Hotel Palaver - Season 1 - Episode 20

4 years ago

Hotel Palaver - Season 1 - Episode 20

Tosin’s POV
I quietly watched my brother like I would watch anyone that comes to me for guidance.
My brother seemed fascinated by this strange woman, yet has no idea of it. This is usually the first stage of infactuation.

I hoped to be wrong; for Jumoke’s sake. I hoped to God that it doesn’t exceed fascination.

“Do you think she has issues?” Henry asked, “Calm down Henry, i’m not a voodoo priest. One might need to critically examine her before saying anything. I’m guessing she has fears…or lying issue or trauma. It might be a wide range of options or personal choices…” I analysed.

“Mom didn’t come home yesterday as planned.” I announced and i could almost hear Henry say, “Thank God!”
“I was even about asking about her”

******

Jumoke entered into my room with a wide smile while fiddling with her phone.
“Jummy” i called out quite surprised since she normally doesn’t enter into my room. She also looked gloomy.

“Where’s Henry?” She asked and I pointed at the door.

“Henry left for work…what have you been doing in the room all day?”
“I’ve been sulking in shame about what happened in the kitchen. “That’s silly!” I answered laughing at him.
“Tosin please do you have a minute to spare?”

“I have to go to work and I haven’t prepared yet for my class”
“I won’t take your time”
“Is this about Henry?” She asked and Jummy nodded sitting on my bed.
“Do you think I have a good chance with him?” She asked, “I want to know whether to give up or push my luck”
“Don’t ask me Jummy, I’m not going to ask you to do anything, just give him time. Get closer to him, talk to him. That’s all my brother needs right now more than anything.”

He needs someone to talk to.
In between my lecture, I received a text from Dad, they just arrived. They were already in Nigeria. I didn’t know whether to be happy or not.

“Where were we?” I asked the class.

Henry’s POV
I took a short walk around the hall where he found Michelle cleaning the floor. Thank God! I muttered to myself then I asked where I could find Adesuwa.

“She must have left already, she handed in her oral resignation to Mummy Bisi”
My face face fell.

Mom stopped by later at the hotel. I raised my head when i heard the door to my office close. I didn’t even realize someone had opened it. I was lost in thought.
“Mom?” I asked with a wry smile.
“Is that how to properly greet your mother?” She asked, “Good morning Mom” i stood up bowing my head to her.
“Or do you rather I prostrate?” I asked and she chuckled.

“Don’t be silly dear” she walked up to him pressing a warm hug against me.
“I’ve missed you son” she lets out a sighed of relief.

“I’m glad you’re in Nigeria. There’s nothing as sweet as being at home. There’s absolutely no place like home. I was shocked when my cousin told me you would be coming in to manage his hotel for him”
“Yeah”

“It’s only a matter of time before you realize the ugly truth, ajo o le dabi ile (there’s no place like home) Sweetie I know you’re staying for good”
“That wasn’t even a question mom, it wasn’t even a request”

“Sweetheart” she placed her palm over Henry’s face.

“Trust me, Nigeria is the place I’ve dreamt for you to be in, it’s the place I’ve dreamt for you to get married and have kids” she continued with a wide smile.

“I’ve had everything planned out already. All you just have to do is relax and enjoy the ride” she winked at me and I shook my head.
“Does this ride has to do with Jummy?” I asked and mom nodded in agreement.
“Mom if you’ve spoken to Tosin, you’ll know that”

“Ah, yes!” She sat on a chair, “Tosin rambled some nonsense to me about you wanting to make your decision” “Nonsense?”
“Henry, it’s just nonsense talk, I’ve had this discussion with Jummy’s mom and dad. The wedding would be the talk of the town. Jummy still loves you and I know you love her too”

“I loved her years ago” I argued but mom obviously wasn’t listening.
“I’m pretty sure somewhere in that your heart lies some dead feelings that can we resuscitated” she crossed her leg grinning.
“Mom”
“Sweetheart” she rose up.
“You’re my only son and if there’s anyone that knows you in and out, it should be me. I know what’s best for you.
. Jummy is the key to your happiness” she suggested and I rolled my eyes.
She wasn’t even trying to listen to me. “Remember when you two would sneak around those times. You thought we didn’t know but we did. You both were so in love” she continued.

This forced a chuckle out me.I had a flashback.
Yeah…those were good times.

“Just open your eyes to the possibility of being with her, trust me, it would make everything easy.” She advised picking up her bag to leave.

“So soon?”
“I have plans dear”
“What did you guys do in India?” I asked curious as to know why my parents travelled to India.

“We were trying to find out if we could have other kids” she teased and my face moulded into a grimace. Suddenly she laughed out loud kissing me on the cheek.

“Give Jummy a chance. I planned out a date tonight at The Royal kitchen, Jummy doesn’t know and you’re going to surprise her” she whispered leaving the office.