Chapter 158: Being a father, husband and career man

****

  "Your part of the industry, how's that?"

"Maybe you mistook him for some old feud. We have agreed over my position at the industry and he supports me regardless. Clinton is not HW ta you're thinking Kareem, I know you don't really fancy him but you could at leave give him a chance to prove himself."

  "Alright! Alright! Do you think I'm instigating all this? On the day of the clash with Jeff, we discussed about this industry, he invited over to that same hotel." I explained but it seemed pointless "Maybe I should do as he pleases, some he's your husband. Maybe he don't have to frown at the fact that he'd be taking your place at the industry, yes?" I stated 

  "Did he really talk to tiu about that?"

  "Do you trust me or not? Yeesha? Maybe y'all should take about for a while then I'd let you know what I think. If you want him taking charge then I'd decide in that too." I explained then she nodded slowly. I rucked my mouth with a spoonful of the pudding. She gave a faint smile but her eyes explained her impression, she was still speculating if Clinton had asked about the industry or not.

  "You don't trust me, do you? Its all good but I hope he explains truthfully. I wouldn't come over to lie to you, I'm a grown ass man Hazel, that's expensive to lie to you." I said Heartily. I kept the bowl on the table "Maybe I shouldn't have come around anyways. Everyone seems to have a different perspective about me this days, that hurts." I said coldly then headed to the door then she called out.

  "Kareem, um sorry I...I...I just didn't think that Clinton would.so that to me, we actually discussed about this some weeks ago. It's just so hard to believe..."

  "Do you think I'd lie to you?" I yelled at her unconsciously then i realized it afterwards, seconds later woke she stared at me in shock. "Yeesh.."

  "...Just leave Kareem, I don't think you should be he

re right now. Go to your wife." She added coldly yet disappointedly.

  "That's right but not even my wife wants me around right now." I left

I drove a few miles then pulled over at a gas station afterwards I pulled over beside the road. My head was aching, how could everyone reject me this way anyways. I've been nothing but supportive to everyone I came across but getting a little attention was drowning my heart into shatters. I don't want my emotions to take charge because I'd definitely hurt someone and that's the only thing I tried to avoid.

I rested my head on the steering wrapping my arms around it, little by little, my eyes drifted away in slumber.

****

19:40pm,

There was a knock on the window then I opened my eyes abruptly then winded the glass down a little

  "Could you please move out already, I'm stuck because of you bro!" A man around 50s states almost politely

  "A'ight! My bad, man!" 

I kicked the engine then drove away. I just realized that time flew so fast, faster than I expected. I could think of nowhere but home, even though it was hard to live with someone you don't interact with like you use to. The distance between our bodies not just us messed with me psychologically.

I entered the house making way into Timmy's room. He was learning from the guitar I got him recently, I wasn't good at it but I could see remember some lessons he gave me. He did not see me enter his room but he saw me approaching his direction whilst on the bed. Get kept the guitar on the bed them jumped on me in excitement.

  "Daddy!" 

  "Yeah boy! Ate you good today, did you miss me?" I asked teasingly

  "Yes of course. Why don't you stay around much like you always do?"

  "Er. Uhm. Its...Its just that I've been a little busy these days, so many things going on on daddy's mind right now. There's a lot I'm still trying to figure out." I explained as we proceeded to the bed to sit on it. 

  "Like figuring out mother?" He snapped them I tilted my brows "don't look at me that way Daddy, I know you both don't wanna be talk so who's at fault?" He asked

  "That's a lot you know." I said then sighed "I'm at fault somehow, I'm not sure get we'll get over everything soon." I assured

  "I know you would" he snapped kling broadly, that smile reminded me of my childhood. I thought about putting him into how I was raised, bring a trophy son. Would it be a good idea or maybe he should think his life himself sooner or later. I thought. "Daddy? Tomorrow is a father and son day..."

  "What's that all about?"

  "Its day set for a gathering and son have fun. Everyone's father will be there but are you gonna be therr?x he asked innocently

  'If my father could leave work to attend mine then what else can I not do for you  Jason?" He blushed. Months earlier, I gave h a name I preferred since Timmy was given to him by Tiana, I'm not being a fanatic, I only think should name something I would feel better at calling.  

  "Is that a yes?"

  "Do you wanna test your father already?!" I teased tickling his sides as he laughed out uncontrollably, I would do anything to fix our fragile relationship, he doesn't have suffer for crimes he knew nothing off. Good thing I got to know him at a tender stage, I could would him into what I wanted not Tiana's. She's trouble to me.

I excused him to continue practicing then I headed to Khaleed's room. He was peacefully asleep yet I carried him out of the cradle then say beside the window, I missed him.

  "I wish you could say something to me right now, your mothers' really making suffer. It hurts me everyday I wake to not find her next to me, just like we always do." I whispered into his right ear, I didn't care if he listened it not. 

I heard the door squeak then turned, it was Jane. She turned to leave then I called her back.

  "Is there problem?" I asked

  "Oh no. I was shocked that the door was left ajar, I wanted to make sure he was fine."

  "Oh ok! Come on in, i was about to leave then she walked in finally. "Thanks for checking up!"

  "Its my job and I love him so much, he's an angel." He complimented then gave a faint smile walking out of the room heading to mine.

My bedroom turned into a stranger, not a single thing could take away this estranged aura surrounding it.

  "Hey babe...Gia!" I called out coldly. She looked at me with a smile.

  "Hmm!" She shrugged then turned to her phone's screen.

  "I just thought that...never mind." I attempted to leave then I halted "Er! Did Timmy tell you anything?"

  "Are you scared he might tell on you?"

That was in unbelievable.

  "You know, I don't really have time for that, I'm really really done trying to plead with you!" I said "I thought he told you about the Father and Son thing!"

  "That's cool, that when you do your job as a father. I literally don't care about that too." She blurted out. I ignored her rubbish, I walked into the shower instead.

Minutes later, I returned to the room then dressed for night. Nothing serious, it was only a sweat pant while my chest was bare. 

  "Can I have the room to myself for tonight?" She asked without looking at me.

  "I was thinking about that too." I snapped nonchalantly, I took my phone and laptop to the other room beside the private living room. It was almost as large as our master bedroom, neatly and enticingly decorated.

I hopped into the bed turning off the lights. I replied some emails from work and well wishers as well. A text popped up.

    *What you doing right now?*

            *Nothing interested me though!*

     *Maybe I should come around then?!*

           *That's double trouble.*

     *Kidding! I wanted to check on my friend, I hope you have a good rest despite everything.*

           *I think I found a friend, for real! Thanks for texting, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Sleep tight. Nessa!*

Something about this girl intrigued me, maybe it was only infatuation it part of her mini tricks, I couldn't stop reminiscing on the day we kissed beside the flowing waters. It seemed romantic but a part of me was strongly holding back to something I couldn't stand. Gia.

I love my wife so much but she got me thinking that there's something behind Nessa and I, she was holding on to perhaps, and a conversation was not helping out. Lamar's call snapped me out if my deep thought. I answered it.

  "Hey bud!"

  "I knew you wouldn't be off at this time, what'd up man. I just rounded up my meetings and appointments with the investors." He said

  "I guess its a closed deal then!"

  "Got that right. Let me take you on a ride on the yacht tomorrow, what do you think?"

  "Time?"

  "5pm!"

  "Count me all in. I'll see you soon man, make sure you get my brand."

  "Yass!" He hung up leaving behind a euphoric atmosphere. I was affected by it.

  *Can't sleep!*

Nessa texted again, what the hell is wrong with this woman, we are not in a relationship or something.

     *I've gotta a rest now, had a long day*

  *I hope to see you tomorrow!*

She texted but I didn't reply, keeping the conversation going would only be a start of emotional dissatisfaction.

****

My P.A texted me while I was adjusting my neck tie.

      *Meeting starts in an hour, sir. Just a reminder!*

That wasn't a big problem, I had that I'm mind already. I cross checked my styled hair then smiled at my straight moustache, I loved my looks. Admiring and adorable myself was a daily job, you could never find me unkempt.

I strode down the hallway after a final goodbye to both my sons. 

I headed to the garage, I wanted to drive a white Bentley truck for the day. I collected the keys from the chauffeur as Gianna approached dressed in a white and pink silky robe and a white furry flip flop, she stood behind the car just as u was about to pull out of the garage.

I pressed the horn severally yet she stood firm folding her arms tightly.

I dropped down from the angrily walking to her then stopped.

  "What the hell is that suppose mean Gia, get out of my already." I said

  "Give me the keys to the truck, I wanna go out with it. I intend to use it..."

  "I don't get it, its my car. I fit this for you, didn't you say you hate this?" I reminded "We got a whole lot of cars, why not take one for today? You'd own the truck forever. How about that?" I opted

  "Well I changed my mind Jordan, lemme have the keys. Let's save time."

  "You got to be joking, you don't wanna get on my nerves this morning. GET THE HELL OUT!" I yelled 

  "Not until you hand the keys over to me!" She said

  "I'm gonna write you a check, how about you get yourself a truck of your choice and I go in peace? Hmm?" I opted calmly

  "That's bull shit, just give the keys to me!"

  "Ok!" I snapped turning away then turned to her swiftly "You must be out of your mind. I could give you anything but not this truck."

  "Dare me!"

  "Get on it!" I snapped. I called the securities to take her out of my way. She repeatedly yelled without keeping track of her composure. I screeched just to get her angrier, while she yelled at the top of her voice.

I turned on the air conditioner because I was almost heating up earlier. Gia has never disrespected me this way, yet she was fighting for something that wasn't hers at all. 

I was 10 minutes late to the meeting, I walked into the conference room. Every one was sitting and waiting patiently, I sat on my space designated for me keeping a straight face regardless.

  "Pardon me, folks! Shall we begin?"

****

We lasted several hours at the meeting. On my way to the office I remembered that I had an appointment with my son at school.

  "Oh Damn!" I said out loud "I've got to go, I'll be right back. My son!" I jabbered

  "But Sir, the documents, the Zoom meeting at 13:00..." She explained in concern. 

  "Just do what you it to do. This is my chance to prove a point to my son, it's now or never. I'll be back before time! I trust you."  

I scurried out instantly. I was five minutes behind schedule, Timmy would feel horrible about me. I sped off in no time.

I was directed to hall they were gathered in, he was all alone looking back and forth. As soon as he saw me, he jumped on me in excitement.

  "Mr Jordan Khaleefa, nice to see you but you halfway late. He's been worried sick and disappointed.

We are done..." His teacher said rightfully

  "My bad, I was in a meeting." I tried to explain

  "Don't worry Ms Clarke, I'm glad that my dad is here. I feel better!" Timmy interrupted in my defense, I rubbed his hair lightly in appreciation.

The sessions over, I had to drive Timmy. He demanded for it when i suggested the chauffeur to him.

I returned to work. My P.A had set up the meeting minutes before my arrival then we proceeded. The incompetence for almost beating the whole day wrecked my world, plus Gianna adding up to my stress.

03:15pm,

I received a call from the secretary through the extension, stating that a woman from TVS had arrived, that should be Nessa, no doubt. 

I was not too excited but I felt a little bit good that someone was here to see me.

  "Let her in!" I instructed

In less than a minute, Nessa walked in.

She stunned in a pencil gown and thin strapped heel, her hair was tight into a ponytail while a blazer rested on her shoulders, quite beautiful.

  "Oh Nessa!" I began as well exchanged a swift hug sitting on the white sofa at the extreme end then I poured some drink into out glasses.

  "Did I yell you that I miss you?! Hall yeah, I really do!" She teased

   "Thanks for checking up on me, such a friend indeed!" I said as she beamed then to a sip.

  "Always!"