ELORM

It has been four months since I quit my job and Worla’s departure to the Netherlands. She still manages to contribute to the household expenditure. She has started her course, she said most of her colleagues were young, hence making friends is difficult. She managed to make some friends from the Dutch classes she goes to. Worla seems happier these days, we video call each other almost every other day.

Business is great, I even hired an extra hand. The shed is no longer a shed, I improved on the infrastructure and it is basically a bakery. I am so proud of myself and love how things are looking up. So far, the orders from Mayenii and Nuerkie’s petrol stations were keeping the bakery running, all other profits were used to improve on the equipments and pay insurance for a rainy day.

Gwen still remained my VIP client, she always referred me to other people for events. Her birthday was coming up, she needed me to organize brunch for her. Since the menu included actual food as well which is not my specialty. I wanted to get the best for her. Later this evening I will be meeting a chef, Chef Terry. Abigail, the Mayenii restaurant manager referred me to him. They were expanding the section of the Mayenii ridge branch to have a dinner establishment. This chef was in charge, he wanted to meet the the supplier of their confectionaries to discuss the menu and what I can supply. I felt this meeting could have been done over the phone. Apparently, it was the chef who insisted on an in-person meeting.

Since the meeting was happening late afternoon, I opted for a loose African print cargo pants and a plain shirt. Ever since I started running the bakery full-time, I barely did make up. Working in corporate had me walking around with a full face beat daily. I decided to apply some make up, after all appearance is everything.

At the restaurant

I walked into the dinner section of the place. It was almost complete. I noticed some technicians adding some final touches. Abigail greeted me, introduced me to the chef and left right after. I do not know what I expected, but the chef was a huge man. This was what we call a big boy. He had sleeve tattoos on both hands and wore tiny round black earrings. He was clean shaven with dreadlocks, he had tied them in a low bun. He was hazelnut in complexion and had nice eyes.

‘’Not what I was expecting’’ he said after we exchanged pleasantries as we sat opposite each other on one of the dining tables.

‘’same here, but I am curious, what did you expect?’’ I asked.

‘’old, like one Auntie’’ he said and we laughed ‘’what did you expect?’’ he asked.

‘’old too, like an uncle’’.

We went through his menu. All he needed from me were frozen buns for his burgers and frozen puff pastry sheets for one of his recipes.

‘’with the buns, I need you to use my butter. I make my own butter. I will give it to you so you will have to reduce the price’’ he said.

‘’interesting, how special is your butter?’’ I asked

‘’I knew you would fight this. Do you have enough time? Like an extra hour and a half?’’ he asked

‘’yes I do’’ I answered.

‘’Alright, I made buns with my own butter for you to taste, as well as the buns you made for Mayenii this morning. I will make a quick burger with the two for you to be the judge’’ he said

‘’alright.’’ I said and he got up to the kitchen.

After 30 minutes, out of boredom, I walked to the kitchen .

‘’do you need help?’’ I asked

‘’not at all, my kitchen, my space, my office. Just wait and listen to some music’’ he said and I quietly returned to my seat.

In the next 30 minutes, he was done and brought the two burgers. He did not tell me which was mine. I tasted them, they were both good but one was so great that I just could not help it. I secretly hoped that was mine, but deep down I knew the truth.

‘’I am sure you can guess which is mine’’ he said with a smug on his face.

‘’yeah yeah, I will run the figures and get back to you’’ I said.

The food was so nice, I decided to hire him for Gwen’s party. She wanted a chef present to prepare and serve the meals.

‘’one more thing, do you do private events?’’ I asked.

‘’definitely, depends on the price, time and place’’ he said.

I explained what Gwen and I pictured for her birthday.

‘’This Gwen person sounds fun and strict. Since it is more like brunch that will definitely turn to lunch, I will make the burgers there, so they will be fresh as well as some grills. I will also bring some salad and fry yam there as well. The total number of guests is estimated at fifty, I will bring my sous-chef and a waiter.’’ he stated.

‘’thank you so much. Send me your invoice’’ I replied.

I was excited that Gwen’s catering headache was sorted. We spoke a bit about our challenges as food service providers. I ended up spending an extra two hours just chatting with him. He handed over a small tub of butter for me to experiment with. Just as I got up to leave.

‘’Has Abigail invited you to the soft opening happening in two weeks?’’ he asked.

‘’not yet’’ I said.

‘’I will send you an invite for two…No, let me make it three. So you can come with your girlfriends, if only your boy will not be mad’’ he said.

‘’hahaha, nice way of asking, Chef Terry. No, he will not be mad because there is none’’ I answered.

‘’Amazing news. See your pretty face in two weeks’’ he commented and I smiled.

‘’one more thing’’ he said ‘’Call me T’’.

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

2 weeks later

Soft opening of Restaurant.

Mark, Anna’s husband really enjoyed his time in Ghana during the wedding. He got a job with an international company based in Ghana and they moved back. I managed to secure another invite for Dede so it will be a girls night out. Unfortunately, she cancelled last minute. Nuerkie picked me up and we met Anna at the restaurant. T started on time as he insisted, by 7pm we were seated. Abigail who was the host of the evening gave us one of the best seats in the restaurant. She then introduced the key staff, which was T, his sous-chef, Emefa as well as the bar tender and some waiters. After the introduction, before dashing into the kitchen. T made his way to only our table and introduced himself to the girls.

‘’I am so happy you made it Elorm, relax and do not hesitate to give me your honest reviews. Do not leave after dessert. Nice meeting you again, Nuerkie and Anna’’ he said and left.

‘’are you the special guest of honour?’’ Nuerkie asked

‘’No?’’ I answered

‘’the way he came to only our table di33, something is brewing’’ Anna remarked.

‘’Nothing please, let us enjoy our meal’’

Everything tasted superb even Anna who was a picky eater cleared her plate. We had great time and were stuffed. Anna had to leave us, since I came with Nuerkie, she could not leave me behind. Just then, Emefa the sous-chef popped up.

‘’we have closed’’ she announced sternly

‘’yeah, I would like to leave too so tell T, Elorm is going’’ I said and she went back in.

Just as we made our way to the front door, T came rushing out.

‘’wait ! give me 30 more minutes’’ he pleaded

‘’I have to leave with Nuerkie’’ I said. He quickly dashed to the kitchen before I could utter another word and came back with food bag. He walked to Nuerkie.

‘’I am so sorry for keeping you waiting. I had no idea you were her ride home. I will take her home, so have this as compensation. I know I cannot pay for your time but your next meal here is on me’’ he apologised.

‘’no problem, Chef. Lovely gesture. She is all yours unless she refuses’’ Nuerkie said with glee as she took the food.

‘’I am fine, but see how you just sold me for food’’ I accused.

‘’my sister, with the meal I have had tonight, anyone will understand’’ she said and drove off.

‘’thirty, please’’ he begged and rushed to the kitchen.

After thirty minutes, he returned. He looked like he took a quick shower and changed into something more casual. As he was leaving, I noticed Emefa gave me a stern look.

‘’let me take my favourite guest home’’ he said as he opened his car door for me.

‘’before I drop you off, let us make a quick stop please. I promise not to kidnap you’’ he assured.

We drove to a house which was quite old and in need of renovation. I noticed a small sign that read ‘’Mary’s Children’s Home’’. Even though it was late, some of the children were awake and run to the car as we parked. He met the owner, a woman in her late 60s, he carried the box filled with packs of food into the kitchen. I helped him store it in the fridge, the woman kept thanking him as he placed some money in the palm. It was an emotional moment for all of us.

‘’how many children live there?’’ I asked as we left.

‘’currently about fifty, it is so full at the moment. It hurts to turn down some of the children. I grew up there’’ he said.

‘’like…you.. orphan?’’ I stuttered.

‘’yes, I was abandoned at Auntie Mary’s doorstep. I do not know my parents or where I am from. The place was not a home then, but with time she took on a lot of us. I was later adopted in my late teens by the man I call Dad now. Currently, my foster siblings and I keep this place running. My church too also helps. That is what has kept this place stable a bit. Since it is opening night, me bringing some of the food to them is like a seed. I also try to come around and cook for them when I can’’ he explained.

‘’I am so sorry about your parents’’ I said and held his hand.

‘’It is alright, that is life. Now let me take my favourite baker home” he changed the subject.

We had a lovely drive home and when we got to my gate.

‘’I was hoping to close early so we could pass by one of my favourite bars to celebrate a successful night. But you look so sleepy, so let me know your next available date so I can take you out on a proper date’’ he said

‘’that will be after the birthday party, the one you will be catering for’’ I said.

‘’yay!, at least I will see you again’’ he said and I smiled.

Gwen’s birthday

I was at Gwen’s the whole day to ensure organisation of her birthday brunch/lunch. T came on time to set up too, the guests started trooping in. The party was held in the house, we created an indoor set up for her parents and the older relatives. In her garden, there were cozy chairs and tables for her guests. The place had a cool breeze due to the abundance of trees. If there was no music, you could fall asleep there.

T arrived on time with one of the waiters to set up his barbecue stand and other items. As time went on, I noticed he was overwhelmed with the quick surge in orders. I walked up to him.

‘’do you need help or your kitchen, your space?’’ I asked jokingly

‘’I do, Emefa was supposed to be here but she has to attend to a family emergency. Help me plate the food as Kofi serves. I will be so grateful’’ he pleaded.

He handed me an apron and we got to work. Thank God everything else was well coordinated that I did not have to be anywhere else. It was fun working with T.

‘’we make a good team, you know’’ he said when the pressure died down after a while.

‘’not really, it is all me. I make everything work’’ I boasted.

‘’hahahaha, we will put your skills to test again. Thank you for saving me’’ he said, hugged me from behind and planted a quick peck on the cheek. Being hugged by a huge man felt nice.

Just then Emefa appeared, giving me a stern look before apologising to T.

‘’Thank you Elorm, your work here is done’’ She said with a fake smile as I handed her the apron and walked away.

I later had to coordinate the souvenirs and share them to the guests. Trust Gwen to make her souvenirs bulky and filled with goodies. Right after, T was leaving and came inside to say his goodbyes.

‘’once again, thank you for saving my bacon’’ he said.

‘’you are welcome…yeah Does Emefa have a problem with me?’’ I asked

‘’her looks yeah?’’ he asked

‘’yessss, so you notice?’’ I  asked

‘’she is like that to any lady she knows I like. She is just being protective, don’t mind her’’ he said.

‘’you like me?’’ I asked.

‘’what is there not to like? I have to get going, I would love to hug you but I smell like meat and sweat. Later?’’ he said.

‘’yeah, later’’ I replied and as soon as he stepped out Gwen and Carmen came in. I guessed she was Carmen because I had seen pictures of her in Chris’ office.

‘’Now that is a man!’’ Carmen complimented.

‘’Good looking and can cook. Hm!’’ Gwen said in a dreamy tone.

‘’Hi, I am Carmen, I don’t think we have met’’ she said.

‘’yes, Hi, I am Elorm’’ I replied.

‘’Yes Sunshine!! I knew you looked familiar’’ she exclaimed

‘’Sunshine! Someone better tell me the reason for this name! ‘’ I exclaimed.

‘’Don’t worry, it is nothing serious’’ she said.

‘’hahahaha! your brother is old news. Tell us more about Mr. Chef, I watched the two of you ran the barbecue like an old married couple’’ Gwen said.

‘’he is just a friend, please’’ I answered.

‘’nice, can he be my friend too?’’ Carmen asked

‘’sure’’ I answered and we all laughed.

Almost everyone was gone except Carmen and another gentleman. I ensured everything was packed, Gwen was so elated and went ahead to tip me. I left her place exhausted but grateful that everything went smoothly.

I got home quite late and as I took off my clothes. I noticed my bracelet was missing, the gold one I received from Chris. The clasp has been weak for some days now, I should have sent it to a goldsmith. I am sure it fell when I was packing the souvenirs. Should I forget about it? Could this be a sign that I have moved on from Chris? Naaaa, that bracelet looked expensive, I might as well try and find it. I texted Gwen about it and went to sleep. If the bracelet is found, then hurray. If not, it is my sign.

GWEN

I saw Elorm’s text about her tennis bracelet. I was about to go look for it and Carmen appeared from the guest room.

‘’Hey Gwen, I found this on the bathroom floor. I know this jeweller, we order from him when we go to France. Did Chris or mummy get it for you?’’ Carmen asked as she brought the bracelet.

‘’Ah, I am sure that is Elorm’s. She texted me about it, let me get back to her’’ I said relieved the bracelet had been found.

‘’oh the clasp is broken, only the jeweller can fix it. WAIT!!! Don’t text her yet’’ Carmen commanded.

‘’why?’’ I asked

‘’you know I love drama, let me send it to Chris to fix. Just tell her you will keep looking’’ she said.

‘’how will he know it belongs to her? What if he gives it out like fanice¹?’’ I said.

‘’No, Chris barely gifts jewellery and to use our mum’s jeweller? Elorm must have meant something. Plus I can see her initials on the clasp, I will have fun with the look on his face’’ she said with excitement.

‘’Carmen, let Elorm rest. Did you not see the chemistry between she and the chef?’’ I asked.

‘’She said he is her friend. So there is still a chance. If the bracelet gets to Chris, and he does not care. Then I will give up’’ she said.

‘’He owes me for missing my birthday’’ I said.

‘’He feels bad for disappointing you. Unfortunately, he really had to make this trip Gwen. On second thought, I think he was more disappointed about not being able to see Elorm.’’ Carmen noted.

“If he wanted to see her, he could have used me. There are no professional lines to be crossed’’ I argued.

‘’I think he is trying to be less controlling. He has been going to therapy for sometime now and has joined some Church run club. He is more zen these days you know. We are all surprised’’ Carmen remarked.

‘’Interesting’’ I said.

CHRIS

Carmen kept texting me about my arrival time. I wonder what was so important that she needed to see me. The link to Gwen’s birthday party photos yesterday was shared. I saw a pic of Elorm, looking beautiful. Maybe I should have really given us a try. I bowed my head and prayed to God for direction.

One week later

It is Sunday afternoon and as usual Carmen and Izzy came over for lunch. We sat at the patio drinking some chilled aliha² Izzy brought after the meal.

‘’Now the reason I was texting you like a maniac. I need you to send this to Luc to fix’’ Carmen said as she took out something from her handbag. She grabbed my hand and dropped a piece of jewellery in my palm.

‘’I am not going to France till next month and I doubt I will make it to Luc’s place. Which of your bracel…’’ I paused mid-sentence. I knew this bracelet, it was Elorm’s

‘’how did you get this?’’ I asked.

‘’I have my ways. The clasp is broken’’ she snickered.

I took out my phone and called Luc. I started making arrnagements , I could send the bracelet via DHL. He would have it fixed in three days and send it back. He felt so bad about the clasp breaking, he decided to make a necklace to match. Perfect.

‘’so if it was mine, you would have sent it in a month? Ei!’’ Carmen exclaimed as soon as I finished my calls.

‘’you are not sunshine my dear’’ Izzy joked

‘’For you sis, I will take the jet’’ I joked and we all laughed.

‘’since she has blocked you, how do you intend on getting it back to her? Gwen?’’ Izzy asked.

‘’No, I know exactly what to do. And she will not see it coming. This bracelet is the sign I needed to know that it is not over. She doesn’t know what will hit her’’ I said.

‘’YESSS!!! FINALLY!!’’ Carmen exclaimed.

‘’hurry up and bring back our in-law. We need a fourth for patio Sundays’’ Izzy commented.

‘’you need to work fast. Cause the way she and that chef were close at Gwen’s party! Hmmm’’ Carmen commented.

‘’what chef?’’ I asked.

Carmen pulled out her phone and showed me pictures of a huge man with gorgeous locks and tattoos.

‘’Interesting. Well, pray for me cause I will need it’’ I said and we all laughed.

I secretly hope this chef situation is not serious. My heart broke a little at the thought of Elorm being with someone else. Why did I let her slip the first time?

A week later

ELORM

Business has been good as usual. T and I have busy schedules, but he tries to text me everyday to check up on me. He decided to come to church service with me and after we grab lunch so we can spend more time getting to know each other. He has even become good friends with Nuerkie, she always orders food from him every weekend. I struggled in finding what to wear, this is where I miss Worla.  Nuerkie will be on her way to her church so I will not reach her. As I was engrossed in my thoughts, Worla called.  It was like she heard my voice. She helped me choose an elegant tie-dye bustier blouse with halter neck straps which matched my linen palazzo pants. She asked me to let me braids down since it was church so my shoulders will not be too bare.

T insisted on picking me up from home, he was unable to meet my parents because we were running late. I was lowkey relieved because I know my mother will judge his locks and earrings. He wore a simple long sleeved grey kaftan, he smelled so good.

‘’you clean up nice’’ I said as soon as I sat in the car.

‘’thank you, and you look ravishing’’ he said.

We got to church and I noticed some of the aunties kept glancing at him. The sermon was about patience and not making hasty decisions. I did not remember the last time I had a church ‘date’. The occasional stealing glances and T whispering his comments to me. The announcement that took me by surprise was the marriage ceremony between Kurt and Alice (one of the church ladies). I giggled to myself when I remembered our fufu date.

Service was over and as soon as I stepped out of the auditorium towards the car park. The last person I expected to see in church was there. Chris.

He stood there staring at me. He looked so good in his simple brown linen shirt and pants that complemented his skin. T was right behind me, I froze and did not know what to say.

Chris walked towards me and greeted T first.

‘’Hello, I am Chris, nice to meet you’’ he said, smiled and reached for a handshake.

‘’I am Terry. Nice to meet you too’’ T said with a smile and shook his hand.

‘’Sorry to intrude but may I speak to Elorm privately for a moment’’ Chris asked politely and T looked at me for approval. I nodded in agreement and asked T to wait in his car.

‘’what are you doing here?’’ I asked as soon as we were alone.

‘’Good morning to you too Sunshine, I came to church.’’ he answered with a smile.

‘’You go to church now?’’ I asked.

‘’I am not a vampire Elorm. And if you hadn’t blocked me, you would have known. I also came to see you, I have something for you but it can wait. Your friend Terry is waiting for you, I will be at your house’’ Chris said.

‘’I am not going home right away’’ I said.

‘’Don’t worry about me. I will wait for you’’ he said with emphasis on his last sentence. ‘’Go, it is rude to keep a gentleman waiting’’ Chris added.

‘’There is nobody at home, where will you wait?’’ I asked.

‘’Just Go Elorm, I am an adult. I can take care of myself’’ he said and I gave him a light hug.

I ran to the T’s car with Chris perfume lingering all over me. The smell gave me flashbacks of the good times we had. Why did he have to look this handsome?

LEXICON

1. Fanice – very popular Ghanaian frozen dessert brand. It is basically a sweet, soft ice-cream-like treat sold in small sachets or cups.
2. Aliha – maize(corn-) based fermented beverage originally from the Volta Region of Ghana.

Author’s Note

Dear Readers, Do not forget to like and follow us on Instagram. What are your thoughts on Chef? or is it too early to tell? In addition, was Worla’s decision to move across the ocean the right one?