CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

Monday, 14th March 2016

The following week brought about a flurry of activity within the company. Representatives of each company involved in the Abuja resort project arrived before noon. I was running around doing last minute checks on everything necessary along with other employees when a voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Hello Eniola,” he said enthusiastically.

I turned around to face him.

“Oh,” I said quietly as recognition set in. “Good morning, sir.”

I didn’t realize we were on a first name basis.

I discreetly looked around for Mr John Philip’s father. The older man, Senator Philip, made me feel more comfortable for some reason, unlike his son who stood before me.

“No need to be so formal, I'm glad I ran into you before the meeting started. It was a pleasure meeting you in Abuja.”

Too bad I couldn't reciprocate the sentiment.

When he tried to prolong the conversation, I deftly manoeuvred my way out of it with a winning smile and convincing excuse but I felt his gaze follow me even as I walked away.

***

It was halfway through the meeting and I sat quietly to my boss's left side when things started to go wrong.

“I would have loved to be a part of such a project but I am afraid my company might not be able to take it on at the moment." Mr John Philip said.

Mr Jacobs stopped in the middle of his presentation and faced the younger man.

"Excuse me, Mr John?" He asked slowly.

He wasn't the only one who was stunned. Simon and I both looked up startled. This was practically a done deal. We just set up the meeting to discuss formalities and go over the contract details before construction took place.

Why would anyone pull out now?

“It is beyond me. I looked it over with the company’s board of directors and we came to the conclusion that we would like to pull out. We simply can't take it on at the moment and would like to avoid incurring any losses.” He shook his head.

“Mr John, surely there must be a way to convince you to hold up your end of the contract. I mean it is a worthy project that could improve the Tourism sector of the country,” Simon spoke up.

“Senator Philip thought so too, so why the sudden change?” Mr Daniel asked.

“I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen but my decision is final.” Mr John said firmly.

I looked around the table at the reactions of the various company representatives present. Some were shocked and appalled while others looked a bit uncertain like they were considering backing out too. They were quickly losing confidence in the deal. I realized that it could all go downhill from there.

“Listen, Mr John I am sure we can come to a reasonable decision about the future of this project. How about we postpone this meeting to the end of the month?” Mr Daniel said.

The representatives agreed and slowly trickled out of the room. I could see the weariness in Mr Daniel’s eyes but he kept his back straight and his head held high as he saw the representatives out of the meeting room.

Simon and I remained in the empty meeting room while Mr Daniel walked out with the others. I flipped through the presentation once more in confusion.

Why the sudden change?

Beside me, Simon had a frustrated expression on his face.

“I don’t understand. Why did he suddenly think the project would result in loss for his company?” He mused quietly.

“I don't understand either, this sort of deal continues to generate income, there's going to be more profit than expenses within the proposed time frame.”

I was mind boggled. Sure, the investment wasn't cheap but it would be profitable in some years. We both looked up when the door swung open. Mr Daniel stepped in without a word, loosening his tie in a bid to get more comfortable. He sank gracefully into a chair then turned to look at us. I raised my eyebrows expectantly. I watched as a silent communication passed between the two brothers.

“We have to have come up with an undeniably, irresistible offer between now and the 15th.” Mr Daniel stated.

“You took the words right out of my mouth.” Mr Simon said, rolling up his shirt sleeves.

***

That weekend, I took the time out to actually relax for the first time in days following the incident. We had overworked ourselves like crazy, but no one was more tense than my boss and his brother. I lazily stretched my arm across the sofa to grab my phone when it rang. Lara's voice came through the speakers.

“Eni baby, what's up?” She said in a cheerful tone.

I couldn't help but smile.

“Apart from the fact that I feel like I am about to collapse, everything is great!” I replied.

I briefly told Lara about the very busy week I had.

“You know what you need right now?”

“A nice long bath, a lazy day watching TV and some sleep? Definitely. In fact, I am way ahead of you on that.”

“Um…nope, not in this case. You my dear, need a full day of pampering!”

“Hmm yeah right, let me know when I can afford it.”

I had been saving up for my father's surgery. It might take a while to accumulate the amount of money required but at least I didn't feel useless like I was doing nothing and just sitting down, waiting for the worst to happen.

“Oh honey,” Lara sighed. “Don't worry, this one is on me, it’s my treat.”

“No, no, I can't possibly let you do that.”

But Lara wasn't about to back down.

“Too late! I have just booked an appointment online for one Miss Eniola Fayola and her amazing best friend Lara. Oh look, it's already been confirmed." She chirped.

True enough, there was a distinct electronic chime in the background.

I sighed in defeat.

“You leave me with no choice,” I chuckled.

“Great, I’ll text you the details. See you tomorrow evening.”

Deep down, I couldn't deny that it was a very tempting offer.