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Story so far

Zoe is still processing her weak moment with Yaw where they shared a kiss. Reverend Dave is making progress with the branch expansions and coming up with creative avenues to raise more funds. But why the rush?

Has Davida really accepted her parents’ decision to stay in Ghana? Has Bishop Odame’s son, Blessing really managed to convince her.

ZOE

After that moment with Yaw and Davida’s timely call that saved me from falling into temptation, I have been avoiding him throughout the rest of the training. Just six days more and I will be away from this demon sent to torment me or so I thought.

During the last days, he kept his distance a bit but occasionally managed to sneak cute comments by whispering them in my ear.

Saturday arrived and I was glad to be coming home to my children. When I was got to the airport counter to check in, Yaw’s voice interrupted me before I could speak. I don’t know how he managed to make it to the front of the line.

‘’Upgrade the seats, and put her next to me’’ he said as he slipped some dollars to the attendant and added his bank card. The attendant looked at me for approval, I was to stunned to speak. I guess silence means consent to him, hence he went ahead and updated the booking.

‘’What business do you have in Accra?’’ I asked Yaw as we walked to the security clearance.

‘’Have you forgotten I have children in Accra? Also, the policy you suggested to Mr. August, who do you think he delegated to work on it? ‘’ he answered with questions.

‘’Oh…okay, I thought he will allow me to handle it’’ I said.

‘’Well, you rejected a promotion hence no one is looking forward to give you extra work for extra credit, but don’t worry, I will let you take charge. I promise on my honour, you will get all the credit. I will only supervise. After all, what are friends for?’’ he said.

I was sad that Yaw was the one in charge of my idea, wasn’t it supposed to be my task? I better get credit for this idea. Now, I will have to be in constant communication with Yaw. I was hoping to reduce that on my return to Ghana.

My initial plan was to send Dave a message to arrange my airport pick-iup, right after checking in. Due to Yaw’s interruption , I totally forgot and now, I will either have to take an airport taxi or uber.

At the exit…

‘’Ermmm, I cannot see Dave or is a driver from the office picking you up?’’ Yaw asked trying to spot Dave.

‘’I forgot to arrange that due to your rude interruption. I will just take an airport taxi’’ I said as I dragged my suitcase.

‘’Don’t be silly, I know you are trying to avoid me. Zozo, you cannot get rid of me that easily. Let me take you home’’ he said, snatching my suitcase from me by the handle.

Not long, his driver appeared with his car. He dismissed him, insisting he wanted to drive himself. Yaw dropping me home will throw him totally off his route.

‘’You shouldn’t have, Yaw’’ I said, as I buckled the seatbelt.

‘’You know this is a small favour, I have done way more. I just want to drive around a bit. I am kinda starving, I did not fancy the meals available at the lounge’’ He said as he drove towards one of my favourite restaurants in the city.

He ordered a lot of food.

‘’Who are all these for?’’ I asked.

‘’Our children’’ he replied with a smirk.

‘’Our?’’ I asked

‘’Yes, my kids and then yours, six in total.’’ He said “Unless you are down to have a baby for me” he added and I rolled my eyes.

As we drove home, I became a bit anxious. I love my children, but these two weeks away was very entertaining. Waking up to food already prepared, not in constant supervision and planning the house. Though it was work, it felt like a mini-break from being a mother and a wife.

‘’Hey, you know we can go for a ride before you get home’’ he said, like he was reading my thoughts.

‘’Oh…yeah, a little ride will not be bad’’ I said, feeling a little guilty.

What started as a simple ride turned into a full drive out to a quiet beach on the edge of Accra. He parked, and we sat on the bonnet, sharing the food we’d picked up along the way. The sound of the waves crashing and the cool breeze made everything feel calm and alive at the same time. The spontaneity of it all stirred something in me I hadn’t felt in years

I don’t remember spending time with Dave outside of church or home. In the early days of our marriage, we used to plan outings and trips together. Lately, we are more like roomates and business partners who have sex which is rarely initiated by me. I have a reminder on my phone to sleep with my husband, it is like a to-do list. Just another task to check off.

‘’You seem lost. Is everything alright?’’ Yaw asked.

‘’Yeah, I will be fine. Thanks for this’’ I answered.

‘’Bet, will a kiss make you feel better?’’ he asked.

‘’Yaw…’’ I metioned his name as a warning.

‘’I know you do not want to talk about it anymore, but don’t blame a man for trying. You taste nice’’ he flirted.

‘’I..’’ I started

‘’Okay, let us get the kids their food before it goes bad’’ he interrupted  me as he descended from the bonnet and packed the empty containers.

There was barely traffic in town so we got to my house in no time. Only Davida and Fiona, our help,were at home, the boys were at the church premises with their father. She was so excited to see Yaw, as usual, he gave her money and tipped Fiona too for carrying my suitcase.

‘’Uncle, when will madam travel again so you will bring her?’’ Fiona asked after she received 200gh from him and we all laughed.

I then asked them to leave as I walked him back to his car.

‘’Thank you once again’’ I said.

‘’You need to get an assistant or something to coordinate your movement. I don’t mind hiring and paying for one’’ he said.

‘’Don’t worry, Dave is handling it’’ she answered.

‘’Dave always seems to handle things but I don’t see any progess’’ he said.

‘’You will not insult my husband in his house’’ I said.

‘’You mean, your house?’’ he asked.

‘’Yaw, let this go’’ I said.

‘’So will you tell him about what happened?’’ he asked.

‘’No, not at all’’ I said.

‘’I thought you said, you guys do not keep secrets’’ he said.

‘’Well, if you are married, you will understand’’ I scoffed.

‘’One more question, does he know I am the silent partner in the Purple Linen business, the one you and Shika run?’’ he asked

‘’Silent partner is silent for a reason’’ I answered.

‘’What if I don’t want to be silent anymore? I want to be actively involved. It will be good to interact more with Shika, I like how she has made us more money. Does he even know about the profits you are making from Purple Linen?” he asked.

‘’Yaw, what is the meaning of all this?’’ I asked.

‘’Hmmmm, I guess you are smarter than I thought’’ he said, as he entered his car. “See you on Monday’’ he added as he drove off.

When Shika approached me to invest in her business, I knew it had potential. I shared the idea with Dave but he was reluctant and kept postponing our move to invest. Later on, I lied to Dave that Shika got an uncle to invest in her. While the truth is, it is Yaw, he is our primary investor, I audit our books and check accounts while Shika is the creative director and administrator. She is immensely artistic, constantly coming up with patterns and textures for fabrics. Our connections have made us a lot of money, the profits from this business is what I hide from Dave. I don’t keep secrets from him, but Purple Linen is my money. I save the profits in an account he is unaware of, down to the email address linked to that account.

For sometime now, Dave has become increasingly curious about Purple Linen. According to him, how come he never sees any money coming from there. Dave thinks Shika hires me to just audit the business, he does not know I own 30% of the shares. I need to release some money before he starts interrogating Shika. Lately, I am very uncomfortable with Dave’s thirst for money.

Later that night…

‘’I got you, just relax’’ Yaw said as he made love to me on my office couch, I kept moaning, I was about to reach my destination when…

‘’Wake up Zoe, wake up, are you okay?’’ Dave said frantically as he shook me out of my sleep.

Did I just have a sex dream about Yaw?

‘’You sounded like you were having a nightmare, you seem breathless. Was someone chasing you?’’ Dave asked.

I was still disoriented, I am definitely not telling Dave the truth about he dream.

‘’Yes, it was quite scary, it was this strange shadow, I cannot place my hand on what it was. It was chasing after me’’ I lied, as I acted scared and buried myself in Dave’s arms. He prayed over me and we recited Psalm 91 together five times.

‘’Zoe, this nightmare is a sign oo’’ Dave said as we settled back into bed.

‘’A sign of what?’’ I asked.

‘’Your first dream from a work trip? You need to leave that job, it is time to join me in ministry’’ he said.

‘’Let us keep praying’’ I said and turned away to avoid this tired conversation.

Sunday service went well, I was happy to see Shika leading the choir. I decided to meet Imelda after church to talk more.

‘’Thank you Imelda, because of you the choir will not be where it is. Thank you for allowing Shika to take over. I know Reverend did not have any discussion with you prior to this decision. But I will like to thank you for it, I really appreciate you. I don’t know what else to say’’ I said to Imelda as soon as we settled in the office.

‘’Don’t worry Mama Zoe, at the end of the day, the church matters. We are called to obey our elders, Rev Dave knows what is best. I am not going anywhere, I will always be alert to assist anyway I can’’ she answered.

‘’God bless you, also how far with hiring an administrator and P.A to Reverend? he told me he delegated the task to you’’ I asked.

‘’Yes, I have shortlisted three people. We will be interviewing them during the week. Don’t worry, everything is under control Mama’’ She answered.

‘’Alright, Bless you Imelda, I don’t know what we will do without you. May God bless and favour you, May you never lack. Now, I know we have not had a mother-daughter chat in a while. That is very bad on my part, how are you? how is work? Love? family? Update me please’’ I said genuinely interested in her life.

‘’Work is great as always, family is fine and love…’’ she blushed at the last word.

‘’What is it?’’ I asked.

‘’I have met someone but it is too soon to tell. We get along well, he is everything I have asked God for. Infact, I know he is the one I am destined to marry but I don’t want to be the one to tell him. He has to seek the voice of God to know for himself’’ she said.

‘’Hmmm…how sure are you he is the one God sent to you?’’ I asked.

‘’From the day I set my eyes on him, I knew it. This is my husband. I believe he knows this too,though he has not said it yet. I think there is another person distracting him. The best I can do is pray and hope he eventually hears from God’’ she said.

‘’What if he doesn’t?’’ I asked.

‘’He will, Mama Zoe’’ she said with certainty.

‘’I do not like to plant doubt but prepare your heart if he doesn’t’’ I said.

‘’Of course Mama, if he doesn’t. I guess the enemy has won and God will reward me with something better’’ she said.

‘’Good’’ I said and prayed for her, asking God to give clarity to the situation.

Just as I was about to leave, Jordan came to my office asking to see me. I guess this is my welcome gift for being absent for two weeks.

‘’Apologies for this meeting on such a short notice’’ he stated.

‘’Sure, what is bothering my favourite pastor?’’ I asked, a little banter we share.

‘’You flatter me, don’t worry, I will not tell Reverend’’ he bantered back and we both laughed.

‘’I am listening’’ I said

‘’I don’t know if you have ever been in this situation. But how do you choose between two people, you like them. I am currently in a similar dilemma, I like two ladies but I don’t know who to be with’’ he said.

‘’First of all, this is dangerous waters for a pastor. I hope you haven’t made any promises ?’’ I asked.

‘’No, just still getting to know them but I do not want to lead someone on and then disappoint them. I have counselled enough young people to know that it hurts’’ he said.

‘’Have you prayed about it?’’ I asked.

‘’Fasted and all, but God keeps telling me the choice is mine. I mean can’t he just make it for me?’’ he asked, exasperated.

‘’Do I know the ladies? You know I am discreet’’ I said.

‘’Yes, you do, but I will rather keep it to myself’’ he said.

‘’Alright, I guess they are both god-fearing women. Since you will not mention their names, we will call them Mary and Martha. Now tell me about them’’ I said and he giggled.

‘’Funny you use those names as an example. Mary is …I don’t know, she makes me speechless. I am physically and mentally attracted to her. She makes me feel things I haven’t felt in ages. She is talented, focused but she is quite jaded by her past. We are working on it, but …’’ he started, and the names of the girls dropped in my spirit.

‘’Is it between Shika and Imelda?’’ the words rolled out of my tongue before I could catch them.

‘’Wow…you really are a prophetess’’ he said.

‘’continue your dilemma…”

‘’Yes, you know how Shika is. They are both your daughters. Imelda, is efficient, prayerful, ready to serve, very caring… I am so confused’’  he ranted.

‘’Hmmm… You like Imelda because she is a safe choice, she will flow as a pastor’s wife but are you attracted to her?’’ I asked, after a long pause.

‘’I guess…I mean looks die with age’’ he said.

‘’Jordan, let us not try to spiritualise this matter. Physical attraction is key. From the sparkle in your eye when describing Shika, she is who you want. You are just afraid that you have to work for her love. Personally, this is a personal observation, the Spirit has not said anything. I think you just respect Imelda and are grateful to her for how she helped you integrate. You do not have to show your gratitude by forcing to love her. This is just my observation, continue to pray about it. At least you are blessed to make the choice between two Christians…’’ I said, remembering my choice years ago.

‘’Hmmmm, true…’’ he said, looking pensive.

‘’Now let me give you another perspective. If both of them just call you right away, telling you they are getting married. Whose invitation will hurt the most?’’ I asked.

I prayed with him before he left. What if the man Imelda is talking about is Jordan? Jordan better clear her confusion before it turns to something else. If only, I had someone to guide me concerning my spousal choice. Dave is a good man, but I probably should have waited a bit.

Monday morning

I strutted into the office with confidence. I got there earlier than expected. School children on vacation is the best, the roads are clear. As soon as I opened my door, there sat Yaw sprawled on the office couch with breakfast on the table.

‘’Bonjour Madame’’ he said gesturing to the breakfast.

This man has really been sent by the devil, seeing him on the couch brought flashbacks from the dream I had over the weekend. I hated the feeling it evoked between my thighs.

‘’Yaw, there are so many offices, what are you doing here?’’ I asked.

‘’Whoa! What did I do wrong? Bringing you breakfast?’’ he was alarmed by my reception.

‘’Sorry, thank you. I really just need a moment…alone’’ I said.

‘’Okay, sure.’’ He said and left my office.

I don’t think I can do this. Maybe Dave is right, I have to quit my job. Yaw is not going to stop, as Reverend Isaac preached on Sunday from Matthew 5:29 ‘’If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away…’’

Then again, I remembered the words Aurora uttered during her training session ‘’We need to stop being male-centered. We cannot continue to let them dictate our lives!!!’’. All my decisions have been influenced by the men in my life, I need a moment. What example am I setting for Davida?

DAVE

I sat at the back of the G wagon, being chauffeured everywhere is nice. There were police escorts ahead and the sirens were blazing, giving way for smooth movement. I was on my way to assist the president cut sod for a new ultra-modern hospital built with the assistance of the church.

‘’Knock Knock’’ the tap on the door of my office woke me up. All that was a dream.

‘’Come in’’ I said as I popped a mint in my mouth to mask the nap breath I had. It was Pastor Isaac, alerting me of our scheduled meeting. I was so exhausted that, after preaching I came to the office to nap a little.

I signalled the others to enter for our meeting. It was just Pastor Isaac, Pastor Jordan, Pastor Sandra and Imelda.

 Pastor Isaac revealed that we needed more money for the church. Per his statistics, anytime Mama Zoe preached or prophesied, people gave more. The highest figure was from the day Shika ministered. We need a plan to put the two of them on the pulpit to see what happens.

‘’This feels a bit manipulative, doesn’t it?’’ Jordan said, after the conclusion.

‘’Which part?’’ I asked.

‘’I mean, it is different if Mama Zoe and Shika minister because they are led to but to strategically do it this way, it doesn’t feel right’’ he remarked.

‘’So how do you expect us to raise funds for the church?’’ Pastor Isaac asked.

‘’From what I can see, we have funds. We are just in a rush to open two more branches. It is like biting more than you can chew. Why don’t we work with what we have? ’’ Jordan suggested.

‘’Pastor Jordan, I appreciate your input but this is God’s kingdom. He has asked us to open two more branches before the year ends. This is God showing us the way, using the gifts He has blessed us with, and that is my wife and Shika. Other men of God are washing money for criminals and lying to their members that it is grace. We are simply utilising the vessels God gave us. At the end of the day, to whom much is given, much is expected. We are blessing them to use their gifts for the kingdom. The money is not going into my pocket or buying me a new car, it is for a church. Don’t you think we need more churches? ‘’ I asked. Jordan nodded his head in agreement.

After a few pointers, Jordan presented a program he is organising for the young boys in the church. He calls it “Iron and Fire’’, a barbecue meet with career mentors from  various backgrounds.

‘’I was about to ask for funds for this but since that is an issue. I will try and sort it myself’’ he said after his presentation.

‘’Why are you not holding it on the church premises? but at your friends’ event centre?’’ Isaac asked.

‘’I know the church is a home, but to dig deeper and allow these boys to feel free. A neutral gorund is needed, so psychologically, they will feel more at ease’’ he answered.

‘’How come neither Reverend David nor I appear on the list of mentors?’’ Isaac asked.

‘’Concerning Reverend Dave, they revere him and for you, Pastor Isaac, they are a bit scared of you. I want them relaxed and with much younger mentors they can relate to. Don’t worry, I know these people personally’’ Jordan said.

‘’So you guys will just eat meat and talk?” Pastor Isaac scoffed.

‘’Will this by any chance raise some funds for the church?’’ I asked before I realised it was a big mistake.

‘’No, this is what the church can do for their young men’’ Jordan answered.

‘’Don’t mind me, I was just kidding. Since we cannot offer you money from the church coffers, I will send you something from my personal account to help in the organisation’’ I said.

‘’Me too, just let me know how I can help’’ Imelda added, and we both looked at Pastors Isaac and Sandra.

‘’I have some water remaining from my baby’s naming ceremony, I will donate that’’ Pastor Sandra offered.

‘’I will send you something’’ Pastor Isaac added begrudgingly.

I guess I will hear more about this from my sons when they get back. Now, the next first Sunday, I cannot wait to see the Shika and Zoe effect. By the end of this year, those two branches must materialise.

DAVIDA

 I stood at my window, staring at Uncle Yaw and mummy talking downstairs by his car. I think Uncle Yaw has a crush on mummy, he is so cool. He looks at her the way Omar looks at me sometimes. I will definitely enjoy myself this week with the money he gave me. Suddenly, I got a call from Omar.

‘’Hi babes, I miss you’’ he said as soon as I picked up.

‘’Miss you too’’ I said in a shy tone.

‘’So when am I seeing you again? Madam Rapunzel stuck in her tower!!’’ he teased.

‘’Maybe on Friday, Blessing and I are arranging something’’ I said.

‘’Cool, just keep me posted because I have to go to the mosque. I can come by your house too’’ he said.

‘’What? No, I don’t want my mother getting involved’’ I said.

“She seems nice, I am just a friend…unless you have an answer’’ he said.

‘’Not yet’’ I said.

‘’….okay, so you will be turning 18 next week. Any party? Plans?’’ he asked.

‘’Apart from preparing to write my practical exam and getting a driving license? None. My parents are not big on parties. Since it is a Sunday, just church and maybe a dinner. I know the present I am getting from them already’’ I answered.

‘’What is it?’’ he asked.

‘’A car but I don’t know the make and type yet’’ I said.

‘’That is good news! Wow!…but what happens to it when you move to New York? cause David Jnr and Zack are nowhere close to the legal age’’ he asked.

I haven’t yet told him about the plans my parents have. Omar is definitely going to Columbia University, everytime we talk, he is busy drawing visiting schedules and summer vacation plans for both of us.

‘’Errmmmmm, NYU would have been possible if I got the scholarship but I got rejected’’ I said.

‘’Awwww, we can work something out. We can get a loan from my dad, but we will have to work to pay it off. He does it for people all the time” he suggested.

‘’It is not that, I have to school here and open a campus ministry. Remember I am my dad’s first born’’ I said, there was a long pause on the phone.

‘’Hello…’’ I said trying to catch his attention.

‘’Hey, I am here. I really don’t know what to say. I sort of get it, I get to make my own chocies because of Hakim. He did the same, continuing the legacy…’’ he said.

‘’I guess Hakim and I will be best friends’’ I managed to joke and he chuckled a bit.

‘’This sucks!’’ he exclaimed.

‘’So, I guess I cannot be your girlfriend anymore’’ I said.

‘’You still can, but let’s talk in person. Now lets get back to your birthday, apart from the car, what do you want?’’ he said.

‘’Surprise me’’ I said.

‘’Okay, you asked for it’’ he sang.

We spent over an hour talking about anything and everything. Omar just knows how to brighten my day. His mother called so we had to hang up.

I switched on my tablet and began deleting all the bookmarked apartments and venues in New York. With every tap, the plans Omar and I had made disappeared.

The dreams of riding the subway together, spending summers in Hawaii or Cancun, and even going on a Euro trip to attend music concerts faded away. So did the imagined evening walks across our campuses whenever one of us visited the other, along with the restaurant outings and café dates I had fantasized about after reading far too many romance novels.

 After being in denial after that talk with daddy, I have to face the facts. Maybe another lifetime, or later in my life, I get to live this dream. But for now, time to commit to kingdom building…

Meanwhile in Bishop Odame’s mansion, he walks into his son, Blessing’s room.

‘’I just met Reverend Dave, and he thanked me once again for the influence you have on his daughter. For once, I am happy you managed to convince her to help her father. What at all did you say to her?’’ Bishop asked.

‘’It was the work of the Holy Spirit, He directed me Sir’’ Blessing replied.

‘’Good, good. Now I hope you don’t fall in love with her ooo. She is an attractive young lady’’ Bishop said.

‘’Not that I intend to, but what if it happens? She is a decent young woman, patient and will understand ministry work by then’’ Blessing suggested.

‘’She is, but the Osei family is a small fish in our big pond. We need to aim higher, your wife has to be very wealthy or an American or British citizen. We have to secure that line for you! We cannot go below our level, God gave us wisdom for a reason. Just stay her friend, HAVE YOU HEARD??’’ Bishop warned.

‘’Yes sir’’ Blessing replied as he watched his father leave the room.

The one person he can feel free with and be himself is not an option. Davida would have made the perfect partner for a lavender marriage…

Author’s Note
I hope you are enjoying this series and not losing sight of the characters. Do not forget to comment, like and subscribe.

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