I took time to explain to the Ladies in detail what Kaycee had told me and asked that we all put the incident behind us and move on. “Really Tobs, why should I do that just because you asked me to?” Jasmine asked angrily. I realised then that Jasmine was deeply hurt by what Kaycee did. The best approach is to nip this in the bud before it goes too far. “Ok Jaz, don’t be a drama queen, Kaycee has apologised a zillion times, what will you have her do? How can she pay penance? Please Jaz, let this go” I pleaded gently, feeling very worried now. I looked at Bola willing her to say something but she looked disinterested in the whole thing and Zara was enjoying the show a bit too much for my liking, her malicious glint obvious for all to see. “Ladies, this has got to stop, what punishment do you feel is suitable for Kaycee? She must be punished, right?” I asked in exasperation.
“Ok since you put it that way, I will come up with something,” Jasmine said thoughtfully. “I have a suggestion,” Zara said wide eyed. “I am sure you do darling but that won’t be necessary, Jasmine is more than capable of meting out punishment. Can we at least hug on this? I asked with little hope of being heeded. “Hello, Tobs I hope you are ready?” I heard Rick’s voice asking as he approached my room. “Whoops! I completely forgot, here comes Mr Drama king,” I muttered uncharitably with a heavy sigh. “Darling is that Rick?” Jasmine asked excitedly opening the door with flourish and taking up a striking pose.
“Hello Tiger,” Jasmine drawled sensually as Rick made to knock at the door. He stepped in, looking around and flashing what he undoubtedly believed was his sexiest smile. “Hello bellissime signore (gorgeous ladies),” Rick said in his baritone,” oozing with charm. My girls were blushing and preening like new brides. I watched in amazement and amusement as he went round each one of them, kissing them on both cheeks and on their hand. The same girls who refused to kiss and make up a minute ago. “Am I missing something? I am hurt that I wasn’t invited to this gathering,” Rick said with mock seriousness.
“Okay ladies, listen up, change of plans; how about a night out on me?” Rick said in his most persuasive voice. “Sorry love, I’ll take a rain check on that, some other time. Got a hot date!” Jasmine said with a smile. “I am game Rick,” I heard Zara say. “So am I,” Bola chipped in. “No one is going anywhere Rick, we are actually in the middle of something important,” I said quietly. “Obviously, I’ll be back to pick you in two hours,” Rick said cockily in a voice that brokered no argument as he walked towards the door. What part of ‘not interested in having anything to do with you’ does this guy not understand? I reasoned in frustration.
“Babe na wa oh, dis your bobo no dey take ‘No’ for answer. I am impressed!” Zara said in wonder. “Why didn’t you just go with him Tobs? We are not Strangers, we could have left after you leave,” Bola stated scathingly. “What is it with you ladies tonight? We have unfinished business here. Rick badged in on us and so does not deserve empathy from you guys,” I said, feeling irritated. “Touché Madam Lawyer, apologies!” Zara said in mild amusement. I felt immediately contrite, I shouldn’t be snapping at my friends, they were not the cause of my irritation, moreover how would I get them to let go of the incident with Kaycee if I can’t even keep my temper in check. I smiled apologetically at all of them and explained about Rick’s highhandedness and automatic assumption that I must do his bidding. They were amused by Rick’s antics. “Girls you must excuse me, I am running late for my date, can we reschedule this Meeting please?” Jasmine asked in a tense voice after checking the time. “I agree with Jasmine, I am utterly bored and drained and will like to go home, it was a busy day at the office today,” Bola said sullenly.