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Shika agreed to join the choir, she dreads going for the first meeting. She hopes not to become the center of attention. In addition, Davida will be spending the weekend with her.

Zoe on the other hand is still in Lagos for the seminar, supporting her wonderful husband, Dave. For Thursday and Friday, she will work remotely from their office in Lagos. And what did she leave at Yaw’s house that got her so worked up?

YAW DJIMAH

There were many available desks in the office, but I arranged for Zoe to sit in the conference room adjoining my office. Thank heavens the rest of my meetings during the week were virtual. I got home and decided to check the guest room she used before the cleaner comes in the morning. The only staff that stay in the quarters are the driver and security man. The others report daily per my orders. As soon as I entered, her scent still lingered, I breathed her fragrance in for a moment, I am missing her already.  I walked into the bathroom and noticed a neatly folded pile of clothes on the stool in the corner. They were hers, what she had worn earlier. I smiled to myself. I picked it up and a small garment slipped beneath the pile.

I did not know Osofo Maames¹ liked thongs. I took it to the laundry room and sorted it myself. I can imagine her reaction tomorrow in the office. I will not text her about it, before her husband gets suspicious of nothing. Plus, knowing Zoe, she will stop talking to me.

Next morning…

Since her hotel was on the way to work, we decided I pick her up so we ride together. As soon as I sat in the car, instead of my usual hiphop to start the day. I asked Bukky to play gospel so Zoe can be comfortable.

We got to the hotel and there stood ‘Preacherboy’ at the entrance. I reluctantly stepped out of the car to greet him.

‘’Zoe will be with you soon, she left something in the room. I just want to thank you for yesterday. God bless you for picking up my wife’’ he said earnestly. I sometimes forget how Preacherboy can be very polite and nice.

‘’Don’t worry, everything happens for a reason. That is why God placed me in Lagos. I hope you fired the idiot who caused this’’ I said.

‘’Of course. No time to waste, I do not joke with my wife’’ he said, it sounded like a subtle threat. Threats give me this thrill.

‘’Definitely, nice seeing you again. Hope the conference is going well’’ I asked to avoid any awkward silence.

‘’Yes..’’

We conversed for a while about the difference between Lagos and Accra till Zoe stepped out. She was dressed in a lovely tweed black skirt suit, well accessorised and modest as usual. But one thing about a beautiful stature, it can never hide. Dave planted a kiss on her lips before opening the car door for her.  I was a bit jealous but bade him farewell and promised to bring his wife back to him safe and sound.

In the car…..

‘’We need to go back to your house, I think I left something in the room’’ Zoe said, looking visibly uncomfortable. 

‘’What did you leave?’’ I asked.

‘’I …just ..want to check’’ she stuttered.

‘’No need, I can call the housekeeper to check’’ I said, still pretending.

‘’I want to have a look myself’’ she said.

I leaned and whispered.

‘’I did not know osofo maames had such sexy taste in underwear’’ I teased.

‘’Oh don’t be nasty Yaw!’’ she exclaimed.

‘’Bukky pass me the laundry bag at the front’’ I said and he passed it to me.

‘’Here are your clothes and intimates, laundered and ironed with the utmost care. Don’t worry, I did it all by myself. No one else had access’’ I teased.

‘’You touched my underwear?!’’ she asked alarmed in a whisper so Bukky will not hear.

‘’Come on Zozo, they are just garments. Do you know the panties and thongs I have touched in my lifetime? You of all people know my history. It’s nothing, just say thank you’’ I shrugged, so she would calm down.

‘’Thank you…’’ she stuttered

‘’For real though. I thought pastors’ wives preferred more conservative options, like parachutes.’’ I joked and she giggled.

‘’Don’t be silly’’ she said.

‘’That got you smiling a bit…May I ask what colour we have on today?’’ I asked

‘’Yaw, I will report you to HR if you don’t stop’’ she warned, stifling a smile.

‘’Apologies, I will stop…for now’’ I said, leaned back to my seat and winked at her. “So how did the conference go?’’ I asked, switching the conversation- though the atmosphere in the car was a bit tensed. Not in a negative way, I can tell from the smile she tried to suppress. Though she pretends, Zoe likes it when I flirt with her.

SHIKA

It was fun having Davida over, like the little sister I never had. In order to keep a watchful eye over her.  She followed me on my work errands on Thursday and Friday. She enjoyed assisting the goldsmith a lot. She even assisted in creating content for the Instagram page. She is so good at video editing.

It was Saturday morning, and we were eating waakye² together. I noticed she was giggling at some texts.

‘’Who is making you smile this morning?’’ I asked.

‘’A friend’ she answered sheepishly.

‘’Hmmm, must be some friend’’ I said.

‘’I am sure mummy mentioned the guy she caught me with’’ she said.

‘’What are you talking about? Which guy? Caught doing what?’’ I asked frantically feigning ignorance.

‘’At least, she hid this from you’’ Davida said. She then narrated everything to me.

‘’Do not blame your mother Davy, she wants to protect you’’ I said.

‘’I know, but my friends already have boyfriends. Some are already having sex. Here I am, I have not even kissed before. At 17, do you know how pathetic that is!’’ she exclaimed.

‘’It is not pathetic my dear. Never indulge in these acts because people are doing it. Do it because you want to. But at the appropriate age. Take it from someone who started having sexual relations early Davida. Wait…,it will be worth it’’ I advised.

‘’But …I…’’ she started talking and stop.

‘’You know you can tell me anything, Sis Shika’s house is a judgement free zone’’ I said.

‘’But what if I want to? I mean Omar is so amazing. He is sweet, treats me nice and is so handsome!!’’ she said in a shy tone.

‘’Really!! Let me see this guy!’’ I exclaimed and she showed me pictures on her phone. He looked like an aspiring model because the pictures looked like headshots. He does look like every teenage girls’ dream.

‘’Hmmmmm I understand Davida. Those feelings are normal, very much. Where you cannot stop thinking about him, you always want to spend time with him. Every love song brings him to mind. It is a nice feeling, I remember my first Omar too. His name was Nana Kojo. The lies I told just to see and spend time with him. He was my first kiss, looking back, it was just saliva, very terrible kiss. And sexual experience, that is another story for another day. Trust me, it pays to wait. The Bible admonishing you to abstain is for your own good, pregnancy scare, HPV and all other sexually transmitted diseases , oh yeah and Herpes which is not curable. Not forgetting, most importantly, the spiritual entanglements. You will never know where people’s genitals have been. You are a smart lady, Davy. Do the research and come to a conclusion’’ I advised. She got pensive for a moment.

‘’How do I deal with all the feelings?’’ she asked.

‘’First we pray about it and ask for direction. For some reason, something happens and then you lose interest. Currently, I imagine all men have skid marks in their boxers and it works’’ I said and we laughed. ‘’Don’t worry, just call me when your mind starts drifting or text me’’.

‘’Thank you Sis. Shika’’ she said.

‘’Always welcome. But you too, you have taste oo. Omar is a fine boy oo, Are you sure he is not an ashawo²?’’ I joked to lighten the mood a bit.

‘’OMG Sis. Shikaa!!!’’

‘’What church does he go to?’’ I asked. She sipped some water. “Ermm Davy?’’ I pressed.

‘’He goes to a mosque. He is muslim’’ she answered.

‘’You like trouble ooo. Infact, quench those feelings fast because your parents will never approve, the best you can be is friends’’ I said.

‘’I know but he is so sweet and kinddddd ’’ she whined.

‘’Davy, muslims are not bad people. Atheists too can be kind, infact kindness is spread across. Mine is, you know where you are from. Don’t complicate your life, you are young. You have more years ahead. The world is huge, there are eight billion people and counting. Your options are endless my love’’ I said and she nodded in agreement.

I hope I managed to convince her, but one thing about teenagers. They will do what they like. I will remind her that I am here for her no matter what.

Later in the day.

This was my first attendance at choir rehearsal. I could not make it to their midweek meeting. RLM choir has been through a lot, we had great musicians who just left to other churches that offered them salaries. Imelda has managed to keep the choir together, though they sing alright. Some days are good, and some days we just manage with the sound. The church is immensely grateful for her dedication.

I got there early to avoid any problems. I was nervous at first, the other members came and were so nice and welcoming. Just then, Imelda too appeared, she seemed surprised to see me. After introductions, we started rehearsal. The alto and tenor parts of the song were off-key. My ears were burning. We went on a short break, I decided to pull Imelda aside.

‘’I know you might say no, but can I try something? Like teach the alto and tenor parts and see. If we do not like it, we move on. Please’’ I asked. She paused for sometime.

‘’I guess we can try’’ she answered reluctantly.

We resumed and she mentioned my idea to the members who agreed. In no time, I was able to teach all the various parts, I have a natural ear for music. They were so excited when we sang together and it was melodious. I also gave Tetteh some tips. By the time I realised, we were going over other songs as I corrected the parts. Some members started whispering that I lead the song.

It was difficult to read the look on Imelda’s face.

‘’I will be leading the song tomorrow, Goldie..sorry Shika is still on probation but we thank her for the input’’ Imelda said before moving on to announcements. I know she calling me Goldie was deliberate. A painful reminder of my past.

‘’Any contributions?’’ she asked and Tetteh, the pianist put his hand up.

‘’Yes’’

‘’This is just a suggestion, how about from now on, Shika teaches the parts’’ he said and the others mummured in unison.

‘’Let us see how it goes, she is new. Let her settle small’’ Imelda said and I smiled.

Just then Jay entered the auditorium, his face brightened when he saw me. He waved at the choir from afar and walked towards the pastors’ office. I am sure there is a meeting. Imelda dismissed us.

I quickly took my bag and run to avoid any conversations. Davida was already seated in the car waiting for me and we set off home.

JAY

I was happy to see Shika seated with the choir. She did not mention it to me. Mama Zoe really handled it. After preservice meeting, Imelda and I were talking.

‘’I am still not happy with you’’ she said.

‘’What did I do?’’ I asked.

‘’You said you will make it up to me last two weeks and here we are. I thought you were a man of your word’’ she accused.

‘’Mercy!, yes, you are right. Are you free? We can go grab a bite right away’’ I said.

‘’No, you are not getting off easy. Plan properly. That is the least you can do for making me wait’’ she said and walked away.

Did I just get baited into taking her out on a date? I got home and texted Shika.

JAY

Nice seeing you today, happy you joined the choir. Why didn’t you tell me? Was it meant to be a surprise?

SHIKA

Hahaha, maybe…

JAY

Well, it was a lovely surprise ☺️. I hope you like surprises too. Because I will definitely pay you back.

SHIKA

Depends on the surprise

JAY

I hear. So will I hear your voice tomorrow🥰?

SHIKA

???

JAY

Will you be singing?

SHIKA

Yes but not solo. Back up.

JAY

Why??

SHIKA

Hahaha choir rules, I am on probation. Plus there are other members Jay, I can not sing all the time🤷🏾‍♀️

JAY

I can listen to you sing all day. You are blessed with a wonderful voice.

SHIKA

🫣

JAY

So when will I hear you sing again?

SHIKA

When it pleases the Lord.

JAY

That I know will happen, what about a private concert?😉 Just for your good friend, Jay.

SHIKA

Now that will cost you💵

JAY

Name your price milady

SHIKA

I will think about it. Gotta go. Babysitting duties.

JAY

🙁 Alright. Talk to you later.

Later that week.

I did not have a lot of appointments on Thursday so decided to make it up to Imelda, by taking her for lunch. We sat at the restaurant and ate, she was so giddy about it.

I remembered Shika’s jewellery store was not far away and took my phone to text her.

JAY

Where is the nearest piercing studio near your jewellery store?

SHIKA

Ermmm. Two buildings away. Why?

JAY

Time to embrace my inner Lewis Hamilton.

SHIKA

Are you serious?

JAY

Just kidding. Are you at the store? I am kinda closeby.

SHIKA

Yes, I will be leaving in 2 hours though.

JAY

Alright, see you soon.

‘’Is everything alright’’ Imelda asked

‘’Sure, so sorry for being on my phone. Bad manners’’ I said and put my phone away. ‘’Hope you are enjoying your meal’’ I added.

‘’Very much’’ she said.

IMELDA

The lunch date with Jordan was going well. I could tell he really enjoys their food. He even ordered some to take away.

He drove me back to the office and before I got out of the car. He asked me to wait, he reached for a gift bag behind the passenger seat.

‘’Here, I remembered you mentioned you enjoyed reading autobiographies. This is the former first lady’s own, and I overheard you arguing with Mama Zoe about Golden Tree Oranco being the best. This was harder to get than the autobiography. I hope we are even now and you will not cry on me again. I cannot bear the weight of a lady’s tears’’ he said. I was so dumbfounded.

‘’Thank you so much Jordan, I am really grateful. Yes, this Oranco chocolate can be so scarce. You were forgiven right after lunch. Now I have to return this favour’’ I said.

‘’No need’’ he said.

‘’Come on, let me cook for us next time. Not to brag but my okro stew is awesome’’ I said.

‘’hmmmmmm, tempting but…’’ he stuttered.

‘’Please do not overthink it. I know you have set boundaries but it is just two people eating. Nothing major. I invite people over to eat all the time’’ I said.

‘’Okay, if you say so. I guess it is my turn to dine at Imelda’s’’ he joked.

‘’Sure, I will send you the details later. Would you like to come inside and see my office, my desk and space?’’  I asked.

‘’Ermmm…yes but I have to be quick’’ he said glancing at his watch.

He walked me to my office, and admired the place. I work as the Human Resource Manager for a Telecom Company. I noticed the other ladies in the bull pen outside my office kept staring at him.

‘’Madam Bosschick in a her fancy office! You are a big woman oo then you allow Pastor Isaac and I to boss you around’’ he joked.

‘’Hahaha, you guys do not boss me around. Plus Galatians 3:28 says, There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ. Positions do not matter in church ’’ I said.

‘’Amen, such a wise woman of God. I would like to talk bible more but I really have to rush’’ he said and I escorted him out of my office.

‘’I thought you said you’d closed from work. What’s the rush?’’ I asked as we got to his car.

‘’I am making a stop at Shika’s jewellery store. She told me she will be closing early today’’ he said.

Shika again? I wonder what is going on between the two fo them. I will not spoil our time together by prying.

‘’Okay, send my greetings to her’’ I said.

‘’Sure, goodbye and see you Saturday’’ he said.

‘’Thank you for the book and chocolates once again. I am really grateful’’ I said.

‘’Thanks for your forgiveness. I am so glad we are good now’’ he said.

‘’Me too’’ I said and waved him goodbye

Was the extra pack of food he bought for Shika? I thought to myself. As soon a I entered the office, Kwame, one of my colleagues and a member of the church walked into my office.

‘’I was away for lunch but the ladies will not stop saying that you came back from lunch with a chocolate hunk’’ he teased.

‘’Oh Lord! Is that what they are saying?’’ I asked.

‘’Yes’’ he said, and then his eyes landed on the gift bag on my table. He walked to it and peered inside.

‘’A book and chocolates? Is that what our date got us?’’ he asked

‘’Stop calling him a date, it is not what you guys think it is’’ I said.

‘’Imɛ” he said, his pet-name for me which he knows I hate.

‘’Kwame, it is not that deep, honestly’’ I said.

‘’I know all the men in your life. Who is this one?’’ he asked

‘’It is Pastor Jordan. It is nothing honestly’’ I said.

‘’Eii! since when do pastors go round taking their members to lunch and buying them chocolate? How come I was not invited?’’ he asked.

‘’I am sure if I mentioned you were here, he would have asked you to join’’ I said.

‘’Imɛ, talk true. You like Pastor Jordan. You cannot even hide your smile when you mention his name’’ he said

‘’Kwame, leave my office’’ I joked.

‘’Oh nobody will judge you. The man is fine mome³. Does he like you too?’’  he said.

‘’Please do not tell a soul but I hate to admit that I like him. I actually like him a lot but it is too early to tell. Plus I do not understand what is up with him and Shika’’ I said.

‘’I am sure they are just friends. If they were dating or more, you will know. Shika is a proper lover girl. Apart from the minister, all the other guys I have seen her with, she is quite lovey dovey. If she and pastor Jordan are together, there will be no confusion. Trust me, the church will know’’ he assured.

‘’Well, we will keep praying about it’’ I said and he agreed as he reached for one of the chocolate bars. I slapped his hand and took picture of the gift.

I uploaded it on my Instagram story with the caption ‘’Thank you, you really made my day’’. I am also sort of a Christian girl influencer on instagram. I barely post my pictures, just memory verses and interesting captions. The post of the gift got lots of likes and replies. I am not surprised, my followers are oblivious to my private life hence any peek into it sends them into a frenzy.

SHIKA

I scrolled through my phone as I enjoyed the meal Jay brought me. Just then I saw a post from Imelda and smiled to myself.

‘’Did my supplier get you the Oranco chocolate?’’ I asked Jay who was admiring some of the designs I had sketched on my iPad.

‘’Oh yes, thank you so much for the plug. It is so difficult to get it on the market. Madam-I-have-a-guy-for-everything’’ he teased.

‘’Sure, the receiver must have really appreciated it’’ I said.

‘’Yess, so grateful’’ he said.

‘’It will definitely make her day’’ I said.

‘’Who told you it was for a lady?’’ he asked and I turned my phone to him, showing him Imelda’s Instagram story.

‘’She posted it!’ he exclaimed, a cringey look crossed his face.

‘’She is just showing appreciation, go and reply’’ I said

‘’I mean it is not that deep. I buy stuff for people all the time. Look, I randomly popped up with lunch at your store’’ he said.

‘’Why are you explaining all these to me?’’ I asked in an amusing tone.

‘’Stop teasing Shika’’ he said.

‘’I mean, it probably isn’t that deep to her either’’ I said.

‘’True’’

‘’Ranco Ranco’’ I teased alluding to the Oranco chocolate.

‘’Stop being silly’’ he was embarrassed.

I closed the shop and he followed me to my apartment. It was on the tenth floor of a fancy apartment complex.

‘’Lovely view’’  he said as he stood at the floor to ceiling window overlooking the city.

‘’Thank you, do you want something to eat or drink?’’ I asked.

‘’No, I am alright’’ he answered.

 I started playing some worship music through my surround speakers. In no time, we were settled on the couch doing yesterday’s bible study together since I could not make it. The topic was on compassion.

‘’It is getting late, I have to leave’’ he said.

‘’Thanks for the private bible study’’ I said.

‘’Always welcome. I would like to take you to dinner sometime’’ he said when he got to the door.

‘’Jay, I have had a difficult life and I like to work with clarity. What do you want from me?’’ I asked.

‘’Let us have dinner then we talk about it. How does next week Thursday sound?’’ he asked.

‘’I will check my calendar and get back to you’’ I answered.

I walked him to the car park and we said our goodbyes.

ZOE

I was relieved to be back in Ghana after the church conference. Working in close proximity to Yaw was…intriguing. I forgot how much of a gentleman he is, opening doors for me, tending to my every need. Popping his head in the conference room often to check if I was doing alright. It felt nice to be pampered and catered to. He paid for everything I wanted, he playfully said my bank account needs to go on leave.

Now, I hate to admit that I am looking forward to spending two weeks in Nigeria again for the management conference and training. I do miss working in the same space with him. Esinam, my best friend sometimes jokes that I should have dated Yaw briefly. Not to marry him but for the fun of it. In her words, “not all relationships should lead to marriage, some are for baby-girling and character development’’.

I sank in the couch in my office and sent her a picture of Yaw and I riding back home after work at the backseat of the car. Immediately, she video-called me.

‘’Ei, it is like Djimah is looking finer with age. He should share the secret’’ she blurted as soon as I answered.

‘’He will tell you, it is because he is not married’’ I said and we laughed.

‘’The way you have sent me this pic diℇℇ, gist dey. Spill’’ she said and I narrated how I was picked up from the airport, to the princess treatment while working from his office and lastly the leaving my clothes behind saga.

‘’Hm, the Zoe I know will not have found that underwear comment funny oo. Is he getting under your skin?’’ Esinam asked concerned.

‘’oh no, Yaw is just being Yaw’’ I scoffed.

‘’Zoe, be careful ooo. Nobody is above temptation even pastors’wives’’ she warned

‘’Come on, Yaw will not dare. I am married for crying out loud’’ I defended.

‘’You want to trust a man? It is like you have forgotten his escapades. This guy was hitting on you the night before your wedding. When you are in trouble, he takes it personal more than your husband, crying more than the bereaved. I remember when you were breastfeeding and you had an emergency at work, Yaw dropped everything to buy you new dresses from the boutique nearby. Such ready availability to a married woman rubs me the wrong way’’ she said.

‘’Well buckle up, because I will be in a two-week training with him next month’’ I said.

‘’Just be careful, I am here for you. You need to establish boundaries. Have you spoken to Dave?’’ she asked.

‘’You know his first solution is for me to quit the job and join him in ministry’’ I answered

‘’Sorry for Dave, that one is not an option. Have a grown up conversation with Yaw and draw the boundaries’’ she said.

Esinam is right, I need to talk to Yaw about our friendship especially in person. Just then, I noticed he had sent me a youtube link. I opened it and it was lyric video to the ‘Thong song’ by Sisqo. He then added a message, ‘’This popped up on the radio today and I remembered your little accident. Can’t wait to tease you in two weeks’’.

I really need to have that conversation with him, because the video made me smile a little.

Lexicon

1. Osofo Maame – means “pastor’s wife.” In Ghanaian Christian communities, especially among Akan speakers, this is a respectful title for the wife of a church pastor (the pastor being called “Osofo”).
2. Waakye – Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans cooked together, usually with dried millet leaves that give it a distinctive reddish-brown color.
3. Mome – an exclamation added at the ended of a sentence or question to agree or ask for confirmation.

Author’s Note

I hope you like our new introduction where the characters are introduced and there is a brief description to keep you updated. Remember to like, subscribe, follow and comment!!! Engagement keeps us going.
What do you think Yaw Djimah up to?

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