Chereads / A TIME TO LAUGH / Chapter 12 - The housekeeper

Chapter 12 - The housekeeper

will see her tomorrow after seeing my parents off," Adah started with a smile looking quite fulfilled.

" Are your parents traveling? "Munah asked trying not to delve into her family matters.

" They are going for a medical check-up and brief holiday," she said surprised that he asked.

I seem to like your friend..." Munah said honestly with a smile

" Lily is a good friend, you will get to love her when you come to know her better," Adah said

" I am sorry to ask but why is she here... for holidays? " Munah asked

" You see that other block of offices we bought today that is fully equipped, it is for my project in the expansion and diversification of the Denson's empire. I brought her in so that she can begin the process. For now, it's her and me that are on the team. However, we need six team members." Adah said looking at him for there is something she wants concerning the project that has not rightly clicked and his insight will be worth it. Munah though taken aback by her sudden revelation smiled because he had been wondering since that purchase why such a huge sophisticated office building should be bought at such a heart-rendering price.

" I think care needs to be taken. Denson's empire is filled with gifted and resourceful personnel you can pick from depending on what you want." He said lowering his tone

" It is my secret project and my daddy has given his blessings. I am new around the empire, I have discovered that we need to be in the fire front of every information technology, building, housing, etc all those put together are what I want to bring to the table and explore." Adah said with passion in her words as she looked at him.

" It is a welcomed idea but first your idea has to be independent. It should be a subsidiary, I will advise that it should not be hurriedly incorporated into the empire because you will not have full control. For the team, I will suggest Mrs. Randolph." He said holding her stare for a while as they were enveloped by a brief silence. Adah was the first to look away but in her heart, she knows that Munah is making a whole lot of sense.

" Six will be a crowded team and too many cooks spoil the whole meal. I will suggest your friend, yourself, and Mrs. Randolph. Create control and learn to manage people in small groups so that the successes attained can be perfectly enhanced upon." Munah said as he started the car. He knows that she must be taken home and from there he will advance towards his place of abode. Adah remained speechless for a while as reality dawned on her. He said three but in her mind, she has included him as part of the team because such knowledge that exhumes from him ought not to be let go. Her mind had never failed her any time she takes this kind of decision.

" Where are we going next?" She asked without looking at him.

"I intend to take you back home and find my way from there..." he said quite surprised that she asked.

"We will drive together to your place to see your mother and from there, I will find my way back home. This is an order. Remember, I am Adah Denson." She said turning to look at his expressionless expression. They never said anything again as he drove as each was buried in their thought and world. Occasionally, she will steal a glance at him and smile to herself. She feels better now that she has realized her heart. She prays that this time around after the bad experience with Bami that had probes tears, this new feeling and realization will make her laugh. This indeed is a time to laugh! She reckons that after all, it is her life to live!

Munah reached Fountain square in good time and felt quite uneasy as he entered the busy road that will lead him to the small domicile he stays alongside the only relative he knows which is his mother. He drove for about ten minutes and turned the corner as he pulled up in front of an unfenced block of mini flats. They both came out and walked the little distance towards Munah's apartment. He knocked on her door and his mother opened it to usher them in with shock as she saw Adah with her son. She greeted her and quickly offered her a seat. As Adah sat down, she noticed that the lady was simply passing time by watching a television soap opera.

"Please what do I owe this visit?" She asked looking at her with awe

"Not to worry yourself, Mrs. Rowlings. So sorry that I took him away for long." Adah said choosing her words carefully. The woman laughed softly as she could not remove her eyes from the lady.

"Let me use this opportunity to express my thanks for your help and consideration towards Munah. Thank you so much and may help never seem to elude you. Thank you also for the allowances and everything." She told Adah with warmth in her heart and voice. Adah simply smiled and for the third time looked around the little apartment with much interest as if trying to discover a part of the young man who sat beside her. They discussed for some minutes before Adah stood up to announce her leave. The woman prayed for her again and asked Munah to see her off. As Adah came out, she remained speechless till they got to the car. He opened the car for her and she got in while he opened the other door for himself fully knowing that she may not properly navigate herself out of the busy street because of the twists and turns. She drove the car and came to the Fountain square and looked for the right spot to pull over.

"Thank you so much for the entire sacrifice and time. I don't know what to say to you." Adah said looking at him fully in the eyes as she made her way into the car to hug him but in a flash of lightning she found her lips on his. To get a better feel, she snuggled closer, and to get a proper balance, she held him close to herself as the kiss became deeper. He kissed her passionately in return with her giving back the best way she could. As it became more passionate, she wrapped her hands around him not caring anymore where they are and who might be watching. In a flash as if recollecting what is at stake, Munah pulled her gently away but she resisted never wanting it to stop. She suddenly realized as if hit with a magic wand and refrained. He quickly got out of the car without saying a word as he walked away at that instant Adah started the car and zoomed off with much uncertainty in her mind

Munah could not believe what just transpired in the car. He tried explaining the situation to himself and discovered that he could not even make the incident clear enough to himself. He cursed himself as he walked home. Yes, he has not been tactful. Self-control is the attribute of self-will. and for him to lack the necessary control simply shows how immature his tendencies and wants are driving. He feared for the worst and prayed. He is not in love with her and she may not even be interested in him, she is surrounded by the high and mighty, wealth and fame is her birthright so where is he to fit in? He knows that she is beautiful beyond words,, she radiates beauty and elegance far more than words can describe. In body size, figure, and physical appearance, she is simply gifted with her delicate skin which shone like glass. Munah knows that he is no match and does not even have what it takes to compete for her hand. It is laughable to think of him falling in love with her. The goodwill he enjoys is enough and should not be pushed too far before he will see himself crashing from grace to grass! Munah turned the bend and for the first time realized that her perfume is still on him, wondered what must have prompted this action or if it was a way of setting him up? Is she loosed? After all her best friend is a lesbian, is this not wantonness that is been spread on the horizon? Munah entered the house and with an expressionless face walked into the kitchen to look for what to eat. He knows that his mother must have retired for the night and he need not disturb her. This is an issue that needs more attention from him than any other. Telling his mother may jeopardize her improving health and wellness. His mother too may not be comfortable with the whole idea and if he seems disturbed about it, she may ask him to resign which is the last thing that Munah will want to do.

As She drove home that night, she wondered how fast everything had transpired and tried to put her mind back into perspective. She loved the kiss they have shared, from the kiss she sensed fondness, passion, and love. The way he held her and kissed her with a combination of care and passion all rolled into one. She knew that she wanted more and was disappointed when he gently pulled her away with care and concern. Thank goodness for that restraint from him, she knows that it was not easy but his willpower from him is what shook her. Adah knows that she can never be resisted by any man and for Munah to come off the charm means there is something in him that she must come to understand. She hated the thought of throwing herself on him, she knows that she is not cheap but one thing she knows is that she has fallen in love with him and for him to respond to her kisses means a lot because those kisses that were exchanged were no pretenses. As she took the left turn and climbed down the five-kilometer bridge, she heard the tone of her phone. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought that it may be Munah but checking the phone, she discovered that it was Palm springs. She touched the screen of her phone and a feminine voice reached hers. The discussion was in Spanish, they have sent a requisition form as well wanting to know who referred her to palm springs. She answered their questions and discovered that there is a commission for the person that referred her. She could not help but smile more out of confusion.

Tomorrow will be another busy day. Her parents will be leaving the country after which she will go and check up on Lily. She knows that her parents will be going on their private jet as they normally do in most of their travels. She knows the tradition of seeing them off tomorrow so she has no excuses. With this recent call from Palm springs, she dialed Munah's number. He picked up the call and first inquired about her whereabouts and safety.

"I am fine... I just got into Bourdilon." She explained trying to look calm.

"Best of the night rest to you," he said

"Please I will need you to come tomorrow or do I come to your place?" She said fearing that he may hang up the phone. "When precisely will that be?" She heard his voice and breathed heavily.

" Will noon be a nice time?" she asked

" No problem madam... but where will I meet you?" he asked

" I will be at home..." she said and the silence after that was eventful.

" See you then and do take care..." he said and waited till she ended the call and heaved a sigh of relief. She entered the mansion and parked the car before walking the little distance to the house. On her way, she was approached by the Housekeeper who greeted her politely. For some time now, Adah knew and respect the bond between them. She seems to know a lot about the house and her parents but she is quite secretive as well as professional about her responsibilities. Adah entered the building and made straight to her wing. She entered her living room and closed the door before tiredly making it to the bedroom. After taking a very long shower she came out and put her nightwear on before walking to the cabinet. She brought out her favorite wine and poured herself a glass full. She drank from the glass and with her phone in hand, she called Lily. They discussed it for a while and we were not surprised when Lily told her about going to the club. According to her, the club is within the hotel and she just wants to flirt around and have some fun. Adah laughed at their discussions and even when the call ended she smiled it all off and overheard the housekeeper preparing her table. She came out and struck up a discussion.