CHAPTER FORTY TWO: UNWANTED APOLOGY

Stuart was deep in sleep when his phone rang to disturb his sleep while still closing his eyes, he stretched his hand sleepily to pick his phone. 'Hello.' He said into the phone huskily without looking at the ID of the caller.

'Stuart, is this you?'

'Yes and who is this?' He asked in irritation.

'This is James. Forgotten about me?'

'I'm sorry your call woke me and I didn't look at the caller.'

'I called to remind you of my mother's birthday party we talked about the last time we saw.'

'I'm sorry uncle, it escaped my mind. So grandma would be eighty in the next two weeks?'

'Yes Stuart and she has been complaining of you not coming to see her often enough.'

'I've been so busy as of late and presently, I'm out if the city.'

'Oh, I thought we could plan a surprise birthday bash for her.' His uncle said disappointedly.

'That is not a problem sir, we can plan the party in a very short notice.'

'How? You know my wife talks too much and I don't want her to know so that she would not let the rat out or the bag. Also, your parents are never around they are busy going round the country for their cancer awareness crusade. This leaves just the two of us.'

'Uncle, I will send a number to you, call the person but don't mention my name. Tell her how you want grandma's birthday to be and also she should get the venue for the party. I promise you, you'll not be disappointed. Just get me informed as it goes and don't spare any expenses.'

'It's my mother's birthday and not yours. I'm a very rich man, a Donald for that matter. I only want all of us to be involved.'

'I'm sorry uncle, she's my grandmother and not yours and I'm a wealthy man, a Donald for that matter. I just want to finance the party.' He mimicked his uncle and both of them burst into laughter.

'I will see you immediately I get back tomorrow but call her now to know if she has not been fully booked as a party planner towards that time.'

'What's her name?'

'Her name is Anna. She was George's wedding party planner.'

'Oh, then I'm satisfied.' The uncle said excitedly.

'So long nephew.'

'So long uncle.' He looked at the screen of his phone contemplating on calling his parents. No. He decided not to call them because they were so busy with their charity work that they never remembered that they had a son. He was happy for the closeness between him and his uncle because that one had always been there for him. He only enjoyed his parents' wealth when he wanted to show off but apart from that he had never been close to them.

His cousins too did not make him feel the absence of siblings as he was growing up but all of them parted ways when they had admissions into universities. His cousins a set of twins, were the adventure type. They decided to move to Africa and they fell in love with the Continent, visiting only once in a while. Although he missed them, but the friends he met in university helped him fill the vacuum his cousins left in his life.

He sighed as he stood from the bed when his mind wanted to go to Anna.

Thirty minutes later, he was dressed to go to the hotel restuarant to meet George and Sheila for breakfast.

George and Sheila were already waiting for Stuart in the restaurant when he leisurely walked in. 'Didn't your guardian teach you not to keep a newly weded waiting at the table?' George attacked him as usual.

'I believe this newly weds are over a week old and many newly married couples are all over making this couple in my front an old one.' He countered back.

'Well someone here is still searching.'

'Someone here is not even interested in searching but is set to enjoy life as it comes.' He drew a chair and sat in front of both of them. 'Sheila darling, how are you this morning?'

'Stuart the cute guy, I am very fine.' Sheila replied with seriousness knowing George would attack her.

'Really honey?' George turned to Sheila with a mock annoyance look. 'Stuart is the cute guy now?'

Sheila looked at him innocently and replied. 'Sugar, I don't remember comparing your handsomeness with anyone else. You know you're my Mr. Handsome.' She tickled him.

'Stuart please go and look for your darling because Sheila has only one which is me.' He pointed his thumb to himself.'

'Don't worry Georgy boy, I will steal Sheila from you.' He said laughing when he saw George's fake fainting stunt. 'Have you people ordered?' He changed the topic by picking the menu as he saw the waiter approached them.

'We came in barely two minutes before you walked in.' Sheila responded.

Stuart glanced through the menu and ordered. 'I've been willing to ask you this George, what do you think about me staying for another week to help this people set up their operations?'

'Do you feel comfortable doing it or you just want to add it as incentive to the contract.'

'I just feel relaxed here as if I'm on holiday.'

'Are you sure that there is no girl around the corner?' Sheila asked jokingly.

'Naw! It's only you I have eyes for.' He repiled holding Sheila's hand.

'Oh oh, I'm blushing.'

'This man is just too ugly for my liking so remove your hand from my wife's.' George glared at him playfully.

'I don't feel like going back yet and I also want to look around for some business opportunities.' He removed his hand from Sheila's and clasped his hands together as he rested his elbows on the table. 'I saw a closed club somewhere down the other street and after some enquiries, I heard that the owner wants to sell it.'

'That's a good one. Then you need to stay more than a week to conclude that.' George said.

'Uncle James called to remind me of grandma's birthday next two weeks. I'll stay close to that time, go for the bash and come back here to conclude the deal.'

'Then your work at GIDEB would have to wait then.'

'I'll work online with my secretary and any urgent matter, I'd rush down. It's just two hours flight.'

'Good luck buddy. Our honeymoon has come to an end so we leave later today. Is there anything you want me to tell grandma prior to her birthday?'

'Just go and see her on my behalf. Take Sheila to her and she would be happy but tell her nothing because it's a surprise bash for her.'

'Are you people trying to give her a death farewell party?'

'Don't let uncle James hear that from you lest he eats you raw.'

At that time their meals were brought and they delved into their food. It was pure seafood.

'I always enjoy their food here. They don't serve conventional breakfast which makes you enjoy your food without you getting tired of strict options.'

'I think I'll promote the manager for this compliment.'

'You promote yourself first because it was your idea.'

'No it wasn't mine. I gave them free hand to prove themselves and anyone I saw was not up to standard, I fired. So far so good, I've been impressed by them. I only put in one or two ideas and we are all good.'

'No wonder you're never stressed. I use to wonder what has been your magic wand to have chains of hotels coupled with GIDEB and you look as if it's no big deal.'

'I still get involved and watch. I plant my trusted people there to infom me first hand on any problem or discrepancy.'

'Your grandfather taught you well.'

'All thanks to the old man.'

'Old man! I'm still expecting him to propose to my grandma.' He said with all seriousness and Sheila couldn't hold herself from laughing which caused her to start coughing.

'Easy honey. Here take water.' He gave her a glass of water and patted her back gently. Later, she was a bit alright.

'Thanks bunny boy.' She said with her eyes full of water yet she couldn't control her laughter.

'You see what you caused you this confirmed bachelor!' George said glaring at Stuart.

'Sheila I'm sorry but I think George just passed one of my tests not to steal you from him. He knows how to take care of you.'

'Ple ..please stop.' She said in between hiccups and laughter while holding her tommy.

'It's okay Sheila I won't talk again till we finish eating.'

'Thank you.' Sheila said still trying to control her laughter.

After they finished their food, they ordered for coffee. Sipping their coffee leisurely, Sheila asked the question that had been bothering her. 'What is the meaning of GIDEB?'

'Your husband has not told you? Come on George you failed here.'

'Stuart shut up and don't cause Sheila another coughing. Honey, GIDEB is the abbreviation of our names. G stands for Glenn, that's Gary, I for Isaac, D for Donald and that's this idiot here, E for Edgar that's Bernard and B for Barth, Felix.'

'Who came about the name?'

'I did.' Both of them said it simultaneously.

'Can you expect this dull brain to come up with such? He's only after profit.' Stuart said.

'Okay let's be truthful, it was Gary's idea. He just went to register and came back with the name. We told him we wanted to form a company when we were in university. That time, George had started selling cars parts so we thought we should prove to our rich parents that we were also smart. We sold our cars to raise money and here we are today. We made our own millions while still in school.'

'Wow! This is interesting. How I wish I had such opportunity.'

'Never mind honey, you're a very intelligent woman and I know we would manage all of these together.'

'I thought all the while that the company was yours.'

'No, I oversee the activities while others handle their technical know how in their various departments.'

Stuart's phone rang and he saw Anna as the caller. He allowed it to ring without picking it.

'That's your phone ringing Stuart.' George said.

'It's an unknown number.'

'You may not know if it's a business call, pick it.' Sheila cajoled him. He excused himself to pick the call.

'Hello?' He said coldly after picking with a frowned face.

'Hello Stuart.' Anna said at the other end.

'Please who is this?' He feigned ignorance of knowing it was her.

'This is Anna, the party planner.'

'Oh, it's you. What can I do for you please?'

Anna at the other end lost her confidence to talk to him. She kept quiet.

'Hello, are you still there?' He asked being afraid of her cutting the call.

'Yea...yes I'm here. I'm very sorry if I disturbed you.'

'No it's alright. You can go ahead and tell me why you called.'

'I just want to confirm if it was you who gave one Mr James Donald my number.'

'Who is he? I'm sorry I don't know him.'

'It's okay then but he told me he's your uncle.'

'Really?' He wanted to prolong the call as he was beside himself hearing her voice.

'Yes.'

'And what exactly does he want?'

'He said he wants a surprise party for his mother and he wants me to take up the contract.'

'Well, aren't you fortunate to be picked amongst many? Congratulations.'

'Stuart, I'm sorry.'

'You're sorry for what?'

'The way I treated you the last time.'

'Is it because you thought I gave your number to someone that you're now apologising?'

'No not at all Stuart. I tried your line severally but it went to voice mail.'

'Did you send any message?'

'No I didn't because I wanted to apologize one on one.'

'I see.'

'Can I see you today?'

'I'm sorry, I am not available.'

'Stuart when can I see you? Sean has not been giving me peace of mind because of you. He accused me of sending you away.'

'Really? No wonder the apology. Actually, I'm in the middle of a very important meeting right now, please send my regards to Sean.' He cut the phone with annoyance. He suspected that she would not in her right senses call him if not for Sean. A very stubborn woman! He gave a deep sigh and controlled his emotion before he returned to the table to join the others.

Anna looked at the phone in her hand and felt tears rushing to her eyes. She had been so happy to hear Stuart's phone ring and happier when he picked it after ringing for sometimes. But how would she explain to Sean that Stuart did not want to be their friend again? She thought the Mr. Donald was truly his uncle but she was wrong. She needed to have his forgiveness because he had proved to be a very reliable and caring man. They were added value to his good looks and charisma..

She made up her mind to never give Stuart minute of rest until he forgave her and be friend with Sean and herself. Meanwhile, she had business to do. She dialed James' number and he picked on the first ring.

'Hello Miss Anna, have you called him?'

'Yes sir but he said he didn't know you.'

'Then we need to see and talk about what you have done to my nephew to make him bitter.' James said humorously.

'Please sir, text me your address.' Anna requested.

On seeing James thirty minutes later, no one could deny that he was related to Stuart. The resemblance was so vivid that it was their ages that differentiated them.

'Mr. Donald?' Anna asked as she approached him at the cafe.

'Yes, I presume you're Anna.'

'Yes sir.'

'Please have your seat and pick your order.' James said waiving her to the seat facing him.

'Thank you sir.' She sat down and gave James a sly look.

'Are you convinced that we are related?'

'The resemblance is remarkable.'

James signal to the waiter who had be lurking around to take their food orders. 'Just salmon sandwish and orange squash for me.' He ordered.

'I'll take the same but I want ice cubes in my juice.'

The waiter left their table and James flashed Anna a very bright smile which she shyly returned with a questioning expression of what is happening?

'Stuart told me you were Georges wedding party planner.' He started the conversation. 'And I must commend your artistic work of creativity on that day because it's still the talk of the town till now because it's something out of ordinary which was done differently from what we are used to here despite our riches.' He paused because the waiter brought their snacks. He took a bite and signalled Anna to do same. She did and nodded her head in satisfaction.

'Hmm, this is good.'

'I'm happy you like it. We can discuss while eating.'

'Thank you sir for your commendation. George said he wanted something out of ordinary and I made a big research and that was the result.'

'Can you do something captivating for my mum too?'

'That would depend on what you want sir.'

'It's a surprise package for her but I want her to remember it for the rest of her life.'

'How old is she?'

'She'll be eighty this years.'

'What are her likes? Never mind, I will send a form that contains some questions to you. Fill it and return it on time. But there are some personal questions. Who do you think she will see and will lighten her mood?'

'I believe it's her grandchildren.'

'The twins?'

'Yes because it's been some years she saw them.'

'Where are they staying?'

'They live in Nigeria, in Africa.'

'Would they be around for the party?'

'I'm not sure.'

'You need to invite them as the carrot for the party.'

'You think so?'

'You want her to remember this party for long time, then their surprise presence would go a long way. Don't worry give me their address and I will get their butts here.' James laughed and nodded his head in agreement.

'Also, let me have your mum's address on the form so that I will look for a closeby venue for the party.'

She was jotting on her tablet and James looked at her impressively.

'You know Anna, I'm not disappointed when I saw how beautiful you are.' James said making Anna stop what she was doing and gave him her attention. 'Definitely, Stuart must have something special for you for you to be able to hurt his ego. He grew up with my twins David and Daniel but people thought they were triplets. I know him like the palm of my hand and he is more of a son to me than nephew.'

Anna closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath before she spoke.

'I'm sorry Mr. Donald, it was just a misunderstanding but I've tried to apologize to him'

'Stuart, hardly feels offended with people most especially the opposite sex because he is very passionate about the people he cares for and if one of them offends him, it takes him time to crawl out of his shell. I hope you will fix it on time.'

'Yes sir, I will do all it takes to fix it on time. Thank you sir.'

They kept on talking until Anna looked at her time and saw that she had barely ten minutes to pick Sean. She quickly took an excuse.

'I need to be on my way now sir.'

'You have another appointment?'

'No sir, I have to pick my son barely in nine minutes.'

'You're married?!'

'No, a single parent.'

'I see. Did you come with your car?'

'No, I will call a cab.'

'Please do me the honour to drive you there to pick him, it will save you some time.' He picked his phone and called his driver.

'Thank you sir.'