“I recognize that name. I may have seen him in City People...”
“I‘ve told you to stop reading that junk.”
“Leave me abeg. I get my news from there; you keep reading your Guardian and Newswatch.”
Ayo glared at Jennifer and turned to Gladys. “There‘s nothing like he‘s out of your league. You‘re a fine person and if he wants to know you more, give him a chance.”
“We agree. Please I‘m all for love, it conquers all, you know?”
Gladys laughed, how did I know you girls would say that?”
“Just keep us posted on what happens. And maybe Ayo can be introduced to his friends.”
As they all laughed, Bola beckoned them over. “Girls come on, food is ready!”
They joined the throng at the coolers for their share.
**********
The next week Gladys and Edward were at Chicken Republic opposite Zenon House on Ajose Adeogun Street where the subsidiary she worked with was situated. She‘d finally accepted his oft repeated invitation and they‘d agreed to meet for a quick lunch.
“So tell more about your family.”
“Well, I‘m an only daughter and I have three younger brothers. Two are in the university while the youngest is in secondary school.” She smiled as she spoke of her family.
“I‘m sure your mum would‘ve loved to have another beautiful daughter like you.”
Gladys laughed and popped a potato chip in her mouth. Edward wolfed down his jollof rice as they talked. They‘d been delayed by the long queue before ordering and now had less than half an hour to get back to their offices.
“And your father is no doubt very proud of the boys.”
Gladys sighed as she replied, “My father is dead...”
“Oh, I‘m so sorry to hear that.” He picked up her hand and stroked it slowly.
She smiled at him. “It‘s OK. He was really sick before he passed but it happened over fifteen years ago.” They were all used to it now even though the years since her father died had been very emotional and trying for the whole family.
“Didn‘t your mother remarry?”
“No… I think she preferred to take care of us on her own.”
“Your mother must be quite a strong woman...”
“Oh she is!” Gladys sat forward on the tall bench. “I respect her a lot for that.” Her mother was a very hardworking and enterprising woman but Gladys still thanked God that she was through with her degree and could help her in taking care of her brothers.