Chapter Four: The Evening Visit.

The sky was calm,with gold and blue colors as the sun set. A soft breeze blew over Lisa's balcony, moving her plants gently.She stood quietly by the rail,arms folded, her eyes soaked in the peacefulness of the evening.

It had been a long, emotional day, but moments like this always brought her calm.Just as her mind began to drift, the low hum of an engine broke the silence .

Lisa leaned over the rail,half smiling before she even saw it.

That shiny red SUV, typical Ken.The security man waved lazily as the car pulled in like it had vip rights.

She didn't move, just watched him with that knowing smirk she reserved especially to stir trouble .

“Hi world best Bestie”, Ken called.

Lisa smirked.”Big head!. So you actually forgot my birthday,abi”.

Ken raised one eyebrow and placed his free hand on his chest.”Forget ke? I'm so sorry Lisa.It wasn't intentional o!l sent plenty of messages .

She rolled her eyes. “Your father called me on my birthday, and my bestie forgot. imagine”.

Ken laughed.” Because he knows you're the daughter he never had.Me, l just dey squat.

Lisa tilted her head “ And me? Just that friend you text once in a blue moon.

“Ah ah! Lisa! don't do me like that. At least l showed up.

Ken gave a guilty smile. “ I'm sorry, bestie l really am. He started climbing the stairs towards the balcony. That's why I'm here .

When he got to the top, he walked over and sat comfortably in one of the chair's, like he always does whenever he visits . Then, with a little dramatic flair, he stretched his hand and handed her the gift bag.

Lisa took it, eyeing him suspiciously. “ If this is another boring novel, I'll throw it at your head .

She opened the bag and just like she expected..there it was . A mystery novel.

Lisa groaned, “ Ken ! you and mystery novels again”.

Why can't you ever get me a romance novel? Since l’ ve known you, you’ ve never gotten me anything aside from mystery novels.

“Romance is a folktale,abeg” Ken said , leaning back lazily. l don't believe in all those sugary unrealistic love stories. But mystery? . At least it will teach you how to think.”

Lisa shook her head, clearly amused. “You still hate love like this? The way you’re going, l don't see you getting married in the next seven years.

Ken chuckled. “ That one concerns you”.

Lisa eyes the bag again, wait is this all that is in here?

Ken smirked.” Why not go to law school? You ask questions like a detective.

She raised an eyebrow. “ Should l check or not?

“open it and see for yourself “

Ken said, pointing at the bag.

Lisa reached in and pulled out a small, sparkling necklace. Her eyes widened as she gasped.

“ Oh my God! . You got me a gold necklace?

Ken watched her reaction with satisfaction.”Yep”

Lisa held it up admiring the delicate design. “ I love love love it!, l really love it.” This is so beautiful,Ken.

“I'm glad you love it," he replied,his tone soft.

Lisa turned to him,eyes glowing.” You know what?, l think l have forgiven you.

“Thank God,” Ken laughed.” l didn't come all the way here to get punished “.

There was a short pause. The wind played with a few strands of Lisa's neatly packed hair, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. It felt natural and peaceful .

Then Ken looked up, his tone softer now .

“ I got your text about John…. I'm really sorry, who would ‘ve believed it? …John of all people?

Lisa's beautiful smile faded just a little,but her eyes stayed steady.

“l ‘ve gotten over him” , she said quietly but firmly. “Honestly, Ken, I'm done with relationships. What l want now is to build my business,make more money,go on vacations, and just be happy.”

Ken nodded with a proud smile.”That's my bestie.

“Well, speaking of making more money”,Ken said, one of my clients is moving into a new apartment.I gave him your contact. He need a decorator”

Lisa's eyes lit up. “ That was him?. He called me! . We're meeting tomorrow. Ahh Thank you so much bestie. Ken, you're a blessing.

Ken grinned.” You need to thank me properly”.

Lisa laughed. “properly, How”.

He rubbed his stomach with mock seriousness.” By going inside the kitchen to make delicious pounded yam with banga soup. Not that processed poundo o…l want the one you pound yourself with pistle and mortals.

Lisa raised her eyebrows. “ You're joking, right?”.

I'm very serious, Ken replied. “ And l want big cat fish inside the soup. It has to be as big as your head” Ken said, smiling mildly .

Lisa laughed and gently hit his shoulder.”You're so annoying”.

He stood up, grinning. “ And you still love me like that”.

Lisa shook her head, still smiling. “You're very stubborn, Ken. very, very stubborn”.

He leaned against the rail and folded his arms. “ And you like it”.

I'm going inside before you confuse me with your sweet mouth, “ She said, walking toward the kitchen door.

Then Ken suddenly called out, “ wait, Lisa.”

She paused and turned slightly.

Ken scratched his head like he was trying to find the right words. “ can l ask you for advice?”

Lisa looked at him curiously. “ What is it”?

He opened his mouth…. then closed it again. He hesitated for a second before faking a smile.

“Nothing serious jare.Just don't burn my catfish"

Lisa rolled her eyes. “You're not okay at all”

With a playful smile, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

Ken remained on the balcony, watching the closed door in silence. Hands in his pockets, he gave out loud breaths as the evening shadows grew darker.

Just then,Lisa peeked through the white curtain and caught him still standing there.

She opened the door slightly,”You're still standing?. Are you sure you are okay”?.

Ken shrugged.”I was thinking maybe…l could help you in the kitchen “?

Lisa smiles faintly.”Since when do you like kitchen work”?

He smiled faintly.Basically because I'm really starving .He yawned.

She looked at him for a long second, mimicking him, then she stepped asi

de and opened the door.

“Fine, you can peel the yam,” she said. “But if you mess it up, l ‘ll still flog you”. “And you see the main starving.

Ken chuckled and walked in.”Deal”.