Wendy

Chapter 16: Mumzilla and the Free Thinker

"I know you wouldn't mind me sitting through your meeting. But I don't care if you do though. You're the coordinator, right?"

Margret flinched at her mum's words. Why does she have to be so...pushy and harsh? Her mother wore a slight frown and her rigid posture promised war if Ken dare refuse her.

"Mrs....?" Ken asked, cocking a brow as he took a seat.

"My name is Peace."

"Okay...Peace. Yes, I am the coordinator here. Since you insist on staying, I implore you to be as polite as possible if you must make contributions."

Her mother's frown deepened as she nodded stiffly. When Ken flashed her a smile, Margret noticed he had laughing lines that fanned the corners his eyes.

Has Ken ever known sorrow? Margret wondered as she dropped her gaze to his loosely clasped hands. He had folded his shirt to his elbow, exposing well-muscled forearms and a silver watch.
Nice. Margret immediately shook her head lightly at her own thought.

Stop it Margret. Her subconscious chided her.

"So, since we have a first time attendee..." Ken said as he smiled in her direction. Why did her stomach flip that way whenever he looked at her?

Just because of a smile! Margret, really?! You're finished!

"We would have to introduce ourselves. You can say anything, just don't make it too long. I'll start with myself and we'll go clockwise."

The small gathering nodded with the exception of her mum. She still wore a sore expression, with hands resting on her thigh and eyes roaming the gathering like a vulture--a seething vicious vulture. Margret sighed mentally as she turned back to Ken.

"I'm Kenneth Deji. I'm a father, widower," Margret tried hard to maintain a look of disinterest when he glanced her way. Why did he glance at her? Did he want her to know he was single?

Doesn't matter if he glances or stares at you. You have no right to have these thoughts while your daughter is lying cold in the grave. The voice slapped her back to cold reality.

She quickly dropped her gaze and forced herself to focus on his voice. She could feel hot tears sting the back of her eyes. She felt so guilty and foolish.

"I am also a practicing lawyer and a part time counsellor at The House. But most importantly, I have the coolest elder brother in the entire galaxy and his name is Jesus." Ken grinned as everyone in the little meeting laughed and clapped, except Margret and her mum.

Why did he have to add that detail? A frown graced her brows as she thought of his last words. Was he like her mother? So far she hadn't seen any behavior that pointed in that direction.

"Over to you, Rose." Ken nodded at the already beaming woman.

"My name is Rose Sochima. I am a gym instructor." Rose flexed her biceps, earning light laughter from the gathering, even Margret couldn't help smiling. Rose was simply hilarious.

"I am a child of God. I'm married to the guy that host the Good Morning Abuja Show on Channel 9. Yes, that handsome devil is my husband," Rose giggled as she fanned herself dramatically.

This time, Margret couldn't help laughing. She noticed her mother's scowl deepen. She wasn't even trying to disguise the fact that she didn't like Rose.

"We also own that little Red Oxen restaurant at central district. I think we serve the best grilled beef in the planet." Rose grinned.

Margret nodded, she had visited the place with a friend the year before and their meals were so good. She never guessed Rose was a co-owner. When she thought of it, she realized she really didn't know much about the woman. Maybe she should try harder...