“Oh, my sweet Saturday, I have been waiting for you for six long days,” Mrs. Salami muttered a quote from Charmaine J Forde as she reviewed the accounting records of her medium-scale business. She had made a small demarcation inside the shop for herself alone, where she brainstorms and strategizes.
A disturbing feeling overwhelmed her, as she thought about Mrs. Ikumapayi, the new HR at GNO Ltd. The look of disapproval on the boss lady when she learnt of her office sales transactions bothered her. What update does she want to make on the employee handbook? What if she compels the entire staff to work on Saturdays?
I hope that never happens, she shook off the thought and silently prayed that her Saturdays remains untampered with.
“Ma, you cannot take that product with you!” a loud voice from the main shop snapped her chain of her thoughts.
How many times had she educated Jumoke that customers are kings? That girl is going to get a query today, she resolved as she minimized the document on her PC, heading towards the main shop.
“I have been debited, and you’re still telling me trash that you haven’t been credited?” the aggrieved customer charged at the Salesgirl.
Mrs. Salami was taken aback when she realized that the customer was no one else other than Mrs. Ikumapayi, the boss lady!
“Good morning ma,” she greeted her, expecting immediate recognition.
“What is good about the morning?” Mrs. Ikumapayi retorted, “your Salesgirl is just being inconsiderate…” she paused and on a closer look at the shop owner, recognized Mrs. Salami.
“You’re the lady in the Finance department at GNO Ltd.”
“Yes, ma,” Mrs. Salami replied with a smile, “I knew you didn’t recognize me at first..”
“Are you related to the shop owner or what?” Mrs. Ikumapayi probed.
“The shop is mine,” Mrs. Salami replied, ignoring the expression on the customer. “This is what I do beyond my nine to five job.”
“Oh, I see,” she ran her gaze around the shop, “this business plus your petty trade in the office, right?”
Mrs. Salami smiled. Although the latter statement came with a tinge of sarcasm, she ignored it. the paramount thing on her mind was to leave a lasting impression on her mind. She whispered to her Salesgirl and the young girl nodded in compliance.
“Ma, you can go with the provisions and make payments after the reversal in your bank account.”
“Thank you, but I will proceed with another transfer, and follow up with my bank”
Mrs. Salami ran a quick scrutiny on the Boss Lady. The pant suit outfit she wore was the same as what she wore the previous day; her face was bland without make-up. Her long toes stuck out from a pair of slippers which appeared as though they were loaned to her, and from the transparent plastic bag she carried, she sighted her stiletto heel shoes and her wig. The summary of her entire outlook that morning was like an escape from a refugee camp.
“Wondering at my looks?” Mrs. Ikumapayi read her mind instantly.
“Yes, ma. What happened?’’
Mrs. Salami listened with rapt attention as she narrated her ordeal. She watched her trying hard to suppress the pain as she mentioned her sick baby. When she got to the part on the passing of her husband, she cupped back the tears. Who would have thought that the almighty Ikumapayi could be that vulnerable?
“I’m sorry to hear that?” Mrs. Salami interjected. “There’s light after the tunnel.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Salami offered her a ride on her way to pick up her supplies. It turned out that her destination was just a stop away from her vendor’s shop. To think that the boss lady that resumed work the previous day in an expensive car could now condescend to riding with her in a car without an air-conditioner.
“How long have you been in business?” Mrs. Ikumapayi broke the long silence.
“Ten years,” she replied casually, and guessing where the next question would stem from, quickly added, “I started my nine to five job three years after my business stabilized.”
“Wise woman,” Ikumapayi muttered and mustering all the courage within her, she extended her hand at her.
“You are indeed the boss lady!”
