Chapter 3 Collide- Akinwale

COLLIDE

AKINWALE.

"You have a meeting with Marcellina Dubois this morning Akinwale, I went to your penthouse at Ikoyi this morning and I was told that you didn't come home last night, let me remind you that your meeting is at nine o'clock and Mrs. Dubois doesn't tolerate tardiness" Oyindamola's voice boomed in the car.

"Yes, Yes, Oyinda. I'm on my way to the office. What other appointment do I have today?" I asked navigating the car as I went through the roundabout at Ajah.

My Appointment with Mrs. Dubois had been the last thing on my mind when Christine one of my good friends had invited me to a threesome with her cousin Helen at her place last night.

We'd been super busy till three in the morning, so I got up later than usual only to receive a text from my dearest Oyindamola that I had a freaking appointment at nine with the manager of one of the biggest Jewelers in France.

'stupid, stupid, stupid' how could I forget?

I have to close this deal with Mrs. Dubois today, I checked my wristwatch and it was past seven a.m already, hopefully, I'll beat the Monday morning traffic and get to the EKO hotel before nine, which was highly impossible because Lagos traffic was hell.

"Well...you have a busy day, you're having a board meeting by twelve with your team of designers, then You're having lunch with your sister after that. You also have a date with the Deputy governor's daughter Moji, and a dinner date with the actress. I've fixed your lunch with Semi by one o'clock, your other date is by three o'clock so you have time to rest before your date with the actress. Do remember to get me her autograph" Oyindamola said.

"Cancel my date with the governor's daughter. Send my apologies to her, she likes emeralds and hydrangeas" I said with an exasperated sigh.

"Wale, this is the third time you're refusing her. I doubt she'd be happy about it this time" Oyinda warned.

"Come on, just do it. I can handle her" I smiled rubbing my jaw.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk I wonder what these girls see in you," Oyinda said.

I can imagine her shaking her head.

I laughed heartily, one of the reasons why Oyinda still worked for me despite her annoying, loquacious nature is because unlike my previous assistants she's not attracted to me and she actually calls me out on my shit when I mess up.

At first, it had bothered me that she wasn't attracted to me, since I'm Akinwale Solade the female magnet but I got comfortable with the idea later on because she didn't throw herself at me every second.

I looked out of the window and something else or rather someone else caught my attention.

"Wale, make sure you make it to the hotel on time" Oyinda reminded me again.

"Yeah, yeah," I said already distracted as I was pulling over to the side of the road.

I don't know why I stopped, I mean I've certainly seen a lot of beautiful women but there was something different about this one.

I couldn't place my finger on it, it was just this feeling.

She was putting on a short dress that showed off her sleek legs and she was holding a large package from the looks of it, it was a cake.

I noticed She looked distressed and I was immediately concerned.

"Hey beautiful" I winked.

She smiled but ignored me and looked away.

"Come on, the heat of the sun isn't good for your pretty skin. Hop in, I'll give you a ride" I offered.

She hesitated, checking her watch before moving towards the car.

I ended the phone call with oyinda who was already raging, she must have heard me speaking to the lady.

She got into the car and I watched her settle into the car before I reached out to turn on some cool, nerves relaxing music before driving into the main road.

"So where are you going?" I asked.

"Gbagada" she replied not looking at me.

I remembered Oyinda's warning about tardiness but I just couldn't resist this girl, I have to get to know her.

Close up, she looks really pretty that I thought.

"Gbagada is far and out of my way, but I can make that work for you" I smiled.

She didn't even bat an eyelid in my direction.

"Anything for a pretty face," I said with a smirk.

She turned to me now and gave me a strained smile.

"So what next?" she asked.

I gave her a confused look, what next?

"Huh?" I uttered.

"You'll compliment me, ask me for my number, tell me you like me, you want to see me again. Probably fix a date with me, more compliments then you'll try to get in bed or a relationship. Which is it, you might as well get started after all that's the only reason you picked me up" she said sarcastically.

Wow, I chuckled really amused.

Another woman immune to Wale's charms, perhaps she was related to Oyinda.

"Well, I was hoping to get you in bed" I half-joked

She rolled her eyes and looked away.

"Well you're no different" I pointed out defensively.

"Meaning?" she asked.

"Meaning you saw a handsome face and a nice ride and hopped him. I bet if I was ugly, and in a battered Volvo you would have ignored me" I said.

She made a face, "Oh please, the only reason I got into your car was that I was already tired of waiting for a cab and I need to get to Gbagada on time. Your face, your wacky pick-up line, and your ride weren't impressive enough" she said twisting her pretty lips.

I chuckled, "What a sharp mouth," I remarked.

"Thank you, it's one of my best features," she said.

I laughed.

"I'm Arinola Ajisafe, and you?" she asked.

"Akinwale Solade" I replied and waited for her reaction.

Her eyes widened, "Like the Solades?" she asked.

I nodded "Are you impressed now?" I asked teasing.

She narrowed her eyes at me and hit me playfully.

"Well, yes.....I mean I follow your sister on Instagram, her fashion line is to die for. I'm actually saving up for one of her dresses. That's what is impressive, not you" she said.

"Yeah right," I smiled.

The Solades were one of the richest families in Nigeria.

My great grandfather had created a legacy for us when he started selling pieces of jewelry with a loan from one of his white friends, over the years Solade stones have dominated the country and all other countries in and outside of Africa.

I ran Solade Stones since my father's death and my mother managed her own jewelry line that had also made a name in Africa, my sister Semilore Solade owns a clothing line that was popular in Africa and Europe.

After the whole introduction, the tension between us broke and we began to talk like we've been friends for decades.

She was humorous and smart, worked at her mother's restaurant.

Her culinary skills were on fire, and she wanted her own restaurant after she got married.

No sooner than I expected, we got to Gbagada, not wanting the conversation to end I offered to drop her off at the Medina Estate at Gbagada to prolong our conversation.

"So when do I get your number?" I asked.

"Um...Wale we had a great conversation. Thanks for the ride and everything but you're the kind of temptation I don't need in my life right now. I'm sorry, this can't happen again" she apologized.

I didn't push it or beg her because I, Wale Solade do not chase women.

It is a rule I cannot bend or break, so I let her go.

It isn't every day one comes across a woman like Arinola but if she didn't want to be pursued, I won't chase.

"Goodbye Arin," I said with a charming smile.

She smiled back at me before getting out of the car.