The Sugar Mum - Episode 3

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She led me to the desk. 'Here, sit down.'

  As I sat down, a sigh of inexplicable relief came out of my breath. I started breathing properly again.

  She stood by the table side and opened one of the files.

   'I have a task for you, and I have no doubt you are capable.' From the file, she brought out three documents that were spiral bound.

   'See, these documents are reports of companies activities. They are general reports, not just records of figures . I want you to read the reports, note all the figures that are mentioned, see if there are discrepancies and write your observations on each of the documents in one page. I know this is the work of a personal assistant, but don't worry, you'll be paid for your efforts and time. You can do it, can't you?'

   I wasn't an accountant, neither was I a guru in financial reports or analyses, but if it was just to read, spot errors and summarize in one page, I should be able to do that.

   'I'll try my best, ma'am,' I told Madam B.

   She smiled and nodded. 'I know you'll do it. Alright, go ahead.' She soon left me to do some other things.

   I shook my head in amazement

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. This woman would not stop amazing me. If you were a man, and a woman led you to her bedroom, what would you think about? Don't blame me for thinking dirty. Well, it was okay that reading reports was the task she had for me. I was even glad by that, since I was not sensuously inclined.

   I set to do the work. The first document had about fifty pages, the second one had fifty-five page, while the third - thank God - had twenty pages. In between, I could see madam opening her wardrobe, going inside an attached room, which I guessed would be the bathroom, and taking her bath.

  While she was still in the bathroom, I paused in my work to look around the large bedroom. From where I was sitting, I could see that she had her purse on the bed, and I could see some clothes she left there. I remained on my seat and continued reading the reports.

  The door leading to the bedroom opened and Sophia came in. 'Good morning, uncle Alex.'

  'Good morning, Sophia.'

  She didn't seem surprised to see me there; as a matter of fact, it seemed she expected to see me in that place at that very time. Her mother must have told her I would be there.

   'Where's mum?' she asked.

   'In the bathroom, I guess.'

   She went to the bathroom and without knocking, opened it and went to meet her mother. I shook my head. This mother and daughter had peculiar character. Sophia soon came out and left the room. I read the documents thoroughly and put down my notes on a jotter on the table.

   Madam B came out of the bathroom with only towel wrapped from her chest down. I must say she was quite distracting me, but I tried to look indifferent and be engrossed in the work. At a point, I wanted to ask her if I could take the documents with me to the study room downstairs and continue the work there.

   'Don't you think you should take the documents to the study-room downstairs, and continue the work there?' Madam asked.

   It was as if she was reading my mind.

   'Yes, ma'am.'

   I put the documents in the file and moved towards the door.

   'You can find your way to the study-room, can't you?' she asked.

   Of course, I could. 'Yes ma'am.'

   I left her room and went downstairs. Again, I felt relieved. I went back to work and got really busy. The housemaid came to ask me what I would like to take for breakfast, but I declined the offer. All the same, she brought tea, orange juice and toasted bread. I took the breakfast and continued with the work the same time.

  After three hours, I concluded the task and rounded up my notes. By then, Madam too had come down to the lounging-room.  She had some visitors, so I decided to wait in the study-room. I had not seen Sophia since she came to the bedroom when I was there. Maybe, she went out.

   After the visitors in the sitting-room had left, I went there to see Madam B.

   'How far with the work, Alex?'

   I smiled briefly. 'I'm through with it, madam.'

   'Good, let's see your reports.'

   I presented the reports and explained my observations. She listened keenly, without saying a word. Even after I had finished giving my observations, she was silent for some moments.

   Madam B sighed. 'Where're the notes you wrote,' she finally spoke.

   'Here, ma'am.'

   She took the jotter from me and read the comprehensive report I had written. She took her time, as if she was studying the contents. I waited.

   She nodded. 'This is good, Alex. Well done. You have done a good job.'

   I smiled modestly. 'Thank you, ma'am.'

   She put the documents in the file and placed the file on the glass stool close to her. 'Sit down, Alex'

   I chose a seat not far from her. 'Tell me about yourself,' she said.

   I was surprised. 'About myself?'

   'Yes.'

   I raked my brain. What did she want to know about me? What could possibly be interesting about my life? 'I don't know where to start, ma'am.'

   'Start from your childhood,' she urged.

  I cleared my throat and told her about my growing up, from primary to college and to the university. I told her about my meeting Enny when I was in the university and how we had struck intimacy since then. I also told her how Enny had been supportive and our future plans.

   She listened raptly as if what I was saying was very interesting. After I had finished, I looked at her eagerly.

   'Do you really want to marry her or you're just playing her?'

   Just playing Enny? 'No, ma'am. I'm serious with her. I really want to marry her.'

  She nodded again. 'That's good. So, when are you planning the wedding?'

   I was delighted to hear that. 'As soon as possible. I'm saving towards renting a place of my own, even if it's a mini flat. After that, she and I can now properly plan the wedding.'

   'That's good,' she said again. Her eyes went to the file she put on the stool. 'How much are you charging me for the service you rendered on those documents?'

   I nearly chuckled 'Oh, that. Don't worry, ma'am. Don't pay anything on that. You've already been so good to me, and I really appreciate all you're doing ma'am.'

   'Hmn, we thank God. So, you don't want any pay for all you've done on the documents?'

   'No, ma. No sweat.'

   She smiled again and stood up. 'Alright, Alex. Thank you for your time. Have a nice weekend.'

   I felt that was rather abrupt, but who was I to complain?

   'Thank you, ma'am.' I stood up and bade her good bye.  

   As I made my way back to my place of abode, I wondered if I had said and done the right thing.

 

Things went on normally for the rest of that day. The following day was Sunday. As usual, I was in the church as early as six a.m. Other workers later started coming in. I remained in the good books of the G.O and his wife, as they kept commending my efforts. The two services ran smoothly. After every member had gone, the head pastor (the G.O) said he would like to see me in his office.

   I went to meet him in his cozy office, which was not far from mine.

   'Well done, sir,' I curtsied.

   'Thank you, brother Alex.' (the pastor liked to call me brother Alex, though he should be of my father's age).  'Please, sit down.'

   I sat down and looked at him expectantly.

  'Yes, brother Alex. It's Madam Da Rocha that reported your matter to me.'

   My mind went into frenzy. What did she say I did? What went wrong? What could make the matter to be so serious that she would report it to the pastor?

   Unconsciously, I realized I had become nervous and anxious.

    The G.O sensed my apprehension. He smiled. 'It's okay, brother Alex. What she said about you was positive.'

   I was relieved, though still a little bit anxious.

   'I understand that you go to her house frequently; that you take her daughter in home lesson.'

   'Yes ... yes, sir.'

   'She said she was really impressed with your performance. She came to meet me for a request. That request is that we should relieve you from being our church administration.' 

   Again, my mind went into turmoil. What kind of request was that? What did I do wrong? My mouth was dry but I managed to look straight and unruffled.

   'She requested that you should drop this work so that you'll work for her as P.A.'

   I stared for few moments without saying a word. Now this Madam B would not stop amazing me. She had that kind of desire, yet she did not hint me! She went ahead to tell the pastor, thus creating some tension in me! This Madam B, ehn!

  'Well, I, I'm surprised to hear that, sir. I did some work for her on Saturday, and she was impressed. However, she didn't offer to make me her P.A, sir.'

   The pastor nodded. 'Now, that's what she's offering you. What do you think about that?'

   I appeared in thoughts, wondering if I should take such an offer or not, and the manner the offer had come. I did not even have an idea of what the pay would be.

  'Brother Alex?' the pastor's voice cut into my thoughts.

   I looked at him 'Yes, sir.'

   'I think you should take the offer. Go and see her and discuss the terms and details with her. Let me know when you will start the work with her, so that we will get another administrator. It has been wonderful, working with you. I wish you the best of luck.'

   The pastor extended his hand for a handshake and I took it humbly.

   'Thank you, sir. Thank you very much, sir.'

   As I left the office, I could not but wonder how so unpredictable the character of Madam B could be.   'Madam Da Rocha?' I said, totally surprised.

  

   After I left the church, I thought over whether I should go and visit madam B in the house or I should call her. I decided to do the latter. She picked the phone after the fifth ring.

   'Good afternoon, ma'am,' I greeted.

   'How're you, Alex?'

   'Fine, ma'am. I just left the pastor's office, now. He told me what you discussed with him.'

   'Yes. I didn't tell you directly because I really want you to take an independent decision on it. So, what do you think?'

   'It will be a great honour to work with you, ma'am.'

   'That's my boy.'

   I could sense that she was smiling at the end of the line.

   'So, when do you want to start with the work?'

   I had to think fast. 'It depends on when you want me to start, ma'am.'

   There was a long pause. 'You know what, try to see me in the house on Monday morning by seven before I leave for office. Can you do that?'

   I did not hesitate. 'Sure, I can do that.'

   'Yes, do that. We'll discuss. I'll be expecting you.'

   'Okay, madam. Thanks a lot.'

    She disconnected the line. I whistled to myself. Honestly, this Madam B was a character.

    I looked at him 'Yes, sir.'

   'I think you should take the offer. Go and see her and discuss the terms and details with her. Let me know when you will start the work with her, so that we will get another administrator. It has been wonderful, working with you. I wish you the best of luck.'

   The pastor extended his hand for a handshake and I took it humbly.

   When I got home, I told my uncle/guardian about my imminent change of job. He was happy for me. My challenge was how to tell Enny. Since she had expressed her reservations over my relationship with the madam, I had become cautious about discussing the woman with her.

   Later that Sunday evening, I went to Enny's parents' house at Ketu. When we were alone, I broached on the new job issue.

  'Enny dear, this our God is wonderful and still answers prayers o,' I started.

   'Of course, God answers prayers,' she concurred.

   'Thank God for me, He is about to take away my toiling.'

   She became very interested. 'Really? What happened?'

   'I've been offered the job of a P:A.'

   She smiled. 'P.A of who?'

   I smiled too. 'P.A to Madam Bimpe Da Rocha. She just gave me the offer.'

   The smile went off her face, but not totally. 'Oh. How much will she be paying you?'

   I shook my head. 'I don't know yet. She actually told me about the offer through the pastor By tomorrow morning, I will be going to see her, and, we'll discuss the details.'

   'So, you don't even have an idea of what she'll pay. What if the pay is not much?'

   'I'm sure it will be much,' I quickly put in. 'It's going to be alright. Even our G.O advised that I should take it.'

   That got her. She smiled. 'Alright. I hope everything will be alright.'

   'Of course. I'm sure everything will be all right.'

   That was how I was able to communicate the development to Enny and make her accept it without much fuss.

   The following morning, I took my bath, wore a t-shirt and jeans and took a bike to Madam B's house. I got there exactly five minutes to seven.

   'Hope no problem,' the security man at the gate said as he was surprised to see me at that time of the day.

   'No. No problem. Madam said I should come and see her.'

   He opened the gate and I walked in. A driver had already driven Sophia to school. The house maid said I should wait for madam in the expansive sitting-room. I sat where I had sat on Saturday and waited for her. After about ten minutes of wait, I could hear some footsteps coming from the staircase. Just as I guessed, it was Madam B.

   She was wearing a black skirt suit that fitted her perfectly. The skirt was a little bit above the knees.  The face, the legs and even the aura she carried were beautiful

I could smell her alluring perfume, metres away. She smiled as she drew close.

   'Good morning, ma'am,' I greeted. I stood up to genuflect.

   'Good morning, Alex. Sit down.'

   'Thank you, ma'am.'

   The house maid soon appeared with madam's briefcase. She got it from the maid, sat down and opened it. She then brought a file out and opened it.

   'Yes, let's discuss business. Your schedule of work indicates that you'll work from 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday. You can also be required to work, sometimes on weekends. The work can also require you to travel at short notice. In addition, you can also be required to work on computer.' She looked at me critically. 'Do you have any question, so far?'

   I shook my head. 'No, ma'am.'

   'There are many fringe benefits attached to the work. There are housing, medical and transport allowances.'

   She gave the documents in the file to me. 'This is the letter of employment and the paper on your schedule of duties.'

   I took the letter from her and quickly read through. My heart was thumping when I saw the remuneration. It was a mouth-watering offer that ran into six figures in naira.  

   'I really appreciate you and thank you for this, madam,' I said.  'Thank you so much, ma'am.'

   'It's okay. I hope you'll live up to expectation. I hope you'll not disappoint me.'

   'Madam, I want to promise and assure you that I will never disappoint you.'

  'Yes, Alex.' She looked at me sternly. 'Let me tell you this: I will never tolerate any failure or disappointment from you.'

   'Yes, madam.'

   She stood up. 'The letter contains the address of the head office, which is where you'll be working. As you can see, your working takes immediate effect.'

    Really? I didn't see that. In my excitement, I didn't see that my appointment took immediate effect.

   'Do you still want to continue taking Sophia in lesson, or you want me to get another teacher?'

   Again, I had not thought of that. I reflected briefly over it.

  'Continue taking her,' she interjected. 'I've asked her and she says she will like you to continue as her lesson teacher.'

   'Oh, well. It's okay, ma'am.'

   'You'll start your office work tomorrow. Get yourself prepared.' She stood up. I stood up too.  

    'Mariam!' she yelled to summon the house maid. The latter came to meet her deferentially.

    'Take the briefcase to the car I'm going out with.' She faced me. 'Come, Alex. Come with us and we'll drop you on the way.'

    'Yes, ma'am.'

   That was how I came to be working directly with Madam B. When I got home, I started preparing myself for the work ahead. When I got to the church about nine a.m, the G.O had already come. I went to inform him that I would start working for Madam B the following day. The man prayed for me and wished me the best. He admonished me to still be active in serving God in the best way I could.

   'Above all, be very careful. Don't let woman or lust lead you into trouble,' he counseled.

   I thanked him profusely for his fatherly ways.

   Later that evening, I was back in Madam B's house to take Sophia in lesson.

   'Mum said you'll be working for her as Special Assistant,' Sophia said as soon as she sighted me.

  'Yes, but as Personal Assistant, not Special Assistant.'

   She shrugged. 'What's the difference?'

    I wanted to tell her, but she brought in another topic. While I was teaching her, she interrupted again when she said: 'Mummy must really like you to be making you her Assistant.’

    I raised an eyebrow. 'What makes you say so?'

    She grinned. 'It's because of the way she talks about you. She doesn't trust people, you know?'

    My eyebrows remained raised. 'Really?'

    'Yes. But she seems to talk as if you an exception.'

   I nodded and continued with my teaching. The following morning, I woke up around five and started getting reading for my first day of working in a real firm.

   I tried to look good in my black suit, white shirt and black shoes. I must make a good impression of myself.

The head office was at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. I was there by seven thirty a.m. I introduced myself to the uniformed Security man and told him my mission. He said I would have to hold on a bit as nobody had come to the office. He gave me a plastic chair to sit on. I waited for ten minutes before the Office Assistant came. I followed him up to the first floor. Even then, I had to wait at the Secretary's office to await madam.  The Secretary came in twenty minutes after eight. Madam had told her about me, for as soon as I introduced myself, she became very respectful.

   'I'm sorry for coming late,' she apologized. 'Madam has talked about you. Please, let me take you to your office.'

  I followed her to the passage and to an office. It was evident Madam's company occupied the whole floor. Many of the offices were locked and it was either that they were yet to be used or their occupants had not come.

  My office was cool and comfortable.  I surveyed the place and liked what I saw. The glass desk and the swivel, leather seat looked and smelt new. As a matter of fact, everything in the office looked new. It was few minutes to nine when the secretary came to tell me madam had come and would like to see me.

   I got up from my seat.

   'Sorry, I didn't get your name the other time,' I said.

   She smiled. She was fair in complexion and was probably in her early thirties.

   'Oh,' she said. 'I'm Mandy Oroh.'

   'Miss, or Mrs.?'

   'Miss, please.'

   I followed her to madam's office, which was right after Mandy's own.

   'Good morning, madam,' I greeted as soon as I entered her office. It was a big office with exquisite furniture and modern office equipment. There were some trophies on a large board. I could also see her picture and a picture of her husband.

   She smiled up at me. 'Morning, Alex. How do you do?'

   'Fine ma'am.

Read " The Sweet Taboo " by the same author ( LoveToRead )

. Thank you, ma'am.'

   'Sit down.'

   I sat down on one of the comfortable leather chairs facing her. Mandy took her leave.

   'How d'you find your new office?' she asked.

   'Very cool, nice and comfortable, ma'am.' 

   'You like it?'

   What a question! It was like asking somebody if he liked comfort.

   'Sure, I like it.'

   She nodded. 'Now, let's get down to work.' 

   She briefed me on what to do in starting my new task. She also called Mandy and instructed her to hand over some files to me. Soon, I was introduced to the senior staff members of the company, including the General Manager, Operations and Logistics Manager, and others. 

  The job was quite hectic, I must say, but I was enjoying it. I was not the kind of person that ran away from hard-work. I never knew Madam was such a busy woman. Her schedules were tight, and I was now part of the planning. We visited many corporate offices and places together, apart from holding several meetings. I had spent many days at work before I discovered there was an office adjoining madam's own which served as the board-room. In no time, Madam B earned my respect as a smart and an astute business woman.