Chapter 154: The Interview!

He nodded in agreement then I excused him while Jane struggled to set up his bath. I walked into my bedroom and Gia was still asleep, how ruthless. I was out there in the cold, surviving the mosquitoes and insect and here she was sleeping peacefully with  Khaleed in her arms? Oh my. I sighed. I was infuriated, I entered the shower instead, I won't talk to her, I told myself.

I walked out of the shower with a white towel wrapped around my neck, I walked to the drawer where my skincare and perfumes was kept, I did the needful. My phone rang immediately then I peeped at the phones' screen, mother was calling. I answered Instantly staring at my reflection in the large mirror.

  "Morning Mama!"

  "Morning baby! How was it? Are you ready to set out?" She asked

  "Getting ready!" I snapped calmly

  "Are you okay, boy?" 

  "Oh yeah! I just kinda need some time to prepare, I'll call you as soon as possible!"

  "Alright! Call me when you're at the venue, I'll will be there A'ight, chill out!"

  "Okay Mom but that's not necessary..."

  "I got you," She snapped "there's nothing to worry about! I love you boy!" She hung up then I heated a deep sigh and continued dressing up.  I oiled my hair and sprayed it as well. I took my case, wore my AP wrist watch then lastly took my phone storming out of the room. Jane has informed me about breakfast, I sat at the dinning to have meal. 

  "Jane?" I called

  "Yes sir," she turned to me "can I help you sir?" She inquired

  "Not at all! I wanna apologize for..." She instantly cut me short the moment I began

  "No worries sir, I understand that the madam's mood has been ruined. I totally understand."

  "It still doesn't give her the right to hit you like that, you work to get paid not a slave. Accept my apologies!" I said

  "Thank you sir, believe me I have nothing against her. I know she wouldn't hurt me on purpose. Can I leave sir?" She smiled, that was angelic then I nodded in affirmation.

After I had gone halfway with the food, I sighted Gianna walking down the stairs maintaining a calm pace. I felt angry all of a sudden. I wiped my mouth with a serviette then rose up to leave as the chauffer walked in.

  "Sir, the car's ready!"

  "I can drive through, don't worry."

  "I'm sorry sir but your mother insisted that I drive you in the limousine. Please?"

Why's mother putting up all these, it was uncalled for. 

  "Ok! I'll go for it, I'll be with you!" I said as he scurried away taking my brief case. She stopped at the dinning sipping from the glass of smoov. I made an attempt for leave as my phone buzzed, it was Nessa.

  "Hi Nessa, any problem?" I asked yet I felt Gia's eyes pricking my skin, i ignored.

  "You have 55 minutes Sir, can you please hurry?" She inquired politely

  "A'ight! Im about to leave. See you soon!" I hung up then added two steps.

  "You still won't explain what that was for?" She blurted causing me to hold on, I turned to her then scoffed. This seems like trouble, I won't get myself infuriated just yet. I walked out instead.

****

20 minutes on,

I arrived at the venue, I walked out the limo with a dark shades on matching the  black suit i had on, there were cameras and lights around me but the securities intervened while I maintained my silence. Mother was right for letting me use the limo, if I had driven myself then the crowd would have engulfed, I had both pressure and fans hovering.

I walked into the building, two security men in black suits, shoes and ties where following me around as well entered the elevator then stopped on the 5th floor, immediately I saw mother speaking on the phone, I had no idea who it was, it wasn't father. Every time she speaks with him, she smiles and blushes all the time. I seldom see moments where they argue, they are my biggest motivation and icons.

I sat on the designated seat on the stage, I watched the lights and cameras being set up according, the make up artist came around pressing the white towel lightly on my forehead, I wasn't sweating neither was I looking haggard but i let her do her job. Nessa came forth in a pencil black and yellow pencil gown while her hair was rolled in curls, she was stunning. She sat adjacent to me then I gave a faint smile.

  "Nessa! Don't tell me that you're actually running this shit yourself?"

  "Of course, I would host it. I did quite a lot hinting you right?!" She teased

  "That's not bad, I hope it goes well."

  "Always remember, no freestyles just stick to the scripts. Go with the flow, choose your words Mr Jordan, I know you as this 'Mr grumpy' from way back!" She air quoted then I smiled.

  "I would not be it for a second or two!"

Mother interrupted as well hugged tightly, she was stunning as well in a white body con and heels but her hair was braided in two cornrows then large round earrings that had chanel inscribed on it as well as a furry leopard skin printed over coat. My mother kills fashion no matter what, I adored her after Gia but one thing got me fascinated at the moment, Nessa. Suddenly, she was entertaining and interesting to be with, I liked her without thinking twice.

  "Do you really know why you are doing this," She asked, before i could give an answer she proceeded "this is to apologize for the unintended fist fight, reshaping your name into the finest image. I hope you remember its awkward and irresponsible to engage in violence as the CEO you are. Secure Khaleefa's Industry that you are looking after. We have investors and even potential ones so do what you got to do. I love you baby. Break a leg, baby," she placed a kiss on my forehead as well both smiled, I felt little again.

  "Well I'm jealous, Mrs Khaleefa, can I get one to even the odds?!" Nessa teased as well all laughed, mother kissed her on the forehead as well then left.

  "We are live in 5, 4, 3. 2, 1. Action!" 

The interview began, it wasn't my first time on camera but it was my first being able to admit my shenanigans before the world, admitting that I engaged in something irresponsible and wouldn't go beyond that, to apologize for it all.  

Two straight hours had gone by, I dealt with AZ and TVS respectively, my efforts were highly commended by the team as well as the fans out there, the socials left wonderful remarks like me owning up to apologize outwardly. One thing I didn't forget to do was apologize to my wife as well, that was my single freestyle, I didn't want to but I found myself apologizing briefly, more reasons why everyone was stunned at my exorbitance.

Nessa congratulated me as well but mother had left minutes earlier for work purposes, definitely with father. 

  "Let's have lunch," I opted "at least to repay the gesture earlier!" I said, she beamed.

  "You guessed right, i'm starving but we got all that provided in here." She said. She was right but I wanted to get out since my wife was still mad at me. I just wanted some time out off stress.

  "Exactly but you can't refuse this, Nessa. Let me show some appreciation!" I insisted

  "Alright! Let's go." She accepted, I knew she would anyways.

Leaving the premises was a little hard because of the press outside, I said few words.

  "How do you feel about this, was this necessary I mean, its normal to feel inferior and still try to defend your cause. What's your opinion and why?" A lady asked

  "You were caught on camera at a five star hotel exchanging blows, getting physical, as a the CEO of the renowned Khaleefa Industry in the country, did you think that this single act could deteriorate the industry's image?" Another asked

  "How about the investors, would any one love to invest in such industry when the Face itself bruises..." Another man asked again, it wasn't getting calmer then I interrupted.

  "I agree to all your justly criticism over my unintended act but then, I sincerely and truly apologize for my outrage. I'm only human yet I'd do all I can to win the hearts of those who have supported and worked with the Khaleefa Industry and others who are yet to come in the near future. This won't happen again, i promise. Thanks!" I walked away while the securities intervened yet I heard someone ask almost screaming

  "What potentials do you intend to portray to your sons in the near future? A reckless father..." A man from the extreme end blurted but I ignored. Nessa had already warned me about giving answers personal question like family ones, I took that advise. I felt really bad to know that others felt I was really a bad influence on my sons, this price is too costly to pay.

****

We arrived at an expensive restaurant, as we say on the reserved table and ordered some good food and wine. We ate but I was a little bit nervous because in years, I hadn't gone out with another woman except Gia, it felt like cheating but in the other hand, I felt it was only a friendly and harmless eat out, I decided to stick with that.

  "Lovely restaurant. You have got such a big taste, Mr Jordan." She complimented

  "Do I?! Anyways, thanks for the hint. It was really helpful, I guess my father knows better, he knows the best staff. If I was to handle that interview, I would definitely ask for apologies rather than giving out some."

  "Very unapologetic!" She snapped with a smile then took a sip from the red wine

  "I know, still proud of it." I snapped "I wanna ask one thing though," I cleared my throat while she affirmed "I hope it doesn't change the moment. My wife..." I began then she rolled her eyes a little.

  "...Ok Mr Jordan, I respect the fact that you are married but I don't wanna interfere your marriage either. I only think that we have this magnetic flow, don't get me wrong...in a positive way though. " she explained but it was manipulative to me

  "My wife feels some type of way over you, you know. The incident that occurred at the hotel, it got me thinking. If you could be this catchy then what happened back there?" I asked, I was curious. She smiled.

  "Let's just say that it was my flip side, I lost myself around you and I was kinda drunk. Tequila works magic sometimes..."

  "Dreadful ones!" I added as we both laughed.

  "Then I'd apologize to her if that's what is needed..." She suggested

  "I don't think its necessary, she hurt you the other day and I don't want that happening again..." I added

  "Ah! Someone's protecting me not his wife huh?" She teased them I forced a faint smile, maybe she was right but I did not think about it that way. I didn't want drama. "I was only kidding, let me apologize. She might just change her mind but I don't mind if we become friends, would that hurt too?" She asked

  "That's A'ight, I think I like that idea. One secret? I've never had a female friend before so I'd be delighted to try this out." I snapped heartily

  "I'm honored to be one!" She added

  "Cheers to a newly found friendship!" I said lifting my wine glasses while she did the same

  "Cheers!" She said. We were both staring at each other, it was different.

****

We drove her to her classy apartment, I didn't go further, she hopped down from the car after she placed a friendly kiss on my cheek. We drove away. I texted Gia since she hadn't called or texted either but I didn't hold onto that.

    *Hey babe, I'm on my way. Kisses*

I waited for her response but she didn't reply at all, I was hurt by that. Gia would always text or call me on every success or disappointment but she did not this around. It broke my heart even more.

10 minutes later,

At about 7pm, I opened the bedroom door right after I checked on Timmy who was seeing a cartoon with Janet beside him on the bed, I only winked at them.

Gianna was on a call with her friends, I recognized the voices in the background, I kept my case on the table then I took off the suit top then unbutton my shirt. I swallowed my pride then attempted to kiss her but  she slipped her face away, I felt stupid. How could Gia treat me this way? I asked myself.

  "Babe?" I called out but she ignored and insisted on the call even when Zoe suggested that she responds to me first. I walked into the bathroom taking along my phone, I sat on the toilet while it was closed then I realized that I got a text from Nessa, I was curious.  It reads:

     *Thanks for the lunch, I enjoyed every moment of it. Call me when you get this.*

I was delighted to see such text from someone that cared. I wish Gia would act this way right now. I dialed her number instantly and she answered.

  "Nessa! I just saw your text, no need to thank me. I should thank you!" I said

  "Not at all. I was thinking we could hang out tomorrow, I need some advice about a business proposal. I promise, it won't exceed an hour!" She asked

  "A'ight, i'll let you know what's up by morning, okay?"

  "Yeah! Thanks again Mr Jordan!" She hung up.

I ran a quick shower and returned to Gia who was seeing a movie. I obstructed her to capture her attention, she was pissed off. 

  "Babe, lets talk, we need to talk!" I instructed

  "Well, I don't wanna talk to you, how's that?" She snapped disrespectfully. I jerked the remote controller from hand and turned off the television.

  "I'm your husband Gia, respect me just like I respect you!" I cautioned yelling at her, I could feel my views sprouting, I was angered.

   "I don't care about that, what's your problem?" She yelled too walking towards my direction. "You expect an answer from me when you don't wanna give one?"

  "What do you mean? We could talk about it. You played me last night and that's not funny, I own this house too, I live here too." I cautioned heartily, last night was burning hell.