Chapter Six: Trouble in the Air
Ken sat lazily in a well cushioned armchair, his legs stretched out, one hand holding a drink while the other was busy tracing slowly, teasing circles along the arm of the young maid sitting on his lap. They were so close their breath mingled. He leaned in and kissed her, the kind of kiss that made her giggle nervously, as though she knew she was crossing a dangerous line.
They were in Alice's apartment. Alice, is one of Ken's many flings. She was the type who loved to show him off like a trophy, thinking it made her special. Ken, on the other hand, saw her as just another stop in his endless list of “good times”.
The maid shifted on the arm of his chair, trying to keep her balance while Ken's hand glided shamelessly down her back. He grinned to himself. To him, this was nothing serious, just another playful moment in his wild lifestyle. They were so caught up in their little moment that neither of them heard the front door open.
The next second, a loud gasp came out through the air. Alice … Ken's fling stood at the doorway, frozen for half a second before fury took over. She marched straight to them, her legs widened. Without a word , she grabbed her maid by the hair and yanked her away from Ken with so much force that the maid stumbled.
“ You useless girl,” she shouted, raining blows on the terrified maid. “ How dare you”? in my own house?
Ken just sat there watching, looking more amused than guilty. The maid tried to explain, but she wasn't listening. Then she turned to Ken , her voice trembling with rage.
“How could you”? What was that all about with my maid? She demanded, pointing an accusing finger at him.
Ken raised his brows and shrugged like she had just accused him of taking the last meat from the pot. “ First of all, l don't owe you any loyalty, l told you from the start we were just having fun…no strings attached. “
The girl's eyes widened, but before she could say another word, Ken stood up, picked up his jacket from the chair, and strolled out as if nothing had happened.
Ken stood slowly, smoothed his shirt, and strolled towards the door. “ Me when you've calmed down… or don't" It makes no difference to me. Without another glance, he walked out , leaving Alice to glare after him, her chest heaving with rage.
Later that evening, Ken was seated in a dimly lit lounge with his friend Kunle, a glass of whiskey in hand. Music hummed in the background, and the scent of grilled fish floated in the air.
“ So you mean to tell me you went to Alice's house and ended up with her maid”? Kunle asked, shaking his head.
Ken smirked. “ She wanted a little sugar, and l gave it to her. I'm not stingy, I'm a cheerful giver, you know."
Kunle sighed,“ Ken , this is being reckless. Do you know she might lose her job because of you? This is someone's source of livelihood we are talking about.
Ken leaned back. “ Look l told Alice from day one …this is just vibes and having fun. No feelings involved, she can't start acting like I'm her husband.
Kunle gave him a long look. “ My guy, you need to stop this lifestyle. You're not getting younger. Most of us are married. Look at me. I'm happily married. You need to settle down and stop this dirty lifestyle.
Ken chuckled.” You're beginning to sound like my old man. Save that advice for someone who needs it …
l don't.
Kunle laughed and took a sip of his drink. “ Marriage is a beautiful thing, my guy. In fact, I'm going to be a father soon”.
Ken's expression softened.” Wow, really! Congratulations, my man.
“Thanks," Kunle said, smiling proudly. Then his tone shifted playfully. “ You know, maybe you should consider Lisa. You two would make a good couple. She is a nice lady.
Ken burst out laughing. “ Lisa , which Lisa”?
Kunle rolled his eyes. “ How many Lisas do you know?"
Kunle shook his head, still smiling. “You're not serious. Don't let her hear you say that ooo. There is nothing romantic between us. Lisa is like a younger sister to me”.
Kunle's face grew thoughtfully. “ Think about it, Ken. You don't know the value of what you have until you lose it.’
Ken waved him off and changed the topic.” So, are we going to see fresh girls at this party or what”?
Kunle laughed. “ After what happened at the party last time, I'm still looking, my guy.”
Ken raised his glass. “It's been months, l need to change my blood,” Ken said and laughed.
They both laughed, the conversation drifting to other things.
Later that night, Kunle got home very late. The moment he stepped through the door, he could feel the tension in the air. Faith, his wife, was standing in the middle of the living room, arms folded tightly across her chest , her expression a mix of anger and hurt.
“Where are you coming from”? She demanded, her voice sharp.
Kunle blinked, slightly taken aback. “ Honey , relax. This shouting isn't good for you and our baby…think about your condition please.
“ Don't tell me to relax, “ Faith snapped. “ I'm asking you a simple question.”
Kunle sighed, walking over to her, “ l was hanging out with the boys.l was with Ken."
Faith's eyes narrowed. “ Which Ken”? Don't tell me it's that same Ken , l thought you stopped hanging out with him after we got married.
Kunle frowned. “ Why should l stop being friends with him?”
‘“Because he's a bad influence, Kunle shouted back. His lifestyle is terrible, and you know it. Any woman who gets married to him will never have peace of mind. He changes women like wrapper”
Kunle stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. She resisted at first, but he held her close. “ Honey, listen to me . Ken will never influence me, l will never do anything to hurt you . I love you way too much to cheat on you. l will never give you reasons to doubt my love for you.
Her stiff posture softened, and she rested her head against his chest. They stayed like that for a moment, her breathing evening out .
But just as they were about to sit down, Kunle’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, and his brows furrowed. It was a message from Ken.
Faith noticed. “ Who is it?”
Kunle hesitated before picking it up. As his eyes scanned the message, his expression changed.
“ What is it?” Faith asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Kunle looked up slowly,
the. The weight of the message hanging between them. “It's…about the upcoming party."