A month later, in the Ameve household kitchen…

ELORM

Chris has extended his stay from a week to a month. For the first two weeks, we spoke consistently. The last two weeks when he moved to France, he has been quite silent. He replies my texts late and when I call, he sometimes answers. I wonder what he is up to. He mentioned staying with his sister, Carmen and his mother. I pondered on all the scenarios. What if he has a whole family outside? What if Carmen is his wife and not his sister? Is he lying? I need to ask Gwen. I researched online but there was no trace. I do not want to drag Nuerkie into this yet, who knows? She will get his number and text him directly. I was lost in thought. I cleaned up the kitchen after placing nine tins of cake batter into the oven. A gift from Auntie Esi who has retired from baking.

It was 3 a.m, and this was my life now. For the past month, I have been getting more cake orders. I signed up for the sugar craft class with Lipp Addiction to learn how to decorate cakes. I was not a master yet, but so far I had become the official office and family birthday cake baker. If I was not making birthday cakes, it was loaf cakes or packing pastry boxes. There were some days where there were no orders at all. On the whole, business has not been so bad. I was so deep in thought that I did not hear my mother enter the kitchen.

‘’Elorm, 3ta ka bum nele¹?‘‘ she asked startling me.

‘’Oh Mama, nothing, I am not thinking about anything’’ I lied.

‘’is it about the new man you have been talking to? Mr Chris?’’ she asked

‘’sort of, I have not really been hearing from him and my mind is going crazy’’ I said

‘’I have not met this man but do not always have a bad mind’’ she advised.

I decided to prepare for work. I planned to come back in an hour to check on the cakes in the oven. After an hour when I returned, there was no significant change in the batter. I opened the oven and realised the fire was off. I looked behind, shook the cylinder and it was empty. Why didn’t I check before baking? Now all the cakes were half baked and sunken. I rushed to get the spare cylinder and it was empty too. I thought I left money for it to be filled. I quickly opened small drawer in the kitchen where we keep the gas fund and it was empty.

None of the stations close by will open to sell gas. Even so, I have to start all over again. I was already short on flour and butter. Where can I buy all these at this time? Chris has warned me on numerous occasions about last-minute stock ups. It is time to dip into my car fund and buy a freezer to store my dairy items in bulk.

If the gas money is gone, where is the gas? I called out my mother and she came back to the kitchen.

‘’what happened to the gas money for the spare cylinder? I thought we have decided to always have two extra cylinders filled with gas at any given time? ‘’ I asked in a shaky voice.

‘’Daddy said…. Ohhhhhh…. I’’ she started and her eyes widened.

‘’Daddy? Omg!’’ I was angry and wanted to take it out on someone. I was on my way to wake my dad up and she stopped me.

‘’Elorm, gbodzidi² , have patience. He is your father, he did not mean to. He was actually going to fill the cylinder two days ago. On his way, he met one of the church members. They wanted money to top up their child’s school fees and he gave them the gas money. He was planning to replace and fill it yesterday but you know, he got called for business. Relax for your daddy, you know, old age. ‘’ she pleaded.

I was so angry and did not know what to say.

‘’what time were the cakes supposed to go?’’ my mother asked

‘’two are supposed to be delivered by 10 a.m, and one at 1 p.m, the other six were for the next two days’’

‘’with the flour, butter and other ingredients you have, can you bake just the ones going today?’’ my mother asked.

‘’for the flour and butter yes, but not enough eggs. No mum, I need to call the customers and disappoint them’’ I exclaimed, so stressed.

‘’no, there is a way out. With the eggs, I can call Maanaa down the street to open the store for me. She will understand.’’ My mother said.

‘’what about the gas to bake and what time to decorate the cake?’’ I wailed.

‘’the gas, we will call anyone around. Doesn’t Nuerkie have gas? she can bring her cylinder. She is even too far, what about Jonathan?’’ my mother asked. I began to calm down, there might really be a way out of this.

‘’I think Jonathan can help, but the icing!!!’’ I was almost screaming at this point.

‘’what type does the customer want?’’ my mother asked.

‘’whipped cream with just happy birthday toppers’’ I answered.

‘’the simple birthday cake you have been doing? I can do it ‘’ mama said.

‘’are you sure?’’ I asked.

‘’I did not go to culinary school for nothing my dear and who used to bake all your birthday cakes? Don’t be giving up easily Elorm. This is business, relax, take a deep breath and you will figure it out. Just give me the recipe for the icing, I watched you do it more than once. I will do it for you’’ She said

‘’what about delivery? I was supposed to deliver the 10 a.m ones myself since it is for some colleagues’ I asked

‘’There is Emmanuel, the bolt driver who I met in our church. He has delivered some items for me when your father is bluffing. He will surely do it, once it is a paid job. Why not?’’ my mother said and hugged me.

‘’Thank you Mama’’ I said

She was right, I really need to stop panicking too quickly. I called Jonathan and begged him to come by and bring his cylinder. My mother got the eggs, I had to just get the batter right and then prepare and leave for work. There was a board meeting at 8 a.m where I dare not be absent.

I was still angry at my father for being nonchalant and forgetting about replacing the cylinder. I need to buy business cylinders and handle the filling myself. I don’t know what I would have done without Mama.

Most times, I feel alone when running this business. Worla supports only when I ask, especially the time we used her car to deliver pastries for the funeral. Even with that, she collected money for fuel. My father does not care about it, and makes jokes about a university graduate turned baker. Mama is the only one who believes in me and supports all the time. I need to do something special for her birthday. I don’t know what I will do without her.

WORLA

I woke up to check up on the car for work. I noticed my rear tyre was flat. Just when I took out the items out of the booth to change the tyre. There was a knock on the gate, it was Jonathan. He was holding a gas cylinder.

‘’Hi Jonathan, I am confused right now. What is up with the cylinder?’’ I asked without pausing for him to answer. Just then Elorm came running through the front door.

‘’Best neighbour in the world! thank you so much for the cylinder. I am so sorry to wake you’’ Elorm said as she tried to take the cylinder away from him.

‘’what are you trying to do? Show me the way’’ he said and she led the way.

After helping Elorm, he walked back and saw me trying to place the jack under the car. I wanted to ask for his help but pride will not allow me.

‘’bye Worla’’ he said and walked out.

Not long, Elorm popped up.

‘’ah, Jona did not change the tyre for you?’’ she asked.

‘’for where?’’ I exclaimed and we both laughed.

‘’did you even ask him?’’ she asked.

‘’no’’ I said.

‘’hahhahahahaha, you really didn’t try for Jona ooo. After all the love he has shown you’’ she said while laughing at me.

‘’will you help me?’’ I asked.

‘’I am running late, call daddy’’ she suggested.

‘’no, before he will pass that what a man can do quote with mockery’’ I said.

‘’it is not about that. Can you change the tyre by yourself?’’’ Elorm asked.

‘’ of course, chief driver like me. I have changed the tyres on the vitz so many times. I got this’’ I said and she left.

After a googling to remind myself, I was able to change the tyre. It took longer than expected but the deed was done. I rushed to prepare for work. On my way, I saw Jonathan standing outside his gate. As I drove by, I noticed he glanced at my tyres before returning to his house.  

I was so proud of myself as I entered the office. I was right on time for a short meeting with all the marketers.

First item on the agenda was my name. The Head of the marketing department congratulated me for bringing in the highest paying corporate client for the month. Just then, Kwame who is a senior marketer passed this comment.

‘’if you have big buttocks, life is easy. The accounts will just follow you’’ he said and two other junior colleagues laughed.

I was furious at the comment, what does my physical appearance have to do with the account?  I am fed up of people always attributing my slightest achievement to my looks and body.

‘’Kwame, do you mind explaining what you mean by that?’’ I asked in a stern tone and the room got tensed.

‘’oh Worla, I am just playing’’ he said.

‘’no, explain what you mean by that” I turned to the Head of the Department. “I work with facts here. Okay, Ewura, project my list of clients, both individuals and corporate’’ I commanded the intern and she did.

‘’that will not be necessary’’, the boss said as he tried to calm the atmosphere.

‘’it is sir, if you notice, after 5 months of working here. I have brought 8 companies and 40 individuals as clients. Let us start with the individuals, look at their names. More than 50% are women, you know why? My parents invested in a good education, most of them are my mates from school who need insurance. Now let us go to corporate. We will check all the SME and companies listed. Let us find out who the signatories to these insurance claims are. Most are women, you know why, I appeal to their sense of security. For years, women have been left to pick up the pieces when their male counterparts mess up. Not only in family but business as well. I advise them to invest in insurance as a Plan B. This has paid off. Instead of you to come and let me train you on how to land clients. You are assuming that my buttocks got me here. I am beautiful and voluptuous, no doubt but my brains brought me here not that. Ask Nii, who has the second highest list of clienteles this month how he did it’’ I ranted.

‘’Worla, cool down’’ Nii said.

‘’Nii, tell him’’ I insisted.

‘’she gave me pointers on my presentation, and helped me with my elevator pitch. All her tips were the game changer this month. She also floated me some of her male clientele’’ Nii answered reluctantly.

‘’Yooo, you di33 I am sorry’’ Kwame said dismissively, trying to hide his embarrassment.

‘’Save your sorry for HR’’ I said. I walked out of the meeting. Some colleagues began pleading with me.

We had a new head of human resources named Nadia. She was ready to make her mark and shake things up in the company. My case was just what she needed.

‘’I am so happy you came to me. Next time which I hope there wouldn’t, just come straight. No need to talk or educate. Just walk to my office. All those who laughed as well as have to undergo sexual harassment and misconduct training. I will also speak with your superior and chastise him for trying to silence you. In fact, he will undergo a special training.  I hear all these lewd and inappropriate comments all the time and the ladies laugh uncomfortably. I want this to die so the younger generation can feel free report, both male and female. We are here to work, just work and pass’’ Nadia said.

We had a long chat about our experiences, she apologised once more before letting me go. I was happy about the way I stood up for myself. What a day! It felt good to talk to someone who understood. Nadia was a former beauty queen who switched to corporate hence understood what it meant. Her achievements were always attributed to her looks which she also despised.

GWEN

After a long day of meetings and calls, I was ready to go home, swim in my pool and sleep. Elorm entered just as I picked my bag.

‘’Hi Gwen, sorry to disturb you but do you have a moment?’’ she asked.

‘’ sure, have a seat’’ I said and I sat back down. I hope she is not about to quit on me, I need her for the last quarter.

‘’this is not work related, it is quite personal’’ she said and I was slightly relieved.

‘’sure, shoot, before we continue. How was the baking class with Prisca? You are done right?’’ I asked

‘’it was great, thank you for the recommendation. Yes, I know this topic will make you uncomfortable. But I just have to ask’’ she said and I got more curious.

‘’go on’’ I said, still clueless about what she wanted.

‘’it is about Chris’’ she said and I was fully relieved. I smiled.

‘’what is up with my brother?’’ I asked. I knew they had gone out a couple of times but I hadn’t caught up with him in a while.

‘’he is fine, for the past two weeks I have not really been hearing from him. And I am worried and confused, he travelled and please do not tell him I asked. Does he have family or a wife outside? Is there anything I need to know before I get so invested?’’ she asked.

‘’if Chris was dangerous, I would have warned you the moment he asked you out. With him, what you see is what you get. He is quite honest, a bit too honest to a fault sometimes. I am sure it is work that is keeping him that way. That is Chris, when he is in the zone, focused on work, he forgets the world exists. Give him time, he will come around’’ I assured her.

‘’thank you. Well I guess i will let you get home. Apologies if I have overstepped any boundaries with these questions. Please do not tell him’’ she pleaded.

‘’Sure, your secret is safe with me. Take care’’ I assured her and she left.

I walked to my car and as soon as I was settled, I called Chris. He didn’t pick up, he sent a text about being in France with his mother. I then called his mother to tell her son to call me asap.

‘’are you alone?’’ I asked as soon as he picked up.

‘’what do you think? Yes I am, my mother thinks you are in a crisis and commanded me to call you right away. What could be the problem that you used the mother card?’’ he asked.

‘’my problem is stop messing with my assistant’’ I answered.

‘’Elorm? what? What do you mean?’’ he asked confused.

‘’she told me not to tell you but hey, don’t go attacking the poor young lady. She speaks to you consistently for two weeks. Then, in the next two weeks, you change countries. There are fewer calls and late replies. You seem distant. Why won’t she think you are visiting your wife and kids in abroad?’’ I asked.

‘’oh no she didn’t, what did you tell her?’’ he asked

‘’that yes, you have a wife and two kids in Bordeaux. That I thought you guys just…’’ I joked

‘’are you mad? Gwen why? If I catch you…’’ he interrupted me angrily.

‘’Papa³, relax, I am just joking’’ I quickly cut him and laughed

‘’whew! Why will you play like that? Ah Gwen’’ he exclaimed with relief.

‘’I told her you are busy with work and in the zone. The way you vex me, then you must really like this babe. Should I start looking for a new assistant? cause if you marry Elorm, knowing you, you will let her do this pastry business full time’’ I said.

‘’I really do, I think I love her. You know I am cautious of that word. She is a sweet girl, she is beautiful, intelligent, knows how to hold a conversation, seems driven, family oriented. And I see a future with her, honestly. ’he said.

‘’then why are you being distant?’’ I asked.

‘’I answered her calls a couple of times around mother. Mum noticed I was always smiling and happy to talk to her. You know her already, she is so desperate for marriage that she will marry Elorm before I do. But I need to spend more time with Elorm. I need to see her parents. I have to confirm things before I introduce her to mother. Since then, she has been hovering around me like an eagle. She has named Elorm, Sunshine and is constantly asking. Won’t Sunshine call again? When will I meet her? et cetera et cetera’’ he lamented.

‘’hahahahhahaahahha, Auntie Lucy for you. What about your dad? you know how picky he is’’ I asked.

‘’with me, he will be fine. It is Carmen you should pray for. He says he doesn’t want a bum guy inheriting her wealth so he is very picky. Mother just wants us to be happy’’ he said.

‘’ well, carve out time and call your sunshine’’ I said.

‘’Chale! not you too. No need. I will surprise her next Monday so Wednesday will be her day off. I am asking before she does, grant her that day off’’ he said.

‘’Ei Mister, you can not tell me what to do. What if I don’t? I need her for a meeting!’’ I joked knowing well I could spare Elorm for a day.

‘’Coco Chanel mademoiselle perfume’’ he said, starting our bargain.

‘’fendi bag’’ I said

‘’Coach’’ he said

‘no, l don’t even need a bag. How about you sponsor my next trip?’’ I said

‘’I would rather offer that money to Elorm to quit right away’’ he countered.

‘’we are just playing sir, relax. Just get me skincare items. I will send a list. I am running low’’ I suggested.

‘’good, send to Carmen, I will just give her my card’’ he said

‘’thank youu’’ I said.

‘’Speaking of love interest, I have this obroni⁴ Italian-American man. I think he will be a match for you,’’ he said.

‘’Puh-lease, I like my men the way I like my chocolate..DARK’’ I joked.

‘’what have they done for you? Expand your palate and try this gelato’’ he joked and we both laughed.

We spoke at length till I got home. I caught him up on my Rhoda situation and he sympathised with me. He then prayed for me and encouraged me. I pray things work out between Elorm and Chris. They will make a great couple. I think I should add matchmaker to the list of my skills. LoL.

ELORM

I was relieved after speaking with Gwen. Chris was just busy working, I prefer calls to texts. I guess we will talk about it when he gets back. Mama decorated the cake beautifully for the clients. Emmanuel too delivered them on time and in good shape. We had to throw the first batch away. I guess it is my loss, such a bitter lesson. Mama ended up sending Emmanuel to fill all the cylinders. It was an extra cost, but she decided to cover it. I knew my father will not apologise for his error so no need to expect it.

I was busy decorating the next batch of cakes to be delivered the next day by Emmanuel. Worla was eating dinner opposite me and Mother was watching keenly. Worla narrated her ordeal with her colleague.

I guess we all have our challenges, whether employee or business owner. At the end of the day, we are not alone. It is always good to be reassured and motivated.

Author’s note

Always talk to someone about your issues, whether small or big. You are not alone after all. Stay glued to our Instagram pages, because next week’s episode promises to be spicy.

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Lexicons

1. Eta ka bum nele? – Ewe for ‚“what are you thinking about?’’
2. Gbodzidi- ewe for ‘’Have patience’’
3. Papa – Ga word for Father
4. Obroni – Twi word for foreigner, more specifically a white person ( used neutrally or affectionately, depending on tone)