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Nuerkie was stood up by Yaw and is tired of the dates her mother sets up for her. Kojo on the other hand is on a path to rediscovery, and is having doubts about a lot of things.

Tuesday

NUERKIE

The bibles and brunch event over the weekend was successful. I have scheduled a meeting with Shika later in the week to help with my workout and meal plan. For my organisational structure, she recommended Imelda. This is interesting because early on, Imelda warned me about Shika, and here is Shika recommending her for a job. This world is crazy, I am tempted to call Shika and tell her everything but my friends have asked me to watch my mouth. Apparently, I have a big one. This is unfair to Shika.

I exited my room to get to work, this time I will be going to our warehouses and garages. I wore a simple shirt, jeans and sneakers.

“Nuerkie, there is someone I would like you to meet” my mother said as she met me at the foot of the staircase.

“Mama, I told you on Sunday. No more dates. I started this and now I am ending it” I reminded her. We had a lengthy discussion on why she should stop setting up the dates.

“Okay, just this last person then I will stay out of your way” she announced.

I took a deep breath and stared at her, she gave me her sad manipulative eyes.

“Okay then, send the details to Efua” I said referring to my assistant

“Already did, he will pass by the office today”

“MY OFFICE?” I asked, alarmed.

“Kiekie easy, relax. He is also an important person” she argued.

“Like the one who stood me up the last time” I retorted.

“My daughter, I have apologized a million times, this is the last one. If you don’t like, I will wash my hands off these dating appointments” she said, dramatically making a hand-washing gesture.

“Yes Mama, okay… one last chance” I said before walking away.

I got to my office at 2pm after finishing the rounds in the warehouse and garage. Before entering my office, I stopped by Efua, my assistant’s desk.

“What time is the appointment my mother set up?” I asked, after she updated me on some tasks.

“4pm, but you have a vi…lunch has been served in your office” she said, stifling a smile.

I ignored her and opened the door, and seated was Terry in simple emerald green shirt and jeans, not his usual chef outfit. He let his locks hang and the shirt had the first two buttons opened, exposing part of his well chiseled moisturised chest.

“Efua, are you in the mood to lose your job? how much did Terry pay you to say that? And allow him into my office?” I asked.

“…Em…em…Because we always order food from his restaurant, I thought you were friends, plus he showed me a picture from two days ago, he was based in your home office. I ..thought it will be a lovely surprise. I am so sorry, I had no idea you did …” she stuttered with her explanation.

“It’s alright, just don’t play this stunt with any other person again” I interrupted, feeling sorry for her.

“Sorry Efua, but hey it worked out. She is cool” Terry said, smiling at her which calmed her down a bit.

I closed my office door and burst out laughing

“That is a good one, lunch is served?” I said and he laughed too.

“But lunch is served, here” he lifted the huge modern picnic basket, and started bring out containers from a food warmer. I was surprised, I expected a brown bag lunch.

 “You look disappointed, unless it is me you want to eat. That can be arranged” he added and started unbuttoning his shirt slowly.

“Stop it! be serious” I said amidst laughter and he stopped. “I am not disappointed, I am just surprised lunch is not from the restaurant” I said.

“Oh, Emefa now handles the lunch rush, I just do the dinners. This is freshly made from my personal kitchen” he said as he dished the food out into a plate he had carried along. He really had everything thought out.

 He served me and then fixed a plate for Efua too and sent it to her desk.

We had lunch together, it was a simple meal of yam balls with chicken and steamed vegetables and sauce, it was so good.

“This is so good, I just can’t stop” I said between mouthfuls as I poured more of the chilled pressed juice he brought.

“Title of our sex tape” he said.

“What?” I asked.

“A joke from a TV series, your previous statement can be the title of our sex tape” he said and I remembered it was from Brooklyn 99, a series I enjoyed. But the main character says ‘your sex tape’ instead ‘our’ but I like Terry’s twist.

“Oh Terry!” I exclaimed

“That’s what you will moan if you have me for dessert” he added and slapped my forehead and kept mute for a while.

“Won’t you speak again?” he asked.

“No, not when my mouth is full”

“Title of our se..” he started.

“Shut up T!” I interrupted playfully and we both laughed.

“I will behave myself, let us just enjoy our meal” he said.

Once again, Terry and I got lost in conversation about life and business. He is so easy to talk to and he gets me. After, he handed me some chocolates for dessert. While packing up the plates, I found myself staring at him as he strolled to collect the last plate from Efua. I was so lost admiring him, I did not notice him return.

“You like what you see huh” he said interrupting my thoughts and I rolled my eyes.

“Thank you for the meal” I said as I got up to give him a hug.

“Always welcome” he hugged me back and planted a peck on my cheek. I was glad he didn’t try to be naughty.

“But no surprises next time. What if my dad walked in with me?” I asked.

“Then we will all eat together” he said.

I was so full from the meal that I decided to walk him to his car as a form of exercise. Per Shika’s counsel, I need to walk a bit after a meal. I noticed the workers kept whispering to themselves, T was not shy at all. I observed the security guys were enthusiastic when they saw him.

I later found out from one of them that he sometimes sends them food too when I order.

After working for about thirty minutes, Efua called to let me know that Mama Zoe had sent someone from Nubian Mining to deliver a package. I wonder what it is. The door opened. And it was the CEO, Yaw Djimah, holding a box of cupcakes from Dee’s Sweets (my homegirl’s company).

“Sorry to interrupt your day, but I came to apologise in person for standing you up. I have told Dave not to set me up, sorry to have disappointed you” he said casually.

“I was not disappointed. I also did not want that date. It was my mother. I just don’t like being disrespected” I said with a stern tone.

“Yeah, sorry about that. Here are some cupcakes” he added as he placed them carelessly on my desk.

“Come on Mr. Djimah, I may look young but I am not a kid” I said as I rose from my seat “A proper apology will be the Ganda contract” I added.

“Oh wow! You don’t play around at all. I guess I should have done my homework. You lost the Ganda contract because you guys failed to show up for the meeting. After, Zoe stuck her neck out for you” he said.

“That was my brother, but give us this new extension you are constructing. I promise you, we will deliver. I will personally ensure this. Then, I will consider your apology” I said.

“What if I say no?” he bluffed.

I thought for a while, the only reason he came here was because Mama Zoe told him to. He must have a lot of respect for her.

“I will just tell Zoe that I expected more from her as my pastor and how can she disrespect me and my family this way by sending you to my office? Or better still, talk to Rev Dave and he will in turn, talk to his wife and wonder why she advised you to come here in the first place with this flimsy excuse of an apology. I can be very dramatic and convincing!” I threatened.

“So, you will lie?” he asked, surprised.

“Oh no. I am not lying. Just analyse this carefully. You agree to a date with me, a busy woman. You do not show up or even call to cancel. You appear six days later with four measly cupcakes as an apology? Come on Mr. Djimah, you should know better”

“No-nonsense-Nuerkie indeed. I like that, okay, I will let my assistant arrange another meeting but I will not make any promises” he said.

“Works for me” I said.

“I came here thinking it will be easy, but you are tough. Maybe I should have appeared at that date, and get to know you more” he said suggestively.

“Hmmmmmmm…sorry but you are not my type” I said.

“Come on, I am everyone’s type” he scoffed.

“You have like five baby mamas and multiple children. I didn’t escape teenage pregnancy to add to your kingdom” I said as I took my seat,

“Wow! Correction, it is two baby mamas and just three kids” he said.

“Just three…are you listening to yourself?” I asked in a dry, cynical tone.

“You know, let us just stick to business talks. Nice meeting you and my assistant will get in touch” he said.

“Nice meeting you too” I said and he walked away.

Finally, that contract is going to be mine. Daddy will be so proud. I will not tell him until everything is finalised. I was about to continue working when another call from Efua came through, my mother’s date was in, I checked the time, it was exactly 4pm. He is punctual, I reluctantly pressed the unlock button under my desk to let him in.

The man who walked in looked familiar, he was clean shaven and easy on the eyes. He had a dad bod and wore a simple kaftan. His face so familiar.

“Good evening Nuerkie, I am Kelly” he introduced himself and a lightbulb came on in my head. Minister Kelly, the gospel musician.

“Oh! Good evening Minister Kelly, I was trying to place your face. Have a seat” I offered.

“Sorry for interrupting your day, I just wanted to meet you somewhere comfortable, just to talk, nothing major. So how has your day been?” he asked.

“Good, nothing crazy and yours?” I asked.

“Cool, I was just kind of nervous about meeting you. You are so beautiful” he complimented.

“Thank you”

“So, is it your birthday or something?’’ he asked, pointing to the cupcakes Yaw brought that were still perched on my table.

“Oh no, some apology present from a business associate” I said.

“Okay, now I feel bad for not bringing you anything. I just wanted to know you a bit better”

“Don’t worry about it. So how did my mother approach you? With a picture of me?” I asked

“Hahaha, exactly but she did not mean any harm, plus who will say no to meeting a smart and gorgeous woman like you?” he said.

“Thank you again”

“I can see you are exhausted so I will take my leave. But, can we see each other later? We can go for midweek service together” he suggested.

“Okay, I will check my calendar and confirm” I said.

“Alright, before I leave, can we pray?” he asked and I agreed.

He said a lovely prayer for me, speaking life into me and my business. For once, Mama got it right, but let me not get too excited. I can already imagine the smug look on her face.

At the close of business, Efua walked in to pick up some files while humming the song “It’s raining men”

“Efua, just free your mind” I said.

“I just want to be like you when I grow up. Three hot men came to see you today, some bearing gifts, except the last one. This is the life, please which one should I block from coming over?” she asked.

“None yet” I replied.

“Okay, I didn’t want to say this. But the office is rooting for Terry”

“All because of free food, you people are too cheap!” I joked and we laughed before she left.

KOJO

I decided to get some fresh air by going out for lunch. Sitting behind the computer all day is stressful, and I was not ready to eat at home. For the past 5 months, I haven’t paid my tithe. After listening to a sermon this morning, I have decided to pass by Rev Dave’s office and drop it there.

I got to the restaurant and saw Davida, the pastor’s daughter walking towards a nice car. She spotted me and changed her direction to me. We exchanged pleasantries.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked her.

“Just came to order food for daddy and some of his friends” she replied

“And whose car is that?” I asked.

“Mine, daddy got it for me for my 18^th birthday. A bribe so I don’t travel outside for school” she answered excitedly.

“That is nice…” I said.

We spoke for a while before we said our goodbyes. I shook my head, I cannot believe I am about to hand about 4,000 dollars to a rich pastor. His daughter has the option to study in a private university and driving a car most of my friends cannot even afford. Just recently, I saw him appealing for funds for the flood victims in the church, but he can buy his daughter such a posh car.

What was I thinking? I drove to an orphanage home I had heard about and handed the money over to the caretaker. She was in tears and incessantly thanked me. That money will go a long way in the home.

After work, I lay on my couch scrolling through Instagram. I saw Ndi shared a funny reel about dancing bachata on her story. I sent a laughing emoji and commented “this one got me”

Ndi: So, your phone works?

Kojo: yes…

Ndi: well, I wonder why I haven’t heard from you since we followed each other. Do you dance?

Kojo: If you call dancing to Opolumero¹ in church that, then yes, I do.

Ndi: 😂😂😂😂 oh my! Do you have rhythm at least?

Kojo: Yes, I try

Ndi: well, let’s put it to test. Come dance Bachata with me at Asa Bar tonight.

I paused for a while, well, this is time to explore. I agreed, took a shower and made my way to Asa bar. Ndi was there with some acquaintances of hers, she seemed like a regular. I observed at first before finally joining in. I stepped on her toes few times but with her great teaching skills, I got a hang of it. It was nice swaying and moving with her, she smelled divine and I loved how close we were. I watched them dance Kizomba and Salsa too, she was terrific with the moves. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and had respect for their dance partners.

I was having so much fun, I did not realise how fast the time went.

“Do you do this every week?” I asked as we made our way to the car park.

“Every other week, it is a great form of exercise and stress relief” she said.

“I had fun, I honestly did not know what to expect” I said.

“So, will we be seeing you again?”

“Definitely”

“Alright, I don’t know about you but I am starving. Can we grab something to eat? There is this awesome tsitsinga² joint nearby if you are interested”

“Tsitsinga?” I asked laughing
“It is my sole mission to ensure some Ghanaian words do not phase out, tsitsinga is part. So you hungry or not?”

“Sure, lets go”

We sat in my car as she directed me to the place. We ordered some meat khebab and ate in the parked car. She was right, it was delicious and hit the spot. We ate, talking about life and dance.

“So apart from being an amazing artist, dancing and going to the gym. What else do you do?” I asked.

“I like to travel too; road trips are my favourite but these Ghana roads are making it less fun. What about you? What do you do apart from work and gym?” she asked.

“Ermmm, love to hike, play tennis. I am on this path to try everything. That is why I agreed to come, who knows? I might add dancing”

“Why this path? to try everything?”

“…I lost my mother, I guess I lost my way”

“Yeah, grief can do that to you. I lost my elder brother five years ago. Since then, I have lived life on my own terms. When someone close to you dies, it is like a part of you is lost and at the same time, something else springs up. I don’t know how to explain it”

“Yeah, I get it…how did he pass away if I may ask?”

“Well the typical Ghana way. You have three guesses”

“Disease?”

“No”

“Car accident?”

“Yep, Accra- Kumasi road, a statistic just like the others. What about your mum?”

“She was ill for a long time”

“Ouch, that must have hurt seeing her in pain. I am so sorry”

“Yeah”

“Now, I know this might sound dark or weird, but I will not judge. The moment you heard she had passed, weren’t you, if even for a second relieved that her pain had ended?”

I took a deep breath, I always felt guilty about it but she was right. There was a brief moment I felt my mother was free from her pain. I just nodded my head, even Sena does not know this. OMG! Sena, I have an appointment with her. I had put my phone on DND and totally ignored it. Time with Ndi intoxicates you in a way that nothing else matters. I will call her when I am done with Ndi.

“Well, feel free and talk to me anytime about this. I should order more khebab for my lunch tomorrow” she said.

She got out of the car and I followed her, this time she spoke Hausa with the seller.

“Just drop me back at Asa, I will drive home from there” she said as we returned to the car after the order. She paid and bought some for me.

“No, we are not just passing by an Ewe-Hausa speaking woman. Where did you learn it from? And what other languages can you speak?”

“So, Ewe, Hausa, Twi, Ga, French and Spanish, started Chinese but it is shaky. I was home schooled till university. My parents believed the Ghana education system was not ideal for their children. They eventually decided we need a tertiary education in order to be gainfully employed in this country as well as expand our social network But look at me, I ended up being a full-time business woman, an artist” she said.

I was amazed by her demeanour and intellect. No wonder Logos said she is an enigma.

“What about church? Religion of any form?” I asked.

“Well, we went to church to develop social skills and public speaking according to my dad. The Sunday school was a good avenue for that. But every time we came back, we did a deep dive study into the bible story we learnt, what was factual or not. He did not argue about the morality part though. He always quoted Theodore Roosevelt ‘To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society” ” she said. I was about to ask more questions but we had gotten to the car park.

“I had fun Kojo, do you have a list of fun stuff you want try? On this path of adventure and discovery you are on?” she asked.

“Not exactly” I said.

“Whoaaa! Okay, I will make one then share and we see if we can make your year a memorable one” she suggested before leaving.

I watched her car leave before I took out my phone, several missed calls from Sena. I was supposed to go to church after midweek service so we see Mama Zoe together who arrange our premarital counsellor for us. I called her immediately and began apologising.

“I am so sorry beloved, it will never happen again. In fact, we will go to church together this Sunday” I promised, pacifying her.

“Serious?” she asked, after she listened to me.

“I promise, I did not mean to disappoint you today. I went out with the boys and we got carried away. Where are you now?” I asked

“I am in your house” she replied.

“I am on my way” I said.

I bought some over priced chocolate from one of the filling stations and sped home to properly assuage her.

Sunday service

Sena was so happy we made it to church, she kept squeezing my hand and smiling at me throughout. I missed the music at church, Shika has really turned this choir around. Mama Zoe preached, an awesome sermon as usual.

We had to wait for a while in the visitors’ lounge. I noticed people sharing eager and excited looks seeing Sena and I seated together. After all, there can only be one reason why an unmarried couple is waiting for Mama Zoe after service.

As soon as we entered her office, she could not hide her excitement when she saw me. She hugged me, I nearly caved into returning back to RLM full time.

“I am happy you two have decided to take this step. I will recommend Pastor Ewoenam of Global Life, she counsels our couples’ as well” Mama Zoe suggested.

“Ermmm Mama, can we get someone else?” Sena asked, I wondered why she was against Pastor Ewoenam.

“Sure, I will check, but why if I may ask?” she asked

“I am just uncomfortable and I do not like her utterances. She is a bit too intense.” Sena explained. I was confused because Pastor Ewoenam seemed cool.

“Do you also want the change, Kojo?” Mama Zoe asked me.

“Yes, I agree with Sena” I said, I am trying to get out of Sena’s bad book.

Mama Zoe later called Madam Jessica and scheduled our counselling with her.

“Why didn’t you want Pastor Ewoenam?” I asked Sena as I drove her home.

“If you are not serious about marrying, then go to her. I hear a lot of couples don’t survive her sessions and that she scares the men away. Life has thrown us enough curveballs, it is our time” she said.

I wonder… I remembered Hector, one of the guys also canceled his wedding after two sessions with Pastor Ewoenam. He is still unmarried, we are not that close but I can call him. I dropped Sena off and called Hector immediately.

“Chale, why did you call off your wedding?” I asked mid-conversation.

“Why? you dey come marry or something?” he asked.

“Something like that, I hear say Pastor Ewoenam be the cause” I said.

“I hate how people put this on her. She just opened my eyes. I mean her introduction enough is scary. I am the reason she has the rule that if you have set a wedding date already, don’t come to her for counselling. She asked me a good question, why was I getting married? And she was right. Getting married because it was time was not a good reason. Whose time? I was treating marriage like a duty, forever is a long time to just go with the flow. Now I am ready more than ever, looking back if I had married Esaaba, I will be living in resentment. Pastor Ewoenam asks the hard questions, some people give her the answers she wants to hear and move on but eventually, what she says is true. The most important question is Why do you want to get married? If it is some reward for Sena or because it is time, then paddy, reevaluate” he said.

His advice made me pensive for a while, why am I getting married to Sena. Just then I got a message from Ndi, it was a PowerPoint presentation of the list we spoke about including pictures and all, it was 10 quite simple and interesting things, the last point made my mouth dry and increased my heart rate.

Kojo’s Discovery List

• Go on a road trip with a motorcycle
• Party all night and watch the sunrise at the beach
• Compose a song and record it
• Go surfing in Kokrobite
• Paragliding in Kwahu
• Learn a skill with a local artisan (braiding, beading, sewing, plumbing)
• Learn to cook something new
• Food crawl at Osu night market
• Go for a boxing class in Jamestown
• Sex with a view (the beach or any mountain range or a balcony)

The picture attached to the last point was a raunchy image of two people in bed with the woman on top of the man, his hand cuffing her neck with a beautiful view in the background.

Is this the moment I tell Ndi that I have a girlfriend?

Author’s Note

Do you think Kojo is getting cold feet because of Ndi or is grief the cause? Share your comments.

Lexicon

1. Opomulero – popular gospel song in 2009 by Angel Opomulero, the word means “Pillar of support” in Yoruba.

2. Tsitsinga- (also commonly spelled and pronounced chichinga or kyinkyinga) is a popular West African grilled meat skewer or kebab, famous in Ghana.