Being Human (10)

She sprayed a little more of her Shalini as she wrapped herself in her silk robe, while taking calculated steps towards the bed, smiling sheepishly as if the events of that evening were going to be any special than the previous ones. She actually hoped it would be special, it was an awkward feeling of expectant joy of some sort. It was about the contract, she could tell. It was going to be a major break for Jay and she knew how badly he wanted this connection. It was a connection of the connections; more like a connection that would open bigger doors for him, and most likely (at least from her past experiences) he was going to grow major wings after this deal, but she didn't mind. All she needed was one last piece of the cake, or two, or three, depending on how cooperative he would be and how strong her resolve to keep having him at her beck and call could go. She was not for the destroying a promising young man's future. Afterall, she had her own kids and wouldn't want any of them to go through this but then, needs are needs and they should be met, she thought.

She checked her wristwatch for the umpteenth time. Jay had sent a message that he would be earlier, that was the best news she had received all day.
Before long, there was a knock on the door and as sexily as ever, she responded...

"Door is opened. Do come in"

Jay entered the room with a frown on his face. He already had a calculated speech drawn up on his way to the hotel room; he was going to tell her he wanted out and couldn't continue this way; that he had a girl he was deeply and passionately in love with and had plans of settling down; that he was really appreciative of her efforts in making him start off a business and gain as much ground in so little time but that he would like to start off all over again on his own terms; that he would ensure no one found out about the kind of relationship they have had in the past, and he would then work out of the room after a successful delivery of the speech. Perfect plan, he thought to himself as he raised his head up to find Mrs. Martins in one of the most uncomfortable positions on the bed, with the silk robe sitting perfectly on her thighs.

She smiled with the corner of her lips.

"Come over here, you silly boy... keeping me waiting all day" she moved gently on the bed as if to use her movements to magically pull him to the bed.

Jay swallowed hard and tried to find his voice. Mrs. Martins was in his mum's age group but she was so blessed with a petite figure, and of course money was doing a great job in keeping that shape and figure.
Jay eventually found his voice as he shut the door and walked towards her.

"errmm... I... errmm... I came earlier 'cause I had to let you know that..."

"relax... you're so nervous. what's the matter, love?"

Mrs Martins was now standing next to Jay, trying to make him sit on the bed and take his shirt off.
Uche's face flashed once across his mind, next was Dolapo's and her face kept flashing till he couldn't hold it any longer.

"I can't do this anymore..." Jay bursted out, freeing himself from the hands that were now wrapped around his neck and were making their way to his chest.


"I can't. I'm sorry..." He went on

"Something major has come up and I wanted to tell you. That's the reason for coming earlier than scheduled" He voiced out hurriedly.

"you make me laugh all the time. Do we have to go over this again, like we do all the time? Relax, I won't do you any harm...okay"
Mrs. Martins tried to calm him down. It wasn't the first time he was making an attempt to refuse her offer but he always came around after much persuasion.
She went on to begin unbuttoning his shirt as she told him how everything will be fine in the end.

"I said I can't. Are you not listening to anything I've been saying?" Jay pushed her away and she almost lost her balance.

"You can take the contract back if you want. I'm out..."

Jay adjusted his shirt, brushed her aside as he walked to the door to take his leave.
Mrs. Martins just stood almost motionless for a while as she watched Jay slam the door behind him.

***

"I think you should just ask him to clarify these things, you know? You have to be careful though, so that you don't sound unappreciative of all his efforts to make you happy - you know all the monthly stipend and all - that's like every girl's dream, some guy to spend lavishly on them..."

"now, you sound like a relationship expert..."
Dolapo tried to laugh. She really felt good after talking and weighing so many options as the secret behind Jay's successful business in Abuja within the short period he's been around.

"but I'm curious oh. Let's go to the ATM Machine. I'd like to know how much is in that card you're holding..."

"Hmmmnn. Fo-lu-sho..."

"What now? Don't you want to know? For a guy to hand you his ATM Card and drop you and your friend at a mall like this, no be small matter oh. Let's go and find out jor, and then use our church mind to spend..."

Folusho dragged her friend up and they both walked out of the restaurant in search of an ATM machine.

Dolapo's phone beeped and she checked the message. It was Lizzy.

***

Jay walked into the restaurant, walked past the attendants at the service area, found Uche and other members of the team in the small room they had labeled as conference room for their meetings, greeted everyone and walked up to Uche and whispered in his ears:
"Dude, in my office. Now!"

The two friends were silent for a while. Uche was happy that Jay took that step, he just didn't know for sure what the next step was going to be.

"Did she say anything about the house?"

He wanted to hear more details. He knew for sure that they had to begin figuring out other means of getting these big clients, writing and submitting proposals to companies and all. They were most likely going to start from the scratch but that was fine. What he couldn't figure out however, was how Jay was going to sort himself out.

"No. I didn't give her chance to say anything. I just spoke and left her in the room; shocked or dazed... Whatever. I don't know man. I don't know what the next step is. I don't have a plan, but I will, soon"

"Sure. I believe" Uche patted his friend on the back.

"Let's go pick up the girls"

"Yeah"

They got up at the same time, as Jay led the way back to the conference room to instruct Sheila to lock up after they were done for the day.

"Enjoy the rest of your weekend, people" He smiled at his crew and walked confidently out of the room and out of the restaurant to go pick up his babe.



*Faith Tunde-Yara
*Being Human
*Photo Credit: connectnigeria.com