“Hello, this is Gladys. Yes I‘m fine, thanks. How are you? Is Aunt Isioma there, I‘d like to speak with her please.”
Her aunt was in the United States visiting with her older daughter. Gladys had sent a text earlier to her cousin‘s phone to say they were back but now she needed someone to confide in. She was confused about the recent turn of events and wanted some mature insight. That ruled out any excess of questions from Ola, and her mother did not know Edward that well.
“Gladys hello, Funmi passed along your text message. Thank God you arrived safely. But it‘s late over there, is everything OK?”
“Not really, something is wrong with Edward‘s company and he had to rush over to the office almost as soon as we arrived. He‘s still there as we speak.”
“That is serious. Do you know exactly what it is?”
“Edward has refused to tell me what‘s going on. I‘m very worried. He‘s put this distance between us as if whatever happened was my fault.” Gladys was upset yet angry. She poured out her heart and all the events as they had occurred.
“Calm down Gladys. No matter how difficult it is falling from the high of the trip, you have to pull yourself together. Bear in mind that Edward is feeling the same way too and more intensely since it‘s his business in jeopardy. The first few months of any serious relationship are sometimes tricky especially when a crisis is added to the equation.”
“I understand, but why won‘t he talk to me? I offered to go to the office to see what I can do but he rebuffed me.” She‘d thought they built up a large measure of trust and respect during their travels and the time spent alone but that seemed wrong.
“Gladys it is not magic, these things take their time. Whatever is happening with Bestman Group must be very serious. You have to keep a cool head and be watchful.” Her aunt‘s reply was very measured and Gladys felt better by the end of the conversation.
**********
It was close to midnight when Edward exited the elevator of the twelve-storey modern office building flanked by Ogbonna and Mrs. Olayomi. As they walked along the underground car park, his mind roiled with conflicting thoughts. Did she or didn‘t she sell?
“See you tomorrow.” Mrs. Olayomi said as she moved away.