At exactly fifteen minutes to six the next day, I was back at the bar with Olabisi to drop the payment with the bartender.

He didn't even respond to our greetings, he only collected the bag, and dropped it behind the counter. He nodded once at us and resumed back to humming the tune he was humming when we got there.

I asked Olabisi if he wouldn't give us proof of payment as soon as we walked away from him. "We just gave him the money like that. What if he absconds with it? He couldn't even give us a proof of payment, what if he runs away?"

Olabisi bursts out laughing at my naivety."You mean you want a receipt for transacting business with thugs? Do you even know what you are saying? Besides, the bartender can't run away with the money. They have been doing business for a long time with each other, and I am sure they all understand the stakes involved. That man owns this building." Olabisi indicates the bartender by pointing at him. "This building alone is worth about fifty million naira. Why would he run away and give up fifty million for two million?"

I had no response to Olabisi's words as I finally understood what she was saying. "I guess you are right."

"Of course I am right. I have dealt with these guys before, and I know they don't joke. They are the most ruthless beings I have ever come across. I doubt anyone in his or her right mind would dare double-cross them."

"What you said is true. Those guys gave me the chills yesterday."

"Enough of them, Tessy. We have done everything we were told. All you have to do now is take a chill pill, and wait for them to deliver. I trust they would."

"Alright, Olabisi. I understand you. I would start counting down the days until they deliver."I looked at my wristwatch and smiled at Olabisi. "I need to get home and prepare dinner for the prodigal, wandering husband of mine before he gets back. It's getting late already."

She stifles laughter and smacks me playfully. "You better be on your way then. You need to play the role of the dutiful wife well and take it seriously." She teases.

I smiled back at her as we walked to our separate cars. "That's your headache, Olabisi. You better be on your way to your empty apartment." I giggled loudly. "Or maybe you can call Evans to come and fill it up for you. I leap out of her reach laughing hard as she's about to hit me playfully.

She joins me in laughter and gives up on reaching for me. "You know you are not serious. Evans of all people. That dirty nuisance."

"Now, you call him a nuisance. Haven't you dated before? Remember he promised you some private trips?" I winked at her, still teasing."Tessy! Get into your car and be on your way home. Don't let me start with you this evening. You won't be able to bear it."

Still laughing, I raise up my hands in mock surrender."Okay, I give up. You win. Let me be on my way before you start with me. See you, tomorrow girl."

"See you too Tessy."

I pulled her closer for a quick hug before getting into my car and driving off. I look in my rearview mirror to see her waving at me, and I wave back at her.

I arrive back home and head straight into the kitchen to cook for Tade. I was almost done with my cooking when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly wash my hands and dry it with a napkin before going to open the door.

I opened the door and saw our gateman, Funsho at the doorstep. I frowned at his interruption and ushered him in wondering what he had to say this time."Come in, Funsho. What do you want?" I asked while motioning him to a seat. He respectfully declined and remained standing.

"I am not staying long madam. I just have a message for you."

"Why didn't you tell me when I got back from my outing?"I replied feeling slightly angry that he was keeping me away from my cooking.

"I'm sorry madam, but I wanted you to rest a bit. I didn't want to waylay you with the message before you had time to rest."

I realized he had a reasonable explanation and nodded in agreement. "Alright then. What is it? Out with it quick before my food burns."

"It's your sister, madam, Efya."

I opened my mouth to correct him but didn't want to waste any more time so, I let it slide knowing fully well that he's likely to repeat the same mistake "What's is wrong with her again?"

"Nothing madam. She came here again today. She said she didn't hear from you, and she has to talk to you. She even said she tried to call you but your number was unreachable. She said it's urgent and you should reach her as soon as possible."

"Oh! Shit!"I muttered under my breath. I had totally forgotten to call Efya. "Is that all?"

"That's all madam. She just said you must call her." He turns to leave,  "Can I go back to my duty post now, madam? I think I just heard a horn sound at the gate. It must be your husband."

"Yes, you can go," I replied and he left leaving me preoccupied with the thoughts of Efya. I was still wondering what she had to tell me that was so important, that she had to visit my house twice in the space of days. That was unusual of Efya. She usually waited for me to call whenever she had something to tell me. I was about to get my cell phone on the table to call her when Tade walked in and smelt food burning.

"What's that smell?" He asked me as soon as he entered.

I immediately dropped my phone and ran straight for the kitchen. Thankfully, part of the food could still be salvaged. I set it down and turned off the gas. I walked back into the living room to see Tade.

He smiled at me, and I smiled right back."Welcome home darling. How was your day?"

"My day was good. I missed you though."He walked closer to me and drew me in for a peck.

I recoiled at his touch but managed to keep a straight face."I missed you too babe. Are you hungry? Food is ready."

"You mean the food that I just smelt burning?" He grins at me as he released me from his arms.

"No, babe. It's still edible."

"Okay, babe. Let me go and take a shower first. You set the table while I do that."

"I would do just that, and wait for you so we can eat together."

"I would be right back." He goes inside the room, and I make my way to the kitchen to get the food.

I had finished setting the table and was sitting patiently at the dining table waiting for him when he got back. He came back smelling all fresh of his aftershave. He had certainly used perfume and roll as he always did after bathing. The combination of all the masculine smell always drove me mad. I felt aroused by his smell, it brought back some sweet memories of the happiest times we spent together. I let my eyes roam over him drom jead to toe and I can see that he's still as hamdsome as he was when met. Tade was tall, and had long legs that effortlessly rocked all his trousers. He had a lean hard torso witn full eight packs, the result of his desciplined lifestyle as a gym rat and feeding healthy.It still feels like yesterday when he approached me at a fundraising dinner, shining his perfect white teeth and requesting for a dance with me. I obliged of course, it was hard not to or try impossible not to. Who would say yes? He maddenly handsome and he has a very smooth face, devoid of razor bumps or any bumps at all. It didn't help that he also had dimples, beautiful sinful dimples that sent my commonsense fleeing. His suit was perfectly tailored, he smelled nice and he was a perfect gentleman throughout that night. That was the man I fell for, not this cheating, lying bastard. Maybe I could try to love him again. It was possible, right?I shook the thoughts off my head and replaced it with hateful thoughts of him. Nah! I can't and wont make a second mistake. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. If there's anything i hate, it's shame and i simply cant stand it.

He sat down and we began to eat. We talked all through dinner and I forgot all about Efya again. I just kept smiling, leading Tade to believe I was happy with him. I just couldn't wait for the action to start. The mere thought of that alone was giving me orgasm. Damn! I had never felt so good. Men really are stupid and clueless.