Chapter 5 Five

The_Joker

05

Monday morning I wake up feeling as though a train ran over me, sober nights are usually not the best for me because emotions get the best of me. Past hurts and emotions always find a way of creeping into my head and making themselves permanent residents, whoever said demons are supposed to be tenants in our heads need to talk to my demons because mine are the worst and they won't let me rest.

After taking a quick long cold shower; I apply some lotion and settle for a crisp white shirt, chocolate pants and a matching jacket. I don't have to try so hard to look good because my looks always seem to compliment everything I wear.

When I am sure I am ready to take on the world, I leave the bedroom.

'Good morning.' Rob says

'Good morning.' I say kissing her cheek

She is in scrolling through the channels obviously looking for something to watch

'Slept well?'

'Not so much.'

She eyes me

'Explains the eye bugs.'

I move to the mirror just above the console table to stare at myself.

'Don't worry only someone who knows you will be able to see them.'

I sigh in relief, I cannot afford to go for work looking off.

'Any plans for the day?'

'Nothing, I plan on using this time just to relax and get as much rest as possible. School gets the best of me and is really draining.'

I laugh, Rob is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. Not to say Lynn and I are not book smart but Rob would beat us academically any day.

'Get all the rest you need, some of us don't have that privilege.' I say removing my card

'And this?'

'You need a change of hair.'

'Ryan.'

'I work in the fashion industry, I know when hair needs to be changed.'

She makes a face, obviously taking offence.

'You are welcome.' I say before leaving the house

Today I don't feel like listening to any music so the drive to work is quiet, Lusaka traffic hasn't yet started building up and that is how I like it. Quiet and clear.

Instead of reporting first, I by pass the office and drive to Kabulonga mall to get some coffee. Delish has one of the best customer care and if there is something that the industry has taught me – people are willing to pay more for the customer care than the product offered.

'Good morning.' The waitress greets me

Her name is Joan, she has been attending to me for the past one year since I discovered this place.

'Good morning Jo.' I say looking at me phone and typing away

I don't even have to look at her to know she is the one.

'How was your weekend?' she asks

She always does this, making small conversation to keep me going as I wait for my order. Some days I don't respond but she has never stopped asking.

'How do you do that?' I ask looking at her

'Do what?'

'Continue talking to me even when I don't respond some days.'

She smiles, the smile I have gotten so used to.

'Would you rather I stopped talking to you?'

I shake my head quickly, the action involuntary.

She laughs lightly, placing the fresh hot cup of latte in my face.

'So you won't answer?' I ask placing a hundred kwacha note on the counter

She shakes her head.

'No I won't.'

I chuckle as I carry my coffee

'Have a good day Jo, and keep the change.' I say before walking out of the shop

I drive to the office and in less than two minutes I am there, it's only 7 in the morning and the offices look a bit empty. Work starts at 07:45hrs but I like to be in an hour or so earlier just so I can catch up on whatever has to be done.

Settling into my desk, I turn off my personal phone and put it away. I usually do that to avoid any disturbances whilst working.

The morning gets busy, I have a series of meetings to attend and each of them leaves me feeling drained. Dealing with upcoming models can be quite stressful, they come with this zeal and energy as though they know what they are supposed to do but ask them to pose or walk it's a total disaster. Then when they are corrected that leaves their esteem bruised and now we have to deal not only with their poise but their esteem too.

'I see why you don't like taking them in whilst they are still fresh.' The marketing manager Mali says to me

I feign a smile, the morning has left me with a terrible headache.

'And the ones that are already established feel like they are either good enough or can get paid whatever amounts they want.'

She laughs.

I like Mali, in a professional way that is. We have worked together for three years and not once have lines been crossed, I must say at first I wanted to make her one of the women I put to bed but her character told me otherwise.

'I am losing my mind Mali, honestly I am.' I say before taking a deep breath and moving to the window

'Is it the FMedia contract?'

'That and the new face of Chileshe Fashion House.

'That is a lot to take in at once.'

'I know.'

'How about dealing with one problem at a time?'

'Both are very sensitive and sadly they are urgent, I can't even assign another person to do the job.'

'Because you feel they won't do it as best as you would right?'

I laugh.

You can call me obsessed or anything but I give my job my all, besides that I am a perfectionist and there is that element about me that feels no one will do the work better than I can.

'Okay, let us start with the FMedia contract. What is it about it that is taking a toll on you?'

'The new CEO is proving to be a pain in the butt?'

'Paula? I am not surprised, girl has always been good at her job and she doesn't take mediocre work lightly.'

I sit up

'You know her?'

'Not exactly, but we were in UNI together.'

'Do you have her contact?'

She eyes me

'Mali please.'

'Fine, I am not sure if that is her personal contact but that is the one she uses on the whatsapp group we were added. She never says anything in the group but has never left so I am guessing in one way or the other it is active.'

'I will appreciate if you send it to me.'

'Done.' She says

'Thank you Mali.' I tell her with a huge smile