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Nuerkie is not interested in Kelly but intends on giving him another chance for the sake of her mother. Terry, on the other hand just invited her for lunch at his place.

Dave has been maltreating Zoe in order to fully control and dominate her. Zoe initially decided to just ignore him, focus on her career and children till she realised her son was beginning to think like his father. She is considering leaving her marriage, but will she be able to break free?

NUERKIE

I love church, I love fellowship and more importantly, I love RLM. There is this soothing effect, a calm feeling of peace and restoration after a church service. My soul is at peace, my spirit is alert and I am reminded of God’s love for me.

Today’s service was miraculous as usual, Mama Zoe shared the word. She preached about understanding God’s will for your life, everybody will have an opinion. But at the end of the day, what is God’s plan and will for you? I attended first service to avoid Minister Kelly. Everyone I know or speak to is filled with praises for Kelly, but I just can’t shake this feeling of uncertainty. After the sermon, Mama Zoe led us in an intense prayer of request for God’s direction. I prayed these words to God “If Kelly is not in your plan for me, take him away from me or show me. I surrender my life into your hands. In Jesus’ Name”.

This prayer has been effective so far in sieving the men who come my way, except Terry. However, that does not mean it is a sign that I should enter into a relationship with him. I have accepted his invitation to lunch at his house.

One of my mother’s friends from church, Ma Comfort, joined us on our journey home from church. She sometimes stays with us for lunch, entertaining my parents with her stories.       

As soon as we got home, I reheated the food prepared by the chef and set up the dining table for lunch. I refused to eat because I don’t want to ruin my appetite for the wonderful meal I am expecting at Terry’s. Ever since I moved back home, I insisted the domestic staff take Sundays off and any other day during the week. I got contracts, put them on health insurance and now pay their SSNIT¹ contributions. It was strenuous getting the paper work done, but since we can afford it, why not? After all, how can I call myself a Christian if I don’t offer the domestic staff the bare necessities.

My mother was furious at first, but she is used to it now. During the week, the two housemaids, Afi and Joana alternate their days off. But Afi insists on staying with us on Sundays. I guess my mother has a strong hold on her. I did the lunch set up all by myself because Afi, who attends a different church had not yet returned. I don’t mind at all. I led the elders to the table and then rushed upstairs to get ready.

In no time, I was done and walked to the three adults eating to bid them farewell.

“I was wondering why you will not eat with us” Ma Comfort stated.

“I have a lunch date” I replied with glee.

“That’s the more reason why you should eat, so the man will not think we don’t feed you in your house. Here, have some of the banku” my mother added as she took another plate.

“Trust me, this man can cook and I look forward to his meals” I said.

“How come we haven’t met him?” my dad asked.

“He is just a friend” I answered.

“Ayooo, don’t let this friend spoil what you are building with Minister Kelly” my mother warned.

“Come on, Jess. Kiekie is a big girl, she knows what she is doing” dad defended and my mother just shrugged.

“Take care my dear, anyway, this soup is delicious! You are such a good cook!” Ma Comfort complimented.

“I will extend your praises to the chef when he arrives tomorrow” I said.

“Oh! so you didn’t cook? Come to think of it, I have never seen you cook before. Do you even know how to cook?” Ma Comfort asked in a condescending tone.

“Yes, but I just don’t like to do it. Additionally, these days, I barely have the time!” I exclaimed.

“But you need to try on some days ooo, how will you get a husband if you don’t know how to cook?” she asked.

“Ma Connie, I didn’t say I don’t know how to cook. I certainly do, I only cook when the need arises. Right now, I am extremely busy with the company and that is why we have hired a chef” I said.

“Hmmmm, eheh! My daughter, Mary is a banker and still cooks for her family. Even before she moved to her husband’s house, she used to take charge of our home” Ma Connie bragged.

“Ma Connie, I also take care of this house and all its needs. I do that for my parents. I just have a different way of doing it. No disrespect to your hardworking daughter, but if I can afford to delegate the task, I will. I am sure Mary wishes she can do the same, but her bank teller salary says otherwise” I scoffed.

“Well, not everyone can be Managing Director of their parents’ company” she mocked.

“Enough! Connie! I will not sit here for you to talk to my daughter like that. Nuerkie earned that title and has proven herself over and over again. This conversation is over!” my dad warned and then turned to me with a gentle voice “Baby girl, please go and enjoy your outing” I planted a quick kiss on his cheek and waltzed away. I heard my mother in the background.

“You spoil her too much, who will marry her now?”

Despite my achievements and records, this is what almost every interaction with my mother is reduced to. Who will deem me worthy as a wife? A lot of businesses in this country fail when the owner retires but not Nartey Holdings. With me at the helm of affairs, we have expanded and reached new heights. I have increased our profit margins by 70% in the last two years. But at the end of the day, my mother and other aunties reduce it to, what will you cook for your husband? I just shook my head, entered my car and drove off. I will not let Ma Comfort’s shenanigans ruin my appetite. Time to enjoy my well-deserved special jollof after making money for them to spend on pastors and the latest gaudy fabrics.

At Terry’s

This was my first time at his place, it is a two-bedroom house, quite decent. I noticed Pastor Jordan’s car was parked in the yard. I knocked on the door only for Jordan to open it and I handed over the cake parfaits I got from Lipp Addiction. Shika too was present. They were still dressed in their church clothes. I don’t know why I keep forgetting Jordan and Terry are good friends.

Jordan announced my presence and Terry called out from the kitchen. I sat with Shika on the couch, who was sipping a glass of Rosé. I was pleasantly surprised to see them. I noticed Jordan assisting Terry set up the four seater dining table, he seemed very familiar with the place.

“How is the new routine I designed for you working out? And were you able to consult Imelda on the organisational structure?” Shika asked mid-conversation.

“Yes…but very nice of you to recommend Imelda. She is remarkable like you said” I said.

“Yes, but I doubt she will say the same about me” Shika said.

“Oh! So you know?”

“Know what?” she asked, amused.

“I mean, forget what I said”

“Oh don’t worry, I will not attack her or anything. She has told two people in the church to beware of me. I guess you are the third one, she hides it under the guise of ‘I don’t know the spirit she carries’” Shika said calmly, air quoting the last sentence.

“Oh…yeah but I figured…”

“You know what is crazy? The people she ‘warns’, walk straight to me and tell me. It’s funny”

“It is admirable how calm you are about this. If it was me, right after the second person, there will be a confrontation” I said.

“It is not necessary, I have thought about reporting it to Mama Zoe, but I keep hesitating. She is a sad person, she just needs love” Shika concluded.

After a while, I walked into the kitchen to check up on Terry and the food. He was busy grinding pepper in an asanka², there was a food warmer filled with balls of banku. I got a bit confused, my taste buds were on standby for jollof.

“Need any help?” I offered.

“Nah, I am good, go sit and drink with Shika”

“I thought I was coming for jollof” I whined. He lifted the lid of a saucepan on the cooker and Voila! My special jollof gleaming in its full glory.

“The banku is for those two” he said, referring to Shika and Jordan.

“I thought it was going to be just the two of us” I said and he paused.

“Nuks, when I extended the invitation, you sounded uncomfortable over the phone. I figured you didn’t want to be alone in my house with me…I am confused right now. Did I misread anything?” he stuttered.

“No…it’s okay. I am happy they are here” I said and he relaxed.

We ate together, chatted for a while before Jordan and Shika left. I helped Terry clear the kitchen and ended up watching a movie. I don’t know how it happened but I ended up fast asleep on his couch for about three hours.

I woke up to see him watching a movie but with his headset on.

“So sorry I fell asleep” I apologised.

“Don’t worry, you work too hard. Let me go get your phone” he walked to his room and came back with it. “I wanted to put it on DND but that meant invading your privacy by unlocking your phone so had to tuck it far away. It just won’t not stop ringing” he added.

He is extremely thoughtful, I noticed four missed calls from my mother. After, Terry gave me two packs of jollof as take away. He was quiet and distant all of a sudden, which was unusual.

“Thank you for the meal” I said as we walked to my car.

“Thanks for dessert”

“I had a good time” I said.

“Of course, it’s me” he said with a smirk on his face as I rolled my eyes. He opened the car door for me.

“No goodbye hug?” I asked.

“I have decided to reserve that for my girlfriend. Today is your last free meal, Nuerkie. I have made my intentions clear every time. I thought it will be easy to remain friends but I am lying to myself. I don’t allow my female friends to sleep on my couch for three hours. What if I had a girlfriend coming over?” he said.

“Stop kidding and let me feel your chest” I joked, got closer and he stepped back. “You are serious?” I asked.

“Yes…I thought I could be a grown up about us. I love you and I know you feel the same way. But I am too old for unrequited love. It is cute as a teenager but exhausting in your 30s when your plate filled with challenges. See you when I see you, Nuerkie. Thanks once again and have a good day!” he said as he handed me my bag before walking away to open the gate for me.

The drive home was pensive, I prayed for a sign but that was concerning Kelly. I have a feeling my prayer request has nothing to do with Terry’s decision. I was so confused but I understand him. As a believer in establishing boundaries, I get it. I know I have been taking advantage of the fact that he likes me. Calling him at odd hours, randomly ordering outside of his menu and allowing him spontaneously pop into my office, knowing very well I have my reservations about dating a friend’s ex. I mean they were not exclusive, they only went for just one date but it is so weird for me. I thrive on being a girls’ girl.

The house was quiet when I got back—my parents had gone out. I sent a quick text to my mother, then retreated to my home office to squeeze in a little work before bedtime. I was engrossed when she walked in with a plate of food.

“Ah, I saw this jollof in the fridge, is it from the friend that invited you for lunch?” she asked with her mouthful.

“Yes ma, and I hope you and daddy don’t finish it. That is tomorrow’s work lunch ” I warned.

“Then call him and place an order. This is the last plate, you said it is a man? Wow! Is he the one that made that grouper you brought the last time?” she asked.

“Yes Ma” I replied.

“Wow, since you don’t want to cook, it will make sense to marry someone who does. Unless this friend is a married man” she said.

“No, he is not” I said.

“If you will not marry him, then let’s introduce him to Imelda” my mother suggested and I burst into laughter. “Why? Is he not a believer?” she asked

“Yes, he is”

“Then what is wrong with him?” she asked.

“Nothing, Ma, just forget about this. I might not be seeing him again” I said.

“Oh! you fought with this one too. Nuerkie, sometimes your matter is too hard. As a woman, you should be soft small. You cannot be a manager everywhere!” she started ranting.

“Mama, you will not even ask what happened. You just jumped to conclusions. What if he did something criminal?”

“Ei! Is he a criminal? Should I stop eating his food?”

“No Mama, I am just saying, don’t be quick to conclude. You just forget what I said. I have to get back to work” I said

“Sunday? Nuerkie…”

“The company does not run itself Ma’am” I said with my eyes glued to my computer.

Thirty minutes later, my dad stormed in and dragged me out for a family movie night. It was relaxing but my mind kept drifting to Terry’s words.

ZOE

Weeks have passed and Dave and I have been on our usual dance. He is always sweet when asking for a favour. Once I decline to honour it. It is drama and anarchy in the house. I am exhausted, Ewoenam invited me to her office to chat with Kwensima Dawson, the former actress. She had a messy and public divorce three years ago. But before talking to Kwensima, she sent an audio from Sheila Tuffour, former minister of state’s wife, a divorcée of four years.

“Pastor Ewoenam, I will never advise anyone to get divorced ooo. The way I have suffered for the past four years eh! I took an emotional decision all because my ex-husband’s sex tape was leaked. Is he the first man to cheat? Now look at me, everybody treats me like an outcast. No more deals, money and travel benefits! I am drowning in debt and my children hate me. I left their father when he needed me the most. Now, see me, all the hard work over the years and now he is getting married to someone younger. When the scandal happened, he was the villain! The trolls and gossip! With his outstanding track record in public health over this past term, he has proven that he is not just the right person for the job, but the very standard of excellence. Everybody seems to have forgotten the tape. To all, he is just a man that made a small mistake his wife punished him gravely for. I am the wife who left when he needed her the most. He cheated and why am I the one being punished?”

Sheila’s audio was sad, why is she blaming herself? I finally made it to the office, I am okay with Ewoenam asking for Kwensima’s opinion. We framed it as one of my famous members is thinking of getting a divorce and I would like her to share her experience as a public figure.

“Trust me, tell your member to brace herself especially if the man is considered a ‘good man’. It will feel like death, but she will be fine. A part of you will die, the woman you were when married to him, it will be slow and painful because it took years to build that person. At the end of the day, you will be happy and free. My husband thought I will be the local champion he married for life, he got insecure when I started securing acting gigs across continents. He wanted me to quit but this is my dream. He found ways to undermine my every move. I wanted us to divorce quietly but no! he will not have it! I was dragged for years, I was painted as the evil one. What wasn’t said? ‘Since I started rolling with Idris Elba and Regina King, I have grown wings and dropped the man that made me’. But that was not the story, I loved him like mad and wanted us to grow together. It was difficult but now, I am happy and free. I can go where I want, do what I want, my kids love me and love that they get to travel the world with their famous mum. We still argue sometimes because of our parenting issues but, life is too short to be sad everyday all because you married someone. If I had not left, only God knows what will be left of me. It is one of the best and bravest decisions I have ever taken”

I listened to Kwensima intently. Knowing Dave, this decision is not going to be easy, but I am exhausted. We have tried counselling, prayers, talking, but he is who he is. I visited the washroom and as I touched up my make-up, Kwensima walked in on me.

“I know the advice is not for a member, it is for you. I can see the light has dimmed in your eyes. I for one, know that all that glitters is not gold. Pastor Dave looks good on the outside, and you will be dragged and muddied. But remember, your children don’t deserve a depressed mother. Time always reveals the truth. Mama Zoe, you will be fine okay, your secret is safe with me” she said and hugged me, I was speechless and cried into her arms. She prayed with me before we returned to Ewoenam’s office where I cried more.

I have suppressed these feelings for too long, and now more than ever I am scared. But do I want to continue this dance with Dave? I need to act fast before the Houston job is finalised. As Yaw predicted, I made it through the first two rounds, the last one is with the CEO next week. This job will help with the separation process.

We prayed together one more time, ate and Kwensima cheered me up by sharing funny stories that happened on set with some of the actors we know.

I got home and noticed Dave’s clothes strewn all over the hall, with two men from the church selecting. We exchanged pleasantries.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes, I am changing my whole wardrobe. The Lord told me it was time, so I am giving away all my clothes” he beamed with pride.

“Okay, nice” I said before ascending the stairs.

“So, we will need to go shopping, the tailor will be coming tomorrow. And you know Lemon Bespoke does not joke with his 5000 ghs deposit before he starts” Dave stated gleefully.

“Well, since the Lord directed you, He will provide” I said with a broad smile.

“Ah! Ah! Zoe, bless your husband” he said, I hated the fact that he was asking in front of some of our members.

“We will talk about this later, I am exhausted. I have to rest. Keep up the good work!” I walked away before he got another word in. Our room was scattered with clothes all over, I quietly packed everything back. I don’t understand how my clothes had anything to do with his decision, none was taken but they were thrown all over. It looked deliberate. I really need to get out of this.

I was busy reading a book before bed when Dave walked in.

“We need to talk” I said.

“You again? you won’t give me the money right?” he said.

“I will give you the 5000 for Lemon, but you have to pay for the rest of your clothes yourself. After all, it was your decision not ours”

“Well, I guess I should say, thank you, your majesty” he said sarcastically.

“Dave, we are not working. We have prayed, tried counselling, everything. I believe we need some space away from each other”

“Space as how?” he asked in disbelief.

“I want to live separately for a while, I wanted us to be on the same page before we talk to the children. For their stability, we will not move them out of this house. I will be the one to move out, I will take a few steps away from the ministry. I will assist with Sunday school or the new branch. I believe we need some space then we reassess later” I said.

“Ah! You want to leave us? AFTER ALL THAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU!” he said, raising his voice.

“Relax Dave, you are not listening to me. The fighting, bickering, argument is becoming too much. It is not healthy for the children. You know this, we all need some peace and quiet. All I am asking is some days away from each other. I will still cook and perform my motherly duties to the children, I will serve in the church. But this is for a while, let’s try for three months…” I pleaded.

“What if things don’t change?” he asked.

“What if they change for the better?” I lied.

“Zoe, this is all your fault. Everything was fine till out of nowhere, you just went crazy. No explanation, you became greedy with your money. Hiding things from me, your husband! Doing an investment without my permission?” he complained.

“It is for the future of the children and have we lacked anything since I started?”

“So when should I leave the house?” he asked.

“No, I will be leaving. I spend more time away from this house than you because of work. Moreover, Fiona needs to serve you and all”

“When do you intend to leave?” he asked in a sudden calm voice, that triggered me a bit.

“I don’t know yet, but I will definitely give you prior notice” I lied.

I have already rented a place, not the one Yaw handed over to me. A new place I found on my own, closer to the office and not so far from the house though. I plan on leaving tomorrow evening.

Dave just nodded his head.

“We will talk to the children together, after work tomorrow” I said.

After work

I came back home to meet the children seated in the hall in a sour mood. They were not their cheerful selves. Davida looked confused.

“Hello my darlings, why the long faces?” I asked.

“Daddy said you are leaving us. You want to destroy the family!” Zack blurted with a frown on his face.

Just then, Dave appeared from the kitchen.

“Oh you are back?” he said.

“I thought we agreed to tell them when I get back”

“Well, I was having a bad day and it slipped” he said casually and walked into the prayer room, leaving me to deal with this.

“I am not destroying the family…”  I said as I placed my bag in the sofa and held Zack in my arms.

“Aren’t you tired of mummy and daddy arguing all the tine?” I asked.

“Yes, but we are not complaining”

“I know, I am just going to move out of the house for a bit. You see, when you worry your brother and I put you on time out? This is similar” I explained.

“So are you punishing yourself?” he asked.

“No, I didn’t do anything wrong. Neither did your dad, we just cannot understand each other so we need a time out” I explained and watched David and Davida leave us.

I later went to speak to them individually, assuring and comforting them. David was able to understand but Davida’s first question shocked me

“Is it because of Uncle Yaw?” she asked.

“Why will you ask that?” I was alarmed.

“I mean from the flowers and the chanel bag he got you on your birthday”

“And you think that is all it takes?” I asked.

“No…Mama”

“Don’t worry, when you are older. You will understand. Just focus on school and leave the adult things to us. At the end of the day, we both love you and will take care of you” I comforted her.

I was in no mood to fight Dave, I am leaving first thing tomorrow after Davida goes back to campus. After heading to the bathroom to freshen up, I took the full bin out back to dump it into the main bin. I opened the main one and to my surprise, there lay my passport, all cut up into pieces and torn with rage. I was planning on telling Dave about the Houston interview, I guess this is my sign to be more circumspect. I know he cut it up, he is the only one in the house who knows where we keep our passports. I took pictures of the cut up passport. The collation of evidence starts now.

I rushed to the bedroom, checked the drawer where we keep our passports. Everyone’s own was intact. I walked to the prayer room and asked him about it, he just shrugged and ignored me.

The next morning, after Dave left to the church. I sent him a text notifying him about my exit. I packed a few items and moved into the apartment, I did not share my new address with him.

Three weeks later

NUERKIE

Terry was serious about his stance. I tried to order the grouper my mother spoke about, he redirected me to his business line. The in-person deliveries halted and the last time I ate with the girls at his restaurant, he did not step out of the kitchen to say hello. I miss him more than I thought.

I went to bed with a splitting headache and woke up with a crazy flu that has been going round the office. I guess being in my personal office all the time didn’t make me immune. To make matters worse, I started having menstrual cramps. Sometimes, the body decides you need to stay in bed. I called Efua and cancelled all my appointments.

My mother came to pray over me and doused me with anointing oil, going on and on about why marriage prevents loneliness and creating the worst case scenarios of falling ill and living alone. I was too weak to argue with her. This was not the time to have vivid images of dying alone in a big empty house while screaming for help.

After struggling to eat breakfast, my mother rushed to my room and handed her phone to me. She had called Kelly to let him know I was ill.

“My princess, why didn’t you tell me you are not well? To think I nearly passed by your office today too” Kelly exclaimed.

“Sorry, been out of it”

“Your mother mentioned that you have catarrh and it is the time of the month. Oh, the air-conditioner is too much. From your room, car, office, everywhere you go. You have to board trotro from time to time to test your immune system. As for the second issue, it is God’s curse to women so nothing can be done about it. Stop sitting in AC too much eh. You, I will pass by tomorrow” he stated with so much confidence.

This was the sign I needed, it took a while but damn! No compassion whatsoever. Whatever spark I imagined brewing between us is officially dead.

Later that afternoon, I forgot I was supposed to meet two of my girls for lunch, Elorm and Anna. Efua called and cancelled so they decided to move the lunch appointment to my house. My mother had gone to church for prayers so Afi led them to my room. To my surprise, Terry was with them. He stood at the entrance with a nose mask on.

“I run a food business, I don’t want to catch whatever this is” he explained as the rest run to hug me.

“We went to order our lunch and we mentioned you were ill, he decided to come see you too” Anna remarked.

“Interesting…”. I replied. One could cut the tension in my room with a knife.

“What is going on?” Elorm, my friend who I met Terry through, the one he went on a date with asked.

“Nothing” I replied. Elorm and Anna exchanged suspicious looks.

We spoke for a while before the topic of dating popped up.

“So you Terry, sef, what is up with your love life? Or you will marry your kitchen?” Anna teased. I tried to signal him with a look to stop him from talking.

“Elorm is the cause of my troubles” he exclaimed.

“Who? Me? How? But people know I am with Chris! In fact, they will not stop talking about our dance video from Italy” Elorm exclaimed confused.

“I went on one date with you and now Nukes will not give me a chance. Girl code or whatever. I have done everything but she said no. Anyway, this is my cue to leave. I brought my special flu broth and your mother’s grilled grouper is with the help. Get well soon” he said, waved and walked away after dropping that bomb. Anna walked him to the gate.

As soon as they left, Elorm grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked my thigh with it.

“This your matter is too hard. It is not like I was in love with the guy. Herh!!!! Terry is 10/10. I will rather he dates my friend who I know he will take care of than some other person. Will you get? Is it because of his dreads? And tattoos?” she asked.

“I don’t mind, but Mama!” I said.

“Is Auntie Jessica the one marrying him and what have clean shaven men done for you? Look, I am not that friend who will lie to you that, there are plenty fishes in the sea. Nuerkie, wo last aaa nono ooo³. If you let Terry slip from your hands, you will regret it. You will think saaa, we did not even kiss to talk of sex. It was just one date which I spent most of the time thinking of Chris. He even noticed it” she scolded me.

“What about Gwen’s birthday party where you both catered?” I asked, referring to an event.

“It was work, and we have catered to more events together. Nuerkie, by the mercies of God, give this man a chance! If it doesn’t work, what do you have to lose? You are the business woman, haven’t you taken a chance on someone before?” she pleaded.

Finally, Anna returned and contributed to the discussion.

“I don’t even understand Nuerkie. Me that I dated my husband’s friend for a year before moving to him. Mtchewww! The only thing that would have stopped me from finding the love of my life was if they were married” Anna concluded.

The girls waited for my mother’s return before they left. She incessantly praised the grouper Terry brought. I disliked the colour of the vegetable broth he left, I mean tomato light soup is what I am used to. But I trust his culinary skills and gave it a chance. The broth worked like magic, my throat and nose started clearing up and I slept good.

I asked for my sign and I got two. Kelly is definitely out of the picture. But Terry and his broth can stay…after all, what do I have to lose?

Author’s Note

Apologies for no story last week, this was due to a family emergency. I am sure this week’s long episode is enough comfort. Three more episodes to the season finale!!
Who knows? A third season? or a new series? Vote in the comment section!!!

Lexicon

1. SSNIT — Social Security and National Insurance Trust. It manages Ghana’s social security/pension scheme.
2. Asanka — A traditional Ghanaian earthenware grinding bowl used with a pestle to mash/grind food, especially pepper, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
3. Wo last aaaa nono – a popular Ghanaian Twi expression (often used in casual conversations) that translates roughly to “This is your last chance” or your final option.