Maybe it was something in his reassuring smile, maybe it was his words or maybe it was just her confidence in Fredrick that he would handle whatever happened, she on the other hand had her affairs to care for.As if on cue, Mr Sinh’s call came through just as she was leaving the mansion.She had contemplated on what to wear for a while- to appear as a Hughson or to be the Avery everyone knew at the Mainland. Finally, her loyalty to Fredrick won the argument. If he was going through a tough time, she didn’t want to add anymore weight to his troubles, hence she threw on a flowery gown with lacy adornments and complimented it with the silver necklace Fredrick had gifted her.She hadn’t worn the accessory since her birthday, because Margaret had no idea about it, else she would’ve made certain to carry it along with her.Avery made a quick bend into the garage at Mr Sinh’s cafe, it looked the same as before, he had made no difference in the small building except by repainting.She walked
Mr Sinh breathed deeply, easing himself of apprehension,“I’m so nervous, I keep veering off course. In a nutshell, what I am saying is…”“You would like to sell the cafe to me.” Avery cut in, she had perceived his propositions from his insinuations.For a few minutes, she sat contemplating deeply about his proposition, it didn’t sound so bad, but it didn’t sound so good either.Even if she wanted to, how could she possible manage the cafe, alongside school. Primarily, even if she wanted to, could she actually afford the cafe?Mr Sinh must have noticed the distress on her face,“You can really say no, it is okay. But I promise the bank statement at the end of the month is not that bad. Besides, I will only ask for a small amount.”“How much?” Avery asked curiously.“Twenty five thousand dollars.”Avery didn’t know if that was a good deal or not, but it was certainly clear to her, she couldn’t afford the place even if she wanted to. Mr Sinh gazed at her intently, reading her facial e
Avery couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her as well, “What was he thinking? A date?” She scoffed.“Without wasting your time, I will be direct with my reason for the sudden call for attention.The conference room fell silent, the only sounds emanating from the speakers were the shutters and clicks of camera men.In a more serious tone and an authoritative voice, he continued“I have come to clear the air about any rumor you must have heard… or not heard about the structural art of the first Cultural Museum in Greenville.”“As you all know, the Hughson’s Constructions Company was in charge of erecting the structure and we want to boldly claim that we built Greenville’s Cultural Museum with our own designs, this is a blueprint of the final structure that was submitted and approved by the Government under Mayor Arthur Smith’s administration.Also present here is the complete team of Architects who handled the project, under my supervision. Please, we invite the audience to ask
When Alex’s message got to Margaret, it was somewhat of a good thing because it aligned with her plans for herself too.She was going to take a break and strictly focus on her Medical examinations, but she couldn’t deny the uneasiness she felt when he beat her to it.“Especially because he has no reason!” “Avery, I tell you, something is going on!”Avery paced around her bedroom, pensively trying to connect the dots.Fredrick had equally sent her a message to inform her that he won’t be coming home either.“I won’t deny that it is a bit fishy, but what if it is about work.”“You know they were on TV earlier today.”Margaret nodded agreeably but eyes darted around the room suspiciously,“It might be about work but, I have a feeling it is more than that.”“Can we stop worrying about them and start worrying about our own lives?”“We have the first examination of our Career in a few days, maybe it is a good thing that they’ve decided to be too busy for us.”“Orrrr, we can make it interes
Avery drove out of the parking lot at Bryson’s Medical school after her last exam of the semester. The last few days had been extremely difficult, having to joggle school and suppressing her feelings. She was more miserable from needing her husband than she was tired from sleepless nights, preparing for exams.Margaret’s femme fatale thing was weighing her down and she was losing it.She wanted to him to come back home, come back to her. She suspected that Fredrick would be at Alex’s, having the time of his life.She would have probably felt easy if he didn’t leave the house on bad terms with her, severally, she found herself wondering, “What if this has really severed my relationship with him? How will I get back from that?”These were the kind of questions that weighed her down heavily and the only person she could talk to was somewhere in Mainland.Without thinking, Avery made a sharp U-turn towards the Mainland,“Mr Sinh probably will have some advice for me.”In no time, Avery
Avery sat still with her fingers crossed, silently praying that Fredrick’s sarcastic comments would be followed by actual help.“How then do you expect to do business?” His voice hinted a mix of amusement and excitement.“I…didn’t think that too far ahead?” Avery stuttered.“Then what were you considering as your criteria for buying the business?”“Mr Sinh is a very good friend.He is relocating to India to settle down with his long time lover and he needs financial help…”Fredrick burst into a ripple of hearty laughter, interrupting her rambles,“So, you’re not buying the Cafe considering its business value, you’re buying it because you want to help him.”“I have never heard a business pitch this convincing before.”“I’m quite impressed Avery Hughson.” Fredrick said sarcastically, his voice bore the excitement of his sarcasm, upholding the amusement that glinted in his expression.Flushed with embarrassment, Avery dropped her gaze to the floor. When she ran over to her husband, she
Holding each other in that warm embrace, Avery realized how relieved she was in his embrace.She clung onto him tightly, not ready to let go, making certain to breathe in the moment.Fredrick engulfed her in his strong arms, patting her on the back gently, he couldn’t help the wide smile that etched on his face, neither was he aware of the passersby that had their eyes glued to scene. He was too happy to care, too happy to let go.His wife seemed so feeble and fragile in his big arms, he wondered if she has always been this small. Without thinking, Fredrick scooped her into his arms- carrying her effortlessly towards the waiting car. Her surprised laughter filled the air, calling the attention of the public,“Wooops!” Avery squealed, chuckling heartily.“What? Am I funny?” Fredrick teased, his eyes had a glimmering glow in it,Avery blushed shyly, covering her face with her hands,“I’m just happy.” She admitted.Fredrick held her in one arm, using the other one to swiftly pull open
“Margaret called” Fredrick announced.“Did she?” “What is it? Did you two fight?”“We didn’t!” She protested,“You definitely did.”“Else, why is your face like that?”“You know you can tell me anything, right?”“It’s just, I feel guilty…”“Guilty?” Fredrick asked, alarmed.“I just feel bad that She and Alex couldn’t work out.” Avery sighed, “Couldn’t work out?” “Why would you think? Why would she think that?” “I don’t know, he asked her out and ghosted her after a few hours. I haven’t been in many relationships but I know that is definitely not how it works.” Avery retorted.Fredrick groaned, completely understanding of the situation.As they drove through the streets of Greenville, enjoying the scenery of the night life, Fredrick contemplated if to reveal that Alex was desperately distressed about their relationship as much as Margaret, he stared out the window for a fleeting moment wondering if Alex had a plan to salvage his relationship.Suddenly, it occurred to him,“How abou