Scarred iv......

   Its been 8 months since they had that talk. Meldive media had won the bid and had been awarded the contract. The Sparkles advert campaign was the whole package since they were launching the product into the market for the first time. And so Meldive had had to come up with an all-inclusive plan that included Outdoor advertising, print media adverts, TV and radio adverts, creation and management of pages on various social media platforms, shows/fiestas in parks and other busy places as well as give aways/prizes.
    Its been a very busy 5 months since the campaign began and their efforts had started paying off. They had stopped the shows/fiestas a week ago and sales were still as high and if all went well, they would pull the plug on the give aways in a month's time. Sparkles had established itself in the market and endeared itself to customers.
    Surprisingly, in these past months, Melvin and Blessing had developed a kind of rapport, a relationship of sort.  Simple calls, a few dinner dates and when Melvin was stressed, just talking to Blessing made him feel alot better. Strangely, she had not asked for 'the reward' Yet. Which was fine by Melvin. He knew he was just postponing the evil day. He could see it in her eyes that what she would ask would cost him.
    With the apparent success of the Sparkles campaign, Meldive was suddenly, back in the game. Companies with products and advert needs now approached them. Infact, they had 2 projects lying in wait till the end of next month which would be the end of the Sparkles contract.
    He was getting ready to meet Blessing for dinner when Rita his long time friend and former classmate arrived. Through the years they had become quite close.
    "Hey," he said, he was really pleased to see her.
    "How far?" she asked.
    "We dey o. How have you been? When did you get back?"
   "Yesterday and this evening, i said to come hang out with you". She smiled.
    "I can't. I'm sorry. I am having dinner with Blessing this evening".
    "Blessing? The same Blessing? As in Blessing Kalu?" she asked incredulously.
    "Yes," was his only reply.
    "But, you hate each other. Since when did you guys start having dinner together?"
   And Melvin went on to tell her everything from the plea up until the present state of things.
    "Oh, okay. I guess i should let you go, then. Will come by tomorrow to get the full gist". She smiled.
    "Rita, I am so sorry. Tomorrow okay? All the shit that will be going down tomorrow,.... On me".
    "Ha! The bribe. Remember, you promised. No backing out" She picked up her bag.
    "Will remember".
    "Oh, and wear the blue shirt. Looks better. Bye!" she was chuckling as she left.
    Rita, crazy girl..... Melvin thought.
    He pulled on the blue T-shirt, grabbed his keys, and made for the door. He couldn't wait to see Blessing. Would she still remember Rita? They used to be so close in secondary school, he mused.....