to move in with him.”

Daniel swallowed hard. “Really?”

            “Yes, man.” He replied with a smile. “Anyway, that means, I get to move back with you, right?” Bolu asked.

Daniel nodded. “Yeah. Of course.”

 

            ++++****++++

Craig cleared his throat as he offered Alhaji Bello a seat. “Please have your seat, sir.”

                        “I can’t sit with you…at least not yet.” He replied.

            Craig swallowed as he stared at him. “Why is that, sir?”

                        “What plans do you have for my baby?” he asked.

            Craig took a deep breath. “I…I don’t understand you.”

                        “Look, Craig, I’ll be straight with you. Aisha is all I have got. If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.” He said.

            Craig stared at him and swallowed hard. “Well, sir, it means you’ll have to kill me several times, because when people are in love, they tend to hurt each other a lot. I guess youl know that.”

            Alhaji smiled and took his seat. “Nice work here, your staffs are dutiful.”

            Craig heaved a sigh of relief and took his seat. “Thank you, sir.”

                        “Aisha doesn’t know I am here, please do not tell her.” He said.

            Craig nodded. “Your secret is safe with me, sir.”

                        “Good boy.” Alhaji replied. He stared at Craig. “Look, son, I don’t have much time, so I’ll be brief with you.”

            Craig nodded. “I am all ears.”

“Aisha is a lovely girl, there’s so much beneath her perfection, I believe. I…I can’t say for sure because I haven’t had the opportunity of seeing that precious girl, but, I…I believe that you are special to her and even if she might not show it to you, you mean a lot. Aisha won’t just bring any man home.”

            Craig nodded. He wasn’t just any man to Aisha. He is the man who is going to help her fool her poor father and get her inheritance from him.

Alhaji Ibrahim stared at Craig. “I’ll tell you something about Aisha, maybe this would help. She lost her mother to gunmen. I think she lost every ounce of humanity she had that day. I might be wrong, but, Aisha walked in soaked in blood with her friend Moira. Aisha wasn’t in tears.”

            Craig stared at Alhaji curiously.

“Aisha did not cry, Moira ran to me and hugged me in tears. Aisha just went upstairs and played the piano. The doctors said she was depressed and needed to get out of it, I realised that all efforts to get her out of depression didn’t work except for when she went to work with me. She enjoyed being in boardrooms and I finally caved in to her pressure and sent her to business school. The office she currently occupies used to belong to her mother.”

            Craig took a deep breath as he buried his head in his hands.

“I know it might be too much for you to take right now, son. I really love Aisha and I know that you would never hear a word of this from her and that is why I have decided to tell you. I have seen that you care so much about her even though we’ve only had dinner once, but I am ready to allow someone else heal the wounds in her heart. I am tired of trying, and seeing her bring you to me convinces me that she might just be letting someone in.”

            Craig wiped his forehead. “Sir…I…I-”

“-I understand how it is for you, but, I love men who can honour their words, you strike me as one. I want you to help her find herself again. She was an adorable little girl, I guess most little girls were adorable. But, I never thought that my daughter would transform so fast since her mother’s demise. I want to see an Aisha that isn’t all about sealing business deals and making money. I want to see a real woman in her, someone capable of emotions. I want to see someone who can hurt, someone who can love, someone who protects, and someone who can be a mother.” Alhaji said as he took a deep breath.

            Craig swallowed hard as Alhaji stared at him hard in the face. “Sir, Aisha is a strong woman.”

“I have always known that. Sometimes, I think she is too strong. She needs someone to lean on, she needs someone to cry on.” He replied.

            Craig’s heart started to race fast. Alhaji’s visit was more than what he bargained for, but he was yet to hear the toughest thing Alhaji had to say until he said these words:

“Craig, are you going to love my little girl forever?”