The sun was already beaming gently while I got ready for work that morning.
The official costume for Fridays was native attire and I was literally in awe of how I looked in the skimpy Ankara gown that revealed my glowing cleavage. After ascending my six-inch heels, I headed out satisfactorily.
“This gown really suits my shape,” I intoned, scanning and blushing at my slender frame from shoulder to toe while stepping down the staircase cautiously.
Later that day, the “Staff Awards Night” was going to hold at the office. As a serving corps member with about four months to conclude, I worked hard to be in the spotlight of everything, hoping I would be retained after my service.
*
At 5 pm each department began to shut down and every path led to the multipurpose hall.
I had received compliments about my outfit so much that my confidence skyrocketed. Before leaving my workstation, I brought out my beauty tools and rekindled my face.
The venue was glamorous. Beautiful decorations and embellishments hung on the walls and in the air, here and there.
The exquisite chandeliers exuded such intense lights that flooded the hall making it so bright; it felt like the physiological makeup of one could be seen.
I was early enough to secure a table somewhere in the middle and reserved two seats for my friends. The soft beats going on made the ambience entirely romantic.
While sitting, I felt so alluring because of the flirtatious eyes I caught perching on me whenever I turned sideways.
“Charity, what’s up?”
I didn’t need to turn back to ascertain who called me up. The deep voice coated with everything Yoruba cheaply told it was Folake, my fellow corps member and roommate. She never failed to involuntarily replace the ‘C’ at the beginning of my name with an ‘S’.
“I’m good love. Where have u been? You know I can’t hold these seats for too long, and where is Ozzi?”
Folake came right before me, chubby and lovely in her attire. “She called. She’s not sure she would make it. Today is Friday; you know banks and all their balancing now.”
“Ouch, that’s sad news though. But we will pepper with gist when we return to the hostel.” We both had a good laugh.
After a while Folake got up restlessly, “eh, let me check on one guy at the left wing, he’s been waving me to come. Make I go try my luck,” she said with a chuckle that landed her purse on the floor. “Oremi1 abeg2 help me, my gown is too short,” she continued, making a funny grimace.
I smiled and reached for the purse. As soon as I handed it to her she giggled and disappeared.
I continued having a swell time with the performances, nodding stylishly and swaying to the background music whenever it came on.
“Hello.” The voice came firm and soothing. My eyes looked up and caught a young man most likely in his mid-thirties. He drew out a seat, shot a soft smile and sat.
Goodness!
His physique was a replica of Idris Elba’s and his smile reminded me of Leonardo Decaprio. He had a radiant ebony complexion which made me consider that he might have been Morris Chestnut’s cousin. Damn! God is a terrific sculptor, I thought to myself in the few seconds he sat.
“Hi,” I replied, smiling sheepishly.
I put on my most charming facial expressions, blinking in quick successions and biting my lips softly.
“Was he a staff? How could I have missed him then? He must be an invitee.” The arguments raced in my head as I hastily assessed his belt, wristwatch, and shoes; cash was singing out so loud.
“I hope you’re having a good time?” he said with a voice that was as refreshing as a chilled cup of smoothie well blended with milk.
“Yeah, sure.”
He moved his seat closer and tilted his head towards mine. Gosh! I began to sip from his cologne, guessing he must have purchased it from Paris or Dubai.
“Erm…” He paused and cleared his throat in that kind of way you do when there actually isn’t anything in it.
“Just say the words boo and I’m all yours,” my mind whispered as I steadied my gaze on his broad chest.
“Your zip, it’s loosened, I mean open.”
Blank! Blank!
I seized to exist for some 30 seconds. I was frozen. Disoriented.
“Oh…wh-what? Yea, okay, thanks…”
“Alright then, sorry about that,” he replied and continued with some line I couldn’t understand at the moment about where the convenience was. I managed a nod and returned my face forward while he pushed his chair out and left.
Then what?
Was I going to stand up and head for the ladies just like that? Hell no! I hadn’t the tiniest rein for that.
“God I’m finished,” I mumbled as I sat still.
