Ex Gratia (#1 EX TRILOGY)

Chapter 25

Akoma looked up at the sign that read ‘Ataadepa – Weddings and Occasions’ up the only brick walled building on the street off Mallam Junction where she stood. The architecture of the shop was both exotic and unique,  making it easy to locate. She opened her WhatsApp and sent ‘Hello’ to Ender’s WhatsApp contact. Instantly, she called.
“What do I do now? I am there,” Akoma said and looked around.

“You’re a wedding planner. You should know your way around a few things,” Ender said. “Get along with her pretty well, and then get her to show you the latest design she is working on. Don’t be so interested in finding out who it is meant for. What matters is the design. Let her show it to you. Your flight back to Kumasi is already booked for a quick getaway.”

“Wait,” Akoma shook her head. “A getaway from who? Will I be chased or what?”

“Just trust me.”

“Ender – what are you talking about? You should not abuse that word.”

“Would you trust the man who hurt you rather than the one who has not?”

Akoma blinked and shut her eyes. “You hit me in the face and gave me a nosebleed before kicking me out of a truck. You are not to be trusted.”

“Emotional trauma is nothing compared to a physical injury. You can tell me about that yourself.”

Akoma scowled and pushed the glass door open as she stepped into the reception. The lady there was busily watching a video on her phone, and as soon as she saw Akoma, she put the phone away and smiled. “How may I help you, please?” she asked politely.

“I am looking for the one who owns this place. I’d like to discuss something with her,” Akoma said and took off her glasses. The lady slowly smiled and averted her eyes, and Akoma found it weird. For each time she addressed Akoma again, she giggled and looked away. “Is something about me funny to you?” Akoma asked.

“You are pretty,” the lady said finally. Akoma shook her head and followed her through a row of amazing dresses to a room in the back to meet Adriana, who was busily working on a wedding gown at her desk in her workspace. She was short and was obviously not very content with it because she wore very long nude heels.

“What?” she asked in a very shrill voice that caused Akoma to wince.

“She wanted to talk to you in person, madam,” the lady replied.

Adriana looked up quickly and cocked her head. Akoma smiled. “I am the wedding planner who called you – “

Her face lit at once. “Yes, yes, yes! Welcome. You got here really early. Come, come.” She beckoned to Akoma, and as she walked closer, the lady withdrew to her desk at the entrance while throwing backward glances at the pair. Akoma leaned over to admire the dress.

“I think you are an exceptional artist,” Akoma whispered and reached forward to touch it, but glanced at Adriana who nodded to permit her. It felt silky and heavy, and the detail was exquisite.

“Don’t even think of asking about who it belongs to,” Ender said in a menacing voice.

“Well, whoever this is for, she’s going to feel so lucky,” Akoma blurted, and then she pursed her lips when she realized what she had said was a foul play.

Adriana grinned. “It actually belongs to a lady who – “

“You don’t need to tell me who she is. That’s fine.”

Adriana stared for a moment and then she shrugged. “If you say so. So you requested to see my works, huh? It’s all over.” She gestured to the dinner dresses and wedding gowns lined up along the walls, including framed portraits of some models who had posed in the dresses. “And this one I am working on here is pretty challenging for me, but I was paid enough to get me staying here overnight sometimes, and I am pretty exhausted right now. Seriously.” She leaned over to continue sewing. “You’ve got a wedding you’d like me to help with? You can get the bride to come over and get her measurements taken.”