The following morning, Tosin was taken to her office by her husband, Ladi.
At half past ten, Baba l’egba came into her office, looking worried.
“Baba l’egba, what about my car? Is it ready?” She asked.
“Madam, I don’t know how it happened but I can’t find the key of the car. I’ve -”
Her face changed as she cut the man off. “You can’t find what?”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been looking for it since I got to the workshop this morning. It must have dropped -”
“Are you talking about just the car key or the bunch of keys?”
“Yes, the bunch of keys.”
“The bunch?” She asked disbelievingly.
“I think it must have dropped inside the bus that brought me to the workshop this morning.”
“Is there any way you can locate the bus?”
“I don’t think so. I’m sorry.”
Oh God! She muttered under her breath. “What do you want me to do now?”
As she asked the question, she reached out and picked the phone, dialing Joe’s number.
When he picked it, she said, “Joe, can you believe that Baba l’egba has lost the car keys – what did you say? – yes – okay.”
She replaced the receiver and told the mechanic to sit down. “Joe is coming over. What can we do?”
“I wonder if you have the duplicate of the car key at home?” He asked carefully.
“I don’t.”
“I will have to get another one cut.”
“Cut another key? I don’t like the sound of this at all.” Tosin said.
The door opened and Joe came in.
“Baba l’egba, good morning. How did you lose the bunch of keys?” Joe asked, sitting on the chair beside the mechanic.
The man explained what happened to him, and Joe asked him more questions.
Finally, Joe turned to Tosin. “Well, he’ll have to get another key fabricated, and the earlier he leaves to do that the better.”
“How long will it take you to do that, and when should I expect my car?”
“You should get it today Madam and I’m very sorry for what happened.”
“It’s okay.”
**********
About noon the following day, the telephone on her table shrilled. She picked it. “Tosin here. How may I help you?”
“May I have the pleasure of your company this afternoon?”
She suspected it might be Joe but to confirm she asked, “Who is this?”
“Joe. I thought you would recognise my voice by now. I would know yours even in my sleep. And you have such an attractive voice, I must say. Very cool. How are you?”
“Oh I’m fine.” She drawled.
“I was wondering if I could take you to eat Ikokore this afternoon. I promised you and you accepted.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Okay, you didn’t but…”
“I don’t know. I was thinking …”
“Ple-e-e-ase.”
She shouldn’t be unfriendly when he was only trying to be nice, she thought. “Okay.” She accepted. “What time?”
“I’ll be in your office around half past twelve.”
“Alright, I’ll expect you.”
Joe came in precisely at the time and they left together in his car.
They soon reached the restaurant and Joe had to wait for a car to pull out before he could park. The place was bustling with activity as people went in and out. Some of the waiters greeted Joe by name and he waved at them in greeting as he and Tosin entered. They were led to a table close to a huge window.
The manager came over and greeted Joe familiarly. Then he turned to Tosin and greeted her.
“She’s here to eat Ikokore. I told her you cook it best.” Joe stated.
The dark short man laughed. “You’re right.” He summoned one of the waiters to come over. “Attend to them, please.”
The man in a white shirt over a pair of red trousers took their orders and left.
“So, how are you Tosin?” Joe asked.
He had keen eyes which many ladies would find irresistible, and Tosin found those eyes were now looking at her, intently.
“I’m fine, thank you.”
The waiter came back with their drinks and they began sipping.
“When did you join the bank?” Joe continued to question her.
The waiter soon returned and served the meal which Tosin found delicious, and she felt happy she accepted Joe’s invitation.
As they ate, they talked quietly of things and places, with Joe smiling, and giving her glances which she liked. His eyes carried a message of admiration which she got and to her dismay, liked. God, what’s happening to me? I like another man’s attention! Tosin’s heart screamed.
They eventually finished eating and Joe checked his watch. “I think we should go. It’s been fun being with you. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your company. I’ll want us to repeat it one of these days. What do you say?”
“Well, maybe when I’m not very busy.”
Joe paid the bill and they left the restaurant, walking up to the parked car. He opened the passenger door and Tosin entered.
To be continued.
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