An excerpt from 'After the storm'

Akeem finished his meeting and headed back to the office. The meeting had gone well. Everyone seemed motivated and charged up about making Ka-Tell a household name.
Profits were at their highest yet. The network was expanding across the different states, and Ka-Tell was getting excellent reviews from the media. Life appeared good, so he should be in a good mood, but he was not. He had not been for a while.
Everything seemed flat and empty to him. What was it all for? The constant money spinning, the drug-like high of a new achievement. What did it all amount to when all he felt inside was nothing but emptiness?
"There is a delivery here for you, sir," his personal assistant said as he entered his office. "I left it on your desk."
"Thanks, Linda," he said, striding into his office.
He got out a bottle of flavoured water from the fridge and took a sip before opening the big brown envelope that Linda had placed on his desk.
The address of the legal firm caught his attention first. He stared at it before scanning through the rest of the letter.

Dear Mr. Kadiri,
My client has instructed us to file for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences…

Akeem felt a cold pressure run through his chest as he read through the letter.
"You've finally done it," he muttered through clenched teeth as he pushed the letter away from him. He balled his fist and stared into space. So this was it. The legal end of his marriage.
He placed a call to his personal assistant. "Linda, I'm going to be busy for the next couple of hours. Please take all calls, and I don't want to see anyone unless it's an emergency."
He stared at the letter again. His mind took him to the night when he had seen Yemi and the guy she had been with. Was that the reason she wanted a divorce? Freedom to marry again?
He knew he probably shouldn't have done what he did, but seeing her that night at Justin's restaurant with that man had rattled him more than he cared to admit. The cool look she had given him to indicate that his presence there did not bother her had made it worse. There he was, barely able to stop his eyes from straying to her every other minute, and she had appeared totally unfazed, smiling and flirting with her companion.
"I Knew I Loved You" playing shortly afterwards had unwittingly presented him with the weapon to put her coolness to the test. He had seen her reaction to the song when she had looked almost involuntarily towards him and knew that she remembered. Not that cool then, he had thought to himself as he saw her face.
When Justin had come over and asked him if there was anything he wanted, he had asked if the other songs they had both liked could be played.
Lois had looked at him curiously when he made the request.
"I didn't know you were such a romantic," she remarked after Justin had left.
He had smiled without saying anything. She had still not known then that Yemi was in the restaurant, but when his eyes kept straying in Yemi's direction, Lois had caught on that something was amiss. Her eyes followed his, and that was when she had seen Yemi sitting a few tables away. He had felt sorry as he saw the hurt expression that crossed Lois's face. She was a sweet girl, and he didn't want to hurt her, but obviously Yemi still had a way of getting to him and making him act uncharacteristically.
He took another sip of the flavoured water and then walked across the office to the window overlooking the busy Lagos street below.
The contents of the letter flashed through his mind again. He smiled bitterly to himself. "You aren't calling the shots on this one, Yemi," he muttered to himself. "The divorce will only happen when and if I want it to happen."

Finally- 'After the storm' has been published!

Hiya,

Hope you guys are all fine.

I am absolutely chuffed to announce to you that my book "After the storm" has just been published.
It's also a bestseller (on Amazon.co.uk) in it's category-African American Christian fiction!😊😀

Kindly follow link below and then scroll down to get to the book. Author name is Osar Adeyemi. Please get a copy and reviews on Amazon would be so very appreciated. Enjoy and be blessed!!!

To get your copy, click here.



Sincerely,
Osar.

Let's talk -3

Hi guys, 

Hope you are all well and are having a good time. I am still in bed (well, as a matter of speaking) because I have done all sorts of things this morning but plonked right back on my bed again with my laptop and my IPAD beside me. My editor has sent back 'After the storm' and I have to go through it all over again, declining or accepting the changes she made (aargh!). I almost regret opting for line editing, it's as if I'm writing the book all over again. (Sigh!) 

But anyhow, I did say we would talk about the topic  'kissing while dating'. What do you guys think? Is it okay to kiss your boy/girlfriend/fiancé/fiancée? And by kissing, I mean the 'lips to lips' genre and not pecks on the cheeks, forehead etc. Why do people kiss each other? Is it an expression/best expression of the love they feel for each other? At what point does it stop? Where does it usually take place?

Of course, from the story ('After the storm') that we have just finished, you guys know that I am a romantic at heart and I absolutely feel that there must be passion/chemistry between two people who are planning to live together for the rest of their lives but can one be passionate and yet remain pure in thoughts? Can kissing the person you love so much make your thoughts wander or is it just one of those things like holding hands, etc? 

I would really like some feedback from you guys and all view points are welcome. Some people may even be rolling their eyes at this moment and going "Is Osar for real? This is the twenty first century for goodness sake, we 've moved past the kissing stage and are on to more serious stuff!" Yeah, if you feel that way too, please tell us why. Your views would also be highly appreciated. 

By the way, I hereby ban the use of the word 'ma' on this blog (lol). You guys are being so very respectful and I totally appreciate it but you are also making me feel pretty senile and the last time I checked with my hubby, I was still very much his chick (lol). So in going forward, my name is Osar and you are very welcome to call me that.

Take care and looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Osar.

Red flags for singles while dating!!!

1. A guy/lady that constantly disrespects you even in front of others.
2. Abuses or threatens you in any form- emotional, physical etc.
3. Constantly puts you down/derides your opinion and makes you lose your self esteem.
4. Says or does things contrary to the scriptures (assuming both of you are Christians)
5. An egocentric person that believes he/she is a gift to you.
6. Obsessively jealous or possessive.
7. Envious of your Successes.
8. Oppressive, manipulative and controlling nature.
9. A liar (whether he/ she is a Christian or not is irrelevant in this case)
10. Finds it difficult keeping his/her word (Unreliable)
11. Consistently takes lightly the things/people that are important to you. Also disrespects your family and friends.
12. Stinginess.
13. Unfaithful to you even while dating him/her.
14. Constantly tries to fleece you of your money or other possessions.


This list is not exhaustive and there are other traits you may see in your partner/fiancé that you would instinctively know is not quite right. Seek counsel if in doubt and don't be afraid to break the relationship if it has to come to that. A broken courtship is better than a broken home and a better person will come along. Be wise!!!

'After The Storm' - Chapter Twenty-Six

  

  

   

     Akeem's eyes lit up with admiration when he picked her up that friday evening. "You look stunning" He told her softly.
     His gaze lingered on the necklace around her neck for a few seconds before moving back to her face and although he said nothing about the necklace, she could see he was pleased that she had worn it. He didn't tell her where he was taking her but from the landmarks, she guessed where they were going and as they got closer, she was proved right. It had been one of their favorite places when they were together and they had spent many beautiful moments together there. The look in his eyes as he held out his arm to her when he opened the door for her made her know he was remembering those times too.

     They were led to the table he had reserved for them, a waiter handed them menus and withdrew discreetly after taking their orders for drinks.

  "What are you having?" She asked him.

  "I 'm sure you can order for me" He smiled.

    He was right. She knew what he liked. Akeem rarely ate naughty things like she did. He ate healthy, probably a fall out of his mother's heart condition and growing up around her careful dietary needs.

  He closed his menu "Let's do it this way, order for both of us and I will add anything else I feel you missed" 

     She looked thorough it and picked out the starters, main course and desserts for him and then picked hers.

  He laughed softly when she was done "You still remember, and now let me add something you forgot....for yourself" He took the menu from her and ordered mousse au chocolat for her "I know your sweet tooth and that other dessert you chose does not sound like you"

  She giggled "I 'm trying to be good these days and not take my body for granted"

  "You’re beautiful the way you are, but anyway I won't mind you adding on a dress size"

  "No way!"

  "But I don't see any sign of weight gain anywhere. You look beautiful and you’ll always be that to me"

     The look in his eyes was tender as they met hers. Their gaze held and neither seemed able to look away. The waiter coming back to take their orders broke the spell.

  "How did it go with your customers yesterday?" He asked her when the waiter had left with their orders.

     She laughed. She had told him about some new diva- like clients that had come to her store over the past two weeks and how she had been dealing with their antics. He laughed about the funny things she told him. They talked about his work. Things were going very well with Ka-tell. She knew about that anyway. Ka-Tell always had raving reviews in the media. It was practically a household name as they had been well received by the public who were eager to finally get a relaible network.

  "You’ve really done well, Akeem" She told him "Even the toughest critics have given Ka-Tell excellent scores" 

  "I 'm thankful the way things have worked out"   

  "So what other new plans do you have now that  Ka-Tell is running smoothly?"

  "New plans?" He laughed, raising his brow at her "Don't you think I need to take a long break off work?"

  "I know you always have something cooking" She lowered her voice conspiratorially "So tell me your new plan. I promise not to steal your ideas"

  "I don't trust you" He teased "But you can come into partnership with me, then I won't have to worry about that"

  "Hmmm....that will be something, tell me, what will it cost me?"

  He lowered his voice "Nothing you can't afford, dinner and breakfast with me every day. An occasional massage thrown in, easy stuff like that. You should be able to handle it"

  She pretended to consider it and then frowned "And just for that, I become your business partner?"

  He nodded "And co-signatory to all my accounts and anything else you'd like added to it"

  "Sounds too good to be true. We 'll need to sign contracts before I take you seriously”

  He leaned forward slightly “I 'm ready to sign it tonight if you are game"

  Yemi looked at him solemnly "Not signing till I speak with my lawyer but anyway, those specs of your's don't even sound professional, what are you looking for? Partner or mistress?"

  "A live-in mistress"

  She pretended to consider it "All right......Mistress it is then but not live-in, that would spoil all the fun"

  He shook his head, a wolfish gleam in his eyes. "Nah.....This guy needs his mistress permanently under his roof"

  They continued their banter, flirting with each other and laughing over silly jokes. It was like old times. They had never had a shortage of things to talk about. Somehow they talked and kept talking.

     When he suggested they take a walk along the pier at the back of the restaurant after their dinner, she was more than happy to go with him.

     The night looked fairy-tale like as they walked along. The soft blue light from the full moon bathed the pier and they could see the bright city lights of the town across the river, gleaming like little diamonds. A light breeze whispered along, rustling the leaves of the trees nearby and keeping the night from being too warm.

     They strolled along the pier for a little while and then stood by the railings and looked over the bridge.Yemi was lost in the sights and sounds of the scenery before her.
  "This is so beautiful" She said in an awed voice after a while.

  "Very beautiful" He replied quietly.

     She glanced towards him; he was looking at her face and not at the water. He took her hand in his and just kept looking at her without saying anything.

 "What?" She asked feeling slightly self conscious.

 "Just thinking...." He said quietly "Remembering us..."

© Osaradeyemi.blogspot 2013

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from osaradeyemi.blogspot.

Let's talk!

Hi blog friends (including the silent ones...lol),

Hope you have had a restful day. I am going to have a snooze after this and then do some work (send and reply emails, study some work related journals, write/dream up the next chapter of my new story, grill some fish and probably make some spicy jollof rice...that's a lot, isn't it?) but oh well, they say it's natural for a lady to multitask!

Thanks for following the story so far. It's been time consuming writing it but at the same time I've had so much fun and the feedback from you have been so encouraging and useful.

But what do you guys think of Hasan's death in the plane crash? Has anyone ever lost any family member/friend in the past and wondered why they died? Or have you wondered if the death could have been avoided? Were you angry with God about it?
In Hasan's case, who was to blame? Someone has already blamed me (pretty lady Goodness of the 'Fathersruby blog' fame actually did) but I don't think that's fair (sob!). But seriously,  who do you think is to blame? Or do you think it was God's will for Hasan to die?

I understand some people have experienced problems leaving comments, maybe you can try leaving one using the anonymous icon but leave your name at the end of it and don't forget to click the 'I'm not a robot icon'.

Take care of you and God bless.

Sincerely,
Osar.

'After The Storm' - Chapter Twenty-Five

   

     Akeem felt better after his shower. He knew he should eat but didn't feel like it. Bassey was away on a catering course. He had told Akeem he wanted to open a restaurant in the near future. Bassey had been a faithful employee for so many years and even though he knew he would have to look for a new cook soon, he had been happy to sponsor the course.

     He poured himself a drink and flicked on the TV. He hoped the drink coupled with his tired body would be able to lull him to sleep.

     He settled on CNN and tried to listen to the newscaster but Tanya's words kept flitting through his mind in between. She always sounded so sure about her beliefs. He knew he had been bullish with her but he had been irked by what Hasan's pastor had preached during the service of songs. To him, there was nothing remotely joyful about his death and he resented anyone calling it any other thing than what it was. A tragedy, Fullstop.  

     He took another sip of his drink as Tanya's words about Hasan being at peace  to the end came back to him. That had struck a chord. From the conversation they had that last afternoon at the hotel, he was almost certain that Hasan would not have been afraid of death, not the way he had heard many people were. He wondered how he would have felt had he been on that flight. Fear was not an emotion he entertained but would he have succumbed to it then? Would he have wondered if there really was anything to a life after death as people like Tanya claimed? And If there was really a God too, would he have been ready to meet with him?

     Fayona talked about Hasan like she would see him  again someday. Oh she wept for long periods when the pain of his departure became too unbearable but she was strong even in the midst of her pain. He had wondered what gave her such strength and hope in the face of her loss. She had even found the strength to encourage him. He felt he should be the one encouraging her but he had nothing to offer other than financial help and Fayona would not need that anyway.  

     He took another sip of his brandy. He wondered what life was really all about. Moreover he had to admit that there really was something different about his friends since they started all their religious stuff, a kind of inner serenity which puzzled him. Something he lacked. He had money, connections and priviledges that many men would envy but he also had an emptiness inside him that no amount of success had been able to bridge.

  He stared broodingly into space for a moment "If you are real as they say, then show yourself to me" He muttered.

     He looked around as if he expected to see something but came to himself and laughed out loud. What was he thinking of? Losing his friend must be affecting his reasoning. He took another sip of his brandy and concentrated on the news.

© Osaradeyemi.blogspot 2013

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from osaradeyemi.blogspot.

'After The Storm' - Chapter Twenty-One

     Yemi hummed softly as she put finishing touches to the food she was cooking. It was about midday on a Saturday and the sun was shining gloriuosly outside. She had woken up feeling refreshed and in a much more cheerful mood than she experienced lately.
     She heard the doorbell ring and wiped her hands on one of the kitchen towels. She knew it was Femi. He had called earlier and had said he would pop by when he learnt she was cooking. He absolutely loved her stir fried rice.

  "Hey!" Femi smiled as he came in when she opened the door.  

  "Hey" Yemi said smilling back at him. She locked the door behind him "Right on time. I only just finished cooking"

  "Great! I deliberately haven't eaten anything since morning" He popped the bottles of wine he had brought with him on the dining table. Yemi thanked him.

  "There's plenty to eat, and you can also have some to take away with you".

  "Thanks, honey" Femi replied giving her shoulder a squeeze as she went past him into the kitchen.

     They worked companionably as they set the table. Like she had told Femi. There was lots to eat, grilled fish and chicken, stir fried rice, vegetable salad and a nice dessert she had whipped up that morning.

  "Very tasty as usual" He complimented her as they began eating. "I don't mind having this every Saturday"

       Yemi just laughed. They finished eating some time later, cleared and washed up together and then they sat back in the sitting room.

  "This is the life!" Femi sighed contentedly as he relaxed back on the Sofa. "Good food, great company. What more can a man ask for on a weekend?"

  "What more indeed?" Yemi smiled at the contented expression on his face "I 've got this DVD that Dotun lent me,” She said getting up. “Let me get it" 

     She slotted it in and very soon they were engrossed in the movie or so she thought until she looked towards Femi and saw that he was looking at her and not the movie.

  "You don't like the movie?"

© Osaradeyemi.blogspot 2013

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from osaradeyemi.blogspot.

'After The Storm' - Chapter Seventeen

  

     Somehow the regular orders picked up more over the next few weeks. That lifted up her spirits some. But she made up her mind though that she was not going to rest on her haunches, increasing her clientele base would remain uppermost on her mind.

     Apart from Cerys appearance, the charity fashion show seemed like a small event but she purposed to put in her best. The good thing was that Lola and her friend were given her a free hand with the designs so she was free to let her creativity loose and she did.

     The locally based models had their fittings once she was sure what outfits she wanted to make. They were easy work apart from a diva-like one amongst them. The model had made so many demands and wanted so many adjustments that she fairly drove them round the bend.

  "And to think that the farthest place she has ever modelled is Ghana" Francis, the new tailor Yemi had just employed muttered under his breath after one particular tiring session with her. Yemi heard his comment and smiled.

     The fittings with Cerys were starting the next week. They had her measurements and she had chosen what she wanted from the designs that Yemi had emailed her. She was on a tight schedule so they were going to work round the clock to get her clothes fitted and ready during that time.

     She arrived for her first fitting with two bodyguards but that was all the frumpiness she had. She was polite even though a little cool in her attitude, something Yemi didn't hold against her. She must have loads of people trying to get close to her all the time, so the girl needed some sort of facade as a protection.

    Cerys was very professional and showed that she had modelled for top end fashion houses. She was a stickler for time and would patiently try on as many clothes as Yemi gave her and only made useful comments as to their ammendments.

  "I love this dress; it's got so much attitude!" She said as she broke into the first real smile Yemi had seen since she started her fittings.

     The dress was really her. Yemi had designed it the first time she had come to the office. She had watched several video clips of her modelling work and of course seen her that time in Paris but having her in her office had been a different experience and her pencil had seemed to have a life of its own and she had sketched several designs that she felt would do justice to her beauty and added them to the ones she had already made.

  "You can take it as a gift when you 're done with it" Yemi offered "I won't repeat the design and we can tell the guests this particular one is not for sale" She held out the other dress "There is still one more for you to try on"

  "Not sure which one I like best of the two of them" She said still smiling that pretty smile of her's when she had tried second dress on. She did a little catwalk and Yemi and Ken looked on in admiration. The girl was gorgeous and sure knew how to strut her stuff!

  "But I definitely want to wear both of them that evening, if it's okay with the concept you have in mind?" She asked after she had sat down again.

  "You can and I 'm glad you like it, I still have a few designs that I’ve not made yet, would like to see them?"

  "Sure thing" She said and Yemi showed her the designs on the computer that she had sketched specially for her “I love the look of this and this" She said pointing to a couple. She looked at the mannequins critically "I don't mind those other two as well" She said pointing to a couple more "I 've got to be in Milan in three days time but I think I 'll place an order for them and collect them when I come for the final fittings"

  "You will have at least one of them ready before you go, but the others will be ready by the time you come back next month"

     She left shortly after that. Yemi was tired but so very pleased. Cerys words as she left the office had left a glow in her heart.

  "You’re really good, you know" She had told Yemi "I've been talking to my friends about you. I had my reservations initially as I didn't recognise your name but I'm really impressed with your work. You make a girl look beautiful"

     Yemi was all smiley for the rest of the day. She and Ken stayed later than usual in the office that evening. She wanted to be sure she could make good on her word that Cerys would have the outfit she had pointed out to her. That was professionalism. Keeping to her word.

  

    

 

    

© Osaradeyemi.blogspot 2013

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from osaradeyemi.blogspot