Chapter 4

His secret was now out in the open. Determined as he was to win her heart, caution, and wisdom were his watchwords; for many ogled at him every time he entered the shop as if he had just dropped from space. Man, you need to find another strategy, a change of plan perhaps, and that will be all! He thought to himself. But what would this plan be? Just another smart plan could change everything since everyone had become suspicious of him, especially the manager. Despite his many resolutions, there seemed to be no other alternative. Come to think of it, there was nothing wrong with being a loyal customer after all. Day after day and again and again, the routine never changed.

“Young man. What are you doing here once again? This lady needs to work. Do you want me to fire her? That’s what our work ethics states.”

“I'm here to take stock of what you have.”

“I wasn’t born yesterday and you know that,” speaking to him man to man. Gyebi feigned ignorance. “See those at the warehouse. They are responsible for that and stop preying on our innocent girls!” Gyebi’s eyes were wide open with shock now. Leering around him, several customers had stopped to watch the scene, understanding what was at stake as soon as they took interest in what was happening.

Gyebi retreated reluctantly but obediently to the warehouse, hoping the eyes that were focused on him would soon find something else to occupy them.

Truly, back at the warehouse, it seemed they needed more supplies since most of the cold stores had run out because of the lockdown. The announcement was so sudden that demand had exceeded supply. After a day or two, their usual schedule was no longer working for them and it was difficult to find a willing supplier. This was Gyebi’s chance to prove the manager wrong that he was after Asabea. It would cost him much more though. Howbeit, he was ready to vindicate himself at all costs.

Okay. I promise to do something about this. he thought quickly.

The next day, he confidently walked to the warehouse without passing by Asabea’s counter although it was difficult for him. Fortunately, Asabea happened to see him busily talking to the manager of the warehouse.

“You don’t give up easily, do you?” she said.

“Me?” gawking around him. Pretending there was someone else around.

“Oh! Come off it! It’s you I’m talking to!” she replied. “Quit being so serious!”

“I’m discussing business with this man now, young lady” he replied, winking at her. The manager smiled, believing Gyebi and nodding.

“That was a swift move,” said Asabea. “I take that with a pinch of salt though. The shoes are too big for you to fill and you know that. How do you expect to fulfil this almost impossible task?

“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it” he replied. The manager of the warehouse smiled and nodded. “That’s true.” Just like I’ve set my mind on winning your affection at all cost. “This man here is highly qualified and well able to do the job.”

“Young man,” said the general manager, Mr Quansah, who warned her earlier on about Gyebi, sensing his agenda.

“We don’t need you here. We have a team to perform this task.”

“On the contrary, sir, said the manager of the warehouse, Mr Kwakye. “ He is highly qualified.”

“We’ll see about that,” he replied. “And you!” referring to Asabea. “Get back to work will you?” Asabea left the three men to continue with their discussion.

Gyebi later told Asabea about her manager’s words, as she listened with astonishment.

“I have no ill intentions. I only love to help people. If he has a problem with our friendship, then I’m going to be having real problems with him, which I don’t want to happen.”

“How long have you been working here?” asked Gyebi.

“For four years and I haven’t regretted any moment of it.”

“How has it been like ever since Covid started?”

“Work has been slow and steady but it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying it.”

“Do they pay you well?”

“At least, I can make ends meet,” she replied. “I have to survive anyway.”

“Would you like to work for me?”

“Gyebi, you just began and I can’t tell how the business will fare. Can I put a hold on my future and hang on to yours? At least, I find security in the fact that I have something tangible and stable.”

“That’s an honest insight but can I ask you to trust me even if you can’t see into the future?”

“Everyone will think I’m crazy to be doing that.”

“And what do you think?” stooping to plead with her.

“I hope this is not a proposal? It will be the second one in the running…”

“Did I propose to you before? I just want to secure my chances, now that I know I have tough competition.”

“No. I wasn’t talking about a proposal. Someone proposed to me just before the Covid started, From whom do you have this competition? If I may ask? At least, I know you don’t know about this first proposal. Or do you?”

“Competition from your boss.”

“You men are funny.”

“We’re serious and we show it.”

“This is the first time I have found myself at the centre of a rat race.”

“As beautiful as you are?”

“Nobody gets the chance to chase me.”

“Why?”

“I have a very wild brother who has been scaring them off.”

“So I need to meet him, do I ?”

Asabea’s manager was furious when he saw Asabea and Gyebi chatting away happily once again.

“You know we don’t need any strangers around. We have enough hands,” he said to Gyebi, unaware that he had just struck a deal with the company.

“Says who?” asked the senior manager, “He’s the best we’ve got so far.”.

The manager was silent for a moment and walked away defeated. His superior’s support for Gyebi was obvious.