Mr Jay stood by the window in his top corner office of his million dollar company, situated in the heart of the city.Obviously drowned in his thoughts.
The tall building stands like a palm tree in the midst of shrubs. He was a 5'6 tall man, in his late 60's. But had the looks of a 40 year old man which was as a result of consistent work out and good diets. Standing at the corner dressed in his designer blazers suit. He had his hands tucked in his trouser pocket. In as much as he appeared to be present In body, his mind was far away. He was lost to the extent he wasn't aware when his best friend Mr Leo walked into the office.
"Hey, buddy, are you alright?, I've been calling your name for the past few seconds I stepped in here" Leo tapped him on the shoulder. Mr Jay jerked and came back to reality.
"Jeez Leo, you scared me…. mehn what are you doing here" Mr Jay asked, hugging his best friend and motioning him to a couch in his office. He opened the small table freezer at the side of his office and took out a wine and cup. Passed it to Leo.
"Seems like am no longer welcomed here"
"Buddy, you kidding me right"
"But that is what it seemed like"
"I'm sorry, I was just in my...how are you doing Leo and how's the family?" Mr Jay tried switching the topic. He was fond of not communicating his problems to others. He doesn't want to bother others, he would always say not even his family or friends.
"So we're doing this now?" Leo asked knowing he was trying to do his usual stuff of switching topics of the conversation whenever he was asked of his problems.
"Doing what?' he feigned ignorance.
"C'mon man, spit it out. A problem shared is a problem solved" Mr Leo insisted sitting up from the couch and poured himself a drink after he had emptied the first cup. Relaxed a gestured to Jay to talk.
" It's April man" , taking a deep sigh before speaking.
"Your wife?, And what's wrong with her, is she sick?" Looking concerned.
"She wants a lavish 50 year old birthday party"
"So how's that a big deal to a CEO like you?" Leo asked.
"That's the problem man. I'm broke. The company is bankrupt. I'm thinking of filing for liquidation"
"Since when buddy?. And you never told me"
"I'm sorry but I thought I could handle it. The last partnership deal I made with the foreign company left me broke. And I'm yet to see the returns. If in the next two months I don't get it then I can't pay staffs or finance any project, not even a birthday party".
"That's bad. Why not tell her"
"Tell April? She's never gonna believe it, even if she does she wouldn't care, she wouldn't understand. Did you know she just bought a car last week and I was made to pay. You know how crazy she is with spending and living the good life"
"Still you're gonna tell her. You've been married for years with grown kids and you still can't let your wife in on how things are. C'mon man" Leo stood up and adjusted his clothes. "Look man I gotta go help my son pick a suit for his upcoming wedding, I wish I could stay longer. But I'll see you tomorrow. I got you bro"
"I got you too"
He watched as Leo left his office. And he sunk into his sofa. Leo was right. He had to tell April. She's probably gonna shout but it was best to let her know he can't afford such a lavish birthday party. He stood up, walked over to his table and picked up the intercom.
"Cancel every appointment for today. Tell the driver to get the car ready" he grabbed his phone and left his office.
Source
He got home to a surprise dinner for two arranged by April. She really hit her desired result because he was surprised and at the same time scared if April had made the meal just so she could ask for another favour. He ate the food in silence. It tasted stale in his mouth probably because his mind was occupied as to why the dinner. All the same he wasn't gonna reject it, he barely rejects food made by April so he wasn't gonna try this time he needed her to be in a good mood before he spoke
April sat at the other end of the table and smiled back at him as she ate. She looked beautiful.
"You Like the food" April asked smiling heartily.
"Ofcourse, delicious as always" he answered picking up the glass of wine and taking a sip
"So how's work?" She asked again.
This time Jay swallowed hard took another sip of the wine and answered "Great, absolutely"
"You sure"
"Yeah"
April dropped her spoon, took out her napkin from her dress and placed it on the table. With her head held high she asked.
"Ask me what I want for my birthday,"
"I… uhm. About that I need to…"
He was cut short by April who had her finger over his lips.
" Shhh. Jay just ask"
"What do you want for your birthday, my dear?" Jay swallowed hard.
"Just you,me, the kids and a few friends and family on a dinner at this table" April replied.
"Not the lavish one" Jay asked surprised
"Nope just dinner here"
"Why?" he asked instead
"I heard about it on the news. It's now public. The filing for liquidation of everything. Jay you should have told me".
"I was scared how you would take it. You know how you're with money."
"I could be a reckless spender but Im not stupid to understand if things aren't going fine. I'm your wife Jay. I am meant to support you in the tough and easy days. That's what love is all about. Sticking by you when it's not rosy. I love you Jay but you've got to put in more communication in our marriage. Because communication and understanding is key in every marriage. Let me know what's going on."
"I'm sorry. I just thought I owe you the responsibility of taking care of you."
"You owe me just your love Jay and I love you". She pushed her seat close to his and held his face. "Promise me more communication" she asked.
"I promise"