Chapter 12 Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine.

"It is advised that when dining with the devil and his minions, you eat with a long Spoon"

********************

Amanda.

Mercie, Toyin and a couple of other staffs were already waiting for her when she got to the office. She embraced them excitedly before directing them to her office for a brief meeting.

"Guys I'm so happy you showed up today, I was afraid you would all  be afraid to resume" Amanda said cheerily as she handed them the booklets she'd brought along with them.

"Why won't we? The whole place has been fixed and there's no way those thugs would come back, not with those armed macho men out there" Mercie said smiling.

Amanda nodded "Yes, all thanks to someone who has our best interests at heart." Amanda smiled thinking about Denola briefly.

Mercie cleared her throat pulling her back to the present, ignoring the smirk on Mercie's face she continued "This morning I'd like us to discuss our newest client, we're way behind on our schedule so I'd like us to fix that now" Amanda said.

"Please go through the booklet, you'll see a lot of pictures and captions. Our client wants her apartment to remain classic and eccentric in a way that it depicts her gothic personality but it has to be totally kid friendly because she plans on adopting. I've come up with a few themes in the booklet but I'd like your input. On page two and three, you'll see what our client's house looks like at the moment, on page four, five and six, you'll see various themes that would suit her taste and on page seven and eight you'll see kids friendly themes. How do we create a blend between gothic style and kid friendly?" Amanda asked before walking to her seat.

"Wow, this is a lot to take in.  First of all the traditional artifacts around her living room are pretty scary. I'm pretty sure there's nothing kid friendly about masquerade masks,  so that has to go" Mercie said.

A few nodded in agreement. "And what's with the black skull themed curtains, this decor is freaky. Did you get a profile of our client?" one of the staffs Chioma asked.

Amanda nodded. "She's an African American clothes designer who moved from the French quarter to Nigeria two years ago.  She's a huge fan of Nigerian culture, dark arts and she's also an Egyptophile. Her favorite festive season is the Halloween season, that covers it all" Amanda said.

"Halloween ke, in Nigeria? Are you sure she's fit to adopt a child, hope she's not adopting a Nigerian?" Opeyemi another staff chirped in.

Amanda rolled her eyes "Yes, omo jesu. And there is nothing wrong with that. That's not important right now, we're discussing decor. So the black curtains go, what else needs to go?" Amanda asked.

"May I suggest something?" Kenny one of their new additions asked. Amanda nodded.

"Since we're taking down the scary masquerade masks,  you mentioned she's an egyptophile. I suggest that we replace those masks with Egyptian artworks. For example the painting of the Nile, sculptures of those Egyptian cats. Those things are actually very kid friendly" Kenny said.

Amanda sent him a small smile. "That's good Kenny, I suppose we can find some of those things to fit in to the budget.  Now the dominant colors in our client's apartment are white, black and grey.  Black more dominant than others, black has to go" Amanda continued.

Mercie was about to speak when Toyin cleared her throat from the door way.  "Yes?" Amanda asked.

"There's someone here to see you, she said she isn't a client and you aren't expecting her but she said she wouldn't like to be kept waiting. Her name is Mrs Mayfair" Toyin informed.

Amanda almost fell out of her chair in sheer shock. "Mayfair?" she asked.

Toyin nodded "Should I let her in?" Toyin asked.

"Yes, please do. Guys please go to your various posts and try to come up with color charts that would suit our client's taste, come up with your own themes. We have to create a mood board before the end of the day" Amanda said hastily.

They all nodded and got up to leave her office, seconds later Atalia Mayfair walked in with a condescending look on her face. Amanda stood up immediately.

"Welcome ma" she said nervously, the woman had the ability to make her nervous by just staring at her.

"Hello Amanda Arinze, it's been a while" Atalia started.

Amanda nodded "Yes, I didn't think I would ever see you again after  I..." Amanda stopped and tried to study Atalia's expressionless face.

"After you walked out on me" Atalia completed.

"it wasn't my intention to, I didn't want to ruin your dinner. So I...knew I had to leave" Amanda said.

Atalia nodded "Are you busy?" Atalia asked. "No...I'm not" Amanda replied. She hoped Atalia Mayfair was in her office to make peace and not to fuel hostility.

"Good, I came to invite you to brunch. Get your things, we leave immediately" Atalia said before walking out of the office which was miniscule compared to her taste.

Amanda sighed while picking up her bag and phone before following. She couldn't decipher what Atalia's agenda was.

She informed Mercie that she was going out and asked that she handled everything in the office till she got back. She quickly texted Denola 'Hey'

He replied the minute she was out of the building. 'In a meeting, talk later'

'Let me know when you're done' Amanda replied before dropping her phone into her bag.

She walked faster when she saw Atalia's Mercedes Benz, her driver was holding out the car door for her.

Amanda got closer and noticed there was another woman in the car, a younger woman. Her heart skipped, what was Atalia up to?

"Amanda Arinze, you'll be sitting with me in front" the driver informed as he closed the door.

"Alright" Amanda said and followed his lead.

*

Amanda felt out of place as she sat in front of Atalia Mayfair and the younger woman beside her. They were at an opulent sea food restaurant at Ikoyi,  Atalia claimed she had picked the lake side restaurant because it was serene but Amanda knew it was to intimidate her as usual.

Atalia Mayfair picked up the menu right in front of her, her eyes perused the pages.  After she decided on her three coursed meal,  she turned to Joke.

"Sweet heart have you made up your mind on what you want?" She asked.

Joke smiled. "I come here all the time, I'll just have my usual" she replied. Atalia Mayfair nodded "Of course" she smiled before turning to Amanda.

"Amanda Arinze?" she cocked a brow at Amanda. "I'm not hungry" Amanda said, she hadn't even bothered to pick up the menu.

"Are you sure, I won't have you telling my son that I starved you" Atalia Mayfair said.

"I don't spin stories, I'm not hungry. And if you don't mind, I'd really like to know why you invited me here" Amanda said quickly.

"I invited you here to dine with me,  Joke here is the daughter of the Oba of Lagos.  It's not every day you dine with royalty, besides I thought it'd be nice for you to get acquainted with your best friend's wife to be" Atalia Mayfair smiled.

Amanda shook her head "It's really nice to meet you joke" Amanda said stretching forth her hand.

Joke didn't take it, she eyed Amanda's hand as if it was a disease. "It's princess Joke to you" she said with a forced smile on her face.

"Of course princess Joke. Listen it's been nice meeting you, but I really have to go.  When Denola deems it fit for me to meet his future wife then he'll invite her over to his house for a proper introduction" Amanda said getting up.

"This will be the last time you'll walk out on me Amanda Arinze, I'll not forget this slight, this disrespect" Atalia said meeting Amanda's eyes.

"Mrs Mayfair you do know that you could just call me Amanda, it doesn't change anything. Thank you so much for inviting me out to this wonderful restaurant, I'll take my leave now. Bye.... princess Joke" Amanda picked up her bag and left the table.

Atalia Mayfair scoffed before turning to Joke.  "Remember what I told you about problems and how to eliminate them?" she asked Joke.

Joke nodded "Well, Amanda Arinze is one problem you're going to get rid of if you want my Denola" Atalia Mayfair said icily.

Joke nodded and looked back in order to memorize Amanda's face as she left the restaurant. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she leaves Denola alone" Joke said and earned a smile  from Atalia Mayfair.

•••

"Those little moments designed to make one forget their problems are one of the best things in life"

*********************

Victoria Island,

Lagos.

Denola.

"Do I need to pack a swim suit?" Amanda asked throwing in a blue silk top into her bag.  They were packing for their weekend getaway, Denola had booked them a guest house at a tourist resort at Badagry for the weekend.

Amanda was excited for the trip but also nervous, if the weekend went well then they were opening another chapter in their life and if it didn't, would it make a dent in their friendship?

Denola nodded, his eyes plastered to his phone. He was working with his assistant to reschedule all his appointments for the weekend. "Yeah, you should. There's a pool and we'll definitely hit the beach. Do you swim?" Denola asked looking up from his phone for a second.

Amanda's hand was on her hips, watching him intently. "Why are you still on your phone, are you done packing? We're leaving in a few hours" Amanda asked.

"I'm done packing, I'm a guy. Do I really need much? I just need to finish up work affairs and I'll phone our driver and chauffeur for the weekend" Denola said.

"Alright, but remember you're not bringing your work with you.  This weekend is just for fun, pleasure and nothing else. You promised, no dealing with work and Mayfair drama" Amanda reminded.

"I know. My phone is going to be switched off through out the weekend. And yours should be too, I don't want your clients and staffs phoning you every second" Denola said. Amanda rolled her eyes before turning back to her wardrobe.

She dropped a few more outfits into her bag before closing it.  "I'm done, call the driver" she said before going into the bathroom to apply her make up.

Minutes later, Denola walked into the bathroom. "You look stunning" he complimented.

"Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself" Amanda smiled brightly.

Denola winked playfully. "I've phoned the driver, he's on his way. He should be here in a few minutes" Denola informed.

Amanda expelled a shaky breath. "Well I guess we're really doing this" she said. Denola frowned and went closer to where she was standing opposite the mirror.

"Nervous? We're not meeting my family again, this weekend is just for the two of us.  Cementing our bond and relationship" Denola said taking her hand.

"I know we're not meeting our family, but what if nothing goes as planned and our friendship is ruined. I don't want to lose what we have" Amanda said.

"Our friendship won't be ruined, this weekend will strengthen it.  Now stop thinking too much and relax" Denola said.

"Are you done?" he asked when he noticed she was no longer as tensed as she was when he walked into the bathroom. "Yes, I'm done.  How do I look?" she asked twirling.

"You know you're beautiful but since you want me to say it.  I'll spell it out for you"

Denola's eyes took in her curves that were hugged by light blue jeans and the creamy skin exposed by her off shoulder grey sweater. She was dressed casual but she could pass for a beauty queen anywhere and anytime. Amanda's beauty glowed in simplicity, it was why she never applied makeup heavily despite the paleness of her skin.

Her lips curved as she watched his eyes appreciating her. "Take a picture Denola, it lasts longer. You can stop undressing me with your eyes now" she teased.

Denola narrowed his eyes at her playfully before pulling her into his arms.  He couldn't resist kissing her, and when he started he couldn't stop.  Everything about Amanda Arinze was irresistible, from her light brown eyebrows to her light brown eyes that were veiled by light brown lashes. Her cute button nose and her plump pink lips.

Denola nipped at her lips softly before pulling away. "Just so you know....I do plan on undressing you sometime soon" he said.  Amanda looked at him flustered and was unable to say anything.

"You look breath taking as usual, come on let's go. The driver will soon be here" he said. Amanda nodded and followed him out of the bathroom.

*******

Mayfair Towers.

Denola wasn't surprised when he was summoned by his father the minute he got to work on Monday.

When he turned on his phone on sunday evening after he and Mandy got back from their weekend getaway, he'd been bombarded with different texts and phone calls. All of them which he'd ignored, all his attention had been on Mandy that evening.

Denola smiled while reminiscing on everything they had done all through the weekend. The trip had been blissful and Mandy was still glowing, he didn't mind getting away with her every weekend just to make her happy.

The smile was still on his face when he walked into his office but it was immediately wiped off when his secretary informed him that his father wanted to see him immediately.

Denola went to his father's office after receiving his message.

He wanted to get whatever meeting they had over with and continue the day with his post weekend bliss but he wasn't prepared for the surprise waiting for him in his father's office.

He didn't expect to see his mother sitting beside his father when he pushed the door open, neither did he expect to see his grand parents opposite them.

"You're late!" his grandfather snapped the minute his face came into view.  Sighing, he closed the door and walked over to them.

"Good morning grandfather, grandmother. Mother and father" he greeted before sitting beside his grandmother. He pecked her cheek because he reserved most of his affection for her and Ajose.

"Sweetheart, how are you? You look so handsome this morning, you must have had a wonderful weekend" Dame Mayfair teased.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you all about it later" he whispered before turning to his grand father.

"I encountered traffic on my way here, moreover I wasn't aware there was a meeting" Denola said.

"Yes, there is a meeting and you would have been aware if your phone hadn't been turned off through out weekend" his father said sternly.

"I had my assistant attend to all business calls and asked her to call the manager if something really important came up.  There was none, so I don't see the problem" Denola replied.

Atalia Mayfair scowled "The problem you stupid boy is you failing to attend a private dinner organized by the Oba for us and his family. We've talked about this before Denola, it's high time you start courting Joke. You're old enough to get married and we've made a suitable choice for you" Atalia Mayfair spoke.

Denola shook his head. "You're my family but you don't get to make decisions of the heart for me.  Asides business I don't see any other reason you should be involved in my life" Denola said.

"I am your mother!" Atalia argued. "I gave birth to you, I nurtured and raised you up and you dare open your mouth to tell me I have no say in your life.  Denola I gave you life, I have every say in how you should live it and who you should live it with" Atalia said strongly.

Denola sighed "Mom, every step I've taken since I was a child was decided by this family. I'm fully capable of making my own decisions now, can't I do that in peace?" Denola asked.

"Your decisions will jeopardize the family's legacy. It was your decision to be with Teni and looked at what we lost. A contract worth millions of dollars!" his father spat.

Dame Mayfair sighed and took Denola's hand, she rubbed it soothingly. "I admit I made a mistake with Teni, it won't happen again. I'm sorry I can't be with Joke, I love someone else and that's who I want to spend the rest of my life with" Denola said.

"Amanda!" Atalia Mayfair said venomously. "That one is worst than Teni, a trashy gold digger. A complete nobody, a leech and a disrespectful thing" Atalia said.

"Mom,  she's none of those things. You don't know her." Denola argued.

"I've checked the accounts, I know what you're spending on that leech.  I suppose she repays you by sleeping with you, that's why you're not thinking with your head anymore" Atalia spat.

"I don't want to hear anything about this Amanda, whatever she is. Get rid of her, pay her off.  Do you understand me?" His father asked.

Denola scoffed "I'm afraid I can't do that" Denola said.

"So you're going to let a nobody influence your devotion to your family?" his grandfather asked.

"I'm still devoted to this family but I'm not going to ruin my happiness because of that" Denola insisted.

"Then you leave us no choice, we've made a decision" his grandfather said causing his parents to sigh.

"We're removing you from the Family's account till further notice and we're confiscating every of your purchases made by the Mayfair account." his father said.

"Alright, if you don't mind...I have work to do" Denola said getting up.  He kissed his grandmother goodbye before walking out of the office.