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From our recent episodes, Jordan was conflicted with his feelings for  Shika and Imelda, he sought advice from Zoe. In addition, he has an event for the youth coming up. A barbecue mixer named ”Iron and Fire” for young men to meet mentors in various fields.

 Shika is also slowly developing feelings for Jordan, and noticed Imelda too. Will she give in fully and give Jordan a chance or insist they remain friends?

JORDAN/JAY

After my meeting with Mama Zoe and several hours of prayer, I have some level of clarity. Shika is the woman I want, this realisation is happening at an interesting time. Because, all of sudden, Imelda has been reaching out more. I avoided going to her place for ice cream during the week, and she is being a bit salty about it. Have I by any chance given her the wrong idea? I don’t recall my actions to be romantic, have I misled her? Or was it the regular texting and checking up?

“Are you okay?” Shika’s question interrupted my thoughts as I sat in her shop.

“Yeah” I answered.

I am happy to see she is back in good health and taking things a bit more slowly. She mentioned travelling for vacation, I will miss her when she is gone. Immediately, I received draft fliers for the event “Iron and Fire” happening in three weeks. The media team sent options for selection. I showed it to Shika since she is a creative, she appeared unimpressed.

“It is okay” she answered after a long pause.

“What is it? You know we do not hide things from each other. What can make this flier better?” I asked

“The flier is great but one question, is the event only for the boys?” she asked.

“Yeah, I mean, most of the mentors I know are guys like Chef Terry, Sebastian who is a renowned engineer, Kwei the morning host of Akwaaba Fm as well as AceKing the rapper and so many more. Moreover, Pastor Isaac said the girls had enough programs like these organised for them all the time” I said.

“Well, do you know the kind of programs organised for the girls? Did you ask to see their agenda?” she asked.

“No…” I answered confused.

“Girls too need mentoring not only for marriage but career. The church is always organising forums on wealth and career for the men while the women have to manage a million talks and prayers on marriage and family. Imelda’s programs for the girls are usually prayer meetings and chastity events. Two are held every year, a bible and brunch event where they study the bible. The second is a prayer meeting and purity something, where the ladies promise to keep their virginity. Once in a while, they throw in a cooking competition” she ranted, visibly upset.

“Maybe they treat the career topics during bibles and brunch?” I asked, trying to defend the leadership.

“You know Davida and I are close right, she tells me everything. She is even tired of attending herself” Shika remarked.

 She was right, I really goofed with this. How did I totally forget this goes both ways? It is not too late to make changes.

“Okay, it is not too late to salvage this. We can make it a joint venture, the problem is the female mentors I know are based in the USA. But I can start from here, why don’t you be a mentor? I am sure I will figure the rest out” I answered.

“No please, if you put my face on a flier. Nobody will allow their daughter to attend. After all, per their standards, I did not ‘work hard’ for my capital. As if being a sugar baby…never mind. I am just not the person suited for this. But I can get you mentors, Mama Zoe knows a lot of powerful women because of the women empowerment conference she organises every two years. I will be going to her office later in the day. I will send you their details” she said.

“Thank you so much, not only for the mentors but for pointing out my bias. I should have insisted on inviting both boys and girls” I said.

“You are welcome. Plus that will even increase the numbers, it will feel like a party” she added.

She is right, I have forgotten most of these teens spend their lives in boarding houses and barely socialise for months. This is a great opportunity and they get to learn new things in the process.

“Do you have chaperones? And what about any registration process so their parents are aware, not forgetting transport?” Shika asked.

“Whoaa! I forget things work here differently. I will arrange all that” I answered, realising I had not figured a lot of things out.

“You know what? I will help you” she offered noticing the slight panic on my face.

“You just recovered, hand me a list of things to consider. I am not a baby” I said and she agreed.

We spent more time planning the other logistics. With Shika’s support, I was able to contact other members to assist and figure everything out. Now, I just have to convince Pastor Isaac, I am sure Imelda will not have a problem. She is the best person to convince Pastor Isaac, she does no wrong in his eyes. That means I have to talk to her about this.

Later in the evening…

I received a message from Shika with the names and contacts of the mentors as I parked my car in front of Imelda’s house. The list of mentors had confirmed their attendance, I just had to send them the final agenda once it is ready. I then texted Imelda announcing my presence, in no time she appeared outside her house, dressed in this gorgeous dress with a slit showing off her legs. I got out of the car and leaned on the bonnet.

“Why didn’t you come up?” Imelda asked.

“I will be leaving soon plus it is kind of late. I just wanted to see you” I said, her eyes widened ‘’I mean to speak to you’’ I added to manage her expectations.

“Okay, hope all is well?” she asked

“By God’s grace. After prayer and a lot of thought, I have decided to open the Iron and Fire event to the young ladies as well. I have everything sorted out, I just want Pastor Isaac on board therefore I came to his whisperer to make that happen” I said and she smiled.

“That is a lovely idea, so don’t you need mentors for the girls?” she asked.

“Already handled” I answered and she looked surprised.

“They have to be approved by Mama Zoe” she added.

“The list is from Mama Zoe herself, don’t bother your sweet head about that. All I need from you is to get Pastor Isaac on board” I said.

“Since it is at an event center, it is going to be difficult…” she said.

“I know, so I have parental approval slips prepared, plus transportation organised to and from the church. I will personally ensure each teenager’s departure home is well coordinated with their parents and guardians. Also, security will be tightened to ensure there is no truancy or runaways” I assured.

“You have everything sorted out then. Wow… have you thought of joining the events committee?” she asked.

“No, it is not my calling. I got some help from a few church members” I lied, all this was from Shika but I have this feeling Imelda is not a fan of Shika.

“Nice, making use of your resources. Since you have everything covered, I will speak to Pastor Isaac. If you need any other assistance, do not hesitate to let me know” she said.

“Thank you so much. I will definitely do that” I said.

“So are you coming up for your ice cream?” she asked.

“I wish, but I have had a lot of sweets today. I am trying to cut back” I answered while tapping my belly.

“Oh okay…so you came all the way here to ask for a favour…” she stated.

“Yes…because it will be rude to just do it over the phone. I needed you to see my sad eyes” I said, giving her puppy eyes and she giggled.

“Smooth… just let me know if you need anything. I don’t mind being a mentor too” she suggested.

“Sure, if you are up for it, then I will update the fliers. Here” I said, while showing her some of the fliers on my phone when a message from Shika popped up.

“You left your key card in my shop. Will you pass by my apartment for it or should I bring it to the shop tomorrow?”

Imelda saw it, I do not mind passing Shika’s house for it. It is not too late, it is just 7pm. I opened the chat and replied that I was on my way.

“You cannot stay for ice cream but you are going to Shika’s?” Imelda asked.

“It is my office key card, I need it tomorrow and driving to her shop in the morning with that traffic? No way” I answered.

“Oh okay, just be careful. Remember the vision I had, watch who you hang with. I know Shika seems great and all, but just pray. I have this bad feeling, I just can’t shake it off. I don’t think it is something to do with her, but probably some spirits from her family. People can be good but the spirits following them can cause havoc to their loved ones. Just be careful, I will be praying for you” she said in a concerned tone before we bade each other farewell.

SHIKA

 As I was leaving the shop to see Mama Zoe, I noticed Jay left his office key card on the desk. I will text him about it later. I got to Zoe’s office, I forgot to knock and opened the door. She was having lunch with this handsome gentleman, the way they were seated close together on her couch, looked suspicious. She introduced us and I remembered his name, we usually chat via emails. He is the silent partner who basically bankrolls Purple Linen. Aha! so this is Yaw Djimah.

“Well, I am here about Purple Linen and church business. I can wait downstairs. I will return when you are done” I suggested after introductions, I was clearly an uninvited third party to whatever atmosphere this is.

“No, sit, I am trying not to be so silent anymore. Join us, there is enough to go round” he encouraged.

“Thank you but I am stuffed” I replied.

I then proceeded to brief both of them on activities so far and future plans. At one point, I noticed he fed Mama Zoe some of his meal and proceeded to use the same utensil. How comfortable are these two? She seemed used to the attention and ignored him while completely focused on me.  But the way Mr. Yaw kept staring at her lips when she spoke and the occasional back rubs he gave during the meal and presentation was interesting, this man is walking with a bad mind, a very bad one.

After the presentation and their lunch, one of the cleaners appeared to clear the space before he left the two of us alone.

“Well, nobody clears when it is just us eating” I sneered when he left.

“Hahahahaha, because he is the CEO and is always tipping them. Everybody hovers around” she answered.

“Interesting. Is he single?” I asked.

“Yes, if you can compete with two baby mamas and three children” she replied.

“Not for me. I am just curious. Mama Zoe, I do not want to overstep but are you guys really just friends? Have you dated before?” I asked.

“Why does everyone keep asking this question? No, we are just friends” she answered.

“Mama, I know men and Mr. Yaw is not looking for friendship. Anyway, just be wary because if that one mounts you, it will take Moses’ staff to pry him off” I said and she laughed.

“Don’t be silly Shika” she said and we discussed the mentorship event organised by Jordan.

In no time, she contacted a few mentors who were readily available to support.

“So, what is going on between you and Pastor Jordan?” she asked as she walked me to the car.

“Well, we both like each other. We are just taking things slow, getting to know one another” I answered.

“That’s nice. Very soon you will be Mama Shika too” she teased.

“OMG, and that is what grinds my bones everytime. I am not cut out to be an osofo maame. For one, they will have to address me by Mrs… and the following around to events. Sitting by his side and all that, it is not my style..” I lamented.

“Then define yours, I will introduce you to Dr. Ewoenam. She is her own definition of a pastor’s wife. She is a biker, loves to hike, an all-round adventure junkie. She does not sit at the front with her husband, she sits with the media team. You do not have to change, and knowing Jordan, that is what he likes about you. Shika relax, pray and take things slow as you said” she advised.

Later that evening..

I reheated the grilled pork I bought earlier, set it up with some wine and started watching one of my favourite series ‘Things we do for love’. Suddenly, Jay’s secret knock interrupted me. I thought he will pick up his key card in the morning since he did not come at the time he stated.

“You are late” I said as I let him in.

“There was an accident right at your junction causing traffic leading to my delay. I did not want to turn back after making it all the way here” he answered.

“Okay. Any casualties?” I asked

“No, just one driver with a minor injury. The shop he run into was empty” he answered.

”We thank God, here is your key…”

“Hmmm, what smells good?” he interrupted me.

“Pork from Auntie Peace, you can join me” I said, gesturing to my set up.

“Is that Things we do for love, loved this series like mad” he made himself comfortable.

“Let me get you something else to drink, the wine is alcoholic” I said.

“It’s okay, one glass will not hurt” he said.

“Ei Osofo, aren’t you supposed to discourage me?” I asked.

“What was Jesus’ first miracle? Come on, let’s go, the food is getting cold” he said with glee.

We watched just two episodes and he drank only half a glass before leaving. He kept getting calls from Imelda, but he switched off his phone.

“This was fun, we should do this more often. Not always bible studies, I need to charm you like my woman not a church member” he said as he hugged me. This was not his usual pentecost hug, this was a bit more tighter and warm.

“Your woman?” I asked.

“Shika, let’s stop dancing around. There is more to this” he whispered in my ear and planted a kiss on my cheek. Before I could utter a word, his lips found mine. We shared a passionate kiss, and whew! Pastor’s lips know how to work!

“Pastor Jordan” I said softly, teasing when we paused.

“It’s Jay to you” he kissed my forehead before leaving.

I don’t remember the last time I was kissed like this. Let us just blame it on the wine.

Early the next morning, Jay called me.

“Hello my love, sleep well?” he asked

“Yes and you?” I answered.

“Awesome after what happened. First, apologies if the kiss made you feel some kinda way. I enjoyed it, I ain’t gonna lie. But, we both want to practice abstinence. So, before we officially become more than friends, I will like us to talk about boundaries and establish certain principles. Is that alright with you?” he asked.

I am so blessed; how did I get this gorgeous man who not only understands me but is honest.

“That is fine with me, but I am not ready to be more than friends” I answered.

Honestly, I have not earnestly prayed about us. I dismissed any possibility because he is a pastor but after talking with Mama Zoe. It is time to take this decision more seriously.

“Oh…alright. Just let me know when” he said, disappointed.

3 weeks later.

The Iron and Fire event attracted almost all the youth members. They invited their friends from other churches as well. With Shika and other members’ assistance, logistics and transport to the event center went smoothly.

JORDAN/JAY

I watched the young ones interact with the mentors with keen interest and it did not matter the gender. Lots of them gathered round Nuerkie, Mama Jessica’s daughter as she explained running her family empire and business opportunities available in different sectors.

My car refused to start this morning, and by God’s mercies, Shika was in the neighbourhood picking up pastries for the event. She drove me to the church where I joined the bus to arrive with the youth. I totally forgot to organise the media team so Shika volunteered. I watched her take videos and pictures, while trying to avoid the young ladies prying for her attention. She redirected them to other mentors.

“You should start talking to them, from my observation, you are the only lady in a unique creative industry here” I whispered to her and in no time, she was seated with a group answering their questions.

The event was a success, but some of my guests were still hanging around. My tasks were incomplete, I had to send the children back to the church premises and oversee the chaperones handing them over to their guardians. Since Shika drove to the venue, she gave me her car keys and offered to do the bus coordination for me. I was so grateful, I made my way to the restaurant to sit with Terry and Kwei. Two of my closest friends who volunteered to be mentors. Terry is a chef and Kwei is a famous radio presenter.

After our short meeting, collating feedback and information, we discussed the way forward with more mentoring events like these and how to keep the .

“So what is going on between you and that ginger spice? the one with the body!!!” Kwei asked dramatically, drawing a curvy figure with his hands.

“Show some respect, her name is Shika. I like her, I want her to be my wife but she is doing long” I answered.

“I knew it! she looks so familiar but I just remembered. Her name is Goldie, Honourable Kwesi Dikan’s former babe, the one they beat up” Kwei blurted.

“Yo! That was years ago. I heard she is not about that life anymore” Terry said.

“Yes, she is a different person now and this is my last warning about showing respect towards Shika” I said.

“Sorry bro, I can see she has changed” Kwei said.

Just then Imelda appeared.

“There are still some drinks left, do you want any?” she asked the guests.

“I will like some pineapple and ginger juice” Kwei said while Terry and I declined.

She came back with the drink on a tray, some pastries and tissues and served Kwei.

“Jordan, what time will you be leaving? I don’t mind dropping you home. I noticed you didn’t bring your car” she stated.

“Don’t worry, Shika left her car with me” I said and flashed her the keys.

“Oh…okay. I guess it is goodbye. See you at church on Sunday. Nice meeting you gentlemen” Imelda said. I thanked her for her presence and walked her to her car.

“Who is this beauty too that has been giving you googly eyes the whole day?” Terry asked as soon as I returned

“Imelda? she is like a sister” I answered.

“Mister, I don’t think she knows that. She likes you papa. You should see the way she walked towards this table” Terry exclaimed.

“Well, I have eyes for Shika and Shika alone” I said.

“And Shika is doing long. Those who want never get indeed! I hate to be that guy but this Imelda lady looks decent. She is beautiful, fashionable, church girl like you, respectful. Shika on the other hand, I mean forget her past. You are a pastor, people will always talk about it. Other Christians will even pass certain stupid comments, plus I know her jewellery business is a big one. She is loaded, she lives in that penthouse in the Paradise building. I saw the Mercedes she drives and you with your 2024 Rav4? Will you move into her penthouse when you marry? Or are you hiring a small house at Tse Addo for both of you? Can you afford her vacations? Wardrobe? Because even the simple looking Maison Margiela sneakers she paired with her African print top and pants today cost about $620. When she passed by me, she smelled like money. I love you bro but with this Shika woman, you are biting more than you can chew” Kwei ranted.

“So insecure, forget this buffon. Once she likes you, you are good. You make decent money and you treat her well. She will be alright, take it from someone who has dated rich girls” Terry encouraged.

“You sef, what is going on between you and Nuerkie?” I asked Terry, steering the conversation in a different direction.

But Kwei’s words lingered, money has never been a problem. I have always been the wealthier person in a relationship. This time, the tables have turned. I know I can give Shika a comfortable life, and honestly I don’t mind moving into her penthouse and giving her money as rent. It is close to a lot of major venues and barely has traffic. I wonder what my parents will think about this. About the designers, I cannot always buy them but I can try. With the holidays, I may not be able to cover the full cost but I can contribute. The only benefit she might get from me is that I have an American passport which I haven’t told her about. I am willing to try my best, the only question that haunts me is, will my best be enough for her?

Later I met up with Shika at the church, she drove me home before going to hers.  The reel she created for the event was stunning, it went viral on our social media pages. Even some bloggers did a commentaries and breakdowns on them. On Monday, I sent a lovely hamper filled with beauty items and a gift card for a spa treatment. She was surprised and impressed.

She decided on spending her holiday in Kenya, she mentioned it was her goal to discover more African countries from now on. Her way of contributing to the continent, Shika is so thoughtful. I managed to get details on her hotel, since I will not be able to join her on this trip. I organised a little surprise for her in Kenya.

IMELDA

Shika and I met up in my office to finalise some choral duties since she will be absent for some days. She claimed it was a solo vacation to Kenya.

“You and Jordan, what is up?” I asked when we finished.

“Ermmm…I like you Imelda but that is personal information I will not like to divulge” she answered with a straight face.

“Look, I know Jordan very well. In fact a lot these men of God are not always who they say they are. I am not saying Pastor Jordan is one of them. You are quite new to the fold, so I am just advising you” I said.

“Interesting! Tell me more…” she said in a tone that was difficult to decipher if she was being serious or sarcastic.

“Just pray and be wary of the church guys. They are no different from the men of the world” I advised before we spoke about other things.

A week later…

One of RLM’s eligible bachelors was getting married, a member of the new welfare committee set up. He was having his ceremony in Akosombo, quite a distance. I managed to convince Jordan to drive, so I join him and make it road trip.

On the morning of the wedding, he picked me up. I thought it will be just the two of us till he stopped to add Agnes and Tetteh too. Why are those two everywhere? Don’t they have their own car? I took a lot of videos and pictures of our time at the event. I decided to create a reel not only of the couple but glimpses of him as well, to confuse my followers, to give a subtle hint. The cover song I selected was ‘This is why, I love you’ By CallmeJB. I barely use secular songs but this one has a lot of clean lyrics.

On our return, he received a call from Shika. We were close to Agnes and Tetteh’s house.

“Hey love, you are on loudspeaker, Agnes , Tetteh and Imelda are here” he quickly said when he picked up.

“Oh okay, hello everybody!! Mr and Mrs Tetteh, my favourite couple!!” she greeted, I forgot she was close with them.

“Hiiii” we all chimed back.

“Shika Ya fe wo¹, hurry up and come” Aggie remarked.

“I miss you too, don’t worry eh, you will see me soon. We will go for girls’ brunch. Aha! since you are here, what is Amy’s shoe size?” Shika asked and she spoke with the Tettehs for a while.

“Please stop highjacking my call, Shika called me” Jordan exclaimed when the call between Shika and the Tettehs had gone on for a while.

“Hahahahha, sorry ooo, how was the wedding?” Shika asked.

“Romantic” I answered.

“Hmmm, sounds like I missed. Well drive safe, call me when you get home Jay” she said.

“Ayt, bye” he replied and she hung up.

“Call me when you get home Jay” Tetteh mimicked her voice teasing Jordan and we all laughed.

“Can we call you Jay too?” Agnes asked.

“Hahahaha, no. That is reserved for only my woman” he said.

I was dumbfounded, did he just say his woman? Everywhere went blur for a bit, then a knot formed in chest. My spirit began to boil, my inner-man felt uncomfortable.

“Is Shika our incoming Mama?” Agnes asked with glee.

“I want her to, but she has been praying about it for a month now. Please help me ooo since you guys are close to her, her favourite couple as she says” Jay pleaded with the Tettehs.

“You want to marry Shika?” I asked in a stern tone and the atmosphere in the car changed.

“Yes?!” Jordan answered in a why-are-you-surprised tone.

“After all I have said? The visions and nightmares?” I asked.

“Yes, I have prayed about it and my spirit is good with it” he said.

“What about what God says?” I asked.

“God says it is up to me” he answered as he parked in front of Tetteh’s house.

“Are you sure? Because my spirit rebukes this!” I said. Just then, a loud gasp escapes Agnes’ mouth. I totally forgot they were in the car.

“The Tetteh’s, we are here” Jay announced. They reluctantly descended from the car.

Jay did not utter another word throughout the drive to my place. The only sound in the car was the voice of Joe Mettle playing from the speakers.

“Imelda, I have a lot of respect for you. You are like my sister. But You will not tell me who to date or marry. I love Shika, that ship has sailed” he said when we got to my place.

“Wow, I will just continue to pray that your eyes will be opened one day” I said and slammed the door on my way out.

Immediately I got into my room, I sank to the floor and started speaking in tongues. Jay is meant to be my husband, the one God designed for me. Why is the enemy taking him away? I have prayed and fasted, wrote his name in my Hallelujah Challenge journal. I am sure Shika used her Jezebel ways to snatch him. This must have happened the night he went for his key card, he probably slept with her. I remember I called on several times to ensure he is home safe, he kept rejecting the calls. First she took the choir, then Davida and now Jordan?

I will travail, I will pray, my marriage is happening this year or early next year. The enemy will not win this time. My God never fails.

Agnes and Tetteh

Tetteh: You too, why did you gasp? They totally forgot we were in the car. We would have heard more.

Agnes: Don’t blame me. I was in shock. The way she said in authority ‘My spirit rebukes this’ confused me.

Tetteh: Knowing those two, the rest of that conversation will stay with them.

Agnes: You know who we can get the rest of the kokonsa from?

Tetteh: Who?

Agnes: Shika, Jordan will definitely tell her. So we have to tell her our side, then she will complete it.

Tetteh: You really haven’t studied Shika, she will not utter a word. The person who will get this full gist is Mama Zoe. Another secretive one.

Agnes: So the story fall water inside? Ah well! With time, we will know the truth. I am happy for Shika though. We have to talk some for pastor. She has to bring her mind fast because the way Imelda is wilding?

Tetteh: That is our task now, unless our spirit rebukes it?

They both laughed as they undressed to shower together…