Vivian invited me to a friend's birthday and it wasn't just another event to enjoy myself since I was contracted to make small chops for about thirty guests. It would be work and fun so I was looking forward to the whole thing.
Vivian happens to be a pastor's daughter in my area and she has gotten me a few jobs. We became friends because of that but it wasn't very deep. Her lifestyle was completely different from mine but I don't discriminate when it comes to bringing people close to me when their energy doesn't affect mine.
She called me for a job as usual but kept saying it was a big boy's birthday party, and I knew she wasn't bluffing when I got a bank alert a few days before the party. Surprisingly, the celebrant even paid more than I requested.
Feeling excited, I reached out the Vivian immediately since she was the one who linked me with the customer.
"Babe, this guy paid more than the actual money. Is he expecting more guests?" I sent the text and waited for her response while re-checking the list of things I needed for the job.
"The extra cash is nothing; remember I told you he loves spending. Just do your best so he can call you for more jobs," She replied.
"That's interesting. You should trust me to give my best," I replied and Vivian advised me on things that would impress the celebrant.
I went to the market a few hours later and while shopping, I got another call from Vivian. She said the celebrant wants me to come prepare the chops at his place to save me the stress of moving coolers which I find very considerate.
It would save me stress and that exhausting look I wear from moving stuff around on party days.
Around 10am on Friday morning, a day before the birthday. I went with Vivian to put the things I bought for the party at the celebrant's house so it would be easier for me to move on Saturday morning.
We were greeted warmly by the celebrant, who introduced himself as Seun, and while waiting in the living room, I noticed about 4 guys were living in the duplex. The furniture and every other thing in the house were new, so I asked Vivian to tell me more about them.
"They are hustlers and very nice people. I started selling underwear to one of them and they chose me to be their official vendor. I shop for them and we are good friends now," she replied.
"Okay," I replied but something didn't feel right.
"Are you dating anyone of them?" I asked.
"I know that's where you are going. Don't tell me you are crushing on one of them," She replied.
"Meaning? That's not what I came here for," I replied, feeling pissed already.
"Yes, Lanre is my boyfriend. The fair one with dread," She replied, laughing like a hyena.
"Oh, that's great. We should leave now, it will soon be Jumaat. You know I don't miss it," I told Vivian after a while, and she assured me we would be gone soon.
I started feeling pressed a few minutes later and wanted to use the toilet. Instead of the visitors, Vivian insisted that I use a toilet upstairs.
We went to the room together and I saw wades of cash on the bed. Just like the living room, everything in that room was new.
I used the toilet and left immediately since Vivian wasn't ready to go.
Everything I saw in the house troubled my heart, and I smelled a rat in everything; the guy's lifestyle, the party, and even Vivian.
I went for Jumaat prayer and tried taking what I had seen off my mind. Meanwhile, Vivian kept in touch with me throughout the day.
Very early the next day, I arrived there and just went straight to their kitchen. I started doing my job with Vivian helping out, and Seun, the celebrant, didn't stop checking up on me. He brought drinks and tried to make me comfortable which I appreciated.
About two hours later, people started coming in, and I couldn't relate to why the girls around were moving about almost naked. Honestly, it wasn't a good sight for me as a lady not even to speak of the guys seeing them like that.
I focused on my work and made up my mind to leave immediately after preparing the chops.
"Did you notice how Seun has been looking at you? I think he likes you," Vivian broke the silence in the kitchen.
"Me?" I stuttered trying to make her repeat what she said because I was lost in thought.
"He likes you," She whispered.
"Oh yes, but you know I have a boyfriend. I don't cheat," I replied.
"He is loaded. Didn't you see that token on his bed yesterday? These guys aren't joking," She replied.
"I will think about it," I tried ending the conversation but she was persistent.
I played along and after the chops, I told Vivian I had something else to do and wouldn't be waiting.
She said the celebrant wouldn't like that and was convinced to stay. I needed to freshen up but wouldn't take the chances at that apartment.
Vivian yet persuaded me to go freshen up upstairs which I eventually did. I joined the party and just sat in a corner, watching immorality thriving.
I was offered drinks but rejected it because I didn't trust anyone there, not even Vivian. What if I am drugged? I don't drink or smoke, and an attempt, whether willingly or not, might drive me mad.
I just watched them and played on my phone before I was told to do the serving. Immediately after I finished, Seun gave me some cash because he enjoyed the snacks.
I knew he was up to something because he persuaded me to wait till the end, promising that I would enjoy the party.
"Game time," A guy announced some minutes later and everyone settled down.
"It's our normal game, and the rules state that you either do your dare or drink a shot of tequila."
Everyone cheered him and I was already tired of the whole thing. A few people played before it got to Seun, the celebrant, and everyone started cheering for him, too.
He picked a paper from the bowl and was dared to kiss a lady.
He hesitated, looking around, and he just walked majestically towards me.
"You better go and drink the tequila," I told him immediately after he got to my seat. A guy said we have to drink it together since I was the one who didn't help with the dare.
"Am I the only one here? He should choose someone else," I replied and went to get my things in the kitchen.
I couldn't take the mess anymore and just left. It was then Vivian came out of hiding to still persuade me not to go.
I just ignored her and left the place. I blamed myself for waiting that long and clearly, Vivian had a deal with the guy because she knew the job was the only thing that would have made me stay up till that time at parties like that.
I love parties but not that type. The whole drama affected my relationship with Vivian but it's fine because those guys definitely have skeletons in their cupboards.
