CHAPTER 46
(While the sponsor was walking up to the podium, Tess, Anayo's guest could not hold himself after listening to all that was said about Kurt James, he busts out...)
TESS : oh my God its Kurt James!...(tring not not shout too much even though the applaud covered up his voice somehow)...i can't believe this...the same Kurt James...(Sitting up to get a clearer view)
(They are all surprised that Tess knows him)
ANAYO : (turning to look at him)...you know him?
TESS : don't you?....
ANAYO : nah...(Looks back at Kurt)
(Everyone at their table turns to Tess)
TESS : that's Kurt James the guy that buys and sells companies in distress...(Seeing they are all listening)...haven't you heard about him?
OTHERS : no.
TESS : this guy is renowned in the business world. Look, he is so damn rich...I never knew he's so young.
SUSAN : you said he buys and sell companies?
TESS : yes, this is what he does. When a company is about to fold up, due to debts, he comes to the shareholders 'rescue'. He makes them a proposal to buy them off, making them a very good offer...now...(sitting up) these shareholders see him as a God-sent because their losses won't be as much as waiting for their assets to be confiscated, so they sell out to him. You know what he then does...?...(Looks at their faces)...he's got professional business white-men working for him. They are professional analysts and researchers. He brings them in, they review the company's problems, then restructure and resuscitate it. And guess what?....(Takes a look at them all again)... within a year or two, you won't believe it was the same company that was once in debt!
TEGA : wait a minute, let me understand you better...you mean this 'young' guy buys and sells companies?
TESS : exactly.
ANAYO : wow...
TESS : that's not all, after about two years, he will then sell off at almost triple the price he got it in the first place!
TEGA : what!...that's like doubling his expenditure...
ANAYO : double? More like tripling!
SUSAN : wow...
TESS : look, the particular year he dabbled into Nigeria's capital market, he bought about three companies at the same time and sold them off the following year. Now, most company owners run to him once they have problems. Sometimes, he buys most of their shares and end up being the highest shareholder.
TEGA : hmm....and once those shareholders know they are having financial problems, they won't have a choice than to sell out...
TESS : exactly...He's got some brains for business mehn.
BUKOLA : but where did he get all the money from? May be his father is rich or something...
TESS : I never knew about that actually. In fact I never knew he was black, though a few research on him shows he is a Nigerian...that guy is worth millions of dollars.
TEGA : wow...
SUSAN : his wife is lucky...
BUKOLA : or unlucky? Such guys don't have time for their wives...(Still trying to see Kurt James' face)
(Meanwhile Kurt James is looking as simple as anyone can imagine. He's about 6.4ft tall, with a good body structure. He's wearing a white Polo Ralph Lauren short sleeve fitted inner wear, underneath a Giorgio Armani Taylor Tuxedo, a Philippe Reference by Tiffany & Co wristwatch and a New&Lingwood Russian Calfed black leather shoe. He's got a neat sporting-waves haircut which fits perfectly with his thin mustache that joins his well-shaped beard.
Looking exceptionally gorgeous, handsome and irresistible, Kurt James walks up to the podium after his company was ushered to their table...)
KURT : Greetings....(He leaves for his table and everyone's eyes was glued on him as the light shone on his face)
(Bukola and Susan look at each other after seeing Kurt James' face...)
SUSAN : em...please guys, excuse us....(pulling Bukola away from the table to a corner)...Bukola...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...Jide!...its Jide!
SUSAN : no, wait, let's not assume. May be they just look alike…
BUKOLA : (still trying to get a glimpse from the distance)....you think so?
SUSAN : that guy over there, we heard he's a billionaire....look at his hair cut, the way he's dressed...that guy doesn't look anything like Jide...
BUKOLA : but his face looks so much like Jide's, though more elegant and all but...
SUSAN : (cuts in)....remember the last time we saw him in prison?
BUKOLA : yes, he was looking unkempt, untidy, sweaty and all that...but if you remove all that and just had some spice...
SUSAN : (cuts in)...no, I don't think so...that can't be Jide, may be they just look alike...where will he get that kind of money from?
BUKOLA : you know what? Let's just forget about it and have fun, okay...
(They were still there when Stan walks up to them at the corner....)
STAN : Babes...are you thinking what I'm thinking?
SUSAN : what? Don't tell me you also think that's Jide?
STAN : I can see we're thinking along the same line...
SUSAN : that's not possible Stan. Look, Tess over there just told us that guy is worth millions of dollars, where will Jide get all that money from?
STAN : Bukola, what do you think?
SUSAN : she also thinks it’s Jide...
STAN : good thinking!...look let's go talk to him...
BUKOLA : huh…(wondering what the hell Stan is talking about)…hell no, I'll do no such thing.....(Looking at Kurt's seat)....just look, he's married with a kid...
STAN : hmmm......notwithstanding, he owes us some allegiance, let's walk up to him...
SUSAN : (cuts)...what is wrong with you Stan, don't you think you'll be making a fool of yourself if that guy is not who you think he is...let's just act like we don't know anything and go back to our seats, remember that Jordin is here and we shouldn't make him feel terrible about coming here....
BUKOLA : that's true let's go...
(They both go back to their seats, but Bukola couldn't get her eyes and her mind off Kurt James.
Meanwhile, Kola is sitting with his Boss and they are talking secretly....)
KURT : is he here?
KOLA : he came in about thirty minutes ago....he's seated right behind.
KURT : good. Ensure there's a surveillance on him once he's leaving. Make sure you watch him closely, don't let him out of your sight for one minute.
KOLA : alright.
LARA : hey what's it with the secrecy here again? Now that we're here you two are back to it again...
KURT : (gives Lara a stare)...do you have a problem with that?
LARA : sorry....(she looks away)
LADI : Daddy, I want to take a swim in the pool.
KURT : no you can't. I'll take you to a pool tomorrow...(Turns to Kola)...please call the chauffeur, the lady will be going home anytime from now.
LARA : (shocked)...me? Going home? But we just got here.....Is it because of what I said?
KURT : Ladi's got to go to bed.
LARA : I thought we'll be staying here with you? Or are you not staying in the hotel?
KURT : I am. But I'll be busy. So go to your parents'.
LARA : then let's send Ladi to my parents while I stay here with you.
KURT : you and I know he's not close to them, so how does he stay with them?
LARA : but....(As she was talking, she cut a glimpse of Andrew walking towards another table and she was shocked)...oh my God...
KURT : what?....(Looks at the direction she faced)
LARA : oh my God what's he doing here?
KURT : (knowing who she's talking about)....Lara, its time you left with Ladi....
(As they were still talking, Bukola, who could not get her mind of Kurt walks up to them. Immediately Kurt saw her, he quickly gulps down some saliva...)
BUKOLA : (talking to Kola) hi...em....Kola, right?
KOLA : yes...(Standing up)...oh my, it’s so good to see you're here. I wanted to finish with my Boss before coming to look for you....(Extending a handshake)...you look extremely stunning and ravishing...
BUKOLA : oh thanks....(Looks at Kurt)....won't you introduce me to your friend here?...or your Boss?
KOLA : oh yes...(Turns to Kurt who's now feeling quite uncomfortable on his seat)....em....this is Miss...
KURT : (cuts in)....I know...(Realizes he shouldn't have said anything)
KOLA : (surprised)...you know her already....?
KURT : ....yes....didn't we go to the same secondary school?....(Trying to cover up, he didn't like the fact that Kola is acting like he's the first to have known Bukola)
KOLA : oh that's true...
BUKOLA : oh...Mr. Kurt James...that means you remember my names then, right?....after....let's see...how many years....you left in JS3, right?
KOLA : yes he did. And you know what, he's got such a good memory too.
BUKOLA : I see....after about fifteen long years....I don't remember your face anyways.... but if you still remember my name....(Chuckles)...that means you must have had a crush on me or something....
KOLA : (laughs)....hahahaa....you're so funny....
KURT : she's a lawyer what do you expect...
KOLA : (shocked)...how do you know?
BUKOLA : that's true, how do you know?
KURT : (in his thought : shit! I messed up again)....em....she had always said she wants to be a lawyer...
BUKOLA : ooohh my....I see...(Turns to Kola)...your Boss seem to have a very good memory of me....wait a minute, I'll be back...(She goes to call Susan)
(After Bukola left for Susan's place, Lara could not hold herself...)
LARA : where did you know her? With the way she talked...
KURT : (cuts in)....I thought I told you to go home?
LARA : it’s not like the driver is here for us, is it?
KURT : Kola....
KOLA : yes….
KURT : please, get them home.
KOLA : alright...please come with me...
(Lara did not like the sound of that but she stood up anyway....)
LARA : are you coming to check up on us later on?
KURT : (notices that Ladi is dozing off)...I'll give you a call...hurry up, Ladi is almost dozing off.
(Kola carries Ladi, while leading Lara to the elevator.
As they were leaving Bukola was walking back to Kurt's corner with Susan. Ken saw Lara on her way out with Kola and stopped her...)
KEN : excuse me...you look familiar...
LARA : you're Ken right? Andrew's friend...
KEN : well...then, yes....I...
LARA : (cuts in)…Toyin, we met in Unilag some years ago when you and Andrew came to see Anthonia... At the faculty of Law...
KEN : yes, yes!...that's true! Where have you been? You seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth....and all of a sudden appeared with...(Looks at Ladi)...a rich husband and a son...
LARA : (smiling)...I've been around...
KEN : so that guy is your husband, right?
LARA : hmm mm...(Nodding)
KEN : wow...you're a big girl now...(Brings out a card from his pocket)...here's my complimentary card...
LARA : (collecting it from him with a smile)...okay
KEN : please give me a call soon okay...
LARA : I will...I have to go now...
KEN : so soon?
LARA : yeah...my son needs to rest now.
KEN : you're leaving your man alone....(Gives her wink at Kurt's direction, where Bukola is now approaching him)....in this place?
LARA : (smiles)....never mind, I trust him completely...
KEN : I see...
LARA : alright I'll be on my way now...ciao!
(Lara leaves for the elevator, while Ken looks at Andrew's direction. Andrew had also seen Lara, but he looked away.)
(Meanwhile, at Kurt's table, Bukola approaches him with Susan...)
BUKOLA : (sitting comfortably in front of Kurt)…Since Mr. Kurt here could remember everything about me, I'm sure he'll do the same with you....(Turns to Susan)
SUSAN : but Bukola...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...relax...(Turns to Kurt)...so, you remember Suz too don't you?
SUSAN : oh my God you look just like him...
BUKOLA : wait a minute, where's your wife and kid?...(Starts checking around)...and Kola? Don't tell me you sent them home already?....(Sits beside him)...perhaps because you gave a fake name, right?
SUSAN : Bukola...take it easy....
BUKOLA : you know what? I don't even know what I'm doing here....(She walks away)
SUSAN : Jide if it’s you, you really have to talk to her.....(Walks away too)
KURT : shit! Damn it...
(Meanwhile, Kola took Toyin (who was trying to hide her face from Andrew) down to the elevator and got her a chauffeur to take her home, after which he returns to the party.
Immediately he got back to the roof top, Bibi walks up to him...)
BIBI : hi...
KOLA : hi....(Looking around trying to locate Bukola...)
BIBI : em.....can we dance?
KOLA : em...sorry, I can't feel too free 'cause I'm working, you know?
BIBI : oh...okay...(Not liking the sound of that)
KOLA : so, I'll see you some time later...(He leaves for Kurt's seat)
BIBI : yeah....(Feeling so disappointed)
(On getting to where Kurt is, he noticed that some of the OSAAC members had gone to meet him, Tega and Anayo are part of them. Tess did not wait behind...)
KOLA : em....sorry, Mr. Kurt can't really entertain too many guests now...(Looking around)
KURT : it’s okay...(Holding Kola back from sending them away)
TEGA : Mr. Kurt, you remind me of an old friend, you know...
ANAYO : yeah that's true...when did you say you left AC?
KURT : JS3
ANAYO : I can't remember you at all...
KURT : you couldn't have. It’s over fourteen years.
ANAYO : that's true...but you kinda look like Jide.
TEGA : then you must have known Jide Akande...(Looks at Anayo)
ANAYO : yes, you should know him. You two look alike.
KURT : yes I do. The brilliant chap....they used to call him my twin....where's he now? Is he here?
TEGA : oh...he's in prison.
KURT : really? What for?
ANAYO : it’s a long story...
KURT : weren't you his friend? Shouldn't you know what's going on with him? Or....
ANAYO : (chuckles)...how do you know I was his friend? I don't think you were in our class then...
KURT : em...well...
ANAYO : (cuts in out of guilt)...I wasn't chanced…anyway, here's my friend, Tess, a business analyst, he's done so many research on you...
TESS : nice to meet you Mr. James...(Extending a handshake)
KURT : nice to meet you too...(Shaking Tess)
TESS : I'm so honoured to have met you personally...
(Meanwhile, Andrew is still with Joe and some other friends at their corner. Joe had gone to acquaint himself with Kurt James. Afterwards, he came back to his seat....)
JOE : if not for the fact that Jide is in prison, I'd have taken that guy for him.
EMEKA : I remember the guy. He looked so much like Jide. They used to call him Jide's twin while we were in school, and he never liked it till he left.
OSAS : that's true...i mean who would want to look like the poorest chap in school then…
ANDREW : I didn't know Jide had a replica when we were in school.
OSAS : they were even in the same class, but he wasn't as brilliant as Jide. That was their difference.
ANDREW : so what's he feeling like? A Don? Sponsoring the event, coming down here in a Helicopter, sitting down there like he's the man...what's his problem?
OSAS : well the guy's got the money...
ANDREW : (cuts in)...so who doesn't?
JOE : it’s not like we don't have money, but there are levels mehn. That guy is running things...have you seen his wrist watch? He's wearing a Tiffany & co, that wristwatch is worth way over two hundred thousand dollars... (Looks at Andrew)...and he's our mate....most of us here are relying on our father's wealth...isn't it Drew?
ANDREW : what kind of question is that?..(Hisses) please...I need a drink....(Calls on one of the waiters)
(At Bukola and Susan's corner, Jordin notices Bukola's change of mood....)
JORDIN : Babe, are you okay?
BUKOLA : why did you ask?
JORDIN : 'cause you've been, snapping at almost everything since you went over there to talk to that guy? Is everything alright?
BUKOLA : yes, everything is fine.
JORDIN : or do you want me to take you back home? Should we leave?
BUKOLA : leave? Why would we?
(Susan noticed Bukola's mood and whispers in her ears...)
SUSAN : Bukola, your anger is written all over you, try to calm down.
BUKOLA : (shakes her head in anger)...I...I....
SUSAN : (cuts in)...remember that Jordin is here...
(Stan who could not but notice everything decided to come in...)
STAN : why don't you vent your anger on the right person? Say it out and clear it off.
SUSAN : (surprised at what her husband is saying)...Stan! How can you say that?
BUKOLA : you know what? I need to get a drink!....(She leaves their table)
JORDIN : (getting really confused)....can someone tell me what's going on here?
SUSAN : em...sorry Jordin, she only saw someone that owes her.
JORDIN : how much are we talking about here?
SUSAN : very much Jord, but never mind...
(On Bukola's way she bumps into Ken...)
KEN : hey, Bukola....
BUKOLA : Ken....
KEN : what's wrong with you? You look...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...not now Ken...(Keeps moving)
KEN : wait...(Follows her)...you're sure in a very bad mood....
BUKOLA : (shaking her head)...you know what...
KEN : (cuts in)...I'll get you a drink....(Picks up a glass of wine from one of the waiters walking around and gives it to her...)....here..
BUKOLA : (collecting the drink)..thanks!...(She gulps some and spat it out almost immediately)...its alcoholic!
KEN : oh...sorry! I thought...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...shut up Ken, you're just full of crap!....(Bumps the drink back at him and walks away)
KEN : what a mood!....(he follows her)...wait, I'm sorry....I totally forgot you don't...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)....come off it Ken...
KEN : (he sees another waiter with a chapman, picks one and gives it to her)...here...
BUKOLA : (looks at him disgustingly then collects the drink)....thanks anyway.
KEN : yeah, you're welcome...em.....did you notice anything about that guy?
Can't you see he looks so much like Jide, except for the fact that Jide can never be that rich or handsome?
BUKOLA : (looks at Ken with disgust)...wait, even after everything you guys did to Jide, you are still after him?
KEN : no, no, no, no....at all....I was just saying...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)....you know what? I don't care and I don't give a damn! So get off my back!
(Kola who had been watching both Ken and Andrew noticed Bukola with Ken and walks up to them...)
KOLA : em...any problem ...why are you disturbing the poor lady here?
KEN : hey! Who the hell do you think you are to interfere?
BUKOLA : oh....Kola, thanks so much, this guy has been a pain in my ass...ignore him, okay?...(Pulls Kola by his hand)...let's go...
KOLA : after you my Lady...(Feeling happy to have snatched away what seem like a trophy to Ken)
KEN : em....(Trying to compose himself while checking if there are onlookers)
(Bukola walks away with Kola…)
BUKOLA : you know what? On a second thought....(She grabs an alcoholic drink and gulps it down)
KOLA : hey...take it easy…(he collects the glass of drink from her)...you know what? Let's dance....
BUKOLA : yeah why not?...(Still trying to gulp down the alcohol that seem to have destroyed the chapman's taste in her mouth.)
KOLA : you know what? (collecting the glass from her and dropping it on one of the waiter's tray)...Let’s go…
(Kola takes her to the dance floor and they start dancing.
While they were dancing, Kurt who has been looking at Bukola after Tega and Anayo left, sees Kola with Bukola and walks up to them on the dance floor....)
KURT : I'll take it from here...(Takes Bukola's hand from Kola)....you go and do what I asked you.
(At that time, the DJ puts a slow music)
KOLA : em....okay...(Reluctantly, trying not to create a scene...)
(Bukola wished she could push Kurt off but could not make herself do it. She puts her hand around his neck as they slow-dance to the rythm of "this i promise you " by NSYNC....
.....when the visions around you, bring tears to your eyes....when all that surrounds you, are secrets and lies...I'll be your strength, I'll give you hope, keeping your faith when its gone....the one you should call, when standing there all alone....
KURT : (smelling her breath)...you took alcohol....?
BUKOLA : so?
KURT : I think that's unlike you, correct me if I'm wrong...
(NSYN sings....will take you in my arms and hold you right where you belong...till the day my life is true, this I promise you, this I promise you....)
BUKOLA : I hate you.
KURT : I know....
BUKOLA : I said I HATE YOU...
KURT : I know...(Nodding)
BUKOLA : you're married, right?
KOLA : (chuckles and says nothing)...
BUKOLA : and you have a kid....?
KOLA : (chuckles)...
BUKOLA : I hate you.
KURT : ...just keep quiet and dance. Enjoy the music, we'll talk later...
(As they were dancing, Jordin who had been watching Bukola from his seat stands up and walks up to them. He taps Kurt to call his attention....)
JORDIN : excuse me...i’ll take it from here. She’s with me…(Wanting to take Bukola from Kurt)
KURT : (looks at Jordin, then back at Bukola)...will you be okay with him?
BUKOLA : (even though she did not want to let go)...y…yes…
KURT : okay...(Leaves Bukola for Jordin and walks away as Bukola kept looking at him)
To be continued....
(While the sponsor was walking up to the podium, Tess, Anayo's guest could not hold himself after listening to all that was said about Kurt James, he busts out...)
TESS : oh my God its Kurt James!...(tring not not shout too much even though the applaud covered up his voice somehow)...i can't believe this...the same Kurt James...(Sitting up to get a clearer view)
(They are all surprised that Tess knows him)
ANAYO : (turning to look at him)...you know him?
TESS : don't you?....
ANAYO : nah...(Looks back at Kurt)
(Everyone at their table turns to Tess)
TESS : that's Kurt James the guy that buys and sells companies in distress...(Seeing they are all listening)...haven't you heard about him?
OTHERS : no.
TESS : this guy is renowned in the business world. Look, he is so damn rich...I never knew he's so young.
SUSAN : you said he buys and sell companies?
TESS : yes, this is what he does. When a company is about to fold up, due to debts, he comes to the shareholders 'rescue'. He makes them a proposal to buy them off, making them a very good offer...now...(sitting up) these shareholders see him as a God-sent because their losses won't be as much as waiting for their assets to be confiscated, so they sell out to him. You know what he then does...?...(Looks at their faces)...he's got professional business white-men working for him. They are professional analysts and researchers. He brings them in, they review the company's problems, then restructure and resuscitate it. And guess what?....(Takes a look at them all again)... within a year or two, you won't believe it was the same company that was once in debt!
TEGA : wait a minute, let me understand you better...you mean this 'young' guy buys and sells companies?
TESS : exactly.
ANAYO : wow...
TESS : that's not all, after about two years, he will then sell off at almost triple the price he got it in the first place!
TEGA : what!...that's like doubling his expenditure...
ANAYO : double? More like tripling!
SUSAN : wow...
TESS : look, the particular year he dabbled into Nigeria's capital market, he bought about three companies at the same time and sold them off the following year. Now, most company owners run to him once they have problems. Sometimes, he buys most of their shares and end up being the highest shareholder.
TEGA : hmm....and once those shareholders know they are having financial problems, they won't have a choice than to sell out...
TESS : exactly...He's got some brains for business mehn.
BUKOLA : but where did he get all the money from? May be his father is rich or something...
TESS : I never knew about that actually. In fact I never knew he was black, though a few research on him shows he is a Nigerian...that guy is worth millions of dollars.
TEGA : wow...
SUSAN : his wife is lucky...
BUKOLA : or unlucky? Such guys don't have time for their wives...(Still trying to see Kurt James' face)
(Meanwhile Kurt James is looking as simple as anyone can imagine. He's about 6.4ft tall, with a good body structure. He's wearing a white Polo Ralph Lauren short sleeve fitted inner wear, underneath a Giorgio Armani Taylor Tuxedo, a Philippe Reference by Tiffany & Co wristwatch and a New&Lingwood Russian Calfed black leather shoe. He's got a neat sporting-waves haircut which fits perfectly with his thin mustache that joins his well-shaped beard.
Looking exceptionally gorgeous, handsome and irresistible, Kurt James walks up to the podium after his company was ushered to their table...)
KURT : Greetings....(He leaves for his table and everyone's eyes was glued on him as the light shone on his face)
(Bukola and Susan look at each other after seeing Kurt James' face...)
SUSAN : em...please guys, excuse us....(pulling Bukola away from the table to a corner)...Bukola...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...Jide!...its Jide!
SUSAN : no, wait, let's not assume. May be they just look alike…
BUKOLA : (still trying to get a glimpse from the distance)....you think so?
SUSAN : that guy over there, we heard he's a billionaire....look at his hair cut, the way he's dressed...that guy doesn't look anything like Jide...
BUKOLA : but his face looks so much like Jide's, though more elegant and all but...
SUSAN : (cuts in)....remember the last time we saw him in prison?
BUKOLA : yes, he was looking unkempt, untidy, sweaty and all that...but if you remove all that and just had some spice...
SUSAN : (cuts in)...no, I don't think so...that can't be Jide, may be they just look alike...where will he get that kind of money from?
BUKOLA : you know what? Let's just forget about it and have fun, okay...
(They were still there when Stan walks up to them at the corner....)
STAN : Babes...are you thinking what I'm thinking?
SUSAN : what? Don't tell me you also think that's Jide?
STAN : I can see we're thinking along the same line...
SUSAN : that's not possible Stan. Look, Tess over there just told us that guy is worth millions of dollars, where will Jide get all that money from?
STAN : Bukola, what do you think?
SUSAN : she also thinks it’s Jide...
STAN : good thinking!...look let's go talk to him...
BUKOLA : huh…(wondering what the hell Stan is talking about)…hell no, I'll do no such thing.....(Looking at Kurt's seat)....just look, he's married with a kid...
STAN : hmmm......notwithstanding, he owes us some allegiance, let's walk up to him...
SUSAN : (cuts)...what is wrong with you Stan, don't you think you'll be making a fool of yourself if that guy is not who you think he is...let's just act like we don't know anything and go back to our seats, remember that Jordin is here and we shouldn't make him feel terrible about coming here....
BUKOLA : that's true let's go...
(They both go back to their seats, but Bukola couldn't get her eyes and her mind off Kurt James.
Meanwhile, Kola is sitting with his Boss and they are talking secretly....)
KURT : is he here?
KOLA : he came in about thirty minutes ago....he's seated right behind.
KURT : good. Ensure there's a surveillance on him once he's leaving. Make sure you watch him closely, don't let him out of your sight for one minute.
KOLA : alright.
LARA : hey what's it with the secrecy here again? Now that we're here you two are back to it again...
KURT : (gives Lara a stare)...do you have a problem with that?
LARA : sorry....(she looks away)
LADI : Daddy, I want to take a swim in the pool.
KURT : no you can't. I'll take you to a pool tomorrow...(Turns to Kola)...please call the chauffeur, the lady will be going home anytime from now.
LARA : (shocked)...me? Going home? But we just got here.....Is it because of what I said?
KURT : Ladi's got to go to bed.
LARA : I thought we'll be staying here with you? Or are you not staying in the hotel?
KURT : I am. But I'll be busy. So go to your parents'.
LARA : then let's send Ladi to my parents while I stay here with you.
KURT : you and I know he's not close to them, so how does he stay with them?
LARA : but....(As she was talking, she cut a glimpse of Andrew walking towards another table and she was shocked)...oh my God...
KURT : what?....(Looks at the direction she faced)
LARA : oh my God what's he doing here?
KURT : (knowing who she's talking about)....Lara, its time you left with Ladi....
(As they were still talking, Bukola, who could not get her mind of Kurt walks up to them. Immediately Kurt saw her, he quickly gulps down some saliva...)
BUKOLA : (talking to Kola) hi...em....Kola, right?
KOLA : yes...(Standing up)...oh my, it’s so good to see you're here. I wanted to finish with my Boss before coming to look for you....(Extending a handshake)...you look extremely stunning and ravishing...
BUKOLA : oh thanks....(Looks at Kurt)....won't you introduce me to your friend here?...or your Boss?
KOLA : oh yes...(Turns to Kurt who's now feeling quite uncomfortable on his seat)....em....this is Miss...
KURT : (cuts in)....I know...(Realizes he shouldn't have said anything)
KOLA : (surprised)...you know her already....?
KURT : ....yes....didn't we go to the same secondary school?....(Trying to cover up, he didn't like the fact that Kola is acting like he's the first to have known Bukola)
KOLA : oh that's true...
BUKOLA : oh...Mr. Kurt James...that means you remember my names then, right?....after....let's see...how many years....you left in JS3, right?
KOLA : yes he did. And you know what, he's got such a good memory too.
BUKOLA : I see....after about fifteen long years....I don't remember your face anyways.... but if you still remember my name....(Chuckles)...that means you must have had a crush on me or something....
KOLA : (laughs)....hahahaa....you're so funny....
KURT : she's a lawyer what do you expect...
KOLA : (shocked)...how do you know?
BUKOLA : that's true, how do you know?
KURT : (in his thought : shit! I messed up again)....em....she had always said she wants to be a lawyer...
BUKOLA : ooohh my....I see...(Turns to Kola)...your Boss seem to have a very good memory of me....wait a minute, I'll be back...(She goes to call Susan)
(After Bukola left for Susan's place, Lara could not hold herself...)
LARA : where did you know her? With the way she talked...
KURT : (cuts in)....I thought I told you to go home?
LARA : it’s not like the driver is here for us, is it?
KURT : Kola....
KOLA : yes….
KURT : please, get them home.
KOLA : alright...please come with me...
(Lara did not like the sound of that but she stood up anyway....)
LARA : are you coming to check up on us later on?
KURT : (notices that Ladi is dozing off)...I'll give you a call...hurry up, Ladi is almost dozing off.
(Kola carries Ladi, while leading Lara to the elevator.
As they were leaving Bukola was walking back to Kurt's corner with Susan. Ken saw Lara on her way out with Kola and stopped her...)
KEN : excuse me...you look familiar...
LARA : you're Ken right? Andrew's friend...
KEN : well...then, yes....I...
LARA : (cuts in)…Toyin, we met in Unilag some years ago when you and Andrew came to see Anthonia... At the faculty of Law...
KEN : yes, yes!...that's true! Where have you been? You seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth....and all of a sudden appeared with...(Looks at Ladi)...a rich husband and a son...
LARA : (smiling)...I've been around...
KEN : so that guy is your husband, right?
LARA : hmm mm...(Nodding)
KEN : wow...you're a big girl now...(Brings out a card from his pocket)...here's my complimentary card...
LARA : (collecting it from him with a smile)...okay
KEN : please give me a call soon okay...
LARA : I will...I have to go now...
KEN : so soon?
LARA : yeah...my son needs to rest now.
KEN : you're leaving your man alone....(Gives her wink at Kurt's direction, where Bukola is now approaching him)....in this place?
LARA : (smiles)....never mind, I trust him completely...
KEN : I see...
LARA : alright I'll be on my way now...ciao!
(Lara leaves for the elevator, while Ken looks at Andrew's direction. Andrew had also seen Lara, but he looked away.)
(Meanwhile, at Kurt's table, Bukola approaches him with Susan...)
BUKOLA : (sitting comfortably in front of Kurt)…Since Mr. Kurt here could remember everything about me, I'm sure he'll do the same with you....(Turns to Susan)
SUSAN : but Bukola...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...relax...(Turns to Kurt)...so, you remember Suz too don't you?
SUSAN : oh my God you look just like him...
BUKOLA : wait a minute, where's your wife and kid?...(Starts checking around)...and Kola? Don't tell me you sent them home already?....(Sits beside him)...perhaps because you gave a fake name, right?
SUSAN : Bukola...take it easy....
BUKOLA : you know what? I don't even know what I'm doing here....(She walks away)
SUSAN : Jide if it’s you, you really have to talk to her.....(Walks away too)
KURT : shit! Damn it...
(Meanwhile, Kola took Toyin (who was trying to hide her face from Andrew) down to the elevator and got her a chauffeur to take her home, after which he returns to the party.
Immediately he got back to the roof top, Bibi walks up to him...)
BIBI : hi...
KOLA : hi....(Looking around trying to locate Bukola...)
BIBI : em.....can we dance?
KOLA : em...sorry, I can't feel too free 'cause I'm working, you know?
BIBI : oh...okay...(Not liking the sound of that)
KOLA : so, I'll see you some time later...(He leaves for Kurt's seat)
BIBI : yeah....(Feeling so disappointed)
(On getting to where Kurt is, he noticed that some of the OSAAC members had gone to meet him, Tega and Anayo are part of them. Tess did not wait behind...)
KOLA : em....sorry, Mr. Kurt can't really entertain too many guests now...(Looking around)
KURT : it’s okay...(Holding Kola back from sending them away)
TEGA : Mr. Kurt, you remind me of an old friend, you know...
ANAYO : yeah that's true...when did you say you left AC?
KURT : JS3
ANAYO : I can't remember you at all...
KURT : you couldn't have. It’s over fourteen years.
ANAYO : that's true...but you kinda look like Jide.
TEGA : then you must have known Jide Akande...(Looks at Anayo)
ANAYO : yes, you should know him. You two look alike.
KURT : yes I do. The brilliant chap....they used to call him my twin....where's he now? Is he here?
TEGA : oh...he's in prison.
KURT : really? What for?
ANAYO : it’s a long story...
KURT : weren't you his friend? Shouldn't you know what's going on with him? Or....
ANAYO : (chuckles)...how do you know I was his friend? I don't think you were in our class then...
KURT : em...well...
ANAYO : (cuts in out of guilt)...I wasn't chanced…anyway, here's my friend, Tess, a business analyst, he's done so many research on you...
TESS : nice to meet you Mr. James...(Extending a handshake)
KURT : nice to meet you too...(Shaking Tess)
TESS : I'm so honoured to have met you personally...
(Meanwhile, Andrew is still with Joe and some other friends at their corner. Joe had gone to acquaint himself with Kurt James. Afterwards, he came back to his seat....)
JOE : if not for the fact that Jide is in prison, I'd have taken that guy for him.
EMEKA : I remember the guy. He looked so much like Jide. They used to call him Jide's twin while we were in school, and he never liked it till he left.
OSAS : that's true...i mean who would want to look like the poorest chap in school then…
ANDREW : I didn't know Jide had a replica when we were in school.
OSAS : they were even in the same class, but he wasn't as brilliant as Jide. That was their difference.
ANDREW : so what's he feeling like? A Don? Sponsoring the event, coming down here in a Helicopter, sitting down there like he's the man...what's his problem?
OSAS : well the guy's got the money...
ANDREW : (cuts in)...so who doesn't?
JOE : it’s not like we don't have money, but there are levels mehn. That guy is running things...have you seen his wrist watch? He's wearing a Tiffany & co, that wristwatch is worth way over two hundred thousand dollars... (Looks at Andrew)...and he's our mate....most of us here are relying on our father's wealth...isn't it Drew?
ANDREW : what kind of question is that?..(Hisses) please...I need a drink....(Calls on one of the waiters)
(At Bukola and Susan's corner, Jordin notices Bukola's change of mood....)
JORDIN : Babe, are you okay?
BUKOLA : why did you ask?
JORDIN : 'cause you've been, snapping at almost everything since you went over there to talk to that guy? Is everything alright?
BUKOLA : yes, everything is fine.
JORDIN : or do you want me to take you back home? Should we leave?
BUKOLA : leave? Why would we?
(Susan noticed Bukola's mood and whispers in her ears...)
SUSAN : Bukola, your anger is written all over you, try to calm down.
BUKOLA : (shakes her head in anger)...I...I....
SUSAN : (cuts in)...remember that Jordin is here...
(Stan who could not but notice everything decided to come in...)
STAN : why don't you vent your anger on the right person? Say it out and clear it off.
SUSAN : (surprised at what her husband is saying)...Stan! How can you say that?
BUKOLA : you know what? I need to get a drink!....(She leaves their table)
JORDIN : (getting really confused)....can someone tell me what's going on here?
SUSAN : em...sorry Jordin, she only saw someone that owes her.
JORDIN : how much are we talking about here?
SUSAN : very much Jord, but never mind...
(On Bukola's way she bumps into Ken...)
KEN : hey, Bukola....
BUKOLA : Ken....
KEN : what's wrong with you? You look...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...not now Ken...(Keeps moving)
KEN : wait...(Follows her)...you're sure in a very bad mood....
BUKOLA : (shaking her head)...you know what...
KEN : (cuts in)...I'll get you a drink....(Picks up a glass of wine from one of the waiters walking around and gives it to her...)....here..
BUKOLA : (collecting the drink)..thanks!...(She gulps some and spat it out almost immediately)...its alcoholic!
KEN : oh...sorry! I thought...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)...shut up Ken, you're just full of crap!....(Bumps the drink back at him and walks away)
KEN : what a mood!....(he follows her)...wait, I'm sorry....I totally forgot you don't...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)....come off it Ken...
KEN : (he sees another waiter with a chapman, picks one and gives it to her)...here...
BUKOLA : (looks at him disgustingly then collects the drink)....thanks anyway.
KEN : yeah, you're welcome...em.....did you notice anything about that guy?
Can't you see he looks so much like Jide, except for the fact that Jide can never be that rich or handsome?
BUKOLA : (looks at Ken with disgust)...wait, even after everything you guys did to Jide, you are still after him?
KEN : no, no, no, no....at all....I was just saying...
BUKOLA : (cuts in)....you know what? I don't care and I don't give a damn! So get off my back!
(Kola who had been watching both Ken and Andrew noticed Bukola with Ken and walks up to them...)
KOLA : em...any problem ...why are you disturbing the poor lady here?
KEN : hey! Who the hell do you think you are to interfere?
BUKOLA : oh....Kola, thanks so much, this guy has been a pain in my ass...ignore him, okay?...(Pulls Kola by his hand)...let's go...
KOLA : after you my Lady...(Feeling happy to have snatched away what seem like a trophy to Ken)
KEN : em....(Trying to compose himself while checking if there are onlookers)
(Bukola walks away with Kola…)
BUKOLA : you know what? On a second thought....(She grabs an alcoholic drink and gulps it down)
KOLA : hey...take it easy…(he collects the glass of drink from her)...you know what? Let's dance....
BUKOLA : yeah why not?...(Still trying to gulp down the alcohol that seem to have destroyed the chapman's taste in her mouth.)
KOLA : you know what? (collecting the glass from her and dropping it on one of the waiter's tray)...Let’s go…
(Kola takes her to the dance floor and they start dancing.
While they were dancing, Kurt who has been looking at Bukola after Tega and Anayo left, sees Kola with Bukola and walks up to them on the dance floor....)
KURT : I'll take it from here...(Takes Bukola's hand from Kola)....you go and do what I asked you.
(At that time, the DJ puts a slow music)
KOLA : em....okay...(Reluctantly, trying not to create a scene...)
(Bukola wished she could push Kurt off but could not make herself do it. She puts her hand around his neck as they slow-dance to the rythm of "this i promise you " by NSYNC....
.....when the visions around you, bring tears to your eyes....when all that surrounds you, are secrets and lies...I'll be your strength, I'll give you hope, keeping your faith when its gone....the one you should call, when standing there all alone....
KURT : (smelling her breath)...you took alcohol....?
BUKOLA : so?
KURT : I think that's unlike you, correct me if I'm wrong...
(NSYN sings....will take you in my arms and hold you right where you belong...till the day my life is true, this I promise you, this I promise you....)
BUKOLA : I hate you.
KURT : I know....
BUKOLA : I said I HATE YOU...
KURT : I know...(Nodding)
BUKOLA : you're married, right?
KOLA : (chuckles and says nothing)...
BUKOLA : and you have a kid....?
KOLA : (chuckles)...
BUKOLA : I hate you.
KURT : ...just keep quiet and dance. Enjoy the music, we'll talk later...
(As they were dancing, Jordin who had been watching Bukola from his seat stands up and walks up to them. He taps Kurt to call his attention....)
JORDIN : excuse me...i’ll take it from here. She’s with me…(Wanting to take Bukola from Kurt)
KURT : (looks at Jordin, then back at Bukola)...will you be okay with him?
BUKOLA : (even though she did not want to let go)...y…yes…
KURT : okay...(Leaves Bukola for Jordin and walks away as Bukola kept looking at him)
To be continued....
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