ME AND MY DANCE

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3:- THAT OLD DOG

"Ma'am, you do realize you were driving at 100mph which is above the speed limit and the consequences are dire", the man said starring at her car, as Damilola rolled down her window gently with a smile on her face. Quietly thinking of a way to escape.

If this police officer took her offence seriously, she would have to pay a huge amount of money, which was currently a problem for her, because of all the debts she owes. If he recognized her, she would definitely not leave here today, so paying that fine, was inevitable.

Seeing her window rolled down, the man looked at her. His expression changed and turned hundred folds darker. He looked completely displeased. Damilola hoped for the ground to swallow her as the man's expression became worse. He definitely recognized her.

"It's you again. Can't you live a day without stirring up trouble?" He said in anger. This made his unattractive face look even worse.

Few weeks ago, she got into a fight with a bookshop owner, which led to police being called.

The bookshop owner was rude and said all sorts of insulting words to her based on the fact that she misplaced her money and could not pay for the book she bought.

The bookshop owner called her all sorts of names and finally called her a thief. Damilola who was already enveloped in anger, gave her a resounding slap, with her finger prints showing legibly on the book shop owner's face.

The police were called and she was arrested. She didn't stay the night in police custody, because someone bailed her out and till today, she doesn't know the person.

This policeman was the one who arrested her then.

"Please officer, don't be angry with me, I was really late for work, so, I decided to speed just a little. I am really sorry, it won't repeat itself again," she said pleadingly.

"You were speeding just a little? What speed is not little to you then?" He replied

Damilola "...." Why is this man paying attention to the wrong thing. I really need to get out of here, stupid.

As she was thinking of another strategy, she heard the police officer's voice again "I would take your word for it. This should not happen again. It's for your own safety. Please try to be careful, next time".

"Okay, sir, thanks a lot," she said as she opened the door to get in.

"No, no, no, not so fast," the man said, waving one of his fingers at her.

Damilola stopped and looked at him, "What the heck does he want again?" She thought.

"I want to see your driver's license, proof of registration, vehicle insurance and manual,"

Damilola brought all he said out for him to see.

He checked everything. When he was sure that it was authentic, he returned it all to her, as she drove off.

Damilola got to work one hour later than the designated time, and as expected, the old dog, "The front desk manager", was right there, waiting for her at the entrance.

The manager was a white man, in his mid forties. He had a bald head, short and unattractive.

Immediately he saw her, he walked up to her, anger written legibly on his face.

So, our little princess decided to pay us a visit at last, you are welcome, your majesty," he said sarcastically.

Damilola felt apologetic, all of a sudden. She was a receptionist and she needed to be at work as early as possible, but instead she had never come early.

"I am sorry sir," she said sincerely.

"Oh! Keep your apologies to yourself. I am definitely not buying it. Ten percent of your salary, deducted," he said angrily.

"But sir, I can explain," she said trying to look pitiable, but he was not buying it like he said.

"I don't need your explanation. My decision is final," he said as he stormed into the hotel.

"Arrrggghh, I hate this man. Somebody please get me a knife. I would really love to end this Bastard's life," she said clearly to no one in particular, gritting her teeth.

"Hey, Alex, who are you talking to?" A voice said, behind her, as she looked at the retreating figure of her manager. She turned back to the owner of the voice.

Alexandra Hall was the name she gave herself when she relocated from Nigeria to America to prevent her acquaintances from going through the stress of pronouncing her real name.

"Oh! Mr Ray, don't mind me, I was just ruminating about things I need to do today," as far as he didn't hear her, there was no crime lying.

"Please don't call me "Mr Ray", Ray is fine".

"Okay, Mr Ray. Sorry, Ray".

Hearing that, he smiled.

"By the way, you came late, why? Was there a problem?" He asked in care for her.

Damilola smiled, it felt good to know someone actually cared for her, unlike her useless manager.

"It was nothing special, sir. I just got stopped by the police, nothing more," she said as calmly as she could.

"Why?" He asked

Damilola was already pissed. "Even if he cares, can't he leave me alone? He is asking too many questions," Damilola thought.

"Speed," she replied.

"Oh! I see".

Ray was a very handsome guy, tall and heavily built. He was a black American and was Mr Jake "The general manger's" P.A. So, he was her boss.

He had had a thing for Damilola for a long time, but was yet to tell her about his feelings.

"So, I would just get going now. I have a lot to do," he said, giving her a charming smile, as he turned to go in.

"Hups! Finally," she said to herself in thoughts, with a sigh of relief.

"Okay, Mr Ray," she replied, walking towards the entrance, to get started with work for the day.

He stopped abruptly and said "Alex?"

"Yes?"

"Sooo, ahhh, I was just thinking, probably when you are less busy, you could have dinner with me."

Immediately he said those words, he stared at Damilola, who had an indifferent look on her face. "I would understand if you can't," he said disappointedly.

"Is it kind of a date or something?" She asked before she could stop herself. It was like her mouth had a mind of It's own.

He smiled nervously at her and said. "Well, you could say that."

"Okay, sir, I will think about it," she replied, knowing fully well she won't.

"Oh! Okay," he said clinging onto his last hope. "Bye," he continued and walked away.

Ray was a handsome, cool and nice guy, but he was not just her type. Beside that, he was her best friend's crush. She couldn't hurt her feelings that way.

She immediately went into the hotel. Lo and behold, there was a long queue waiting. "No wonder manager was so angry."

She went into the changing room immediately and changed her cloth. In a minute, she was already dressed in a white shirt, grey skirt, and a grey suit, with a black scarf tied around her neck, like a bow.