“Was it just the five musketeers or were there others?”

“Rescue mission?” I asked puzzled. “Yes, Jasmine called to say you are swamped with work and you guys have a crucial Meeting tonight concerning the abused women and the shelter Warien Rose Foundation wants to build for them. So I have popped in to see if you need to pick my brains concerning any of the Matters you have in Court or any new ones,” he concluded with a smile. Bless Jasmine, she always has known how to care for me and proffer solutions. “Thank you Dennis, I will answer all your questions but before I do I appreciate your concern for our building project in Warien Rose Foundation. First, thank you for offering to help with my files but no thanks. I have pretty much wrapped things up and for your second question, I am surprised you didn’t ask Jasmine where I was the last few days,” I said laughing and suddenly feeling carefree.

It is a nice feeling knowing I have such amazing friends. “Actually I did, did you have a good time? Was it just the five musketeers or were there others?” Dennis asked casually; his pensive mood and tense response giving away his displeasure at the thought of me being in the company of another man. “Actually we were the only ones there,” I lied fingers crossed behind me and remembering my childhood song, under my breath I chanted ‘liar, liar pants on fire’. Dennis looked at me like he could see inside my soul. I am sure he knew I was lying but he didn’t pursue it. He offered to drop me home but I declined. Out of guilt I agreed to have dinner with him the following week. As the Driver took me home that night my mind wandered back to the picnic we had at the peak of Olumo Rock; I could still smell his fragrance as he leaned over to take a platter of cheese. I felt a chill down my spine; I couldn’t tell if it was as a result of his nearness or because the place suddenly felt chilly and eerie. My ringing phone jolted me to the present. Talk of the devil or saint? Rick asked if I had left the office, explaining that he was 10 minutes away.

I told him I had left and hurriedly got into my car. What is it with these two men? They had a knack for destabilizing me. What were two of them doing in my space this night? Thank goodness I am out of the office, wouldn’t want to be caught between those two. I got home fagged out but Jasmine was already waiting, she had just enough time to tell me the girls were coming over as she had informed them I had a long day and may be too tired to step out again. I stepped into my room after a shower to meet the girls sprawled all over my bed and surprise! Mexican food! “Seriously Jasmine?” I asked remembering that one time on a hot Mexican Beach and what transpired. Jasmine and I have done some real crazy stuff in the past. How did Jasmine get Mexican food in Nigeria? Well, that I will find out another time, right now it was time to tuck in “gracias, muy amable Jaz,” I said with a smile which means ‘thank you, you’re very kind Jaz’. I remembered Cancún, the wild parties and how Jasmine and I had so much fun. Jasmine has always been a party animal. “So what is the Princess reminiscing about now, are we going to eat anytime this year?” Zara asked mockingly. “Oh, I am so sorry,” I said apologetically giving them all a sweet smile. It was a relaxing evening for me and no ‘shop’ talk which is one of our rules. Work stays at work. We talked about Warien Rose Foundation; the abused women, the shelter, the almost overwhelming challenges of catering to the needs of the abused and the abuser.  “Tobs, have you thought of possibly taking a break from all of these? This is huge.” Bola said looking at me with concern. “I know but I have always managed, when donors get involved and we get grants it will be a lot easier. It is sad that even though we are doing the work with personal funds, we do not always get the much needed financial support but as you all know, this is a passion,” I said smiling.