ELORM

Monday morning, I received a bouquet of fresh red roses from Chris with a note

‘’Thank you for the second chance- love, C’’.

I have never received flowers in my life, ever. I get the fuss now, they are so pleasant to stare at and put a smile on your face. It really is the thought that counts. I remembered how Nuerkie used to treat her fresh flowers when she received them and did the same. I placed them on my dresser so I could admire them every time I wake up.

Later in the afternoon, I received a message from Terry. It was short and straightforward.

‘’ready to talk?’’

I replied ‘yes’ and we set a date for Thursday morning, before the restaurant opens in the afternoon.

Thursday

I sat at the table where Terry and I first met, the place was clean. No member of his staff was present, it was just us. Terry came in already dressed in his chef attire, this man is really good-looking. He sat across me with a smile and we exchanged pleasantries. We spoke about business and other things.

‘’I know what you want to say already’’ he stated in the middle of our conversation.

‘’How are you so sure?’’ I asked.

‘’I told you, reading people is my superpower. You know what, I am okay with it. I knew this answer right after I dropped you off. Later that afternoon, I came to work to clear my head, and I got my answer’’ he said.

‘’Allow me to apologise at least. I am very sorry, you are a great guy and did not deserve that treatment’’ I said.

‘’I know. It is best this way by the way. Better we remain friends and business partners. I am happy you have sorted things out with Chris. I wish you all the happiness in this world’’ he said in a genuine tone.

“Same to you’’ I said.

‘’Everything happens for a reason, because us breaking away led me to someone special’’ he added.

‘’REALLY!!! Who is she? Tell me more!!!’’ I was so curious

‘’I will tell you when the time is right. She is being a bit distant but I know she will come around’’ he said.

‘’Alright, I will definitely keep you in prayers. I hope she does not stay distant for too long. Any woman that gets to be with you is so blessed’’ I said.

‘’I’m flattered. Thank you’’

We spoke briefly about future orders and general topics before I got up to leave.

‘’Going back home?’’ he asked

‘’No, on my way to Nuerkie’s office. I haven’t heard from her in a while. I can see none of the meals are ready yet, it would be thoughtful to surprise her with lunch’’ I said.

‘’If you can wait 20 minutes, I can fix something quickly’’ he said

‘’Alright’’ I answered.

As I waited, I noticed I was added to a Whatsapp Group called ‘’Amalfi with the Costas’’. Just then I received a call from Chris. I noticed Gwen was the administrator hence Chris, Carmen, Izzy and some other people were part of the group.

‘’Hey, have you seen the invite?’’ he asked during our conversation.

‘’yes, but you called just as I was reading it so I am still lost on the details’’ I answered

‘’Remember I introduced Enzo to Gwen, so they are getting married in Italy in August. We are part of the bridal party!’’ he said in excitement.

‘’Yayy!! This is lovely!’’ I said.

‘’Don’t worry about the paperwork, just send your details to me. My assistant will handle everything, you will just have to show up for the visa interview. One more thing, I would like you to join my family on a mini-vacation after the wedding. The place has not yet been decided, we can even go and see Worla in Rotterdam! Think about it, and please remember to plan ahead because you might be away for a month. The business needs to learn to run without your presence 24/7 sometimes’’ he rambled.

‘’Isn’t travelling with your family too soon?’’ I asked

‘’Elorm, the trip is in seven months, we will be fine by then. You know something, think about it. You are definitely not missing Gwen’s wedding though’’ he said.

‘’Of course. I will be there!!  I am so happy for her’’ I said. We spoke for a bit before he had to get back to work.

The instant I hung up, Nuerkie’s food was ready so I had to leave. In no time, I got to her office. I had not booked an appointment so she was surprised to see me.

‘’Sorry for the impromptu visit. Here, I brought you lunch’’ I said as I sat on the couch in her office.

‘’Perfect timing, I am starving’’ she said as she opened the package. She had a huge grin as soon as she took out the mocktail that came in a pouch.

‘’Wow… why is the drink making you smile like that?’’ I asked.

‘’Nothing really, just something from the past. It has nothing to do with Terry’’ she said.

‘’oh..okay. You have been acting weird of late. Is everything okay? It is quite unusual of you’’ I said

‘’My dad promoted me so I have more responsibilities now. I am now trying to find balance. Forgive! Are you from Terry’s? Oh and how did your talk with Chris go?’’ she asked.

I narrated everything that occurred from Saturday till now.

‘’…Terry also mentioned he has met someone but she is being distant so he is waiting for her to come around’’ I ended my narration.

‘’Interesting…did he mention who she is?’’ Nuerkie asked in a curious tone.

‘’No my dear. He was being shady, I will pray for him. Another exciting news!’’ I said

‘’ What is it?’’ she asked.

‘’I will be going to Italy with Chris for Gwen’s wedding!!!’’ I squealed.

‘’This is great!! Ah wait! I saw a message from Dede saying she will be going to Italy as well in August and that she will call me later’’ Nuerkie said.

‘’I know she is currently Gwen’s loctitian and occasionally does her make-up for events. I will not be surprised if she will be there to attend to hair and make-up. I said as I checked the WhatsApp group and noticed Dede’s business contact was added.

We quickly gave her a call and she confirmed her invite as well as her role as the hairstylist and make-up artist. She could not stay on the line for long because she was attending to a client.

‘’If only Prince will allow her’’ Nuerkie said when we hanged up.

‘’From what I have heard, he will definitely throw a tantrum but she cannot miss this. Not only will she get to travel, it will expose her to a new level of clients and it will help her brand’’ I said.

‘’Let’s keep our fingers crossed. I am so happy for you ladies. My friends are big women oooo’’ Nuerkie jubilated.

‘’I know you were planning a trip to Italy last year but because of the Matthew situation, it could not come on. How about you come this year so we make it a girls’ trip?’’  I asked.

‘’I wish but you are on a trip with your boyfriend and his family. You cannot add us your girls to your dance card. In addition, I will be travelling with my parents to the States for business so I am unavailable. We also do not know if Dede will be able to extend the trip, it is solely business for her. We have more years ahead to have a girls’ trip’’ Nuerkie explained and I agreed.

We had conversations about other aspects of our lives and reflected on our growth. From lost teenagers to women running business and taking charge of our lives. Female friendships like ours are rare, I feel blessed to have found Nuerkie, Anna and Dede.

I was so giddy throughout the day, the thought of seeing Worla excited me more than anything else. I miss my sister.

NUERKIE

I was pleasantly surprised by Elorm’s visit. The one year I’m not travelling to Europe happens to be the year my friends will be there. Most importantly, I am happy for Gwen. There is really no need to rush this marriage thing, if it happens, it happens. It is reassuring to know that there is someone for everyone.

 I was so engrossed in my work that I was still in the office at 11p.m. Almost everybody had left except the security men. I received a call from one of them that Terry was around to see me. I permitted them to let him. He came dressed casually, I did not know why I expected him to be dressed in his uniform. I felt butterflies in my stomach, I hated myself for catching feelings too quickly with him. I tend to be stingy with my love but when I like someone, I fall hard and fast which rarely happens.

‘’I knew my fellow workaholic will still be in her office’’ he said as he sat across me.

‘’I will be closing soon. What brings you here?’’ I asked with a strict tone.

‘’Well.. I have sent you messages countless of times but you have ignored all of them. That is what brings me here’’ he answered.

‘’Terry, there is nothing to talk about. We kissed, nothing happened everybody moves on’’ I said.

‘’I don’t want to move on. The short time we spent together? It meant a lot to me. I like you, I want you, you like me and you want me too. What is stopping you? because I know Elorm will not have a problem.’’ He argued.

‘’You do not understand. It is weird Terry, very weird’’ I said.

‘’No, it is not to me. I think you have branded yourself as the perfect person in your circle. You are a self-appointed moral compass so even in your head, you have to get the cleanest and most perfect love story. What if yours has a messy start? So what? Not everybody has a slow, clean start to love’’ he asked in an exasperated tone.

‘’It just cannot happen. You have to leave’’ I said, uncomfortable with the chemistry that was building up in my office. It is evident I am attracted to Terry, there was something about his presence that made me lose all composure. I got up from my seat to show him the door. Just like the restaurant, I didn’t make it far. He reached for my hand and pulled me into his arms.

Before I could protest, he silenced me with a kiss. I did not fight back, I indulged him, letting myself feel what I have been denying. He lifted me unto my desk, my mind was racing. Should I push him? It has been ten years since I let anyone this close, not even Matthew and is this where and how it happens? Auntie Jemima’s ‘live your best life’ echoed in my head against the flashbacks of me judging my friends for similar acts. His hands traced my curves as he parted my legs. I reached for his belt, but he stopped me with a gentle grasp. He gazed at me and then leaned to my left ear.

‘’I know you want me too but not like this. When you are ready to have a proper relationship, wear your big-girl panties and come find me’’ he whispered before letting go.

I was too stunned to speak and watched him walk out of my office with a smirk on his face. I was too embarrassed and flustered to speak. I tried to continue work but I kept getting flashbacks to that heated moment. I shut down my computer and packed my belongings to go home. I cannot believe a boss lady like me allowed Terry to do this to me. Who does he think he is? Big-girl panties? Mtchewwwwww. It is time to ask my mother to set me up with the numerous men she has been hinting at. That should help get my mind of him.

Three Months later

ELORM

My birthday was a month ago, unfortunately Chris had to travel but he made the day memorable with a spa treatment and loads of gifts. He gave me the spare keys to the house in Aburi, so I spent a week there resting and catching up on my shows while he was away. I am so grateful to him for his insistence on my rest, I came back to work renewed, rejuvenated and filled with fresh ideas.

His birthday is in two weeks and I am stuck on what to get him. One thing about dating a wealthy man, it is so difficult to get them gifts. I noticed he was extending his house and creating a small gym, before I could surprise with him with some equipment, it was done. I am meeting up Carmen for lunch to get some ideas.

‘’What are your plans for Chris birthday?’’ Carmen asked right after we placed our orders.

‘’Straight to the point, that is why I wanted to meet you. Help a sister out, I am so lost’’ I pleaded.

‘’What do you have in mind?’’ she asked

‘’I noticed he doesn’t have the latest version of his smart watch so probably that but I am not convinced’’ I said.

‘’Yeah, that will be a problem. Izzy has unofficially registered himself as gadget buyer for everyone’s birthday. I am sure he has that covered’’ Carmen said.

‘’What about you? what are you getting him?’’ I asked.

‘’We get each other funny gifts, but if I tell you it will ruin the surprise’’ she said.

‘’This is so stressful. I noticed he customises his perfume so fragrance is out.’’ I said

”Yeah, do not try that with him. One of his ex got him a cinnamon scented diffuser and she lit it in his house, he hated the smell and threw it away. He has a sensitive nose, leave him to get his own smells. I can send you his tailor’s number for the shirts he orders’’ Carmen suggested

‘’I feel shirts are too basic, I want to make an impression’’ I said.

‘’That is true, shirt is so predictable and safe plus our mother always gifts him shirts on random occasions. Well, then curate an experience for him. Looking back, the few gifts he genuinely liked were experiences because he barely has time for those’’ she said.

‘’Oh okay, which experiences do you remember?’’ I asked

‘’Ermmmm… one ex got him tickets to watch Liverpool play live’’ she answered.

‘’Wow… ‘’ I said in a low tone.

‘’But that didn’t end well because the lady did not understand football and kept asking questions so that ruined the experience. Maybe that is not a good example, but just curate something small and intimate that you can also participate. He will like that’’ Carmen said noticing my worry.

‘’Thank you’’ I said.

We spoke about Gwen’s upcoming nuptials and how we were both excited.

‘’I cannot wait for you to join us after the wedding for our family trip. We are still arguing on where to go. The old people have left it to Izzy, Chris and I to decide and we all want different places’’ she whined.

That statement gave me the perfect idea for what to do for Chris birthday. It will fall on a Sunday, and fortunately for me, the next day will be a public holiday.

Chris Birthday

I went to church with Chris, this was the third time at his church. I liked the services and their fellowship groups. I am tempted to become a member because they had a group called Sweetings, where anyone interested in baking was part of.

After service, he had to stop by his parents for lunch. I was not able to join them because I needed a head start to set up his surprise in Aburi. I extended the invite to Carmen and Izzy.

At 4pm, they all arrived at Aburi. In one of the rooms, I had set up a table with miniature building materials likes small blocks, wood, glass, grass etc needed to create miniature buildings and properties.

I gave them time to relax a bit before presenting the first gift. Whiskey tumblers with their initials for Patio Sundays, Chris was so excited about it. I then led them to the room with the layout.

‘’Since you all work in the real estate business and are C-level executives. You have all left the creative process to your architects and employees. It is time to get your hands dirty. Let us see who can create the best building. Sturdy, aesthetically pleasing and functional. Winner gets a 1000 ghs shopping voucher, this medal and drumroll please’’ I narrated and Izzy playfully drummed the table. ‘’The winner gets to decide the destination for the next family vacation’’

‘’YESSSSSSSS!!!!’’ they roared so loud, it startled me. I knew they had a competitive edge, and I had never seen a group of people take a game so seriously. Chris was so excited as he played around with the blocks. To the extent that when I stood close to him at point.

‘’Elorm, I love you but your ass is distracting me’’ he said as he gently pushed me away. Izzy and Carmen burst out in laughter. Time was over and I gave the table a little nudge to test the sturdiness of their buildings. Izzy’s own split into two, hence it was between Carmen and Chris. Both their projects were remarkable, we were tied on who deserved the win.  There were no worries, I had prepared in advance. To make it fun, I had packed funny looking hats, made them wear and we did a quiz on landmarks in Ghana. Chris won by a point, he decided to give the shopping voucher to Carmen. Every adult is really a child at heart because they were thrilled with the games.

  He was so elated and had the broadest smile on his face. I asked Izzy to place the medal round his neck.

‘’Thank you so much for this win. So the family vacation destination, I mean I wanted us to travel within the African continent this year but due to Gwen’s wedding, it will have to be a place in Europe. Therefore… our family vacation destination issssssssss AMSTERDAM’’ he screamed and Izzy rejoiced.

‘’ugh…bicycles..’’ Carmen muttered under her breath, displeased with the choice.

We then had dinner together which I had ordered already. When we were almost done, Carmen excused herself to bring Chris’ gift which she hid with the security. We all burst into laughter as she returned with a huge sun pillow with Chris face on it. It was a picture of him with the widest grin.

‘’Because this has been your face all year’’ she said as she presented it to him.

‘’Well played sis, well played. And yes this has been my face because of Sun..’’ he said and it dawned on him why it was a sun pillow.

‘’me nya wo¹’’ Carmen exclaimed with laughter. Chris hugged the pillow and imitated the smile as we took pictures. Izzy did not buy the smart watch as predicted but got him new headphones and a kindle. We joked for while before sitting together to watch some movies.

CHRIS

Elorm’s head rested on my shoulder as we watched the movie. I do not remember the last time I had this much fun especially with my siblings. Being an adult does suck the the little joys out of life most of the time.

‘’Want to step out for a bit?’’ I whispered into her ear.

‘’Yeah, give me a moment’’ she answered. She reached into her bag and brought out a small box. ‘’Let’s go open your final present’’ she added.

We went upstairs to the balcony and admired the beautiful view in silence.

‘’You mentioned earlier this year about buying more from Ghanaian-owned businesses, so here is the final gift’’ she said and handed me the box. I opened it and it was a lovely Heritage watch from Caveman. It even had an engraving at the side with my initials. I was stunned, the afternoon game alone made my day and now this.

‘’Thank you my love, now I feel stupid for just getting you perfumes and a spa treatment’’ I said.

‘’You are welcome and I love those perfumes. I loved my gifts and I am happy you love yours’’ she said and squeezed my arm.

‘’How did you come up with the games?’’ I asked as I placed the gift on the table and brought her close to me for a hug.

‘’Your sister gave a hint, and I realised you always spoke about being too busy for work . For the past month, you have missed out on patio Sundays. Plus observing your competitive sides, it was a two for one. Also, I know how family is important to you’’ she said.

‘’Best birthday ever’’ I said and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

We stood on the balcony enjoying the view, as I wrapped my arms around her from behind. She smelled so good, I miss her in so many ways.

‘’Please spend the night’’ I whispered gently into her ear before planting kisses on her neck and shoulder.

‘’I wish I could but …maybe…another time’’ she said.

‘’I promise to be a good boy’’ I said mid planting kisses and she laughed.

‘’Come on Chris… we are just four months in’’ she said.

‘’Technically, it is a year because the last time we had sex was a year ago. I think we have tried’’ I argued and she laughed.

‘’okay, I will sleep over but no games’’ she said and I agreed. She had a mischievous smile on her face but I ignored it.

Carmen and Izzy were too tired and tipsy to return to Ridge so they slept in the other rooms. Elorm came to bed dressed in a black joggers and T-shirt.

‘’Why the joggers? The shirt is long enough’’ I asked.

‘’Oh yeah, it’s that time of the month’’ she answered with a smile and I smacked my forehead. No wonder she agreed to a sleepover knowing we are both disgusted by the thought of period sex.

‘’Well done, that is smooth of you’’ I said and we both laughed.

She climbed into bed and we both fell asleep in no time due to fatigue. I woke up earlier than her, I sat in the couch admiring her beautiful face. This was her first sleepover as my girlfriend, first birthday, I look forward to many more firsts with her as well as forever.

Life is better with Elorm in it.

Seven months later

ELORM

It was midnight and I was awaken by the sound of my mother praying over me. I felt the warm olive oil on my forehead. She was saying a prayer of protection since later in the day, I will be travelling for Gwen’s wedding with Chris’ family. I answered Amen when she was done.

‘’oh, you are awake?’’ she asked.

‘’Yes, you woke me up’’ I answered drowsily.

‘’Sorry, eheh, I took Lucy’s number from Chris and we spoke’’ she said

‘’Why? what did you talk about ?’’ I asked surprised at her statement.

‘’It looks like you and him are getting serious so we the mothers have to start talking’’ she said and I was fully awake by that statement.

‘’Mama, who sent you?’’ I asked exasperated.

‘’The Holy Spirit, eheh, she said I should not worry and you will be sleeping in your own room. When a man and woman are always together, the devil tries to tempt them…’’ she started.

‘’Mama, please do not start lecturing me on sex. I beg, we have never had this conversation and we will not start now. You told me not to touch men, that was shortest and only sex education I got from you. Let me sleep’’ I interrupted her and covered my ears with the pillow so she would leave.

She muttered under her breath before leaving my room.

Later in the day, I called Worla and told her what happened. Worla could not stop laughing, she mentioned she got the same speech whenever she went on weekend getaways with her boyfriends. She was anticipating my visit and had a whole itinerary ready.

I walked to the bakery to observe how Mama and the two staff members were working. Anna said she had some free time hence will pass by and assist Mama with the management. I started getting anxious about everything, my bakery is my baby. This is the first time I will be away for a month, leaving the management to someone? Should I just go for four days and come back? My mother noticed the panic in my face and pulled me aside.

‘’Don’t worry Elorm, everything is under control. Even the president of the country goes for holiday and we do not collapse’’ she said and it made me smile a bit.

Not long, I was all set to leave, Chris came with Kwame to pick me up. He exchanged pleasantries with my mother who made him promise to bring me back intact.

‘’Please bring her back as one not two. I know my daughter, she does not know man. Do not disgrace her family name, we do not do that in our family’’ my mother warned and I was surprised at Chris’ pokerface.

‘’Yes Ma, I have a lot of respect for you and Elorm, I will not do anything to offend you’’ he promised with a straight face.

As soon as we entered the car. He burst into laughter

‘’If only your mother knew how good you are at scratching your itches’’ he teased, grinning as soon as we set off.

‘’Behave!’’ I warned.

‘’Wow…I am amazed. Why does she have this good girl perception of you? I mean you are a good girl. But… I am confused’’ he asked.

‘’Worla gave her enough heart palpitations, so I had to be the good one so she will not be scared’’ I answered.

‘’Worla rebelled early, I get it. Anyway, On y va² to send Gwen to her husband’s house’’ he exclaimed in excitement.

‘’yaayyy!!’’ I rejoiced.

I managed to take my mind of the bakery for a moment and relaxed. There were times I prayed for soft moments like these and finally, I am living in one.

I am not where I thought I would be in life but I am definitely not where I was five years ago.

Here I am, living, thriving and happy…

Life does get better, with time.

The end

Lexicon

1. Me nya wo – translates to “Gotcha”
2. On y va – French phrase that literally translates to ”Let’s go”

Author’s Note

We have come to the end of a beautiful story and a beautiful chapter.

Thank you for your time and dedication!

Stay glued to this website and follow selimsaidso on Instagram for updates.

Nuerkie and Terry’s story will continue in the new series titled ‘’Church Angels’’ happening next year. Date to be shared soon.

P.S: Watch out for a Christmas treat🎁🎄!