Made for me

Mr Arrogant

After applying a little powder and a touch of eyeliner, she was all set for work. She stared in the mirror and said to herself, "That's right.That's what a woman in her prime looks like. Glint, glamour, yes please." Then she used her lipstick to put the icing on the cake. Black skin doesn't need too much. Her melanin pops and makes a statement. A statement of originality, independence and strong will. Looking like a piece of art, able to draw attention like the queen piece on a chess board. She knows fashion and was ready to show it off in a unique and unapologetic way. Looking sophisticated as usual on a Monday morning is a way of this Boss. On her way to work, she switched her radio to her favorite station to see if there was a love show going on and nothing like that, but the old jazz music from the station was not bad elther. It match with groove of the moment. "Oh no!" she said as she was caught by unforgiving Monday morning traffic. Let's admit it, around here there is nothing else that could spoil your mode than a suden Lagos traffic. It just draws you another schedule of the day. Rose relaxed, enjoying the cool music being played on her radio. The traffic lasted for some time and you could hear the horns and shouting from the different road users as they drove slowly in the intense traffic. Soon the traffic reduced and everyone was finding their way to different locations where they sought their daily bread. Rose was glad it was finally over, but her joy started to decline as she noticed an unusual sound coming from her vehicle and she panicked. To make things worse, the car went off in the middle of the road and she quickly pulled over. "Not here, not now," she said as she rushed out to check the bonnet. Getting there, she was lost and didn't know what to touch or fix. She was lost in the puzzle of life's reality. A look of frustration crept into her face. She tried to stop vehicles passing for assistance but, like I said, no trust in that environment. The stories she heard about that bridge were bad and she started having daytime nightmares. After some minutes of struggle, a vehicle stopped. "What's the problem Miss.?" asked the man that pulled over to help Rose. "I don't know what's wrong with my vehicle". "Let me take a look," he said as he escorted her to the bonnet. After a few minutes of inspection, he shocked his head as he placed his hands on his waist. "Was it wrong?" asked Rose. The frustration was heavy on her shoulders. "I think the radiator is leaking and, from the look of things, you need to get this vehicle to the nearest mechanic, for a replacement". "Oh no," she shouted as she checked her wrist watch and it was already 9:35 am. "I have a meeting by 10 and I need to be there". Her phone rings in her bag and she quickly reaches for it. "Hello, Baby girl what's up?" it was Ruth calling to know what was keeping her. "Sweetheart, my vehicle broke down at Otedola Bridge and I am so confused right now". "Without you here in 40 minutes am sorry we might lose the contract with the Phoenix company and Babe you know this is huge for us". In a panic, she ended the call. "I could get you to work in 30 mins but it would cost you a little", said the man that pull over to help, turning his face away, and hands tucked into his pockets. "How much?" she asked with a shaking voice. "Let me manage 50k "What," she said, with eyes dimmed at the unknown man. "You for carry gun" (speaking in pidgin). "Alright find another vehicle" as he walks away. "Alright let's go," she said as she quickly locked her car and chase after him and held him by his shirt. "Alright let's go". He then walked majestically to his 2008 Toyota Camry as he opened the door for his most valuable customer in Lagos at that moment. "Ladies first," he said, followed by a tricky smile. Left with no choice. She had to take the risk. If she didn't, she would lose the contract. That would be a big loss. I mean the Phoenix contract is the biggest her company has been linked with and she won't risk messing up. She might be the Boss in her office, but not in these streets. "Fasting your seat belt your majesty, because we are going fast and furious," he said as he increased the volume of his music. You could see the insecurity written all over Rose's face. Leaving her Lexus 350 Rx with good air conditioning for an unknown uncomfortable vehicle running 100 kilometers per hour on the highway was what Monday morning brought her way. "What's your name? " Rose asked out of curiosity. "Call me your lucky charm," he said, and then he drifted into a shortcut. Rose might not know much about this guy, but one thing was certain, he is a driving expert and knows his way around Lagos like a human map. It was like watching a classic James Bond movie. They Arrived on time at Admade Branding Pro. It was just 10:05 am when they arrived. Rose quickly tried to rush into the office but was held back by her Hero. "Madam what about my money, he said? "Please just wait at the Reception ". The more I wait, the more money I make," he said as he crossed his legs and relaxed at the Reception. Rose rushed to the stairs to catch up with the meeting. Getting there, she was just in time for the meeting. "Sorry I am a little late," she said as she adjusted her dress. "You are just in time," said Mr. Oliver, the Managing director of Phoenix company. "Let's proceed without further delay". After a successful presentation, it was all smiles and handshakes. "Yes we got the deal," said Ruth as they hugged themselves and danced like a group of hippopotami in a swamp. All caught up in the moment, singing and grooving to their achievement. Their celebration was cut short when Rose remembered that she had left the unknown hero at the Reception. She hurries down to see him and pay him off. "Am sorry for keeping you waiting". She said as she walked into the Reception. "You just saved my day," she said, but the young man didn't respond to any of her compliments. "Madam, your money is 120k". He said as he wore a frown on his face. "You must be joking. I thought we agreed on 50k earlier?". "What about the time wasted, or have you not heard time is money?". "You are not serious," said Rose as she tried to walk away. "Madam, if you take another step further, I will show you that I am not one to play with. You will why they call me, Steady Danger". He had begun to cause a scene and had started attracting some of Rose's employee's attention. "Just put your account number here", said Rose as she quickly disposed of the ranting man. "Why are you doing this," she asked. "It's called the Hustle sweetheart. The money has to circulate. I just discovered i ran into a honey comb and a bite wont hurt. you can always make more. Just got the alert. Bye, your majesty," he said and left with a big smile. Rose then called her mechanic to come to pick up her car keys and told him to come with everything he needed to fix the radiator. After a roller-coaster morning, Rose finally had peace of mind. She was glad that she won the contract. "There you go," said Ruth as she entered Rose's office with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Rose didn't waste any time telling her bestie how she was rubbed in daylight. "His service was worth the money. Come to think of it, he saved the contract. Mr. Arrogant might be a hero". "Hero? I would rather choose to see him as an opportunist". I can't believe you side him over me," She said, as she dropped her glass of wine. "Don't tell me you are upset with me?" asked Ruth. "Am not but I don't want to drink too much this morning". "You know am always on your side," She said as she touches Rose's chin, teasing her with praises and sweet compliments. "Apology accepted," said Rose. "Who said I was apologizing" replied Ruth as they both burst into laughter. "Let me go through the contract agreements," said Rose. "Ok, Madam" Replied Ruth and took her leave. A crazy day, you would say, but this is how life is around here. If you must survive, then you must hold on tight to what you get your hands on. There is no time to think about it. This city is no place for the feeble hearted. It was 5 pm and an hour before closing time. Rose went to see Ruth to discuss how they would get an Artist that would do the body painting for their advertisement on the Phoenix contract. "Have you found our Artist?" she asked. "Yes, I have contacted the guy, Mr. Tunde recommended him to us. He is supposed to see us tomorrow". The contract was to promote Phoenix company wear and Rose plans to get a traditional photo shoot. The models are to be body painted while rocking Phoenix wears. It was that part of her proposal that caught the interest of the company. She aims to give a 5-star presentation and she won't allow any slips up. After a hectic day at work, it was finally closing hours. You could see the exhaustion in the way everyone moved. Like a market of sloth, they round up the day's work in a sluggish manner.

Work the next day was packed full of things done, and things to be done. From the settings of the cameras to the settings of the stage, dressing, and making up of the models for the shoot, got everyone animated. "Hey baby girl, you're just in time. We are all set". "Is the Artist here?" said Rose as she hastily walked into the media room. "He is on his way," said Ruth as she hurried to catch up with Rose. Everything was set up perfectly and it was show time. "Is he not still here?" asked Rose. "He is not picking up " replied Ruth. "I guess he's close by". By this time, Rose's face was red like an overripe tomato. She was pissed off. "I don't know why people will just want to use their wrecking behaviors to make things harder than they are already," said Rose as she roamed around restlessly like a hen that lost its chick. After a 30-minute wait, a tall, handsome man was sighted from a distance. Dressed in cool white sneakers paired with a blue jacket and a silver portable briefcase. Finally, it was him. The man of the moment, the most important man in Lagos at that point. "There he is," said Ruth as she quickly rushed to meet him. "We have been waiting for you". I'm sorry Cinderella, I apologize for my action". He said as he took off his eyeglasses. "We don't have time for this. I will charge you if there is any complaint about your work. I will first charge you for coming late, then maybe charge you if there is any other complaint read my lips". "Am sorry madam. You got the wrong guy". I'm the best at what I do" as he rubbed both of his hands together. "Pardon my manners, am Harry, but my friends call me Portal, or if you like, call me both". As he stretched his hands towards Rose for a handshake, "Keep your hands to yourself Mr man. We will shake later. When I am impressed with your service", said Rose. Harry didn't seem to be offended. He just smiled and kept his hand back to himself. "Go easy on him, at least he has apologized," said Ruth, as she objected to Rose's actions. Rose looked back at Ruth with eyes that could slap but just didn't say anything. It was the first time Ruth tried to defend someone, being scolded by her bestie. This Harry of a guy was quite something. He was just too smooth and was also a sweet talker. "Can we just go do our business?" said Rose. "Ladies first," replied Harry as they all walked into the theater. The models were all set and ready to be body painted and Harry was busy setting his art materials in place. This guy's face looked familiar, said Rose as she dragged Ruth to a corner. "Really? But those kinds of guys are scarce in this environment". She said as they stared at him. " He has a striking resemblance to the guy that robbed me 120k". "You mean the taxi guy?; I am not convinced at all. This guy right here is too cute to be a taxi man". "What's it with you and this guy?; " If you like him then go say hi". "If I had a chance to, I would", replied Ruth, as she walked away from the argument. After some time, Rose made up her mind to ask some questions. " Harry right?" she said, walking confidently toward him. "Yes boss" he replied. "Your face looks familiar. You look like someone who helped me to get to work on his car when I was stranded sometime ago". He smiled and then said, "I'm a man of many talents and gifts. Today I am a hero and tomorrow a villain. Some call me a thief, and others call me Savior. I'm just Robbin hood. I don't know the version of me remember, but today I want to be the guy that saves the day". " Really I can see that you are sweet a talker, but trust me when I say this. I'm not one of those girls that fall for your sweet talk and charms". After an afternoon of drama, the day's goal was finally cooked. From the body painting to the photo shoot section, they were all five-star and classic. I mean, why? won't it when it's under the supervision of the boss herself. After all was said and done, it was closing time. Harry then walked toward Rose and her assistant to ask a question. Hello Ladies, sorry to bother you. How do I get my payment? he asked. "Send us your account details to our email address," said Ruth. Rose didn't want to participate in the cheap chat. she just looked the other way. "At least can I know your name madam?; am sure I didn't ask nicely earlier". " Call me Rose, but if you want to be local, you can call me Rosemary, and some of my friends call me Prime. So let's say, Prime Rose". he chuckled because that was how he introduced himself earlier. "I can see you don't let go of a grudge?". "Why would you say that? Who is the offender and who is the one who has been offended?". " Alright, you win. Can I have your number? I would love to continue this conversation and to know you better". "I don't give my numbers to boys who haven't figured out what they want in life. You are just too unpredictable and arrogant". He chuckled again and said, " I expected you to say that, but it's cool, see around Prime Rose, and bye Ruth". "Take care" replied Ruth. "There was no need to be that rude," said Ruth. "Who said I was?" she asked. "No one, just saying". " Better," said Rose as they dismissed themselves to their different offices. After a hectic day at work, Rose decided to take a stroll in her local area. She spotted one of her old friends and decided to say hi. "Babatunde," she screamed hisname as she walked into his compound. He could hear her voice but didn't seem to know who it was. He quickly adjusted his glasses, to get a better capture of her face. " le jẹ ọmọbinrin mi" (could that be my daughter?) (speaking in Yoruba). " Yes is me Baba" she replied, as they hugged. " ehoro ti Lipari wá jade ti o" (the rabbit has finally come out of its hole), he said as he danced and sang in Yoruba language, raining praises on her. It was obvious that he was pleased to see her. Mr. Babatunde is Rose's dad's old friend. They grew up together and went to the same university. He has always been there for her. He even paid Rose's school fees when things were hard for Rose's Dad. He was a old Civil Engineer then, but now he just sits at home with his radio. "How is the family and business?" he asked. " We are all good" she replied, as they sat under a tree to enjoy the cool evening breeze. Rose comes here from time to time to seek advice from him. She sees him as a life counselor, and indeed he is. " Does society still produce men with integrity like you?" asked Rose. He then reduces the volume of his radio. "Society is messed up, many are cut up with trends. Some of these men are living another man's life. We still have men of integrity, but they are not celebrated in today's society and are regarded as fools. I would rather stand for the truth than live another's life. " How then do we know a man with integrity?" she asked. " There's always something weird about us. We are not moved by flashy things. A regular man will buy himself a belt, but a man with integrity will make himself a belt by cutting and drying an animal's skin. We are moved by yesterday's events that created a better today." We might not be a lover of movies. We are moved and inspired by people's testimony of hard work and dedication". Rose was impressed and gave him a clapping innovation. "That's why I would love to come to see you, Lagos state fountain of knowledge". " Nobody knows it all my dear, it's that I have been around long enough to observe, that's all".Then chuckled as he goes through the daily papers. He then started talking about history and Rose was getting bored. " Baba, I think I should go. It's getting late". "Go well, my dear, and salute your father for me". While driving home, she thought of everything Babatunde had said. The song from her radio helped her also to cool off her hot head. Getting home, she lay down on her couch for a while. A call came to her phone a few minutes later. It was her Dad. " Hello, Dad". " Hello my child, how are you?". " Am good". " When are we seeing you, it's been a while?". " Been busy Dad, maybe I can during the weekend". "OK, my dear take care and be a good girl". " I will take care. She then picked up her diary for her daily entry. she wrote, " Hello Monday, you started slow, and finished with a bullseye. You introduced me to the most arrogant man in Lagos and showed me a new side of Ruth. You took me to Babatunde and made and made my day. To put the icing on the cake, I won the contract that speaks in millions. I am grateful Lord, and Thank you Monday.