Scarred...... iii

    Melvin had thought it would be awkward between them but it was not. The conversation just flowed freely, without being forced. Sure, they were only talking about mundane stuff: family, school, work and such,  but he thought he could still see a glimpse of his best friend just beneath the surface.
     They smiled and wined and dined and smiled some more until finally, he could delay no longer. Suddenly, it felt like the planet earth was on his shoulders. His mouth felt dry; his throat, parched. The air was suddenly too hot and if he was wearing a tie, he would have loosened it. Yes, he was that nervous. What if she humiliated him? Made jest of his need, his plea?
      "Erm, Blessing, there is something i really want to talk to you about....."
       "Yes.......?" It was rude or abrupt. Good sign.
       "A favour really. Its about the bid for the sparkles advert campaign. Please, don't bid on it. I really need this break". He tried to sound earnest, hoping she didn't drag this out. It was hard enough already. But, as usual, she didn't make things easy for him.
    "Why?" She cocked her head to the side, "why should i not bid for that campaign, Its huge!"
    Melvin dove in. "I know. But, my company is on the verge of collapse. For the past 20 months, you have out-bidded us in every bid. We need a life line. So, please, we stand a better chance of getting that contract if you don't bid".
      "So, you are asking me to step back so that you, a competitor, can win?" She sounded incredulous.
    "Please, Blessing, for the sake of both our parents, please!"
    "You don't even know if you will win".
     "We will".
     "And what do i get in return?"
     "What?"
     "What do i get in return for backing down?" She leaned back in her chair.
      "Anything. Just ask away". He tried to not let show, how tense he really was.
      Blessing smiled. "Okay! I will back off. We will not bid on this project". The smile grew.
     Melvin had an answering smile of his own, "Thank you," he said, gripping her hand, "thank you very much".
    "You are welcome, and after you win the bid, if you win the bid, i would have thought of what to ask you".
     Melvin was elated. This went smoothly, much easier than he had expected. "Thank you so much, you will not regret this!"
  "I know. But are you sure you won't? After all, you just gave me carte blanche". She smiled sweetly.
     Melvin felt the beginnings of fear dance down his spine. What would she ask?.........