Gladys laughed. “It was very good speaking with her; I miss her so much sometimes.”
“I understand. Since my last daughter moved to start school in the States, I have to force myself not to move there. But no depressing thoughts, not today of all days.”
Aunt Isioma looked at her with such pride and joy on her face that Gladys forgot the restraint that usually marked their interactions. She walked across the room and allowed herself to be enfolded in the older woman‘s arms.
**********
“It‘s virtually the same thing. We‘ve been giving your company large cap funds but gradually we want to start offering mid-cap, specialty and sector…”
Edward was in his office with Kanayo, Odili and Benibo discussing some issues with their current banking facilities.
“Could you speak in layman‘s terms?” Benibo requested.
Edward nodded and laughed. “Yes please, we need to understand what you‘re saying…”
His secretary cracked open the door. “Mr. Odusote is here for his appointment.”
He frowned and beckoned her in. He didn‘t know he had an appointment with the broker. After the meeting in March, they‘d sent him a letter that his proposal was under review. That was supposed to be it. She left the door ajar as she stepped in.
“When did I make this appointment?”
“I can‘t remember exactly sir, but it was sometime last month. You asked me to give him a call to see when he can come in for another meeting…”
While she still spoke, Mr. Odusote pushed the door wider and marched in. He moved straight to where they were seated on the settee cluster in a corner of the office and started shaking hands. Edward stared at his secretary till she scurried out of the room.
“Good afternoon Edward, how are you?” He took Mr. Odusote‘s sweaty palms without any smile. The hearty voice got on his nerves, just like the man himself. Not a week went by without the broker sending either a text message or email of the senseless forwarded variety.
“I‘m sorry, my secretary says we have an appointment but I must have forgotten. We were having another meeting as you can see but since you‘re here, you can join us for a while. This is my banker Mr. Kanayo Okafor. You met Odili and Benibo the last time.”
“Yes, yes I have. I‘ve also met Kanayo and knew he would be here today.”