Early Monday morning, I headed to the office with my hopes up. I just couldn’t wait to see the young photographer who captured my heart with a click. I truly took great pains dressing up that fateful morning, making sure I looked as beautiful as ever. My heart kept throbbing as if I was having my first date.
I couldn’t believe I was so blindly attracted to a mere photographer who wasn’t even my age mate. By 10:50am, I was notified of his presence. My spirit lit up, leaving me with intense joy as I watched him walk into my office like a frightened school boy. I smiled politely, flashing him a very inviting look in the process while he quickly looked down as if he was embarrassed.
“good morning. I brought the pictures” he greeted. I nodded, offered him a seat and took the pictures, quickly going through them. His work was very adorable and It made me more pleased with him. {I do admire people who are good with what they do}.
“you know, I was expecting your call. You never called to tell me that you were bringing the pictures” I said calmly. He quickly shrugged with a shoulder.
“I’m very sorry. I just didn’t want to bother you with such a little thing. I felt it was better showing up without disturbing you with a phone call” he explained apologetically.
“it’s okay. Your work is very superb. Seems like you have been doing this for years” I said with a smile. He breathed deeply and smiled with me.
“not really, I started the job few months ago after tirelessly searching for a job” he explained while I stared at him curiously. A bit lost over his last comment. “actually I’m a graduate of Imsu, graduated three years ago. It’s now a year and some months after Nysc yet I haven’t been fortunate to get a job. I had to look for a means to survive” he explained humorously, but I didn’t find the revelation funny. Instead I was deeply touched.
“so which course did you study?” I asked, “Economics” he answered, and “hmmm that’s good” I murmured as I stared at him searchingly. I truly was impressed to discover he was a graduate.
“so are you making a lot from photography?” I asked curiously. He shrugged and said nothing. “will you like to work in a hotel?” I asked, even though there really wasn’t any vacant position for him. But instead of answering, he stared at me curiously. “as the assistant cashier” I added with a nod. His eyes quickly lit up with excitement.
“of course ma, if you find me worthy” he said happily,
“fine. Early tomorrow come in with your C.V” I concluded. He couldn’t believe himself and it showed by the excitement in him. He thanked me a hundred times over.
“so how much for the pictures?” I asked,
“don’t bother about the pictures madam. Just have them” he said happily but I refused and gave him five thousand Naira which he hesitantly collected before leaving. Deep down I was very excited to have him working for me. It was the only way to have him close and I cashed on it. Surprisingly I felt like a young female teenager who just got her first boyfriend.
He retorted. I crept closer to the window and listen intensively. After everything was over, i presumed the couples had gone to sleep. I crept out of bed, went to the kitchen for a glass of water. I switched the lights on only to find Mr Duncan on one of the seats sobbing. I was taken aback, embarrased and made an effort to leave.”Don’t leave…pick up whatever you came in for” he called back whilst rising from his seat. He wore a spotless white singlet. “okay sir”, i mumbled and turned towards the refrigerator avoiding his eyes. His muscles were showing off vividly now. Well built, handsome and everything a woman would wish for. I imagined what on earth his wife had against him.
As he passed, his hands softly brushed mine and i froze immediately. His perfume lingered in the kitchen after he left. As i sat and drank my water, i began fantasizing. There was more to this family and wonderful man i needed to discover. I was damn ready to find out!!
To be continued
