CHAPTER THIRTY TWO: MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.

Gary was beside himself with worry when he called George and couldn't get him. Where would he be? He asked himself umpteenth time while pacing George's office. His mind went to Sheila maybe she would be able to get him but her line too wasn't going after many trials. Could it be possible that something happened? For Christ's sakes it's not the time to be unavailable! He groaned in frustration.

He needed to get some documents signed for a big contract George had been pursuing for over two years and the opportunity had come, George was being irresponsible by just vanishing from the surface of the earth.

His phone made a message sound and he looked at it, it was a mail from George. He quickly opened it and saw the signed documents and also power of attorney in his name giving authority to act on his behalf until after his honeymoon. He gave a sigh of relief as he called Tracy, George's secretary to get the documents printed out.

He was supposed to meet up with Alistair after their unfinished discussion on Saturday but, his father fell ill and the first message he got early this Monday morning was to present the signed documents before the close of the day. As he was contemplating on what to do, Stuart came in. 'Have you seen George?' Was Stuart's first statement.

'Good morning to you too and no he's not available.'

'What do you mean " he's not available?"'

'Call him on your phone and ask where he is.'

'I couldn't get him on phone since yesterday.'

'So what do you think?'

Stuart shrugged as he sat down. 'I don't know, maybe Alistair might be of help.'

'Why Alistair and not you, Bernard or Felix?' He asked in an unfriendly tone.

'Am I missing anything here? Why such a tone?'

'We're all George's friend so why Alistair?'

'But we all know that Alistair is his media buddy and she has the first hand information of his where about.'

'Supposing he doesn't want anyone to know?'

'Well, we would have to respect his decision. There is this issue I came to clear up with him. Is it true he's raising Green's impeachment in the party?'

'Where did you hear that from?'

'I pumped into Lucas and in our discussion, he said George promised to raise the motion to impeach him at the next meeting.'

'George may have his temper but he would rather consult us on such issue first. I don't think Lucas heard him right. But don't you think he deserves it?'

'Yes he does but this is not the right time. It would not present the party in a good light to people and the elections might not favour us.'

'Well the most important thing is the elections but after then, I would join whoever that raises the motion to boot Green not only as chairman but out of the party.'

'We can do it but we wait for the right time.'

Tracy came in with the printed documents. 'Here sir.' She handed the envelopes to Gary. 'Thanks Tracy. Stu, I need to rush to submit this.' He stood up and the two of them headed out of the office.

'Where is George, Gary?'

'He's on pre-wedding holiday.'

'That's a nice one. I hope you would use this time to woo his cousin. I know you and Alistair have a thing for each other, you just never come around to say it.'

'Is it that obvious?'

'You tried to hide it but Alistair couldn't. She's over heels for you man. And you know it's only you George can trust her heart to out of all of us.'

Gary was elated and patted his shoulders. 'Thanks man, this is an encouragement.'

'Go for the kill my guy!' He laughed and moved towards his car where his driver was waiting. Once inside, he picked his phone and dialled Bernard. 'George is not around but, it doesn't stop us from looking for what will nail Green. Gary is in support we just need to bring Lucas to our side.'

'Good, I have given my private investigator his details and in no time, we would have him where we want him.'

'His cup is getting filled up and it's time to put an end to his frivolity. Does this have anything to do with his daughter?'

'We have no business with his daughter. She's not a member of our party, the father was only using her for his personal gain.'

'But that his daughter is an eye catcher.'

'Knock it off Stu, we have work to execute.'

'Work first before pleasure, you're right no sentiments. I'll meet you at the base by four.'

'So long buddy.' The call ended and Stuart told his driver to take him to the office.

While in Gary's car, he put a call to Alistair. 'Ali, I'm sorry I couldn't see you again as I promised, the call I received was a distress call from my chief security officer informing me of my dad falling sick suddenly.'

'I'm sorry too, I would have called if I knew it was your dad. What happened actually?'

'It was his usual ulcer attack but was a bit serious this time.'

'So how is he feeling now?' She asked with concern evident in her voice.

'He's getting better at least, he's out of the hospital.'

'It was serious then.' She was short of what to say so, she prolonged the discussion on his father's health.

'That's enough of my dad's health condition. So how have you been?'

'I'm cool.' She replied softly.

'Did you miss me?' He asked quietly.

Alistair paused as she thought on how to answer without giving a specific answer.

'You know it was the weekend and a lot of works were piled up for me, so the days just flew without me noticing.'

'I missed you Ali and I know you missed me too.'

She laughed and tried to sound nonchalant. 'Don't be too sure of yourself Gary.'

'Despite my dad was on admission, I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss.'

Thank God they were on phone, Gary would had seen Alistair blushing crimson. 'Ali, are you there?'

'Y. es Gary.' She strutted.

'Say something. Did you think of me throughout the weekend?'

'Gary, are you flirting with me?'

'I want to kiss you again and again non-stop.'

'Then you will have to come to my house.'

'I have a project final discussion on George's behalf and I don't know when I'd be through. Can we have dinner tonight?'

'That's cool with me.' She replied quietly.

'Once I'm done, I'll give you a call.'

'I'll be waiting.' She said breathlessly.

Alistair slapped her cheeks to confirm if she was dreaming. 'It's not a dream but a dream coming true. At long last Gary my love.' She muttered.

Gary could not stop himself from grinning. He was such in a very good mood that he opened the car door without waiting for his driver. In no time, he found himself in the company's conference room where the discussion was to take place.

'You're welcome Mr. Glenn, our chairman would be with you in no time. Please do have your seat.' Mr. Barry, the Chief Executive office welcomed him. 'Mr. Isaac called that an urgent matter came up which he's attending to.'

'Yes, he has to be there so that I am the one to handle this.' They chatted for about five minutes before the chairman came in with a lot of apologies.

'Mr. Glenn, we need not to beat round the bush because it took us two good years to sort out the best company for this project and we're convinced beyond doubt that your company is the one. Mr. Isaac sent his apology that although he would be back today but he would not be able to meet up with the set time. Without much ado, we can proceed on signing the contract. I hope you have all the documents to back up the contract?'

'Yes, they are all here.' He put his briefcase on the table and brought out the papers. The CEO called for his secretary to make copies of the documents. After the two parties perused every page of the documents, the three of them signed leaving the column for George's signature.

'Congratulations Mr. Glenn.' The chairman said shaking his hand.

'Thank you sir.' The CEO too congratulated him before they all moved to the chairman's office to discuss modus operandi of the big project.

Gary was full of joy by the time he called on Alistair later in the day.

'The meeting almost took forever but we are through. Are you at home?'

'Yes, I actually prepared something for us when I looked at the time.'

'Good, I'll be there in twenty minutes.'

Alistair checked herself umpteenth time when she heard the door bell chime. Satisfied with her look and her off shoulder black blouse and a beige baggy trousers, she went to open the door.

'Hi Alistair, you look ravishing.'

'Hey, you're not looking bad despite the fact that you look tired. Please do come in.'

Gary handed a bottle of wine to her as he came in the living room. 'Thanks. How was the meeting?' '

'It was okay, even George came to meet us and the contract was signed.'

'Congrats.'

'Thanks and it calls for celebration. I ought to take you out tonight but since it's so late, I'll make it up to you.'

'Why would you go out of your way to celebrate with me when all our friends are there waiting for opportunity to party down.' She said with her heart pumping.

Gary went to where she was standing with the bottle of wine, took it from her hand, and placed it on a nearby table.

'I want to celebrate with you because I want it to be special as you're special.' Alistair narrowed her eyes and looked at him.

'Alistair, we don't need to continue to pretend that we don't have chemistry between us. I know how I felt about you but George threatened me way back when.'

'George threatened you?' She asked surprised.

'Yes because he didn't want me to mess up with you.'

'I knew you to be a play boy and heart breaker even till now.'

'Girls would not had allowed us to have peace and would made full use of the opportunity to tear us apart. But now, we are grown and can take responsibility for our actions. Alistair, tell me truthfully, do you feel the same way I feel?' Alistair shied away from him because she was not sure if her heart would not be broken if she told him how she felt about him.

'Gary, the food will get cold, why don't we eat first?' She moved towards the kitchen leaving Gary who was staring after her. Moments later, he joined her to set the table. Alistair kept on stealing looks at him and smiled inwardly. They settled to eat but Gary would not let go of their discussion. He is a year older than George and believed he was old enough to get into a serious relationship with someone he had been dreaming of since college days.

'Alistair, you don't have to be shy with me, you're a grown woman and you won't tell me you had not been in relationships before.'

'Gary, I had been in relationships which I never took to heart because I knew those ones could not break my heart. I went into them to be like my friends but I only like the boys. No emotional attachment.'

'You're saying I would break your heart?' Gary asked with his fork suspended in the air. As a lawyer, he was getting the answer he wanted to hear.

'Gary, I'm afraid of you.'

'How Alistair? You've known me like your palm so why are you afraid of me?'

'You're who most girls would want to have with your look, stature, profession and popularity. I wouldn't want to be in your girl friends bad books.' She explained while trying to be nonchalant.

'What exactly are you afraid of? To fall in love with me?'

'You're an idiot. Can't you see that I'm spineless where you are?' There was silence as Gary kept looking at her with his heart singing love song. So she actually loved him. He put his fork down and cleaned his mouth with the napkin before he spoke.

'I love you too and I can't keep it to myself any more.' He stood up from the table and went to her and held her to stand up from her seat. 'You have given me too many sleepless nights as of late because of your attitudes and I kept wondering what my offense was. But I have double celebration, first my being able to find out your love for me and the signing of the contract.' He tipped her head up with his finger. 'I have dreamt of this day that I will have the liberty to have you forever in my life.' He lowered his head and claimed her lips.