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DIARIES OF A NEW YORKER SIX



Emma relieved the events of the seminar she had attended courtesy of IB. It was titled you are single, so what? The event had taken place at the Balmoral Hall in Oregun, Lagos. It had been an unusual event, different from other events she had attended on relationships in the past. Tonight, she felt strengthened and empowered. Sitted on her extra comfy couch, she feasted on french fries ,chicken wings, and a bowl of salad, while watching Days of Our Lives. The soap had gone on for as long as she could remember. She was thankful though, because she really loved the soap opera. She had a bottle of rich wine all to herself. She was in celebration mood. For some reason, she felt elated. Maybe liberated was the word. Liberated from thoughts of self-pity and sorrow. She was ready to embrace the wind and live her life to the full. The speaker at the event had referred to a book written by Michelle Mckinney Hammond. The Ten Mistakes Single Women Make. One of the mistakes single women make was placing marriage on a pedestal next to God. She pondered on that statement and allowed it to sink in. She had been doing that for as long as she could remember. She had a choice to make. To continue to wallow in self-pity or rise above her feelings and enjoy her life the way it was. She had made a choice and that was to celebrate life each day. So here she was having a party all by herself. 

Standing up to look at the mirror, Emma felt like she could use a make over. While she had never been one to be overly concerned about her appearance, she had resolved to pay particular attention to how she looked now. Who knows? Prince Charming might just come her way, riding on a horse to whisk her away to the magical faraway land. Who knows?  She had been saving for her yearly vacation. Milan was her destination this year. And yes, she was going to go hunting for the Prada bags, the Gucci shoes, and the fine things of life.
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Checking the time, Emma raced to the Kilmanjaro room on the 10th floor at Bartels and Gallagher LLC. She was twenty minutes late. Dang!! It was very unlike her to be late to meetings. She cussed as she remembered the situation with her car a few hours ago. Opening the door quickly, she slipped into the room. About fifty eyes turned to look at her as she quietly stood by the door. So like I was saying before the meeting was  interrupted........ Emma swore under her breath. How the heck had she thought Koku Mensah was one of the coolest and hottest dudes around. The guy had an overbearing attitude. His arrogance seemed to get at her these days. Good thing she had gotten over the crush she had on him. She could go about her life in peace. 
The meeting was over several minutes after. She was about to walk out the door when she heard a voice behind her. She knew who the voice belonged to even before he turned. Good Morning Mr Mensah, Emma uttered. Hi, Koku replied her taking in Emma's petite frame. Her hair was beautiful, well braided, and parked into a bun at the top. Her toe nails were fiery red in light brown platform peep toes. An ivory lay blouse worn over a brown pencil skirt highlighted her curves. Her plum lipstick suited her fine face. May I have a copy of the trial balance report for last month as soon as possible? Sure, Emma said. Thank you, Koku said, holding the door while Emma stepped out. Walking away briskly, Emma breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad to be out of his sight. So the man had a polite bone in his body after all?
Crashing into her seat when she got into her office, Emma picked up her iPhone where it lay in her bag. Have dinner with me tonight- Ocean View Restaurant. Warmest tots, Bobby. Bobby, she thought. Interesting guy. Good looking, and sleek. Almost too sleek for her. She'd met him on the flight on her way from Milan. She had an answer for him already. What time? She typed on her phone and sent the message. 
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Mrs Tara Ikomi put a list together for her daughter's wedding where she sat on the chaise lounge in the sitting room. Her sister was with her driving her nuts. No, Tara the halls in Lagos Airport Hotel are too small. I don't like them! You know if we are not looking for halls around here, Victoria Island and Lekki, I had better let you know that I refuse to be a part of this wedding. What sense does it make leaving all of the island and heading towards the mainland? No! No! No! I'm not going to the mainland for any reason. Tara Ikomi looked at her sister. But Sister Sumbo, I'm not planning on letting this wedding take place on the mainland. I only mentioned Lagos Aiport Hotel. Now you are talking! Aunty Sumbo said rolling her eyes. Belema! Aunty Sumbo screamed. Belema, can I have a glass of iced tea please. Yes ma, Belema raced to the kitchen to get aunty Sumbo's drink. As she fixed the drink, Belema shook her head. Aunty Sumbo was so dramatic. She was a lovely woman but sometimes she was just a pain.
I parked the car and walked into the house. I had picked up my friend, Tinuke at the Muson Center after her show so we could go to see Funke Bucknor-Obruthe. Funke Bucknor- Obruthe was a top events planner in Lagos. The rich and wealthy patronized her. She was very good at what she did. Tinuke and her had been friends for a very long time, and she assured me that Funke would give me a discount. It had been a nice meeting and I was delighted in the end.
I heard my aunt's voice just as I was about to enter the sitting room where I knew my mum would be. Ahhh, aunty Sumbo, I thought to myself. Sneaking, I walked up the stairs upstairs...... On the other hand, I would be in hot soup if my aunt found out that I was home and hadn't come to greet her. Reluctantly, I walked towards the sitting room, ready to spend the next two hours with my aunt discussing about the wedding. 

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