Guys talk

Unlike women, men sure know how to engage with strangers and get on with new acquaintances. They are affable without reservations, and they find it easy to bond with each other over drinks or when they watch soccer games together.

The twins were surprised when Tunde later called and introduced them to Josh. The two of them immediately took to Josh like a house on fire. It was as if they've known him for long. You would think they were old buddies catching up on old times if you happened on the four of them chatting and laughing away.

They drank, bonded and talked about the stuff guys talk about when ladies were not present...

They gave In-depth analyses of the football matches they've watched, the teams they supported, and even the management issues of their teams.

They talked throwbacks... The twins talked shit about each other. They told about each others' funny, and embarrassing high school and university moments. Their past mishaps, memories of drinking sessions, and the funny events that transpired after each hangover.

They discussed each others' interests like cars and video games, providing another opportunity for all of them to make fun of Tunde's loss to Abby. They threw bants at him for fun, joked about the way he acted and the weird things he thought were cool when he was younger.

"Take it from me, man... These two idiots have sharp memories. You fuck up once, they remember it forever,” Tunde said to Josh in a warning tone while they were all still laughing at him.

Biologically, men are wired to think about sex: boobs, ass, and the mysterious down under. So it's only natural that the guys would talk about women and trade stories about their exes. Then they lectured Tunde on relationship matters and tell jokes that diminished each other's masculinity.

Finally, they discussed their businesses and investments. Josh was surprised at how vast the Berkeley brothers' investment was and was more surprised when he learned they co-owned one of the largest multinational companies in the country.

The Three Kings conglomerates, was the parent company to different subsidiary companies owned individually by each brother. The men talked till past midnight before finally bidding each other good night.

***

Abby still had not slept by the time Josh arrived back home. She immediately took a bottle of water from the kitchen and took the two tiny pills from the small pack he handed to her before rejoining him in the living room.

"Thank you." She said after taking the pills. Since he told her they would have a conversation when he comes back, she sat down across from him folding her legs underneath her.

Josh put the phone he was glancing through aside when Abby sat on the chair in front of him. He looked at her square in the eyes and asked her a question that he already knew the answer she would give, he just wanted to hear her say it out.

"How do you truly feel about this guy Abby... Do you like him?"

"Yes... Yes, I do like him." She answered without hesitation, her voice came out strong and firm.

"Then why refused to meet with him?"

She wasn't quick to answer this particular question because she wasn't sure herself if she made the right decision when she decided not to see Tunde again. "Because..." She was about saying then paused before deciding to continue

"He is out of my league Josh and... I'm scared!" She said with a confused expression on her face. "When he called at the party, he said he likes me... God! I like him too. I like him so much... But how do I know if I can trust him? How do I know he's not saying he like me just to get me in bed again?

I don't want to be considered as just a sex partner... Especially his sex partner because it would be painful when he eventually gets tired of me. And also..." She trailed off, not knowing how to continue

"And also?" Josh prompted her on

"He doesn't look like the kind of man daddy would approve of... I felt they would prefer a man that doesn't look too over the top you know...

Daddy that wouldn't allow me come over to your place whenever any of young friends are around... One look at Tunde and he would outrightly say NO!

Their approval is very important to me Josh, you know that... I hope it's not too late for me to let go." She finished, her eyes brimming with unshed tears in them.

Josh looked at his sister, with her head bent and her fingers nervously pressed and clutched at each other. He felt sorry for her because he knew she was right about one thing...

Their dad would never approve of a man like Tunde for her. He was too overprotective of his baby girl and would never approve of a man that had 'I'm a bad boy and heart breaker written all over him.'

"Abimbola, why are you crying?" He suddenly asked after a long pause.

"What?" She looked up at him with teary eyes.

"I asked why you are crying;"

Abby lowered her head again. 'Why am I crying?' She asked herself again. Her fingers wringing at each other. "I don't know..." She replied him with a tiny voice. All she knew was; there was this indescribable fear and ache, weighing her heart down.

"I'm afraid it's already too late for you to let go sweet." Josh said softly to her "Abimbola you are not sixteen anymore... You are a business owner. A brilliant and beautiful twenty-year-old woman. A woman who is old enough to make her own decisions...

You used to love life... Laugh freely. But now?... If its not about school, then its about work! What happened with that bastard wasn't your fault and nobody blamed you for that, so you need to stop trying too hard to be the perfect model of a daughter.

You've made us all proud... Dad, mom, and wura. You made us all proud in every one of your endeavors in life and it's high time you think about yourself. Relax, and enjoy your age before it passes you by.

Wura is the most understanding mother I've ever seen...also mom. Dad is overly protective of you, yes... But remember he also listens to you. Growing up, I have never seen him said no to you... Why not take advantage of that?...

Let's not even talk about dad's approval for now... Let's take this a step at a time. You know your brothers will always have your back on whatever decision you want to make.

Abby suddenly feels better within herself. Her family's approval especially was what has been giving her concern and holding her back and she was happy she got Josh's approval first.

"As for Tunde..." Josh continued "That guy doesn't strike me as someone who would tell a girl he likes her just to get her in bed. He successfully got you in bed the first time without saying it so..." He shrugged his shoulders and left the rest unsaid.

"Give him a chance... Give yourself a chance to love and get to know him. Even if he's out of your league now, then rise to his level. Tell him what you want in the relationship. Tell him how you want to be loved...

Don't just assume and cry over what if this happens and what if that doesn't happen... I don't have a coward for a sister... Do you understand me?"

"Yes!..." Abby nodded, now smiling with tears still in her eyes. She stood up and hugged her brother fiercely.

"Oh thank you, big brother. Thank you, thank you, thank you..." She said. "I feel so much better right now."

"Yeah, you should... My little sister is in love." He teased her

"I'm not in love yet, I just like him a lot that's all."

"Yeah right! You just like him a lot. I believe you." He humored her with a smile. "So when are you going to call him?"

"No, I'm not going to call him, I'll just unblock him. I'm not going to make it that easy for him at all. That guy has stressed me too much. Now he has to pursue me a little bit you know."

"Oh, okay..." Josh said and laughed. Feeling sorry for Tunde "Just don't drag it too long."