Chapter 43
43
Yesterday, The Tea Lounge posted that I will be publishing a book inspired by my ex, Wale Bandele. While I am angry but not surprised that this was posted without my confirmation, I have to take some accountability for entangling Wale in this mess. I wrote the book to help deal with our break-up. It was never intended for publication. But being a published author is a dream of mine, and, unfortunately, I gave in to temptation. I’m so ashamed for this moment of weakness.
Although flawed, Wale is one of the sweetest, kindest souls I know and I’m immensely sorry for the hurt I have caused him. Before yesterday’s announcement, I had already made the decision not to publish the book. I immensely regret not withdrawing my submission earlier. Lastly, as you have no context for the video and the events leading to our break-up, I would greatly appreciate it if people could stop sending hate our way. Please be kind.
– Temi
My post has been up for less than ten minutes when I get a call from Shona.
‘Babe, you’re on The Tea Lounge again!’
‘I know. It’s the only way that I can get through to Wale. He hasn’t been picking up my calls.’
‘He won’t listen to me either.’ She pauses. ‘How you feeling?’
I feel desperate. ‘Shona, I don’t know how I’m going to make things right. Wale hates me and Mayee has pulled me off the memoir.’ I feel my eyes moisten again; I cannot stop crying. ‘I’m not even sure if he’s going to publish it any more. I feel terrible. His memoir is more important than this whole mess.’
‘Then write it anyway.’ Shona sounds absolute.
‘But I’ve been taken off the project—’
‘So? You’re doing this for Wale, not for them. Finish the memoir, Temi, and let Wale decide if he still wants to put it out to the world.’
My mind snags on the word ‘finish’. I used to hear it all the time at Bonsai. When I left, I still had three projects ongoing. I felt so bad for my clients. I failed them by leaving so suddenly. I had failed to cross the finishing line. But this time, things will be different. I will finish what I’ve started. I will make the deadline. This time, I, Temiloluwa Ojo, will win.