Must Read: A Simple Life On Paper - Season 1 - Episode 5

7 years ago

Must Read: A Simple Life On Paper - Season 1 - Episode 5

At work, Uzi basically lodged herself at my table. She
would leave if I had people I had to attend to, but would
be back as soon as they had left. We were mostly
chatting about politics, religion, industry, fashion, music
and soccer (or lack thereof). She kept dropping the
phrase “my ex-boyfriend”. I deliberately refused to go
down that line of discussion. She went to lunch and I got
another takeaway bag. Emeka sat in a corner brooding
while Greg was hardly in the office. I guess he was
hunting elsewhere.

“Why are you single?” Uzi asked when we were on our
way home. I was expecting the question earlier but I
thought on relating to my relationship status would come
before it. “Who said I am single?” I asked. She then went
on to elaborate how everyone else in the office would
occasionally make or receive calls that they would have
to change their voices to softer tones or make
appointments for later in the evening with someone or
even use pet names when talking to someone on the
phone except me. I was simply work oriented.

For the fact that she had proved that she had observed
me closely, I decided to tell her the truth that I was
single because I was planning to marry a lady who was
secretly engaged to another guy and she married that
guy when I was completely clueless. She jumped on the
conclusion that I did not get to really know the girl
closely before I started thinking about marriage saying
that it was the reason she was in support of long-term
courtship before marriage. She was speechless when I
told her my ex and I had gone out for four years.

I know telling a lady that was four years younger than I
personal stuff like that was not good for my reputation
but the Mercedes that came to pick her up every evening
was a clear indication that she was out of my league. I
saw no harm in revealing stuff…even though it gave the
impression that I was a gullible fool.

Renovations went well. The contractor cleaned up the
house and made it ready for habitation by Friday. I would
leave instructions and observations on notes I stuck
anywhere I made an observation in their absence. By
evening, they would have addressed it. I got back from
work to see an envelope had been slid under my door. In
it, ten thousand naira and a “thank you” note. I dropped
my bag and went over to see if everything was in order.

I liked what I saw then pocketed the cheese. I reckoned I
had a week or so before I would see the ravishing Tinuke
again. The thought of her brought a smile on my face.
I was awoken on Saturday by a knock on my door.
Usually, that would mean one of my neighbours had
something they wanted to tell me before they went out
for the weekend so we (this is not a typo) just went to
the door in my boxers. As soon as I heard her voice the
sleep cleared from my eyes and I instantly regretted my
choice of clothing.

“Good morning Michael. I am sorry to wake you up so
early.” She said. I stammered a response and she
continued “Chief said you told him the apartment was
ready so I decided to move in today”. It was a bit chilly
outside so I invited her in. I could have sworn the grin on
her face was followed by the kind of eye contact guys
make after we successfully steal a glance down a lady’s
cleavage. She sat down and started asking me some
questions about my furniture. She wanted to know where
I got them and if they were custom made for me or I just
bought them. Then she pleaded that I should accompany
her to get some of the things she needed for her place.

I offered her some tea but she claimed she ate before she
left the hotel she was staying at so I dashed into my
room for a quick shower.