𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 29. ~~

         This was the definition of power. Lola thought.

"Let's get down." He said and he fight the urge not to open his car. His bodyguards climb down and they opened the door for him and Lola respectively.

          He moved beside Lola and placed his hand on the small of her back.

"Just smile, raise your head high. Ignore silly questions." He whispered but Lola heard him. She nodded. But he could feel she was tense. "Lola." He called and she looked up at his face. "Just imagine you are at a party with all your friends. I won't make you feel left out. And you are as beautiful and good as most of the women here. If not better. So just stay cool, smile and raise your head high. Don't say much." He advised. And he patted her back softly.

"Alright." She said trying to assure herself too. She just hopes she doesn't disgrace Demilade. She hates to ruin his image. Those are the things the reporters like to talk about. But she felt relieved by his compliment. It made her heart swell with joy and the butterflies in her stomach danced.

          They walked together inside the hall passing among crowded people and talking with each other. Demilade was calm as his bodyguards did the work of asking people to give way and they look scary in their uniform and glasses with their big stature. Although one has the same stature as Demilade, they still command respect.

         They met a few reporters trying to ask them questions but Demilade ignored them and pushed Lola gently in the direction of the hall. The party had already begun. Some people were seated while others were in groups talking and laughing with flutes of wine in their hands

        And it was here the work begins.

        Demilade was greeted by different people. Some were happy to see him, some surprised, some proud to know him.

           He kept smiling and greeting people saying a few things about business and introducing Lola as his girlfriend to a few.

          He was still talking to a popular minister in the country when someone called his name.

"Demilade Ninalowo. It's so good to know you could make it." The man said. He was fair and he was putting on a big sky-blue Agbada and expensive Italian polished shoes. His cap was sitting on his head gallantly and he had a big smile as he walked majestically toward them. Demilade smile grew wider as the man came closer.

         The men who were talking with Demilade greeted the celebrant which he returned the greeting and they went away.

"I won't miss this wonderful day for the world." The man shakes his hand. He was well in his late sixties if not seventy. "Happy birthday senator. Many more years to your years' sir." And he embraced Demilade patting him on the back.

"Thank you very much, Demmy. I'm glad you came."

"Oh, Mr Demmy is here." A young lady said as she approached them. She was slender and very pretty in her stylish gele and expensive lace gown. She smiled showing all her set of teeth.

"Esther. How are you?" He greeted her and embraced her. "You look good."

"Thank you." She said blushing. She looked at her father who smiled at them. "I'm glad you could come to dad's birthday party."

"I can't miss it. How are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Thank you." She said and smiled flirtatiously.

"Who is the young lady?" Mr Ramsey, the celebrant said when he saw Lola and she nodded a greeting at him with a smile.

"Oh sorry. This is my girlfriend Lola." He introduced Lola and he pulled her closer with a smile.