Koffi Kuffour was no doubt one of the most eligible bachelors in town. Even though he was pushing fifty, the ladies were smitten. His teenage daughters were clearly not a deterrent. White teeth against dark skin. Suits that hugged his muscles just right. An easy charm. A kind heart. A fast car. A believer. For most women, he checked all the right boxes. Good, responsible black men were especially hard to find these days, even in the African community. Koffi was literally a pin in a haystack.
Almost three years after his wife's passing, he was still single and it shocked many. His parents had started making comments about having more kids and the need for companionship in old age. Even his daughters had recently joined those keen on reminding him about it every chance they got.
It was not like he was completely uninterested. He had options, and most were quite the catch. He just had not met a woman that compelled him to take that next step. To disrupt their lives, and risk the wellbeing of his kids. This step-mother thing was tricky business. Muddy waters he would have to tread very carefully.
Koffi leaned on the driver's side of his car, waiting for Kristy and Karen to finish saying their goodbyes. It was almost 10pm, but the sun had only just began to make its way down. Summer in Houston. He was laughing at a TikTok video when he heard Claire's voice. He looked up and saw her walking briskly towards him. Her outfit had no doubt been chosen to accentuate her hour-glass figure. Her long braids dangled freely about her face, she flashed him her signature smile.
"KK, are you leaving already?" She said when she was close enough.
"Yeah... I am just waiting for the girls." He was no longer leaning on the car.
She nodded "I saw them making some takeaway plates."
Her bosom strained against her blouse, the neckline revealing just enough cleavage to pick his curiosity. KK focused on keeping his eyes on her face. She was married after all. Someone else's wife. He racked his brain for a Bible verse warning against adultery. There were many.
"Is everything ok?" he asked.
"Yeah yeah... I just have something I have been meaning to ask you. Where do I start?" She shifted nervously from one foot to the next. "KK you know Akua would have wanted you to move on right?"
"I knew it!" Koffi laughed, tucking his phone into the back pocket of his jeans, and folding his arms across his broad chest "that seems to be all everyone wants to talk to me about these days."
"I'm serious though. What is going on?" She held his gaze.
"Hmmm... what can I say? I just haven't met the right person I guess." he shrugged
"What kind of right person KK? Have you looked everywhere?" she gently pushed him on the shoulder
He laughed and shook his head, leaning again on his car and watching another car turn into the street.
"What about me?" she said quietly.
His eyes returned to her face. He expected a teasing smirk, but she seemed serious.
"Come on, you are joking right? Last time I checked you are unavailable..." He laughed uncomfortably.
"I'm serious KK. Just say the word, and I will leave him."
"Claire!" Koffi stood up right, and looked left and right to make sure no one heard her "We are Christians!"
"In this my case eh, God will understand. Trust me."
"Are things that bad?" His thick eyebrows furrowed in concern
"Do not mind all this pretending we do in public. We barely talk at home..."
Koffi noticed for the first time a deep sadness in her eyes. An anguish that shocked him, and also compelled him.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I... um... I didn't know..."
She shrugged and turned away. Clearly trying to regain her composure. Koffi watched her closely with renewed interest.
"The girls are here." She nodded in the direction of his twin daughters strolling up the street towards them. "Think about it. I will call you."
"Why do you need me to leave him?"
"I will explain later." The girls were close now.
The weekend passed and Koffi did not hear from Claire. He found himself looking forward to her call. What was wrong with him? Claire and Pierre had been married for about fifteen years. They moved to the United States from Congo as newlyweds. Their family had grown over the years, they had three wonderful children. So why was it so hard to get her out of his head? Why were his prayers not working?
The truth is Koffi was flattered. Claire was that woman most men secretly had a crush on. She got married early and had all her kids before thirty, so she still looked like she did in her early twenties even though she was almost forty. She was intelligent and confident. She was affectionate and kind and fun. She was the kind of woman who could challenge a man's intellect as well awaken his emotions.
Koffi could not believe he was really considering her offer. How a simple conversation could create all these feelings was a mystery. Clearly, this was a test. He was faced with two options: indulge Claire, or help her work things out with Pierre. He was quite keen on the former. This was America after all, even the Christians won't bat an eyelash if she divorced Pierre and married him. The gossip will die after three months and everyone will move on to the next big thing. But could he live with it? Could they? What about their kids?
Finally she called. It was Thursday during lunch. He let it ring a few time before he answered, hoping his eagerness did not reveal itself in his voice.
"Hi Claire."
"KK, how are you?"
"I'm fine. And you? Having a good week?"
"Hmmm... an ok one. Sorry I did not call sooner, I have not been able to get the time and privacy... kids and work..."
"Don't worry, there is nothing to apologize for, please."
"Haha... nice" he heard her smile and it made him feel good. "So have you thought about it?"
"About?"
"If I leave Pierre, will you marry me? And to answer your question... Pierre would only agree to a divorce if there is another man in the picture."
"Why? In fact, tell me more about what is going on with you guys."
"So that he can claim infidelity and blame the divorce on me. I think we just grew apart, honestly. Now he ignores me and I resent him. Also, I am pretty sure he is cheating on me... coz it has been a while, if you know what I mean..."
"Well, Claire, men can abstain too. We are not all dogs. Do you have any proof that he's cheated?"
"No... but..."
"Have you guys sought help? Counselling I mean."
"Oh yes. Many times. Nothing has worked Koffi. I am honestly tired."
"Listen. Maybe I can help... "
"KK I did not ask for help, I asked you to marry me, we are both grown... I think we want the same things, I do not have any more time to waste coddling childish, immature men!"
Koffi was silent. A few seconds went by.
"So will you?"
"I am very flattered Claire, honestly. If things were different, it would have been a yes for me. In fact my flesh is screaming yes, but my spirit knows better... I cannot help you divorce your husband..."
"KK it is 2024, Christians do it all the time!"
"That does not make it right. And what example are we setting for our kids? What foundation for our future? What seed are we sowing?"
She was quiet. She was thinking.
"I am not close to Pierre, but I think he is a good guy." Koffi added when she remained silent. "All he might need is a mentor. Someone to teach him how to lead you both out of this rut."
"KK... whoooo? Who would he listen to? Even Pastor has tried. This marriage is so dead... I do not see how it could ever come back to life..." She groaned
"Where is your faith? Do not worry about how. Don't you remember Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones?"
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