AT LONG LAST

Emma wore a wig. She knew her appearance was quite ridiculous. The wig was an old one she had taken earlier on from her grandma’s wardrobe. Worse, the wig was quite unkempt. She didn’t care. Ah, was it anyone’s business what she wore? She wore a large nice hat over it and forgot about it till she got to her best pal, Daisy’s office. The second floor on which Daisy’s desk was located was quite silent. Daisy is a well paid bilingual secretary. Before Emma got to Daisy’s desk, she sensed her presence. “Hey babe, look what we have here!” she exclaimed. Emma chuckled richly when she got to her desk and sat on the seat closest to Daisy. “I think I have to change my perfume,” Emma said smiling. “Maybe.” “Well buddy, see what’s under this hat.” She took the hat off. Daisy frowned slightly. “It seems you’ve reached a higher level today,” Daisy teased her. They laughed. “Well”, Emma explained ‘I got a number of weird looks from your colleagues. I’m sure they would call me Emma the Strange One. Forget their horrendous looks!” Daisy had to use the washroom; she excused herself. Emma took the opportunity to look at her face once more in the small mirror she carried in her bag. She knew she looked quite ridiculous today but, hey, she’s still very pretty. Anyone who didn’t like her look can go to Timbuktu. “Excuse me, miss,” a male voice said. She stiffened immediately and gasped. Luckily, she clutched the mirror in her hand. She mustered courage and looked into the eyes of the owner of the baritone voice. She knew that face! It was Pete. She swallowed hard. Thank God she wore a wig- as if it could help her. “I want to see the Marketing Manager.” “Well, I don’t know his office but the secretary here-.” He tried not to smile. The world was truly a small place indeed. Two can play this game. “So, who are you?” “I’m her friend.” “I see. I thought one of the rules here was that ‘No visitors here until break time?’ Do you know this miss?” Damn him! Mr. I-Know-It-All. Where the heck was Daisy? She was almost fidgeting when Daisy came. Daisy saw the scene and managed her best smile. “Welcome, sir. Sorry for waiting for me. How may I help you?” He told her. She directed him to the office. Emma let out a deep sigh of relief. “Geez, you look like you’ve been in the lion’s den,” Daisy teased. “Give me a break,” Emma snapped. “Fine. However, I think he likes your wig,” Daisy joked. Emma eyed her and decided to leave. Later, the man came back to Daisy’s desk. “Thanks, miss. What’s the name of your friend?” “Emmm…” “Not good enough, miss. The name.” “Sir, I…” He frowned. “Sir, if she offended you-“ “The name, miss,” he repeated. “Emma. Emmanuella.” “Now, her number.” She was shell-shocked. What was he up to? “I can’t give you her number.” “Great. Do you value your job, Miss Quansah?” Wow, how did he know her name? She wasn’t wearing her name tag today. He probably asked the Marketing Manager. “I do. I hope that was not a threat,” she said coolly. His smile was tight. “What if it is?” he tossed back, ‘maybe, it’s a promise.” She wrote Emma’s number for him. She would call Emma soon and explain things. “Thanks. One last favour. Please don’t tell her anything. Remember the promise. Nice day, Miss Quansah.” Daisy wished she could throw something at him. Good riddance! Barely minutes after leaving, Pete called Emma with a disguised voice. He told her the CEO of the company wanted to see her immediately. She didn’t have to ask why. The CEO of Maybelline Hotels and Resorts wanted to see her! Her heart missed a beat. She suspected it had something to do with Daisy. Was she about to be fired? She hoped not. Pete smiled when the call ended. He took the elevator and got to the fifth floor. He entered his office. Minutes later, Emma was before Daisy’s desk, almost out of breath. She had taken time to dress. Her grandmother’s wig has been thrown away somewhere in her room. The occasion demanded it. “Daisy, did you give my number to your CEO?” Daisy was surprised. She had given the number to a stranger, not the CEO. “No. Why? We actually have a new CEO. I heard he’s the past CEO’s grandson. The entire staff here would meet him at 5 p.m. today. I’ve not met him yet.” “This is strange, Daisy. Someone called me and-.” The phone on Daisy’s desk rang. She quickly picked it up. “Hello, this is-.” The caller interrupted. She listened for some time. “Okay, sir.” She hung up. “Do you know the new CEO’s office?” Daisy asked. “Yes, the receptionist downstairs told me. Did that man who came here report you?” Daisy asked, concerned. Daisy managed a smile. “I don’t know. It’s strange the CEO wants to see you. I’m the one to take the blame.” “Don’t worry.” They hugged and Daisy wished her all the best. “Thanks, Daisy. I would be back victorious. Who knows, that man might have reported you to the CEO?” They looked at each other. The unanswered question hanging in the air between them: why hasn’t the CEO asked to see Daisy, the employee rather than Emma, the friend? Strange. “I’II see you soon,” Emma assured her. Emma got to the fifth floor. She told the secretary who she was and was led to the CEO’s office. The sight that met her nearly made her gasp. She clutched her handbag tightly; her eyes wide. The secretary left. Pete was all smiles. “Ah, I’m glad your days of playing the clown are over. Please, sit.” She didn’t smile. She was too tired to argue with him. “What do you want, Pete?” she asked slowly. “Wow. No more aggression? I’m humbled, Emma. You’ve made me the best offer I’ve ever heard of. I can see you’re dressed for the occasion. Shall we?” he asked rising from his chair. “Shall we what? If I knew you were the new CEO. I wouldn’t have come.” “That’s your belief, my dear. Not mine,” he said cheekily, grinning from ear to ear. “Fine. I’m surprised without the wig, you know who I am,” she said calmly, trying not to smile. “I knew who you were darling. I guess it’s settled then. We’re going to start things afresh. You know, I need permanent company at home and my mum wants to see some kids.” She looked away, smiling. Pete, he’s not changed one bit. The leopard indeed doesn’t change its spots. “And, I look like a broodmare, right?” she asked. “Poor choice of words on my part, liebling. You should study some German. Let’s go to lunch and I would rephrase my proposal.” “Okay. You didn’t even ask me if I was dating someone,” she pointed out. “I’ve done all my checks. You are as single as I am. Deny that if you can. I’ve never had any plans to make you an ex though you made me for no reason before I left this country.” “Sure, you win.” He went round the desk and took her hands in his. “You know, I’m beginning to think being a secondary virgin now is wonderful. I’ve been thinking of making it into the Guinness Book of Records as the first man who has been off sex for the past three years. I was wondering if you could help me keep my secondary virginity when we’re married.” She laughed. “Really? That’s easy. We can have you castrated then.” He laughed and pulled her towards the door. They had a lot to talk about!