At this point, the two women had left the room.
The look on the Director's face expressed the words "what now?"
In my experience, at times like this, the best thing to do as a subordinate is took keep silence. Pin drop. Quiet enough for the superior to hear their own thoughts echo in their head.
But...
"Director..."
Maybe because we are not that far apart in age? Or because I am just a nosy person who always tries to solve other people's problems?
"...don't worry Director Canaan, everything will be fine!" I pumped my fists as I spoke in the same tone a cartoon character would try to cheer children up.
Or maybe I'm just dumb.
He raised his head and our eyes met. I couldn't read his face.
'Abeg abeg abeg, let him not vex and fire me" I thought desperately, basically regretting even opening my mouth.
After a few seconds with a confused expression, he bursted out in laughter.
"What was that?" He said, still laughing.
"I was...um...trying to cheer you up?" I replied.
"Well, that was one way of doing it."
"Are you upset?" I was obviously concerned. I didn't know whether he was being sarcastic, even though the smile he had on his face was too real to be fake. He could also have been affected by his aunties...
He looked at me then said "At you? No. On the other hand, what my aunt just did? Yes, I am pretty upset about that."
"Ah. I see. Sorry about that sir."
"It is alright. It was not your doing anyways. Though now, I am I a bit of a pickle. I will have to tell my father about this."
"Apologies if I am overstepping, but is it really important?" I asked
"What do you mean?" I asked. Of course he would be perplexed.
"I mean...firstly, two people's vote surely can not bring down your entire chance of obtaining the position. Secondly, do you really think it's necessary for you to have a spouse to enter an official position such as this? Surely your competence and comportment are enough."
He nodded slightly then said "I normally would completely agree with you. However, because of the nature and structure of the organisation, things are more political than expected. Also, Aunt Nneka has a lot of influence in the family and soon enough, I will be getting calls for the entire extended family, telling me to marry."
"Oh. So what do we do?"
He sighed "I do not know...yet. but I will think about what step to take next."
There was a knock at the door.
Malik came in after requesting for permission. "Is everything alright sir? Your guests left minutes ago, but we had barely settled in."
"There were some complications, Malik, but we are alright." Director replied.
"Shall we depart?" Malike asked.
"Is the car ready?"
"It will have pulled in by the time we are at the entrance."
"Awesome let's go."
We arrived at the office and I could feel eyes on me. After thinking for a bit, I realised why.
My "arrangement" with Director Canaan is confidential information for a limited few. In fact my head of department, Mrs Shalom was only told that I would be working with the Director and should be permitted to leave when necessary.
So of course it would be strange for the other staff to see little old me, a newbie for that matter, step out of a porsche with Director Canaan when I am not his secretary.
I just hope rumours do not fly. He's in a tricky situation already, let's not lessen his chances.
By the time I was walking into the building, Douglas was waiting there. For me, apparently.
"Ms Osula. Could I have a moment of your time?" Douglas asked
"Yes sir."
Director Canaan has stopped walking and turned to me.
"Apologies for the inconvenience today. Please remember that we have a meeting tomorrow."
I gave a bow and nodded. Douglas courtesied to Director Canaan as well. The director smiled and nodded.
"Oh, Director!"
"Hmm?"
I jogged a bit closer to him and whispered "Since Mr Kumashe is one of my direct superiors, do I inform him of what happened today? Or do I keep it confidential?"
"Wow. Always the right questions. You may do so, I am going to inform my father now. Thank you, Ms Osula."
"Anytime, sir."
When I turned backed to Douglas he met with a strange look.
"What?"
"Nothing. Shall we?" He replied.
Douglas and I headed to his office.
"Firstly, though it was an unexpected meeting I want to always be prepared for situations like this, alright?"
"Yes, sir."
"Now, how did the meeting go?"
"It was very unfruitful." Douglas furrowed his eyebrows and you definitely see that he was not happy. "The one we went to meet, Nnenna was peaceful and welcoming. We never expected to see another person there another one of the Director's aunts, Nneka. She was very grumpy throughout our short meet there and she declared that until the Director gets a bride, he will not win her support."
Douglas sighed and began processing the information he just got. As an assistant and the one put in charge of the Director's "socialising and favour gaining journey", I am sure he did not like the position that woman has just put us in.
"So, either we convince her another, which could fail and waste our time or we find him a woman. What a situation we find ourselves in." Douglas shook his head.
"The Director is single?" I asked
"Yes, he is."
"But surely you know that finding a man like him a woman would be like taking a spoon of water for the ocean? It really would not be that difficult." I commented.
"Finding the woman is not the problem, getting a woman the family would approve of, is." Douglas said.
"Oh, I understand I will do some digging through to see if I can find anyone suitable and submit the gathered top ten on your desk next week Monday."
"Thank you very much, Davina." Douglas said, obviously still stressed about the matter.
"No problem, Douglas. I will take my leave now."
I left Douglas's office and headed for mine.
The moment I entered...
"Davina!"