Purple Romance

Maria walked out of the elevator and saw the man she had bumped into earlier on. The man smiled at her and she nodded and walked away but the man still followed her to the entrance and even spoke to her.

'Remember me?' Monroe asked making Maria to stop and turned to look at him.

'Yes, I do. Is anything the matter?' Maria asked. She was really tired and didn't feel like having a conversation with anyone. She just wanted to go home and rest.

'Not at all. Do you work here? Which company are you from?' Monroe asked not giving up even though he could sense that the lady wasn't ready to talk to him.

'No, I don't work here. I came for an interview. Why do you ask?'

'Nothing. Can I have your number? I really want to take you out for dinner'. Monroe said.

Maria sized him up. Were the men in Cosmos so bold nowadays that they could ask a random woman for her number and even invite her out for lunch after seeing her once? Maria looked at Monroe and said.

'Look here, if you have nothing doing beside asking women out for dinner, then let me tell you. I am extremely busy and annoyed by your actions right now'.

'Wait. I'm sorry for not introducing myself. I am Monroe Lazzy. I am a lawyer and I have my firm in this building'. Monroe said and removed his card to give to Maria.

Maria looked at the card and just then a man pulled over and waved at her. Maria glared at Monroe before walking away.

She got into the car and the man drove off.

Monroe scratched his head saying 'is she married? Or was that her boyfriend? Did I just hit on a married woman? But, there was no ring on her finger?'

...…

'Can you believe that? Is that CEO a masochist or what? How could he treat me this way? I am so angry right now, Kobby'. Maria said as she relaxed on the seat.

'So, you gave them an ultimatum? Maria, you are the one who wants a job and besides, do you really have another interview to attend tomorrow?' Kobby asked and Maria shook her head.

'Off course not. I was just so mad and said those words. Do you think they won't even call me after what I said? Aye, I am regretting it now. I should have just said yes, I hear. I will be here tomorrow but my pride was hurt. I spent almost 5 hours there and didn't even get interviewed'.

'Let's pray so. But, if you don't get this job then I might really consider the offer of allowing you to freeload on me for the rest of your life'. Kobby said making Maria to smile.

'hump, you have just told me that before I went out for the interview'

...

'Dad, aunt Maria'. Tiana rushed out to hug them as she called them.

'Tiana, my babe. Aunt missed you so much'. Maria kissed the girl and they went inside.

'Aunt, uncle'. Maria called out to Mr. and Mrs. Mathias.

'You are back? Food is ready. Go and wash your hands and come to the table'. Mrs. Mathias said as she placed some plates on the table.

'Yes, aunt'. Maria went to wash her hands and Mrs. Mathias gestured for Kobby to get closer and he did

'Kobby, say. Don't you find our Maria pretty?'

'Huh, mom what are you saying?' Kobby asked with a premonition.

'I mean, after living together for 8 years, don't you find her attractive enough?'

Mrs. Mathias asked and her husband shook his head watching them. His wife had mentioned getting the two of them to marry before and he told her to let them be.

'Mom, please. I know where you are going but, is impossible between us. I see Maria as a sister. She is like another Tiana to me'. Kobby said and sat down when he saw Maria returning to the table.

Maria noticed the awkward atmosphere and asked 'why is everyone suddenly quiet? Were you discussing something behind my back?' Maria said on the chair next to Kobby.

'Not at all'. Mr. Mathias said. 'How was the interview?'

'She was played by her boss to be, dad'. Kobby said and laughed and Maria glared at him before turning to Mr. Mathias.

'Uncle, let me tell you. I haven't even met that man yet but I can tell he is a masochist. A narcissistic and bossy CEO who bullies his employees'.

'Is it that serious?' Mr. Mathias asked and Maria sipped some water before continuing.

'It is serious'.

'Then, look for another job? Is that the only company that is employing?' Mrs. Mathias asked.

'Well, that is not the only company hiring but, that is the only company that didn't have age requirements in their qualification list and the pay is huge for just a marketing clerk'. Maria said and picked a piece of meat into her mouth.

The discussion went on until they finished dinner and the youngsters left the house leaving Mr. and Mrs. Mathias alone.

'I told you to leave them. They will get settled down when they want to'. Mr. Mathias said when they retired to the bedroom.

'But, they are already this old and don't have anybody to take care of them. Even Lexis would want them to move on.

Maria is perfect for Kobby'. Mrs. Mathias said.

'I know, but look at it from their perspective. Lexis was someone they both loved dearly. Besides, they don't feel that way about each other. Is been 8 years. If they had such feelings, we would have found out but is not the case. Let them live their lives the way they want'.

'I'm just worried for them, that's all. I won't speak about it again'. Mrs. Mathias said and laid on the bed.

...

Ad-Din walked out of the bedroom and opened his fridge and removed a can of beer. He sat in the hall and opened it to drink.

A thought crossed his mind and he picked his phone and made a call to Paul, his assistant.

'Call Maria Portia Lee and tell her she has the job but her position will be at the CEO's office floor as his errand girl. Is the same payment. Whether she accepts it or not is her business'. Ad-Din didn't wait for a reply and hung up and a sly smile. He was waiting to see the kind of face that woman would make when she sees him tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Paul was confused after the call. his errand girl? Did his boss take the wrong medicine? Why was he bent on bullying that woman? He shook his head and decided to make the call tomorrow morning.