Ivan was also six foot tall, the same as Josh but he was darkskinned. Asides being dark skinned, he had such a lovely aura which most of his friends loved about him. He had dark, curly spotty waves hais like it was usually called. One would have thought he was a Zambo's genes. He and Modupe had been in a relationship for close to two years, Meryl had been the reason, she had brought them together and ever since then their bond was stronger. Luckily for Modupe, Ivan wasn't the cheating guy that a Yoruba demon was, Ivan hadn't ever thought of liking someone else, Modupe was worth it afterall. But as far as he was concerned, he just wasn't ready to settle down.
"I don't believe she likes our new director. I knew she would tell you something about him though. She has been ringing it in my ears that our director must definitely feel something for Meryl. But I feel they know each other."
"Oh, you must really trust her." Josh was awed.
"I do." He felt proud of Modupe, though she may get be the talkative type, she love him far too deeply to think of another man in her heart. In the past they quarrelled and argued a pot about the way she talked, but as he grew to know her, the love grew to other chambers of his heart.
"I really like that." Josh grinned revealing his set of glorious teeth.
"Guys, what's wrong with Dupe?" Meryl walked in taking the bottle of water from Ivan's hand.
"There is qnother in the fridge." He raised both hands up, perhaps frustrated by the women in his life. He wondered why she preferred to take a half content bottle than take a full one from the fridge?
"I don't know."
"I was asking Josh that since he was the one that pushed her to the brink of anger. I think he might know a thing about it." Meryl said to which Ivan smiled at.
"I've got nothing to say." He said then placed down the pot of rice from the gas cooker, replacing it with a pot of stew.
An aroma emanated as Josh began to stir the stew with a wooden spoon. Assorted beefs and meats didn't allow the spoon some passage though that Josh had to hold one handle from the side while he stired vigorously.
"Boy, I'm hungry, who's hungry?" Meryl asked she reached out for some washed dishes placed in the cupboard.
"I am!" Answered Dupe, swaying her hips as she walked in. Then, she took her own dish aside ignoring all puzzled looks thrown her way while Ivan laughed in amusement. He only understood what the hell was happening to Modupe.
****

Even as she walked back to the office, she strongly hated herself. She could have sent in her resignation letter the moment she knew who the new director was but would that benefit her? She knew how difficult it was for one to get a job these days. She just couldn't resign and throw herself to her lonely cushions at home. Being in a comfortable zone wouldn't help her life presently. She shook her head and look down at herself, reprimanding herself for selecting and choosing the pale, green fitted gown which she wore. Albeit though, she had received warm compliments from people who adored her in her new ravishing look. One of the cleaners had the effrontry to ask if her boyfriend was coming over to take her on a date. She also did knew that Isma'il had a thing for gowns. He was attracted to ladies who wear scintillating gowns. Maybe he would stop to admire and perhaps gawk at her while she catwalked in his presence.

She stopped to get ahold of herself, what was she thinking? Why was she thinking this way? As much as she wanted him to notice her, he doesn't want to have anything to do with him. Then she thought about Isma'il being into shoes.

What does he know about the latest trend of shoes? She knew Isma'il never had a thing for shoes back in high school though he wore good shoes. He shouldn't even be standing in as the new director? Why was it so easy for him? He should have probably started like her from the scratch instead of taking shortcuts.
She stopped her line of thoughts to catch herself briefly as she stood before Isma'il's office. She heaved one last time, crushing all silly thoughts that seem to set aboard.
"Yes, come in." Isma'il's voice boomed out to her ears as soon as sh knocked on his door.
Immediately she walked in, his eyes beamed with excitement. She hated it. "Is there a problem?" He asked her.
"Yes, these files needs to be signed by you." She said coming closer avoiding his penetrative eyes.
"How does it feel?" He asked when he managed to trap her in his gaze.
"How does what feel sir?" She was certainly lost at his use of words.
He smiled as he sat back, swiveled in his chair, once or twice puzzled by the fact that she was indeed his secretary. "To be with me." He finished.
She scoffed, looked at him spitefully then uttering. "You have no idea."
"Oh, really. That must be quite amusing."
She refused to utter any more words, she knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to get her to talk.
"You know Meryl, I was actually praying for a day like this. I had never stopped thinking about you."
There he goes again, she told herself. The Casanovas doesn't change quite easily, do they? "Well, so good that your flattering has added an exquisite taste." She responded to which he laughed.
"It's no flattering Meryl, I mean every word I say." He grinned as his gaze went lower making her feel naked.
Then he began to comb through the files, he took hold of a pen signing each file with ease. When he was done, she took the files from his table tutting distastefully as she did so.
"Meryl?" He called when she began to turn away.
"Is there a problem, director?" The tone in which she emphasized on the director made him grin widely. He didn't deserve this from her not after what he had done to her some years ago.
"Will you have lunch with me?"
She nearly gawk at the question, regaining her composure, she said. "You know that's never going to happen."
"You won't be able to resist me for long Meryl." He assured her.
That disgusted her. "Really? Then prove it." As she walked out, she slammed the door fuming bitterly.