𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 6. ~~

           She stood up to greet him when he got to her.

"Good morning." She greeted.

"Morning." He said flatly looking at her from head to toe. She didn't like the way he did that but she didn't complain either.

           Demilade noticed that his guest was wearing faded jeans and yellow polo that had the word 'Sassy' printed on it.

"You can sit." He said and at the same time, he took his seat.

          She did as she was instructed and she waited for him to start the conversation.

"I asked you to come this morning. I like that you are punctual. Just like your father." He commented.

            At least he likes one thing about her. She thought to herself.

"Thanks."

"I asked about the available jobs and the most decent one for your qualifications happens to be a waitress at the hotel."

"A waitress?" She asked.

           He nodded.
 
           That's something. It's a start. It's decent enough and could help cover some expenses. She doesn't mind doing it. The thought crossed her mind almost immediately as she processed Demilade words.

"You will be paid twenty-five thousand in a month." He said. Lola opens her eyes wide. The pay was better than she expected. Better than a waitress job in the area where she lived. In that place, it almost seemed like they were just pitying the workers.

                Demilade continued. "You work from seven in the morning to seven in the evening." He explained.

                 Demilade looked up to see her reaction. He obviously could see the reaction playing on her face. She was processing the things he said and a part of her face seemed doubtful.

                For Lola, the job was okay and she hoped it was a decent place but she trusted the man in front of her to give her a job in a good place. But the issue now was the time.

              Who was going to help look after the twins? Daniel was preparing for his WASSCE and will be returning late from school and she understood he does not like to babysit. And the woman who helps in looking after them after school was acting strangely in the past few days. She didn't trust that kind of person with the twins. That were the thoughts that crossed her mind as she sat opposite Demilade.

"But I have another offer if you would agree and it's your choice," Demilade said watching her every reaction. "I want to make a deal with you."

"What deal?" Lola's interest was piqued.

Demilade adjusted his position more comfortably and crossed his legs and stared at Lola. And confidently he spoke. "You will act as my girlfriend for a month."

"What? What do you take me for?" Lola asked, exasperated. And she eyed him. The thought of slapping him crossed her mind.

               She didn't plan to say it that way but it just came out and she wasn't apologizing because that was what she truly feels. That was the question that came to her mind. And she would tell him anyway.

             She was always blunt. She doesn't hide her feelings only in a few cases.

            Demilade thought about her boldness in questioning him. She had a gut.

"Will you listen to me Miss Bamidele?" He said sternly.

            She gave him an exasperated look and then nodded.