ELORM

It was Saturday morning. Anna and Nuerkie were on a video call with me. They helped me choose an attire for my breakfast date with Chris. The sun was scorching, I picked a pair of jeans and a simple white button-down shirt.

“Do you want to blend in with the waiters or what?” Anna asked

“No, hahahhaa, but this is comfortable. Plus from the location he sent, it looks like a private country club”

”Did he say anything about activities?’’ Nuerkie asked

”No he didn’t’’ I answered

”Do not limit yourself, it is just breakfast as he said. Wear the blue dress you wore to that bachelorette party’’ Anna suggested.

”It is quite skimpy since I have gained some weight’’ I whined.

”You have to reduce your pastry intake. You sell them. That does not mean you have to eat a lot of it’’ Anna, our resident fitness enthusiast advised.

”True, I need to start working out asap’’ I added.

”Don’t you have any other clothes, because the white shirt and jeans is not doing it for me’’ Nuerkie said.

I remembered a white flowery dress I purchased a month ago that was a bit too short for church. I wore it and they both loved it.

”What wig are you wearing?’’ Anna asked.

”My bob wig’’ I said.

”No way, we don’t want hair flying into your mouth, better go and borrow Worla’s body wave’’ Nuerkie said.

 She was right, Worla’s wig fit the entire look perfectly.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I was kind of sweaty when I got to the location because the AC in the car was broken. I need to get it fixed.

I had heard of the Greenscape Country Club, it is very private. It is not easily accessible, you have to be a member. The process of registration is quite rigorous, I remembered Nana was sad when his application was rejected. I got there right on time. As soon as I mentioned my name to the concierge, he smiled. He then escorted me to a quaint, comfy restaurant. There was a pianist seated at the center softly playing ”Love Don’t Cost A Dime” by Magixx. Right at the table near the window with the view of the garden, sat Chris. His face lit up as soon as he saw me.

”You look so beautiful’’ he said as he stood up and gave light hug.

”Thank you. You look handsome too’’ I said and he smiled. He smelled good today too and I could not stop admiring his smile. He signalled the concierge to leave as he pulled out my chair for me. I smiled to myself remembering that disastrous fufu date with Kurt.

We placed our orders and had a nice meal while chatting in between. Making comments about the food.

”Well, I like to take a walk after a meal. Thirty minutes, that helps me stay in shape and regulate my blood sugar. If you don’t mind, you can join me. We can take a short stroll in the garden’’ he suggested.

”That is fine with me’’ I agreed.

He pulled my chair and I got up. He held my hand as we walked slowly in a park situated in the club.

”So what are your Saturdays like?” I asked

”apart from breakfast with beautiful ladies, just kidding. I usually work. Check on the properties or just glance through the financial reports to make sure everything is in order and you?’’ he asked.

‘’As you know already, I either take care of the pastry orders . Or I might go to the market or cook. It depends on the errand that needs to be done’’ I said.

”I loved the chips from the last time we met. I am yet to try your cake’’ he said, and glanced at my lips quickly. I got uneasy and he noticed it.

”What flavours do you like?’’ he asked to dismiss that awkward moment.

”Mostly chocolate, love anything with chocolate but I have to take it easy now. While getting ready for this date, I noticed some weight gain’’ I joked.

‘’Well, I like the weight. But you can start, I like to keep fit myself. I do not have as much time for the gym as I would like. However, I am committed to my morning runs. You can start simple, just walk thirty minutes after work or before work. Put your workout gear in the booth, change and do so’’ he said.

”True, guess it is time to talk to Ayesha, she usually walks in the office neighbourhood after work. I guess I am joining her’’ I said.

”Nice! I want to you to live long. I like you’’ he said and squeezed and my hand gently.

”You are not so bad yourself’’ I said.

”I will take that as a compliment’’ he said happily.

”Any hobbies?’’ I asked, after a while because I hated the quiet tensed moments between us.

”Wow.. . I do not remember the last time I had one’’ he said.

”Well, you are a member here. I am sure you play golf as a hobby.’’ I guessed

”Not really, I am a member because my dad and uncles are. I play with them sometimes but mostly to network and talk to other business men and politicians. It is basically work. Do you play any sport?’’ Chris asked.

”No, I hope to learn how to swim in the future though’’ I said.

”Well, I can arrange lessons for you if you are ready. What are your hobbies?’’ he asked

”Watching movies but since I added running a small business to my 9 to 5. I haven’t had the time or it takes me days to complete one movie. This is not the adulting I signed up for’’ I said and he laughed.

”How old are you if I may ask?’’ he said.

”yes you may and I am 30’’ I replied.

”The big three-o. I am surprised you mentioned your age so quickly. Most ladies are cagey about it and I am glad you did not ask me to guess. Whew!!’ he said.

”hahaahahahaha. Age is age. It is inevitable, and there is nothing wrong with looking your age. How old are you?’’ I asked

”Guess’’ he joked and both laughed. ”36’’ he added.

”Damn!’’ I said mimicking Kevin Hart. ”You don’t look it. I would have guessed 31 or 32 but your mannerisms do give uncle vibes’’ I joked.

‘’Hahahahahahhaa, uncle? Is my age a problem?’’ he asked.

”No, it is alright’’ I said.

”Well back to the topic of movies. I love movies as well, but chasing money has slapped that hobby out of my mouth. How about we have a movie day?’’ he said

”Date?’’ I asked.

”Day, the best time to enjoy movies is on a weekday when you aren’t supposed to be watching them. So, we both try and take a day off and watch movies. Either at your place or mine, we get food and snacks and have a day of movies’’ he suggested.

”Nice idea but my place might not be convenient, I live with my parents’’ I said.

”Then my place it is, we can start today. One movie at my end’’ he suggested.

 I gave a wry smile. I was excited about the idea but I just met this guy. I do not want to come off too available. That was my first mistake with Nana, I was ready to drop everything just to spend time with him. I had also cleared my Saturday schedule.

‘’Awwww, I wish I could but I have to complete an order today’’ I lied.

”Okay, about the movie day. Does next week Friday work for you?’’ he asked looking at his calendar. I brought out my planner and that was the day before the huge funeral order.

”Unfortunately no, how about the next week?’’ I asked

‘’I will be in Germany then. I guess in three weeks,’’ he said. I checked and that date was good for me.

”Works for me’’

”That feels so far, I am enjoying this day. I like spending time with you Elorm’’ he said.

”Me too but don’t worry. Time flies‘’ I encouraged.

”Let us see what happens in the meantime. Maybe a quick lunch date will not be bad. ”Unless you don’t eat lunch’’ he said.

He was making a joke about the first time he asked me out. I laughed. We enjoyed chatting so much we had not realised we had been walking for forty minutes. He gave me a lot of business advice. He was ready to sit down with me to review my figures. I usually have my guard up when I meet someone but with Chris, everything is different. It was like having a high school crush all over again. He was not judgmental or intimidating. The conversations were natural and effortless. I totally forgot I was talking to an important man, he had a way of making me feel relaxed.

I remembered I mentioned an order so I had to pretend to be in a hurry. He walked me to my car.

”I had a nice time, Chris’’ I said

”Same, Elorm’’ he replied

He hugged me and planted a kiss on my cheek before I left. His lips felt so soft. I had to say a silent prayer in my head to get rid of the thoughts creeping in.

While driving home, I got a call from Chris, it was a video call.

”Hello, did I leave something?’’ I asked as soon as I picked up.

”No, I am bored. Keep me company on our drive home. Are you holding your phone while driving?’’ he asked, alarmed.

‘’Yes’’ I answered, ashamed of what I was doing.

‘’Call me when you get home’’ he said and we hung up.

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Home

As soon as I entered my house, Nuerkie and Worla were already seated in my room.

‘’What the heck! Nuerkie what are you doing here?’’ I asked

‘’You know I live just 15 minutes away. I need a rundown of this date live. Not everyday your friend goes out with a big man’’ she remarked.

Just then we were interrupted by a call from Chris. I signaled them to keep quiet.

‘’Hello, are you home safe?’’ he asked

‘’Yes I am, you?’’ I asked

‘’Not really, stopped by my office to work. One more thing, please get a phone holder or connect your phone to your Bluetooth. Safety first as always. I want you to live long’’ he advised.

‘’Noted, thank you’’

We hanged up and Worla was smiling at me.

‘’You di33, remove my wig for me as you tell me the story’’ Worla said.

 I briefed them about everything.

‘’Nice and calm date. Is he Christian?’’ Nuerkie asked

‘’ermmmmm. We did not cover that’’ I answered, surprised at myself.

‘’These are basic questions my dear. You have really been out of the dating game for too long. Is he Christian? Has he accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal saviour? Your beliefs and principles have to align’’ Nuerkie said.

‘’Well.. it does but you can have fun. I mean enjoy the ride while it lasts. Take it from someone who dated Mustapha. He bought the wig you borrowed. You haven’t had a dating season, like a bad bitch phase’’ Worla remarked.

‘’I think it is too late for that. 30 is too old for playing around’’ I answered and we all agreed.

We spoke about red flags and other dates Nuerkie and Worla had been on. I really need to find out what things I am not compromising on.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Monday morning at work

I was busy editing a contract for Gwen when the receptionist came up saying there was a parcel for me.

I was curious to know what was in it. It was beautiful small blue gift box. There was a note attached ”I want you to live long…love C’’. I was so excited, I opened it . It had a Bluetooth adapter for cars, a Decathlon gift card worth 1000 ghs and chocolates. I quickly called Chris.

”Thank you so much. I get the Bluetooth thing and the chocolates but why the decathlon gift card?’’ I asked

”You talked about starting to workout. I figured getting new workout shoes and clothes will motivate you. I hope that is not a problem’’ he said.

”Not at all. Thank you, Chris’,’.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A week later, at a funeral

NANA

I was happy to see Elorm arrive with the starters for the funeral. She looked beautiful in a simple black and grey tie dye boubou. Before I could finish exchanging pleasantries with the elders. I saw her walking back to Worla’s car.

”Are you leaving already?’’ I asked as I ran to catch up with her.

”Yes, they organised ushers to distribute everything so my job here is done. Thank you so much. I brought some pastries for you but since I didn’t see you. I have handed them over to Logo’’ she said.

”I am definitely getting half then. I am happy to see you baking. I am proud of you’’ I said.

”Thank you’’ she replied

”You always made the best pancakes and waffles in the morning. Whenever you slept over, I remember that birthday cake you baked for me. I remember..’’ I said as I reached for her hand. She gave a wry smile.

”Thank you once again, I really appreciate the referral’’ she interrupted and let go of my hand.

”When are you coming over again? We need to talk and eat pancakes after’’ I said with a grin.

”Coming over? I doubt Nana. Maybe we can meet up for somewhere, I will text you’’ she said.

”Why don’t you stay for a while? I will drop you home’’ I suggested, grasping at straws.

”I wish I could,” she said. ”I have to work on certain orders” She gave me a light hug and entered the car quickly.

I really miss Elorm, I messed this one up. She is looking more beautiful everyday. I broke things off with Charlene because I kept seeing Elorm’s face whenever we were together. I need to focus my energy on Elorm now. Hopefully, she gives me one last chance.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Friday Evening

ELORM

Chris and I were not able to meet for lunch during the week. We were both busy with work. We spoke quite often on my drive to work in the morning and his drive home in the evenings. I still had not directly asked him the question about faith, but in our conversations. He had quoted a lot of bible verses but I still needed clarity.

I managed to figure out where his office is, bought dinner to surprise him at his office and say goodbye. He was travelling to Germany for a security conference, he will be away for a week.

The surprise was ruined because I had to give all my information to the security at his gate.

”Wow, what a lovely surprise’’ he said as he hugged me and planted a peck on my cheek.

”You mentioned skipping lunch earlier so I brought us some grilled chicken and salad. Since we are both trying to live long.’’ I said as I placed the food on the meeting table in his office.

‘’So thoughtful! and you got it from my favourite place too’’ he said and hugged me again.

”Yes I listen when you talk though I doze off during our night calls. I do listen’’ I remarked.

”I usually do not eat in my office and I have a lot of documents to look over. So give me an hour to wrap things up’’ he said.

”What time is your flight?’’ I asked

”When I am ready, but I should be at the airport in the next three hours’’ he said.

”Did you just say when you are ready?’’ I asked and he gave me  a smile. ‘’Okay Mr. Private Jet’’ I added.

”It belongs to my dad please. If you had a visa, you could have joined me’’ he joked.

”Travel with a stranger ? no way!’’ I exclaimed.

”After all our conversations, I am still a stranger? Alright what do you want to know?’’ he asked.

”Are you Christian?’’ I asked.

”Yes, have I not shone my light enough?’’ he asked

”You have, but have you given your life to Christ? And what denomination are you?’’ I asked.

”Ah! I understand why you have been holding back on your emotions sometimes. Yes I have and I was born Methodist but now charismatic. Is that alright for you?’’ he asked

”It is fine’’ I said.

Before I could ask another question, he sat behind his computer and wore his glasses

”Sorry, I will answer all your questions later but let me quickly finish this up. I promise’’ he said.

I watched him work intensely on his computer. There is always something attractive about a serious man. After an hour and a half, he closed his laptop and took off his glasses.

”I didn’t know you wear glasses’’ I stated

”Just for light sensitivity’’ he said.

We went to the kitchen by his office and ate dinner together. He continued to work for an extra hour. I had no choice. I took out my work laptop. I started some of the tasks I had scheduled for the next week.

”Isn’t this nice?’’ he said

‘’what?’’ I asked

‘’Us spending time together, in silence working, eating. Thanks for this Elorm’’ he said.

‘’Always welcome’’ I replied

We got to the car park and he walked me to my car.

‘’I really don’t mind going to the airport with you’’ I said, I wanted to spend more time with Chris.

‘’I know but there is serious traffic on your way home and that will not make me comfortable. Don’t worry. There will be more rides to the airport. Who knows, you will be next to me on the next one,’’ he assured and inched closer to me.

 I rested my back against the car, he was facing me. He held my waist and brought me closer to him. Always smelling good with a minty breath.

”Thank you for dinner. That is so generous of you. I will miss you’’ he said as he inched closer with his face close to mine.

‘’You ..are…welcome’’ I stuttered. I had butterflies in my stomach. I was ready for him to kiss me goodbye. Instead he planted a kiss on my cheek. I was a bit disappointed.

”I will see you when I get back’’ he said and opened my car door for me.

I got home and kept sniffing my blouse. His perfume lingered in my blouse after that hug. He sent me a photo of himself at the lounge. I kept admiring him, just then a message from Nana popped up.

”You up?’’ it read.

Mtchewwwwwwwwww¹, I kissed my teeth and cleared my notifications. I continued admiring Chris. Fuck Nana and his drama.

LEXICON

1. Mtchewwwwwwwwww – popular Ghanaian sound of irritation or disbelief.

Author’s Note

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