That same night when the driver was with the three men, Gyasi was seated at one of the most plush and secluded pubs in Accra, sipping a cocktail. The time was 7:20 pm. He was in a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans and slippers. He glanced around the almost empty pub to see if he would catch some familiar faces who were regulars at the pub. Most of the patrons of pub were within their circle of friends and network. There were only three ladies in one corner, and two gentlemen watching football and loudly cheering and being coaches like every Ghanaian. He checked his time again - it was 7:32 pm. Well, the night was still young. He had nowhere going the next day like Lancelot and Gerald. That made him wonder why they had not arrived at the pub yet.
His phone vibrated. His wife was calling.
'Yes, what's up?' Gyasi asked as instantly he answered. A lot of people asked them how they had that kind of relationship where that kind of public display of affection by way of words was almost non-existent. There was no love, darling, my baby characterising their communication on the phone or even in person - whether you were with them at home or in public, they will not be as romantically dramatic as you would expect. Although they hugged and were always in each other's arms, their speech may make you think like the way Gerald and Lancelot thought of them.
'These two are just two boys living one house. What is the meaning of calling your husband "yo" or saying "what's up" she calls you on the phone?" Lancelot remarked one time he and Gerald had visited their home.
'Not even a single "my love"! Not a single day we will hear "my honey"! You people, where do you come from? Are you even in love at all?' Gerald retorted one evening when they were all out to celebrate Gerald's marriage anniversary few years back. Gyasi had just spoken pidgin to his wife, in the most masculine manner. What spurred Gerald's annoyance was when Gyasi's wife responded almost as normally as a friend would. She clearly did not have a problem with it and that was the problem Gerald and Lancelot had with it.
'But how do you want me to respond? Hahaha! Every communication should be romanticised? We are friends and it underlies our relationship as a couple so what's wrong?' Denise replied that night with laughter. Gyasi only shook his head and laughed. That was usually his disposition towards their catcalls and teases about how he and Denise related.
To Gyasi, he and Denise had been friends from their teens and that gave the marriage a lot of friendly spice. It really impressed a lot of people that came around them and got to know them. Some too found it strange. Although his friends were always asking why they were like that, they actually admired the kind of home and relationship that he and Denise had built for themselves. It was so cool in a way that made many wish they had similar. Although they had their shortcomings here and there, that friendship bond allowed them to navigate a lot of situations easily.
'I thought you'll be home earlier today?' Denise asked from the other side of the line.
Gyasi was your typical businessman, with Asante roots and a multi million cedi inheritance. You could say he came from the realm of old money. His father's father's father's (and it continues) father were pioneering business men in Kumasi and this led to the early establishment of the family as one of the leading families in local and international trade of sundry goods. The business had grown from Kumasi and spread all over the country. When Gyasi finished school and stepped in, he managed to reorganise the business into a formidable conglomerate which not only had a headquarters and official management but good books as well. Thus, he only played a supervisory role from where he sat in his home. He only appeared at the offices and at the specific locations of the businesses when he was needed or when he wanted to see for himself what was happening.
Denise was also from a wealthy family and they used to be neighbours. Thus, Denise's father was excited when his daughter chose Gyasi. They were already family friends and that was a pretty easy union. With Denise being his first daughter, the man decided to sponsor the entire wedding and has thence played a key role as a father figure since Gyasi lost his father earlier.
'Dee, hmmm I wish I could. I have a meeting with the boys. Lancelot's issue has really cut deep and we need to at least help him clear his head. You know he's just been seated at Gerald's office all day? He doesn't even want to go home.' Gyasi told his wife everything and left no single detail.
'That's too bad oh! Hmmmm. I hope he's going to be fine because this is serious. It worries me he hasn't spoken to his wife about this, man. It makes it serious,' Denise said ruefully.
'Dee, trust me, we have said all we can but he still wants to leave his wife out of this for reasons he doesn't want to even utter. I am even stressed because it's like we all know the truth but his family. And he is not even letting us in to give him the needed emotional and mental support.'
Denise sighed. 'Well, he is a brother. Do your best for him. Maybe that trip Nurudeen suggested can be that saving grace he needs…'
Soon as the call ended, Gerald and Lancelot entered the pub.
'You guys are late! See how Dee has missed me at home?' Gyasi said and the two smiled.
'Herh, leave us alone. You know the traffic situation in this town. If Dee has missed you, tell her we have missed her too,' Lancelot said, signalling the waiter to come.
'Well, it's good y'all are here. Now what's happening Lancelot? Like how is it that today has gone this way? Couldn't anything prevent it? Like I don't understand what is happening.' Gyasi quickly jumped the cart.
'Calm down, brother. One more person is joining this meeting. We are warming up…' Gerald remarked.
'Warming up? For what?' Gyasi asked.
Nurudeen walked into the pub a few minutes later. Gyasi was surprised to see him.
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