162 Fred’s Unexpected Visit


    A few hours earlier.....


    Tom went to pick up his fiancee at her ce of work when he received an unexpected call from Fred.


    “Hello baby bro,” Fred greeted in his usual charming voice when Tom received the call. “You weren’t expecting my call, right?”


    “Hey Fred,” Tom’s stoned face was void of expression. He just wanted to get Fred off his back. “To what do I owe this call?”


    “Hey, rx man. I know I acted a bit strange two days ago, but that was because of the feelings I have for Denise. If you were in my shoes, I guess you will do the same.”


    “Point of correction, I can never be in your shoes; because I don’t frolic with a lot of girls the way you do,” Tom said sarcastically.


    “Don’t judge me, Tom,” Fred’s tone was icy. “We all have our lifestyles. I may not be perfect but I still have some good qualities.”


    “I’m not judging you, Fred. I’m just mad at you because of the way you acted during the Thanksgiving dinner,” Tom spoke between clenched jaws. “I brought a specialdy home and for once, I expected everyone to be happy for me. Is that too much to ask of a brother?”


    “Not at all. You are absolutely right, I was in the wrong and I’m sorry for my despicable actions. Also, to prove to you that I mean no harm, I’m here to negotiate a deal with you.”


    .....


    “What do you mean by, you’re here?” Tom asked quizzically with a confused expression.


    “I thought I was speaking in in English?” Fred teased in his usual annoying self. “Well, what I was trying to say is; I’m currently in Amzone city. I took the morning flight down here after speaking to Denise.”


    “Wait to second!” Tom’s eyes red in fury. “Do you mean to tell me that you are in Amzone city and you spoke to Denise?”


    “Come on Tom,” Fred spoke in a slightly frustrated tone. “You are smarter than this. You don’t expect me to repeat everything I say. You know what, let’s meet up at Cemac restaurant; which is a few blocks from the airport. I will exin everything when you get there. Okay?”


    “Fine!” Tom boomed grudgingly and ended the call.


    –


    –


    A few minutester both Tom and his brother were seated at a secluded section of Cemac restaurant. Although Fred had taken the liberty to order Tom’s favorite meal, – which was potato chips with grilled chicken and a ss of guava, kiwi, and strawberry smoothie, Tom was too infuriated to touch the mouth-watering dish on the table.


    At first, Tom thought Fred was joking when he said he was in Amzone city. Fred was known to joke a lot about the most sensitive matters. Sometimes he was never taken seriously until things went out of hand.


    Therefore, to satisfy his curiosity, Tom decided to check out the restaurant; where Fred told him that he was waiting.


    To his astonishment, Fred was not just waiting inside the restaurant with an array of food disyed on his table for two, but a mini travel bag was resting on the floor by his seat.


    “What the hell, Fred!”


    These were the only four words that Tom’s riled-up brain coulde up with. He quickly took a seat opposite Fred ring at him, wishing he could ster his face with a thousand face-blinding ps.


    Tom couldn’t ept the fact that Fred was actually in Amzone city. Also, he was mad that Fred had the temerity to call Denise after he almost ruined their rtionship back at Carlpole.


    All the while Tom was busymunicating with his ferocious res, Fred was in a rxed and excited state, munching on his meal as though they were having a good time.


    “You know, it won’t kill you to say; hello, brother.” Fred loaded his mouth with arge chunk of chicken and munched on it; licking his lips and twisting his head from side to side to show how delicious the food tasted.


    “Fred, this is not funny!” Tom spat out angrily. you don’t just show up here and act like all is well.”


    “Come on, Tom, rx a bit. Back in those days, we used to settle our conflicts over a bowl of chicken and well-sauced potato chips, not to mention the delicious smoothie. What has happened to you man?” Fred tried to cate Tom’s ire.


    “You happened!” Tom spoke between gritted teeth. You’re making a move on my woman and I don’t like it.”


    “Girls, women! They always have a way of putting a rift between brothers. Anyway, let’s not allow this good food to go to waste. We have all day to shred each other and reconcile after a nice meal. I paid good money for this and I know it’s your favorite. I’m not your enemy, Tom, we are family. I’m just a lost soul that is seeking redemption at the hands of his younger brother.”


    “You’re such a dumb idiot.” Tom took some potato chips from his te and threw them at Fred; which he easily averted.


    Although Fred had his ugly side like everyone else, he always knew how to turn situations around in his favor. He wasn’t the type of person that you can stay mad at for a long time.


    Just like theirte mum, Fred had a unique way of melting anyone’s heart with a few touching words and irresistible gifts.


    “Your aiming sucks!” Fred chuckled and tried to steal some chicken wings from Tom’s te.


    Tom quickly grab his te of chicken from the table and started munching on it like a glutton.


    “Come on bro, there is love in sharing.”


    “Never!” Tom responded animatedly.


    He hurled some of the potato chips into his mouth and chewed excitedly on them. He also took a sip of his delicious smoothie and licked his lips like an excited child taking his favorite ice cream.


    “Yum! This is really good!”


    In a short while, both brothers were chatting andughing in their usual yful selves.


    After a tantalizing meal, Fred stated the real reason why he hade to Amzone city.


    “Tom, do not get over-excited and punch me in the face after I’ve said what’s on my mind,” Fred said thoughtfully.