Bolu did not like the idea of renting out the flat above simply because the idea came from Ken, but Babatunde didn’t mind. They had unpaid bills, and he had a film crew to pay in two weeks. As soon as Ken sold the idea to him, he dropped the idea of raising the rent, got someone to clean up the apartment and contacted a real estate agent.
Mrs Coker had called, asking him to come without delay. He knew there was no way her husband had travelled so soon, but he needed the money. His father was now able to move his left arm and leg, but there was still a long road ahead with physiotherapists, expensive meal plans, and care providers who didn’t come cheap.
On the other hand, Mawon was getting suspicious of his activities. Two nights ago, he called Mrs Coker in his sleep, and she quizzed him about it for a while. He told her he often had dreams about older women because his own mother had passed away, but he wasn’t sure she believed him — distrust had glowed in her eyes.
Bolu was laughing at something on his phone, and Babatunde almost threw a pillow at his head. His younger brother had hardly bothered to show up at the hospital since their father regained consciousness. He was usually out of the house at 11 p.m. and didn’t return until early the next morning, oblivious to anything but his own pleasure. Bolu was twenty-two, but he had no job or commitments.
Needing some air, Babatunde stepped out of the house just as Saheedat was driving into the compound. He knew it was a matter of time before she and her husband would leave his father’s house. They always seemed superior to everyone in the building.
Interesting woman! She always looked in control. Her red silk hijab matched her red trousers, and he could tell she was carrying a designer bag, like the ones Mrs Coker had. The skin between her pumps and the hem of her trousers was smooth and brown, and a gold chain glimmered on one ankle. She cat walked between her SUV and their apartment, typing something on her phone, and he sighed to prevent himself from whistling. She was the embodiment of the kind of woman he wanted to be with — the type of woman he thought Mawon should know.
In some ways, Saheedat reminded him of Mawon. They were both reserved and soft spoken. As if propelled by a force she emitted, he began to walk toward her. She stopped and turned toward him, surprise on her face.
“Can I help you?” “I’m… I’m… I just wanted to let you know we…we’re not increasing the rent anymore.” “Really? Oh, that’s good news.”
“Thanks for the money you sent. I mean, the money your husband sent. It was very fine for us.”
She cocked one eyebrow up. Very fine for us? Guy, you fall my hand. Get a freaking grip on yourself.
She seemed uncomfortable. “How is your dad doing now? Sorry I haven’t been able to visit him. I’ve been so busy at work.” “No problem. Maybe you can come around tomorrow?” Saheedat cocked her eyebrow again. “Okay… I’ll see what I can do.”
“Okay. Sorry, what do you do again?”
He knew he was out of control, but he didn’t know how to stop it. Saheedat told him she worked as a UX designer. “I’m also into movies. So it’s like we’re in the same industry. Maybe we can work together in the future. You know, with Daddy in the hospital, I need to double my hustle.”
“Yeah, there are definitely many opportunities to diversify your income, but the most important thing is understanding how to manage your income and set financial goals…” Babatunde was lost in her scent and the space between her lips. “Saheedat.” Kosiso was behind them, watching him. “I’ve been trying to call you,” she said to Saheedat. “Oh, sorry. My phone must have been on Do Not Disturb.”
“Yeah, I figured.” Babatunde knew this was his cue. “Okay, let me leave you ladies.”
“Yeah, greetings to your dad.” “What was that about?” Kosiso said, thinking he was out of earshot. “I have no idea, but thank you for coming to my rescue.”
Babatunde’s skin prickled with embarrassment. “I’m glad to hear he’s thinking of setting up a trust for Kene,” Saheedat said. “But? I can see it on your face.” Kosiso could tell that Saheedat had more to say on the matter. “If you’ve truly forgiven me, you’ll say what’s on your mind.”
“I think you should still make your own moves. What he wants to do is still his decision. What if he changes his mind or doesn’t put in as much funds as you expect?”
Kosiso hadn’t considered this. “So what should I do?” “The easiest thing you can do is have a mutual fund investment. You can even put a standing order on your account so that something goes out of your account every month. You can use it as an emergency fund or save it up to diversify your investment. But before all these, you need to set financial goals. You need to know what your short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals are.”
“Hey, Madam! Are you a woman in tech or finance?” Saheedat laughed. “You know what? I’ll give you my financial advisor’s contact. I think he does a monthly bootcamp for people trying to set financial goals. His name is Victor, and… he’s single.” “Please! I’m not single o.”“Yeah, sure, you’re not.” “I told you not to worry about coming here.”
Babatunde was staring at the ceiling, still thinking of Saheedat. Set financial goals, she had said. Wetin be that sef? He just wanted to be her friend. She had an order in her life that he envied. An order his father often talked about.
