"And the girl continued to grow in favor and in stature with..."
"Chioma found favor in the eyes of all who saw her"
... So there we were, finally on the ground floor/lobby. By now I had developed a very personal resentment for that high-definition contorted image mirror that I had stared at the whole ride down. I made a mental note to kick it when I came back to work the next day. I really did not understand, why it made me look like an elf with a hunch back! The elevator doors did not slide open quick enough before I was dashing across the building lobby at break-neck speed. I guess no necks were broken, because I did hear someone behind me ask if everything was okay with me. Of course everything was okay, if only I could spin around three times and appear at my intended destination. But I turned in bewilderment to see who could have been so concerned about my welfare, in a city that barely made eye contact with each other.
One of the 'sharp-suiters' in the elevator had asked. He said my bags looked awfully heavy and they could give me a ride to wherever I needed to go. Wherever? I did not think so. No one in their right mind would sit through rush hour traffic from downtown all the way uptown. But so it was, they offered and I was too curious and intrigued to decline. As the leader of the pack lead the way through the revolving doors, I fleetingly wondered, if there would be room in their little car to add this jittery and restless kid, with her equally restless books and bag. Or would they have to hire a school bus? If the latter was the case, then I would have to bid them 'adieu' and be on my not so merry way. This beggar would be choosing today.
No sooner had I entertained the school bus scenario, than did everyone (in my newly adopted entourage) stop short in front of the sleekest and longest limousine I had seen at that time. I was not sure if it was my head that spun or that the city was experiencing an earthquake. But I could attest to a dizzying effect taking place. But things got hairier when 'Mr. leading sharp suit' opened the limousine door and asked me to go in. I did (even though it took ages to load my books). But then I got so nervous, I started talking. As every body settled in, I talked. I talked about the building structure, I talked about the baby stroller that sped by. Then I talked some more about the weather, I talked about the traffic, then my books and some more about speeding baby strollers. I just paused in enough time to eyeball the driver who kept giving me dirty looks from the inside rear-view mirror. I guess he preferred to drive 'Miss Daisy'...
Anyway, the leader of the distinguished pack began to ask me about work and my study program. He asked if I liked work and how the people I worked with treated me. The ride in the cool limousine with extra-leg room for my extra-long legs must have felt so good and comfortable, that I gave everyone in the office very high marks. Then I felt the need to interject the fact that they were all busy preparing for their beloved big boss who was in town. He asked what the preparation was, and I told him it was a grand gala at a grand location. I meant to give details of the menu, but every one declared it might make them hungry. He thought that was funny. Then he asked if I was invited and why not, but I said I would rather catch up with my studying. He then asked the driver to drop them of at another building for their meeting, and then take me to where I needed to go.
As they exited the limo for their meeting, the leader told me I was a very impressive young lady and was confident that I would do very fine wherever and in whatever I decided to do. He then handed me his business card and wished me the best as the driver drove on. I looked at the card I had just received and there blazoned across in gold letters was the name I had heard all week. The company's 'Big Boss'. Time stood still as I slumped back into the limousine seat in utter dismay...
Epilogue:
Three to four weeks later, I was offered a bigger and better position, apparently better suited for my big mouth. My Director shook my hands with a smile as he conferred the new honorship. "I knew there was something about you." said he. Miracles do happen dear friends.
PS: When my daddy dearest passed away, 'Big Boss' had his office send a message. Some of which included this phrase "... I know what he (my daddy) meant to you". How thoughtful and sweet. But had I really spilled all my guts that day in the limousine?
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