Chapter 10

Unedited

Goriola pulled over besides a gutter. He got out of the car making way towards Chika who was plaiting a woman's hair outside the house. "Hello" he waved and she smiled at him, "Hello handsome" she answered then she winked at him and he laughed.

"Yeah..... Uh.... I'm looking for someone. I heard she lives in this compound" "Who? I know basically everyone in this house? You're looking for Rosemary shey? She's the one always rolling with the big guys"

"No. Quite the contrary, I'm looking for Osas"

"Ehn?"

"Osas"

Chika turned towards his car then he returned his car back to him. "Did you say Osas?" "Yes. I believe I did" "Wow, um.... I shock sha but sorry, she no dey around. For now"

"Where is she?"

"She...." She hesitated, "Why I go tell you? How I sure say you be good person?"

Goriola pulled out five thousand naira from his pocket handing to her. "Bros, no be only she dey here oh" the woman on seat said and Chika hissed, "Who dey here again?" She asked now giving Goriola her full attention.

"Now I know you're not a stranger. Erm, I don't know where she went to but I can call her to come home immediately. How about that?"

"Splendid"

She picked up her phone dialing Osas' number. "Osas, na you be that?" She asked,  "No e go be again, why you dey like talk like this?"  "I just want confirm now. Where you dey?"

"I dey inside bus"

"Abeg rush come home now now, e get who dey find you"

"Who?" She heard Osas' asked but she began to make noises. "Shhh h... O... Oh .... Ohsas, you dey there.... Oh..sas"

"Chika?"

"I no hear you again, net.... Work.... Shhhh... Shhhh." She chipped in hanging up then she smiled at Goriola, "She's coming. Should I bring chair for you?"

"No. Maybe I'll wait in the car"

"Okay" Chika smiled looking at the section of hair left for her to fix. She prepared her mind to finish before Osas' comes.

Tacha got out of her room all dressed in a white shirt and black skirt. "Tacha" her Nana called out and she smiled. "Good morning Nana" "Good morning, I didn't see you when you came in"

"Yes.... I rushed in. I'm late for work already"

"Where were you?"

"Another music video?"

"No. I was.... I was at a ... A friend's house"

Nana laughed shaking her head, "Emi lo fe pa ro fun? (Am I the one, you're planning on lying to you?) She asked and Tacha chuckled. "Nana I'm running late"

"You're running late?" She mimicked and Tacha laughed, "With this kind of gist, you'll run late. Have you eaten?" "I haven't but I"

"Hen hen hen.... Shhhh, I don't want excuses. You're not leaving this house unless you eat" "Nana!" "Yes, and I'm not joking"

"Mom will have my head"

"Tell her that I was the one who delayed you, in fact, fi le (Leave it),I'll let her know personally"  "Nana, I don't want to start having arguments with her"

"Mo mo, (I know). Sugbon (but), you need to eat something while you give me this gist you have" she replied tickling her and she laughed.
"Nana, you love gist too much"

"How many people do I have to give me gist? Is it that your boring mother?" She asked and Tacha busted into laughter.

"That's funny" she covered her lips then she slowly bit it.

"It's a guy right? And I suppose it's not erm, what's that commissioner's  son name." "Denrele, he's not the one. His name is Chike"

"Omo yi bo (Igbo child) Your mother will first of shout her brains off. What job does he do, not like I care"

"He's an upcoming music artiste" she revealed and her Nana laughed. "Your mother will definitely kill herself this time."

"Or she'll kill me. Nana, for the first time in my life, I think I'm in love" Tacha confessed and Nana held her hands. "It shows all over and I think it's a good thing but I don't appreciate you frolicking around. You're a woman"

Tacha smiled, "What am I going to do? I can't exactly tell Mom" "I know, I'll talk to your Mom" "No, please don't tell her anything. Please, I won't want to start living my life like Osaze and Vera. Please, let me handle this myself"

Aunt Avia entered Into her brother's office with a smile glued to my her face. She had a bag containing a food flask of groundnut soup and fufu. Her smile instantly fell on seeing him looking pale.

"Osi..... Are you okay?" She asked and he laughed.

"Good morning to you too"

"Let's drop that part, why are you looking so pale? Were you sick?" She asked drawing close to him then she placed her palm against his cheeks. "No i wasn't. Avia, I'm okay"

"Don't tell me you're okay, what's wrong. Is it your wife? It's her right? Any did I bother asking? How can a man have peace of mind with a woman like Morenike?"  She scoffed seating on the desk.

"Don't break my desk"

"I'm not that fat, even if I am, you'll get another one." She replied and Osifo smiled. "What's going on?" "Where should I start from? My children don't want to visit home willingly unless I force them to, Tacha, I don't even know where to start from, Tacha needs to follow her dreams but she can't because of Nike, it's a sad life she's living"

Aunt Avia exhaled, "You need to take the wheel from her. You are the man of the family" "I can't. I already signed up for it" "In respective of the contract you signed with her, you can't keep on hurting yourself"

"I love Morenike, most times I wonder why I do. Really, i do wonder but I do, no matter how annoying she can be, I still do. The only way is to leave everything behind, my children, everything! I can't do it Avia"

Goriola leaned against his car listening to Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You that was being played on radio. For a moment he began to wonder why he was still waiting for Osas, he obviously wasn't the kind to wait for a woman this way.
He's been trailing her ass for almost two weeks but she has refuse to bulge. For the first time, he was meeting a girl who didn't seem interested in his appearance or the fact he drives a fancy car.

After years of being a playboy,he was running out of strategies to use!

"I can't believe I'm doing this" he said out loud and something inside of him told him that maybe for the first in his life, he was falling in love and he laughed.

"That's not possible. Huh huh" he shook his head and I need a girl by P-Diddy and Usher.

🎶I need a girl to ride, ride, ride
I need a girl to make my wife
I need a girl who's mine oh mine
I need a girl in my life🎶

Goriola busted into laughter, "You gotta be kidding me. I don't need a damn wife, I need a girl to ride, not a....." He trailed off then he sighted Osas coming his way.

"Perfect"  he muttered getting out of the car then he closed it walking towards her.

"Hey Babe" he called out and she hissed, "How you take get my address?" She asked in thought, then she shook her head. The last she wanted was disturbances from him. She has endured enough! All she wanted to do that moment was to go in cry the tears out till she was satisfied and free to go out.

Thank God I'm no longer working in that club, try shit and I'll slap sense into that head of yours! She thought to herself while staring at him with hate.

"Hey" he said again and Osas walked past him to her door and he held her hands. "Leave me alone!" She snapped busting into tears and he stared at her in shock.

Just when he thought he had seen shades of her, "Are you okay?" He asked in the most sincere way. He was sincerely worried when he saw her cry.

"Im sorry" apologized pulling Osas in for a hug and she leaned on him busting into more sobs, that was all she needed that moment, someone to lean on even though the person available was someone whose guys she hates!

"Where's Goriola?"  Morenike asked one of her staffs while walking towards her husband's office. "Ma, I haven't seen him?"

"Did he resume at all?"

"No"

She held up her phone to dial his number when Avia got out of her husband's office. She rolled her eyes on seeing her then she turned back to leave.

"Our people will always say a clear conscience fears no accusation. That's why you run each time you see me, you know you're guilty that's why"

"I know you're usually the kind snap before greeting so, good morning to you" she replied and Avia walked towards her. "How many people is it good to? How many? Is it good for your husband? Or your sons and daughters?"

"Avia"

"No let me finish speaking and I want you to listen. What you're doing, this Almighty God complex you're exhibiting over your family, i just to God someday that it doesn't cost you cause every man must reap what they sow and I just hope yours come the worst way."

"Avia, you have no right to meddle in my family business"

"Are you going to sue? Ehn sue me, let me know"

"Everything I do, is for the good of my family, whether you agree with my methods or not. Maybe if you had used my method, a fine young man like Charles who's doing well wouldn't have ended up with that girl. I wonder where he got her from" she snapped and Avia scoffed, "Most times, I'm usually baffled by your level of naivety. You think the world revolves around getting married to wealthy people? Why are you even married to my brother?"

"Because I saw what I wanted!"

"So Vera doesn't have the right to see what she wants in a man" "A mere shoe maker"

"Even if he's a gate man Morenike! What matters the most is love! When will you ever get that? It's like the more the year goes the more annoying you become! Ah!"

"Avia, I think you've overstayed your welcome. Leave my firm before I call on security to do the needful"

Avia busted into Bini, "What goes around comes around" she scoffed, "Or as you say it in your language, O ma ba e ni be! !" She snapped leaving and she rolled her eyes walking into her husband's office.

"Don't you ever, Osifo, I repeat, don't you ever tell your sister things pertaining to this family. The next time she meddles, I won't be so happy!" She said angrily then she walked out the door, slamming it hard then she tried remembering what she had in mind to do before her sister in law interrupted her.

Goriola sat on the orange plastic chair staring at Osas who was sitting in bed still crying. "If you can explain to me what's going on, I'll be more than happy" "I can't" "Why? I'm curious"

"Abeg no disturb me"

"Please. I'm  begging, it's not everyday I beg a lady. I'm really interested to know, maybe I can help"

"I'm just.... I just dey go through some things, I can't tell you.You don try already. Thank you"

"Is it because you were fired from work?" "How did you know?"

"I came looking for you at the club"

"That was were you get the address from shebi?"

"Yes. I'm glad I did, come on. Is it the job you need? Or cash? Is that it? I can help you, remember I already told you if you agree to me. I can give you all you want, make your life better, you don't even have to work"

"And wetin I go do then? I go dey warm your bed every day shey? I no come Lagos come do asewo"

"I wasn't asking you to prostitute"

"Oga what are you asking for then?" She shrugged, "Somebody like you fit date person like me? Na small chops I go be now, so no! I no dey interested"

Goriola exhaled and his phone rang, "Excuse me" he lifted his hands picking it up, "Good day Ma" "Good day dear, where are you? Why haven't you resumed work yet? Your leave is over"

"Yes Ma'am. I had pending emmergencies I had to take care of" "I hope there's no problem?" She sounded concern, "No problem Ma'am, it's just an emergency, I promise to be at work tomorrow"

"Have a splendid day then"

"You too" he replied and she ended the call.

"You no go work" Osas sounded concerned so he decided to play on this. "Yeah. I was supposed to resume but I assumed you won't be fine after being fired so I decided to stop by to see your beautiful face"

Osas rolled her eyes, "Playboy talk" she hissed and he chuckled. "It's not, I say this with utmost sincerity. I missed you last night" he answered and she exhaled.

"I no even know wetin to talk"

"Just say yes to my proposal"

Osas rose up from the bed walking towards the orange colored rack in the room where she had kept the flier Chika gave to her then she folded it into the back pocket of the jean shorts she wore.  "Say something" "No!" She snapped turning back at Goriola who was walking close to her.

"I can't give you all you want"

"You no like me, no dey use your money tempt me. I'm not interested!" She snapped and he rolled her eyes. "Na yansh you dey find"

Goriola laughed. "Dress up, let's have breakfast together" "I get plans" "Should I drive you? You can call me your chaffeur" "What's sho.....fer?" She asked and he raised his brow in shock.

"It's.... Wait.... Are you serious?"

"If you don notice, I be illterate"

"I'm sorry... I was just....  Um... It's a term for a driver, you can call me your chaffeur. So where would you like to go to"

Osas showed him the flier and he rolled his eyes. "What?" "I don't like the place" "Why?" "Cause.... The man who owns the place Isn't good" "You mean am?"

"Yes. He's an ass"

"You know am?"

"Kind of, and like I said, he's an ass"

Osas scratched her neck, "I being dey plan to apply for job" "I can help you" "I like to work for myself. I don't depend on anybody" "No be foundation dem call am? Foundation na place way people dey go for help. How come the owner come be harsh person, why him build foundation in the first place?"

"I don't think you should go"

"I need job"

"What qualification do you have?" He asked and she rolled her eyes removing a grey boyfriend jacket hanging on the wall then she wore it over the top , "I no even get junior waec."

"Why are you wearing a jacket? The weather is hot"

"Is it your jacket?" She snapped and he gave up asking and she laughed on realizing it.

"I can speak to one or two people. You'll definitely get a job"

"Why? So that the day way I no give you yansh, you call one of those two people make them fire me. No, thank you. I go like get my job myself!" She snapped, "Oya come dey go"

"Where are you going to now?"

"To go talk sense inside that harsh man head! Why him go open foundation when everybody dey fear am?" 

"Okay fine, I'll drive you there"

Osas turned towards him with a smile, "For real?" "Like I said, you can call me your chaffeur"

Osaze Benjamin Foundation

"Good morning, this is Mrs Obianuju from Osaze Benjamin foundation. What can I do for you?" Obianuju asked a caller who then requested an appointment with her boss.

"Mr Osaze isn't around at the moment"

"Where is he?"

"He hasn't been to his office today, actually he's not even  in town now. He's currently in a press conference in Port Harcourt but you can drop a message. I'll be sure to.... let him know"  she stammered on feeling something moist in drop on her underwear. 

She has missed her period for two days, it better not be what it's feeling like! She thought within

"No. Thank you, just let him know. Mrs Taofeek called"

"Yes Ma'am" she replied and the woman at the other end of the line hung up.

She rose up rushing to the toilet where she instantly pulled her trousers to the sight of a slight blood stain on her panties. "Oooooh!" She groaned, "Not again!" She added, she had so much hope of getting pregnant that month.

She picked her phone calling up her mother, "Mommy!" She called out in tears, "Kedu? Ogini mere i ji ebe akwa? ((How are you, why are you crying?)"  "My period came again! Mommy I'm tired! Am I the only one? I've been married for two years now and nothing to show for it! I'm tired!"

"Pregnancy will come at the right time"

"When?"

"Come and see me at home"

"I can't leave. Mr Osaze isn't here and we all know that apart from being the secretary, I'm one of the admin, once there's a readily available person for the job, I'm back to my admin job"

"So the post of a secretary is still what Osaze is using Torchlight to look for." "You know him now, he's picky about everything he does. He just fired the last cleaner and i seriously don't know what to do"

"Calm down ehn, don't worry. We'll discuss better in the evening. Wipe those tears off"

"I've heard Mom. Thank you" she added hanging up then she looked into the mirror hanging in the toilet then she busted into tears.

Osas walked into the building and to the receptionist who shot her a look, the most disrespectful and deprecative look ever! Probably because of the jean short she wore.

"Good morning" she greeted, "Good morning" the receptionist managed to say.  "What do you want?" "Job" "There's no vacancy"

Osas removed the flier from her back pocket now placing it upon the counter. "Oh. You don't look like you're here for a job" "I no come find white collar job, even if I want find,  na the cleaning service I dey find"

"You won't last"

"Babe, which one be all the curse?"

"What do you want? Pity from Mr Osaze? You're one of those charity case right? The ones that will tell fake stories to get cash."

"I want to see your boss"

"You can't oh"

"Why?"

"He has travelled"

Osas scoffed, "Like I no recognize that lie. You dey lie, I get query for that una Oga, whoever him be! I want see am" "Oh Jesus, Miss, he's not around at the moment"

"I go cause drama oh"

"Drama? Jesus.... Don't force me to call security on you"

"Call"

Kamara clasped her fingers, "Mr Osaze hates scandal and I won't want to be dragged into being questioned for partaking in it. What's your name?" She flipped a page from a book.

"Osarieme Ovbiokpomwan"

"Huh?"

"Just write Osas"

Obianuju got out bumping into one of the oldest cleaner, Bisi.  "Madam Uju," she called out, "I being hear you dey cry, nothing way God no fit do" "Is that what we're paying you to do? To walk around eavesdropping on people's conversation"

"Madam no oh"

"Then you should mind your business!" She snapped walking away then she turned back on realizing her attitude was uncalled for. "Bisi" she called out and Bisi turned towards her.

"I'm sorry. I'm really not in the best mood right now"

"I understand"

"Thank you for understanding" she replied walking off and her phone rang   "What's up Kamara?

Kamara cleared her throat, "Ma, there's this sturbborn lady outside. She's demanding to see Mr Osaze" "Is it Eniola?" "No, it's not her. It's one.... Osa... Osari something"

"Mr Osaze is not around at the moment"

"She doesn't want to believe it and she's threatening to cause a scandal" "Mr Osaze hates scandals"
"Exactly!"

"I'll be there to handle it"

"Please Ma"

Obianuju walked up to Kamara who was behind the counter, "Where is she?" She asked and Kamara pointed at Osas who was seated at on of one the chairs at the waiting room.

She exhaled before walking towards her, "Hello" she said to her and Osas rose up. "Good morning, na still morning shey?" "I supposed it is"
"You be him wife?"

"Who?"

"The owner of this foundation"

"No. I'm not, I'm his colleague and a staff in the organization. Who are you? Kamara said you were going to cause a scandal" "Na just threat I threaten her."

"Okay... Do you speak in English?"

"Yes. Small, I make blunders"

"Okay. My name is Obianuju Peters and you?"

"Osarieme Ovbiokpomwan"

"What?" Obianuju asked laughing, "I can't pronounce that.  Osa... What?" "Just call me Osas for short" "That's better. Mr Osaze is not around at the moment, what brought you here?"

"I just get question to ask your Oga." She answered then she exhaled, "I have a question to ask your Oga, so.... How can someone make a foundation, you build foundation finish, you con dey harsh for everybody! E no make sense! Foundation builders, dey get mercy"

"Mr Osaze is one of the most compassionate man I've ever met. What have you been listening to?" "The last time, I hear from person say him harsh and now person say him no nice at all"

"Can I get a name?"

"No!"

"See, people will try to make this company look bad but what we do is help people. We're not bad, neither is Mr Osaze"

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. He's not around at the moment but you can stop by to see him tomorrow. If you want to clear your doubts"

Osas smiled. "I being wan apply for job? I hear they are employing" "Yes. Do you have a resume?" "I don't. I want to apply for cleaning service" "Oh"

"What?"

"I.. Nothing, don't mind me. Follow me" she answered walking away and Osas spotted blood stain on the back of her trousers then removed her jacket tying it across Obianuju's waist.

"You don stain" she whispered and Obianuju shut her eyes in shame. Jeez! She muttered, then she remembered the only thing she fixed underneath her private part was a faint tissue.

She was actually coming out to take out pads from her bag when Kamara called. She felt like the ground should open up and swallow her up!

Chike entered into his mother's office with a smile glued to his face and she smiled too. "I like it when you smile, you usually manage to light up the whole room but when you frown, even the cockroaches are scared to come close to you."

She frowned and he sniggered. "See! Now I'm scared" "I don't always frown" "You do, everytime. The employees call you Medusa"

Madam Davina gasped, "Who?" "So you can have the person fired?" "Why don't I just fire all of them?" She asked and he scoffed. "Mom! You're doing that evil witch thing"

"What evil witch theme? I frown when I don't have reasons to smile"

"What about me?" He asked and a wide smile crept her cheeks. "You're my only happiness in this world Chike" 

"That's more like it. I heard you fired Osas and Ochuko"

"I didn't fire them. Why is everyone twisting my words, I didn't fire them. I just want some moment where the fight doesn't have to be about Osas and Ochuko"

"We all know Ochuko can be overbearing and no one has ever challenged him like she did." "If you're here to beg on her behalf, don't bother. How was your studio section?"

"It was great. I'll be returning back but I'll be back later, I heard you want to see me"

"Yes." She replied rising from her seat.

"I can't help but notice your closeness with that dark girl. You two seem extremely close" she noted and he smiled, "Is this your lame way of asking if I'm dating her?" He asked and they both laughed.

"Yes."

"Well.... We're dating"

"And....."

"And what?"

"Sex?"

"Mom! We're not having this discussion"

"I'm not ready to have grand children yet! At least if you want to have sex, have protected sex or let me know her family. Where is she from?"

"The Briggs family"

"The Briggs?" She asked, "Yes. She's the last daughter and Mom she's the best thing that has ever happened to me in a long time"

Madam Davina smiled, "You sound so in love" "I am" "That's good. I'm happy for you"

Obianuju facepalmed herself in shame as she walked towards  Osas who was at the waiting room. She had already worn a gown she took from her office.

"You dey sabi shame quick quick oh. No be say person see am. Na normal parole"

"What's normal about that for a mature woman like me?"

"You think say e no dey happen to me too. Especially on days way I don taya. Where my jacket?"

"It got stained. I'll wash it"

"No be say I no go fit collect am wash am myself. Make you no suspect me"

"I'm sorry" Obianuju apologized, "It's okay" "And thank you for spotting it. You know what? You have the job already, even if Mr Osaze wants to fire you, I'll let him retain you along with Bisi"

"Why him go fire me?"

Obianuju laughed, "Well.... He has discipline and he hates people that are undiscipline, he has rules and regulations. Thank you so much, you can resume tomorrow"

"Wow. The pay kor? Abeg make we discuss that one"

Kubiat made way into Madam Davina's office, "Good evening" he greeted and she gave a gentle nod. "Evening detective, to what do I owe the visit?" She asked pointing to the chair opposite her and he shook his head.

"I'm okay standing. Not like I'm planning on staying for long. I have questions"

Madam Davina's heart began to race even though she tried keeping a straight face. "What is it you have to say?" She asked and he showed him a picture of a man.

"Do you know this face?"

Madam Davina almost rolled her eyes on seeing the face she recognized so well. Oh screw you Dickson! She cussed her husband within, why does he have to put her in between police issues?

"Do you know him?"

  She shook her head. "I don't know know him, the face isn't familiar" "Are you sure? I heard he frequently patronizes this club" "I'm not the kind to forget a face, I don't think I remember seeing this face. Maybe he's not a regular"

Kubiat stared in disbelief, "Hm, maybe" he replied. "What about your husband" "I'm pretty sure everyone's aware that he's currently not in the country as t the moment. You might have to wait till she gets back."

"If you in anyway see him around here, alert me" he dropped a card on her desk before leaving the office then he sighted Ejiro who was clad in a big white crop top and a high waist trousers.

Her heart raced on seeing him, the one person she has been crushing on since she started working at the club.

"Good evening Sir" she greeted and he wondered how she got to know him, "Do I know you?" "No" she shook her head, "I work here, I'm one of the bar tenders"

"Are you sure? I've never seen you before"

"Yeah.... I'm that invisible" she muttered to herself and he raised his brow in interest. "What did you say?"

"Nothing"

"You said cause you're that invisible. I heard you the first time, just wanted to be sure. I didn't mean it that way. I'm sure you're new that's why"

"No. I've been working for three years"

Kubiat paused then he shut his eyes in shame, "I.... I should probably stop talking" he said to himself and she laughed. "Maybe" she answered staring into his face till she became lost.

"I didn't mean it that way. Maybe I never took cognizance of you" "I get that all the time"

Kubiat groaned, "You're making me feel bad" "I suppose you're here to drink. You should get back to it" "Actually I came to..." He trailed off removing the picture from his back pocket.  "I'm investigating a drug case. Do you recognize this face?"

Ejiro peered at it then she shook her head. "No. I don't think I recognize this face" "Peradventure you happen to see the guy" he brought out another complimentary card from his pocket handing it to her.

"Don't hesitate to call me"

"Yes Sir" she replied and he smiled, "Call me Kubiat or Kubi" "Sure"

Obianuju walked into a big and beautiful mansion and her mother welcomed her with a hug. "You're here in Lagos oh but you'll be living life like as if you're in Enugu" her mother complained and she began to feel uncomfortable"

"Mom" she groaned lazily sprawling on the chair.

"I'm exhausted"

"I made Ogbono, will you eat?"

"I'm not in the mood, I don't have the apetite"

"So you'll starve to prove what?" 

"Mom, I'm tired! I don't know what's going on? I'm not growing younger, I can't be facing childlessness. I can't be barren, I need children, it's been two years Mom." "Is Raymond complaining?" She asked joining her on the couch.

"No"

"Then why are you bothered?"

"Mom. Is it until my in laws start to find another way before I become alarmed? Raymond has been telling them we're not planning on having kids when I know it's a lie. I want children but this stupid period keeps coming"

"Shhhh... You'll get pregnant at the right time but if it doesn't come. You two might have to consider adoption"

Obianuju groaned again, "Mom, I ... I don't know. I...." "Sometimes, it's always the inevitable option" "Mom, I know the angle you're coming from but I want my own child too. I'm  29 years old, soon I'll be 30, I can't possibly be barren. The doctor said I'm fine, he said we're both fine, I don't know but I feel like it's my fault"

Two guys blocked Osas outside the club, "Na you be the Osas shey?" One of them ask and she rolled her eyes. "Na Ochuko send una?" "We want commot that liver way you get details form boss, they ridicule our boss"

Osas walked past them and one of them dragged her back and she groaned in pain now slapping the guy's hand. "You dey mad? You want break my hand?" 

Kubiat, on seeing the lady might be in trouble stepped in to save the day. "Is anything the matter?" He asked and they all turned towards him, he instantly smiled on seeing the damsel in distress was none other than Osas.
Then his gaze fell on one of the guy whose hand was tightened into a fist. "Oga fashi, nothing concern you here"

"Well it's my business now" he brought out his badge, "If you guys don't want to spend the night in jail, I suggest you scurry off before I change my mind" he threatened and they both walked away.

"You" Osas muttered and he smiled. "Yeah me. What happened here?" "Long story"  "Good evening Osas" he greeted, leaving her in awe.

"How, how you take know my name?"

"Helen told me, she's a colleague"

"You na police officer?" She asked and he smiled nodding his head. "Yes.  More of a detective" "Wetin be the difference?" She asked and he chuckled.

"I think I'm in luck today. It's definitely my lucky day"

"Why?"

"Do you know how long I've been praying to see you?"

Osas rolled her eyes, "You dey whine me shey? I see wetin you dey try do, you dey try cajole my feelings" "No. You can ask Helen, I've been calling to know if she has gotten to you." "How she dey?"

"She's fine"

"And the baby?"

"Osas is fine"

"What? Osas?"

"She named her Osarieme, she told me that was your full name" 

Osas smiled, "Really?" She asked and Kubiat nodded. Osas was beginning to give him the benefit of the doubt. "She has been looking for you" "I fit get her address?" "Yes and her phone number too" He brought out his phone.

"Helen is going to be so excited to see you"

"I can't collect the number. My phone is blind" she showed him her phone and a confused look spread across his face.

"Is that your ...."

"No, I just borrow person phone dey use." She answered sarcastically and he laughed. "Good point" he answered and she chuckled.

"My name is Kubiat Bassey" he stretched his hands and she received his hands smiling. "I can't believe I finally found you" he blurted out unconsciously and she chuckled now folding her hands.

She didn't know whether to believe him or not. "It's okay if you don't believe me" he replied and she exhaled. "I was about going in, " "To the club?"

"Yes. I'll like to get the address"

"Do you work here?"

"Yes. Yesterday until them somehow sack me. I can't explain"

"Can we talk better. I'm pretty sure you have things to do, maybe tomorrow we can have lunch or breakfast together"

"With a total stranger. I no think say that one wise"

"We'll be eating out in a public place. I promise, I won't do anything stupid"

"My new work starts tomorrow"

"At least there has to be lunch break" he assumed and Osas shrugged, "I don't know." "I'll call you" he stretched his iPhone to her and she ran her hands through her hair.

"I no understand the phone, I no even know where I go press" she answered and he chuckled. "My bad" he grabbed the phone, "Call the number"

Morenike got out of bathroom in her night robe. "I'm sorry" Her husband apologized moving close to her, "I don't know why I'm apologizing but for peace sake, I'm sorry for making you angry" 

"You know I don't like it when you talk to your sister about family matters and I don't like it when she meddles"

"I'm sorry. I already apologized what do you want? Kisses to seal it?" He asked and a small laughter escaped her lips then he kissed her on the lips and she kissed him too.
He unwrapped the robe and she moved back tying it back. "Good night Sifo" she said walking towards the door, "Where are you going to?" "I have work; I'll be in the study and I'm sure you'll be asleep by the time I come back so good night" she answered getting out of the room and he scoffed.

Danileigh and Chris Brown's Easy played when Osas and walked into the club and Ochuko walked towards her. "No be your ugly face I wan see"  "I no come see your face, I want make we talk"

"No be talk cause wetin happen yesterday? Ochuko, you no sabi talk"

"Wetin you come do for here? To beg Madam Dee? You think say she go answer you? We for reach agreement"

"Which kain agreement"

"I promise say i no go ever laid hands on top you, I no go insist on top your matter again. I no go find your trouble again. Make we go our own way inside this club make peace reign, how about that?" he asked and Osas folded her hands, "Your boys almost attack me for outside."

"That one that misunderstanding cause am. Na why I dey make this deal, I hope say we get understanding so" he asked stretching his hands amd Osas stared at it.

"You no go disturb me again and all the girls for this club"

"Huh huh" he shook his head, "Na our business no add another party join"

"I no come for job oh. I just come tell Madam say make she no vex. I collect my two weeks pay commot for this club, but as I dey see am so, e be like say you no want your job back" she snapped walking past him and he held her back.

"How many times I go tell you make you no dey hold me again"

Ochuko raised his hands, "Okay.... Okay.... Sorry. Only Ejiro, all other girls no follow. I fit wait till my real Boss come before I get my job back but if I know Madam Dee well, before tomorrow come, we no fit step into this club casually like this so what do you say Osas? Deal or no deal?"

Osas exhaled, "You no go ever disturb me or Ejiro, you no go ever blow that shit for my face" "Never" "How I know if you go do am or not?" "I guess you just gatz put your trust in me" "E for better make I put my faith for inside Lion pass you"

"Just trust me." He begged stretching his palm and Osas received it.

"Make we go get our job back now"

The following morning

5:45 am

Ejiro sat in bed humming a song  when Osas got out of the bathroom with a wrapper with a grimace plastered on her face. "My belle do spoil, e no be like wetin i even pump last week. Na mess pursue me commot for bathroom" she confessed and Ejiro laughed.

"I was even about to enter into the bathroom"

"Abeg use spray before you die! It's very bad. Very bad"

"I hope say e no smell follow you" she joked and Osas laughed. "You've been blushing since you woke up. Wetin happen?" She asked and Ejiro chuckled.

"See me see trouble, so a girl cannot smile again"

"Tah! Oya start to dey talk before I mess here"

Ejiro laughed, "See threat, there's no point going Osama bin laden on me. I'll tell you, so.... there's this guy I've been crushing on for a while now. He finally spoke to be and I swear, I just felt Goosebumps everywhere"

"Awnnn. Him fine?"

"Like mad! This guy is like an athlete, those body builders" she explained so Osas can understand better then she slowly bit her lips. "I've been scared to talk to him, he doesn't even know I like him this much."

"How long you don dey single?"

"Since Justina stole my boyfriend. One year five months. I'm not attractive shebi? I look like broom" "No be only broom!" Osas snapped, "Babe, you fine, any guy way no see am blind. One day, you go meet that special man. No dey feel that way and yourself"

"You think so?"

"I'm very sure of it" 

Osaze Benjamin foundation

7:30 am

Obianuju entered into Osaze's office  smiling. "You have a very long to do list and adjourned meetings. How was Port Harcourt?" "It was fine. Thank you"

"I employed a new cleaning hand"

Osaze rubbed his forehead, "I just hope you don't fire this one this time. Should I call her in, the office is dusty." "As long as she doesn't get in my space or do something annoying"

"Aunty Osas!!!" Zuwa exclaimed in excitement and Osas chuckled holding on to a mop and bucket. "I don miss you" "I miss you too. I hope say Omo dey take care of you"

"She dey try" he replied and she laughed.

"You dey go coaching lesson?"

"Yes. Uncle Folabi pay for us"

"That's so sweet. Give Osato phone" she requested and he did. "Osato, na you be that?" "Yes" "I want make you listen well. I go send una money before month end so una go buy things before school resume."

"Yes sister"

"Take care of your brother, protect am well"

"I hear" he replied then she heard a familiar voice. "Osano.... Na Adesuwa voice I dey hear so? Abeg give am phone make I talk to her. She no dey try at all"

"Adesuwa kor, Adesuwa ni" Folabi replied, "Shebi, it's like you've forgotten I'm the one who called and you've been talking for the last twenty minutes and I haven't even spoken to you yet. How are you Osas?"

"I'm fine. I got another job, I'll be working in two places. One in the day and the second one in the night"

"Two different shift. Are you sure that's healthy"

"It's part of the hustle. E go better. Thanks for taking care of my brothers"

"They're good boys and you would have done the same for me too" he replied and she smiled noticing his voice wasn't too sharp.

"What's up? Your voice no get joy at all"

"Maybe cause I miss you"

"Seriously?"  "Not exactly. My sister, Adetutu just took a journey to Lagos" "I thought you said you don't have good relatives in Lagos"

"She's not staying with any. She's staying with a friend. She got called for a job I have no idea of. I gave her your number, i know you're still strange to the city of Lagos and you probably don't know the places well but if she calls you, can you help me check up on her once in a while. I have a bad feeling about her going there"

Osas smiled, "I'll do it" "Thank you"  "No. Folabi, thank you. Bye dear" she hung up and Bisi smiled at her. "Why Na your husband?" She asked and Osas shook her head.

"No"

Osas walked closer to her, "Abeg, tell me about the boss. How come na only you be the cleaner for here?" "Because say Oga dey like him things certain way. The man strict like him Mama, if you see that woman ehn, fear go grip you"

"So him harsh"

"Ehn.... I no sure say I fit use harsh, to use harsh too harsh. If him keep remote for here and you move am, na wahala. No change position way him keep cup or documents. Na the complains way I don hear oh. You know how I take don survive reach now?"

"How?"

"No ever sweep Oga office, na there wahala dey always enter. Inside the office"

"Osas!" Obianuju called out, "Mr Osaze's office needs cleaning." "Huh?" She asked now staring at Bisi. "It was nice knowing you" she answered and Obianuju glared at her making her leave.

"The office is dusty"

"But... She say.... I just start the job"

"As long as you don't get up his space or do something annoying"  she answered and Osas rolled her eyes, "I never get luck for my life and I no dey even they try hard person dey vex, how will I do without annoying him? Let me just concentrate on mopping this side. If I want think of wetin my friend Chika say, wetin Goriola talk"

"Wait... Goriola? Dark, handsome, white set of teeth?" She described and Osas nodded. "So It was Goriola who said those things about Mr. Osaze. Wow, what an asshole!" She snapped.

"Mr Osaze is not a bad person. He hates indiscipline, that's just all. He won't fire you, I'll speak for you" Obianuju assured.

Osas knocked on the office then she walked In pushing a mop and a bucket. "Good morning...." She trailed off on seeing Osaze. "Osaze!" She called out and he blinked his eyes amazed to see her effortlessly walk into his office.

"Osarieme" he called out and she smiled hugging him, she didn't even realize she missed him that much! That smell! She recognized the smell of his Cologne, it was still the same.
She remained glued to him forgetting for a moment that she wasn't just hugging the Osaze she met in the bus but her Boss.

What will happen next? 😀

What do you guys think of the ongoing issues ?

Will there a chemistry between Kubiat and Osas ?

Ejiro's crush kor? 😪

Let's not forget Goriola too

I smell a war coming😱😱😱

Vote 🌟 and drop comments

Thanks 😍😍😍