Chapter 5 CHAPITRE 4

I was stunned to see Angelique sitting at the head of the table. After giving me a small smile, she put on a serious face and began the meeting as normal. I watched the others and everyone was attentive. Even Ben is concentrating and taking notes.

Angelique (crossing her legs): Mr Maganga, can you introduce the new accountant?

Ben (clearing his throat): Well, yes, I'd like to introduce Mr David Onanga, who will succeed Mr Fabrice Moussavou. I'm counting on each and every one of you to be transparent and to integrate him as well as possible into this new role.

With all eyes on me, I took a rather serious stance, not wanting to show my leaflet, and smiled a little. Angelique took the floor again to explain a few more things.

Angélique: Good! I think everything's been made clear. Any questions? Clarifications?

Everyone looked at each other before saying no. She left the meeting room. Some of the staff came to shake my hand before leaving in turn. Ben came over and clapped my hands.

Ben (happy): It's official, man!

Me: Yeah, there's still the trial period...

Ben: But you're finally going to quit this miserable job and get into real life...

I don't listen to him, I think back to Angélique. She was beautiful in her gray suit that brought out her curves, but the problem is, what's she doing here?

Me (frowning): Why didn't you tell me she was the company's deputy CEO?

Ben (arching his eyebrows) : Who? Mrs Ogohet?

Me: Yes.

Ben : Why do you care if she's the assistant CEO?

Me (looking at him) : Are you doing this on purpose? Like you didn't know it was Angélique?

Ben (raising his voice): Angelique? Noooo

He looked really surprised. He looked at me for a long moment before bursting out laughing. Pfff I put the document away in my satchel while he was laughing his head off.

Ben: I honestly didn't make the connection.

Me (hands to my head): what the hell have I gotten myself into!

Ben (touching my shoulder): hey, no one died David. You've got nothing to fear, nothing to get close to. You're here to work... and if you fuck her, that's up to you!

Me (joking): Be serious, Ben!

We left the room and he took me into the office that's supposed to be mine. Who'd have thought I'd end up here one day? I touched the desk with my hand and walked around it. I sat down on the very comfortable armchair.

Ben (smiling): yes man! You're a boss now. (Looking at his watch) I've got to run, I've got files to deal with, so make yourself comfortable. I'll send someone over.

Me (looking up): Angelique?

Ben (laughing) : No, you're stupid! Your assistant...

He's out the door. So I even have an assistant? I opened the drawers to see if they were empty and looked around the room when I heard a knock on the door. A young woman, between 25 and 30, came into the office with a cardboard box. She's of medium height with pronounced hips, black skin, long weave, very pretty.

She: Hello Mr Onanga.

Me (holding out my hand): Hello, Madam?

She (smiling): Miss Helena Ndong. You can call me Helena.

Me : Nice to meet you!

Helena : How are you this morning? Is your integration going well?

Me: Fine.

Helena: I've brought you the current files left by the previous accountant and the new ones to be processed. I'll explain everything, I'm here to help you.

Me (looking at her): Take a seat.

She sat down opposite me and emptied the box. I looked at her, she's really very beautiful, Helena, a sweet, friendly face. I finally concentrated on the files, and we spent almost an hour on that.

Helena: if you don't mind, I'm going to get something to drink. Would you like a coffee?

Me: No, water please.

She stood up and I took a quick look at her ass. I caught myself thinking that way, I must admit I haven't touched a woman since Laetitia. Maybe I need to get back into the swing of things, now that I'm in a comfortable position, they're all going to get it, yes, that'll be my little revenge.

I kept going through the files, so far I'm not too lost, but I'll have to brush up on a few notions in a hurry to get up to speed and get off to a good start. What's more, judging by the figures, this company is doing really well. Helena came back with water and coffee for herself and we continued our tête-à-tête.

Helena (getting up): I'll be happy to answer any further questions you may have. You can reach me on line 2 from your landline.

She went round to show me how it's done - she smells really good. Then she gave me a little smile and left the office. I smiled and started to tidy up when there was a knock on the door.

Me (deep voice): Come in!

I feel like I've really grown wings, it's funny to go from being a simple carpenter mason to an accountant overnight. Who'd have thought? It's a huge opportunity. The door opens on Angélique, who has taken off her blazer and is wearing just a grey shirt and skirt.

Angélique (staring at me): Am I bothering you?

Me (serious): Not at all. I didn't know you worked here. Why didn't you tell me?

Angélique (smiling): Because you didn't give us a chance to get to know each other, David.

Me (sighing): That's true, but did you know I was going to work here anyway?

Angélique (approaching): Well, no. I don't usually take care of this sort of thing. And I must admit, I had no idea it would be... you!

She looked at me strangely. I held her gaze, but at the same time, it's true, it's incredible. She sat down on one of the seats opposite, crossing her legs.

Angélique (looking at me): So? How did you end up here? You've gone from bricklayer to accountant... Where did you study?

Me: At the IUSO, I've got a BTS CGO and I'd started a licence.

Angélique: Okay, so... how are things going with my husband?

Me (looking at her): I don't know... I told him I was quitting because I was offered something much better... and then the work was almost finished and the guys are doing a great job.

Angélique (biting her lip): Hmm, that's true, but I'm happy for you. I'd like to see you like this more often.

Me (straightening up):

Angelique (standing up): David I've made no secret of the fact that I'm very attracted to you, so make an effort and stop pushing me away.

Me: Angelique...

Angélique (going around): yes? I'm a woman, I'm still young... Okay, I'm 10 years older than you, okay, I'm married, so what? What's wrong with doing yourself good? You think my husband only sees me? I know he shoots at everything that moves.

Me: but then...

She caressed my cheek then grabbed my chin and kissed me. She slid her tongue sensuously into my mouth. Then she looked into my eyes and smiled. It's true she's attractive, I'm hot.

Angélique (soft voice): We can spend time together David, I'm not a pain in the ass, believe me... A no-holds-barred relationship! I'm off, I'll call you tonight.

She came out of the office winking at me. I loosened my tie immediately, she's starting to make me hot this Angelique, I promise you if you see her... popopo she's really exciting.

At 5 p.m., Ben came back into the office, I was looking at some courses on the internet. He had his smartphone in hand, sat for a moment and made a call. He's still talking to one of his conquests.

Ben (hanging up): Tonight I'm getting into it.

Me: A new girl?

Ben: Yeah, a girl from Afram. Anyway, we're off, it's 5pm, we'll have a drink to celebrate your new job and I'll drop you off before we leave. I've already called Gildas.

Me: Okay.

I put my things away, took my jacket in hand and we left the premises. It's a bit stuffy in town so around 6pm we parked at Chasse Spleen en Mbolo where Gildas was already waiting for us. We said hello and ordered.

Gildas (raising his glass): I'm happy for you, buddy!

Me: Thanks a lot

Gildas: How did the integration go? I hope you like it.

Ben (taking a sip): Yes, since the CEO, Madame Ogohet, happens to be Angélique.

Gildas (surprised): What?

I told him the story without mentioning the little interview in the office, otherwise Ben's going to bore me with it the whole time. We had a good time and, being a good father, I quickly went home. I found Mom waiting for me in good spirits.

Mom (happy): Thank you Lord for your graces. Bless my son oh, that you have wisdom and intelligence in this work.

Me: Thank you Mum.

Mom (raising her hands): oh God, I couldn't believe it. God doesn't sleep, you couldn't end your life like this, my son. Eh David eh! Your father would be proud.

Me (smiling): I know, Mom.

Mom: Tell me, how did it go today?

Maeva was already asleep, so we talked and I ate with Mom before going out for a shower. I like sleeping with my daughter, and it's better for Mom because she moves around a lot.

Maeva (waking up): Daddy

Me: Shh, go to sleep, sweetie.

I stroked her back, she snuggled under my arm and fell right back to sleep as I rocked her gently to sleep.

One month later

I've just signed a contract with a landlord for a three-bedroom rental house in the Cité de la Caisse. We'll be able to move in a week with Mum and the little one, and I'll be able to house them properly until I find a plot of land and build my own house.

At the end of last month I received my first salary, as well as a fee and a cheque for supplies. I was astonished; I've never had such a sum in one go. Thank God for this work, I've had my mother operated on, so everything's starting to look up.

Helena: Mr Onanga? Madame Ogohet is asking for you.

Me : Thank you Helena, I'm on my way.

I put on my jacket and left the office, going up to the second floor to knock on Angelique's door. When I got back, there was a colleague in the office.

Angélique: Come in, Mr Onanga. Have a seat!

She was very serious and was looking at the screen of her laptop. I greeted the gentleman with a smile and sat down.

Angélique: I've just been dealing with Mr Pambo on a number of points, including the company car you're going to be allocated.

I'm stunned, I'm entitled to a company car? Fortunately, when my father was alive, he gave me my driver's license. But does my job require a car?

Mr Pambo: Everything's ready and it'll be delivered next week. But we have two models to offer, and we thought we'd let you choose.

Brother? The car is the car, right? I'm not going to sulk even if it is a clando. He opened the catalog and showed me the two cars in question, a VX and a Prado. I went for the Prado, obviously in black.

Mr Pambo: very good choice. I'll take care of it then.

He got up and left the office. Immediately afterwards, Angélique got up and walked around, then sat on my legs. She kissed me, as usual I let her, it's not going to kill me. She stroked my head as she looked at me.

Angélique: You're really handsome David.

Me: Thanks for the car.

Angélique (looking at me): you're welcome, I know how hard it is to take cabs and I want to please you, darling.

Me: Hmm.

Angélique: Are you still on for seeing me tonight?

Me : Yes

Angélique (smiling): I can't wait, darling.

Me: Me too. Well, I'm off again.

I got up and walked out of his office. Don't think I've ever slept with Angelique, far from it, just that I've decided to give her a chance and I'm really attracted to her so why not. So tonight I invite her to the restaurant, yes I can do that now.

I worked all day because I had an old file to finish and with Helena's help I managed to do it without any difficulty. That little Helena I've seen squinting at me already, I tell you I'm a handsome fellow believe me, my tranquility adds a plus. Speak of the devil.

Helena: Do you still need me?

Me (smiling): No, Helena! Are you leaving?

Helena: If you don't mind, I'd like to because I've got an important errand to run.

Me: Go right ahead!

Helena: Thank you, sir.

She left, closing the door gently. I like that Helena too. At 6pm I'm out of there, I've got to run and shower and change for tonight. Once I got to the boulevard, I couldn't wait to get out of there, as it no longer corresponded to my expectations. I got a message from Angélique saying she'd pick me up at 8 p.m. I replied "ok" and got ready.

Mom (getting up): Who are you going to the restaurant with? When are you going to introduce me to her?

Me: You already know her.

Mom: ah the beautiful Angelique? She's a very nice girl.

She went to her room, I went to give my daughter a kiss and have a little chat with her when I heard a knock at the door. Mom lay down on the bed next to me. I went to pull the door open when I saw Laetitia and Laurence standing in front of my door.

Laurence (aggressive): Excuse us!

They forced their way in. What are those two idiots still doing here? What's Laetitia got to do with bringing her pest of a sister to my place? I frowned.

Me (nervous): What are you doing here?

Laetitia (arrogant) : I came to see my daughter and get the rest of my things. Don't think I'm chasing after you!

Me: Change the way you talk to me, Laetitia. Just because your sister's here doesn't mean I can't slap you, okay?

Laurence (facing me): Whose child? Poor guy, you think we're here for you? You're worthless like that!

Angélique (at the door): Good evening!

Laurence (looking at her): Who are you?

Me: Laurence, you're not at home here, so behave or I'll throw you out!

Angélique: Darling, who's she?

Laetitia (giggling): Darling, eh? Madame, you're in my house, there's no honey here.

Laurence: a bitch like that!