Amaka (Part 2)

I call this painting "Amaka".

Weeks passed but it was difficult for Amaka to get Shola off her mind. She immersed herself into more work in the bid to forget this strange fellow but yet her thoughts still wandered away to Shola.

Her phone rang and her thoughts were interrupted. It was Felix, Amaka’s oldest son. Mom, how are you? asked Felix. I’m fine Dear, answered Amaka. They usually engaged in some small talks from time to time. Felix is too protective of Amaka, he stands for her like her late husband would. Felix took after his Mom, he is also a Civil Engineer, but not at Pherms. Felix works at Julius Berger. Amaka is very strict and never mixes family with business. Grow up first then you can work for me, she often teased Felix. She wanted him to learn to be a follower before he could be a leader. Bringing him to Pherms immediately after graduation would promote him to a leader without him first learning to crawl. So Amaka’s boys don’t work for her. Kanayo her second son is a Lawyer and has his own chambers, but he is not Amaka’s Lawyer. Amaka wants both boys to prove themselves independent of her before they can join Pherms.

Felix wanted Amaka to join him and Kanayo for lunch that afternoon. What’s up with you guys? asked Amaka, she often tries not to get too involved in their lives. Not today, too short notice said Amaka. Mom "Biko nu", begged Felix in Igbo dialet. You need a good lunch break, said Felix. Amaka agreed knowing that something was cooking. Where? Amaka asked. Amaka often drove herself because she says driving gets her mind off work. Mom Kanayo would pick you up, it’s at Bizz Hotel, said Felix. "Mba", I am not old yet, I would meet you both at Bizz Hotel at 12pm, said Amaka. Felix agreed as he knew there was no need to press further. See you soon Mum, said Felix as he hung up.

Amaka tried to finish up some stuff before it would get to 11:00am so she could leave the office. With Amaka there was no reason to be late, her boys knew. If you don’t show up at 12pm, the meeting would be cancelled, so if you were held up in traffic, you should call to let her know and she could reschedule.

Amaka, Shola will be coming tomorrow at 10:00am to meet with you and Andrew, said Martha. Amaka’s heart missed a beat at the mention of Shola’s name. She composed herself and managed to push down the saliva that gathered in her throat and said, ok. At Pherms everyone called everyone by their first name, so even though Amaka was the CEO, everyone referred to her as Amaka.

Shola? Coming tomorrow? how was she going to face her crush? Amaka thought to herself. This would be the first time her emotions were getting in the way of her business.

She grabbed her handbag, rushed to her BMW and zoomed off to catch up with her boys.