Ciao belli amici and a very Happy New Year to you, I pray 2018 will be a year of fruitfulness, progress and safety. Ok guys, calm down, I know you are eager to know how things turned out with Rick and Dennis. I wasn’t amused as you must have guessed; no girl likes two alpha males in her space at the same time.
I greeted Rick coldly and excused myself and Jasmine, taking her to a corner I explained what was going on. “So you are telling me Dennis is at home waiting for you while Rick is here cavorting with us, this should be interesting Tobs,” Jasmine said in amusement. “It’s not funny Jaz, I am confused. I don’t know how to handle this situation,” I said in agitation. “The great Tobs, confused? I find that hard to believe! Take a deep breath and tackle the immediate problem,” Jasmine said looking pointedly at Rick.
After a heavy sigh, I walked purposefully and courageously to where Rick stood. “I see you are not short of attention Rick, what brings you so far into ‘the woods’? Agbarho is not a stone throw from Lagos, please don’t insult my intelligence by claiming you were passing by,” I said mockingly. “Nope, my fair lady I wouldn’t dream of insulting you by telling you that, I am here at the behest of Grandma, she isn’t feeling well.
I come in peace ti amo, tesoro mio,” he said cockishly meaning I love you my darling in Italian. Why does he keep saying that? I wondered angrily. It isn’t fair to play with anyone’s emotions! So ‘Grandmother’ sent him, being a Client I cannot say I do not want her presence or that of her representative at my Dad’s birthday since I had sent an invitation to her as I did with all my Clients.
All is fair in love and war as the popular saying goes; the crafty old lady is at work again. Sick my foot! “In that case you are most welcome and my best wishes to your Grandmother,” I said politely not believing a word Rick said. The woman was way too clever I mused. My father stepped out of the Church and asked someone to fetch me as I had ‘self-appointed’ myself his personal assistant during this busy time. I excused myself and told Rick I will see him at the Reception.
The girls were understanding and took care of themselves; I had also assigned one of my capable cousins to attend to their needs. “Migwo Sir,” I heard someone say, without turning back. I froze in action as I listened in horror as Rick introduced himself as my friend. My father was elated and invited him back to the House. I was stupefied; what just happened? I plastered a plastic smile on my face and turned with icy eyes, fire flashing from them intermittently and informed Rick through clenched teeth that I needed to get my father to the venue as we were behind schedule.
All the way to the Reception I was deep in thought. “What a nice young man, I look forward to seeing him in the evening,” my father said with a smile. I looked outside the window and muttered incoherently “we’ll see about that!” “I would like to touch home before I go for the Reception,” my father said chatting away about the special Church service held in his honour and quite pleased that the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese himself conducted the service.
I looked at my father and tears came to my eyes, I quickly turned away so he wouldn’t see it. I was so pleased to see him looking so happy; it was such a beautiful sight watching him chat animatedly. I know he is happy that his children have honoured him and come from their respective destinations in spite of their busy schedules.
There is nothing as wonderful as honouring your parents when they are alive and well, it’s a privilege. “Who is that young man?” My father asked jolting me back from my reflections. My heart sank, without looking I knew it had to be Dennis. What do I say?