CHAPTER THREE

Pat and Sammy’s first meeting was a very funny one. It happened at the Merit studio, one of the radio station where Pat was interviewed as a job seeker. She was there on that fateful day. Sammy was there as well as an artist to promote his new album. She thought he was also there for the job interview. They were sitting on the same bench. Although long enough to accommodate four people, they both were on the extreme edges as though they weren’t supposed to make the slightest contact.

Artists go through a lot of stress trying to market and sell their brands and products. Some of them may have to literarily go on their knees to get minutes airplay on radio or TV. It is what it is though, success in our city is attached to long legs and connections. Sammy was not sure of his deal with the management yet and was waiting for feedback. He was shaking his feet so vigorously that it vibrated the bench they shared.

Pat noticed. She thought it was nerves about the interview. At least, she was there for the same interview as well, she thought. She had done hers and has gotten her verdict. As usual, she was told to try again next time. Pat was already used to that feeling. She decided to walk up to him. She moved closer and tapped his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, all will be well.” She said to him.

Sammy was shocked. He looked at her with surprise. She must have been observing him for quite a long time, he thought. That very statement sank into his brain. He needed that comfort.

“How did you know? I mean, how did you know I needed to hear that? He startled her as he raised his face revealing his black eyebrows.

The dark brooding face revealed his brown eyes and a round pink lips. Immediately, she fell for his cuteness. Her heart skipped and butterflies flies ran through her belly. She could have said he looked like a movie star. He was the most handsome man she had ever met; she was convinced.

“What would a handsome man like you be so bothered about?” She said breaking the silence that had stayed for some minutes already.

She could not believe she called him “handsome” already. It came out of nowhere. She had no control over the words that came from her mouth at that time.

“Really? Handsome? Me?” He said smiling sheepishly. “Thank you very much. I hear that a lot, though.” He added.

She was offended by his response but also smiled foolishly. At least, she was able to relieve him from his moodiness.

“Have you been called?” She asked to know about his interview status.

Sammy’s eyes were fixed on her as she asked the question. The gaze was only making her smile more. There was something about his eyes that was dazzlingly beautiful in that lean face of his.

“Called for what?” He asked surprisingly.

“The interview, of course.” She replied gallantly He laughed boisterously, hanging his head on the chair arm. Ok. She understood that her plan was to make this man laugh. That mission had been accomplished. But what she said now wasn’t funny. So, she wondered why the handsome man sitting before her was laughing this hard. She became angrier frowning.

“I’m sorry. I’m so…so sorry.” He said but still laughing.

A man walked in holding some papers in his hand. He stood at the other end of the chair leaving some space between them.

Let’s go bro., there is nothing that can be done here. They already ordered and paid them not to grant us the opportunity. The Secretary of Good Music Media called to inform me that they’re terminating our deal with them too. I sense this is also their handiwork.” He lamented.

She watched as his forehead furrowed intensely and his jawline squared. The man who was laughing very hard a while ago suddenly became extremely cold. The man seemed strange to her. But she believed the person or people the new man was talking about must have done something hurtful.

“Why are they messing with me?” He questioned furiously snatching the paper forcibly from the other man. He even attempted tearing the paper.

“Calm down, Sam.” The man carefully took the papers back from him.

Pat stood quietly watching the scene. She Didn’t not know what to do or say. She couldn’t even decide whether to leave or not “And who is this?” The man turned to her.

“I’m… am…sorry. I should have made myself scarce. I will take my leave now.” She said feeling embarrassed.

“She thought I was here for an interview.”

Sammy cut in as she made attempts to leave. He seemed natural again. She wondered who he was. A few seconds ago he was furious and now he talks so natural as though nothing happened.

“Oh, I see. Hey girl! Don’t you know “Sammydee”?” The new man asked loudly to get her attention.

She halted and turned pink. She should have known. How could she not have figured he is an artist? He had a big “blinging” star shaped pendant on his neck. A white T-shirt matched with a black jacket and a black jeans. Oh! The expensive sneakers too. She should have known by the way he was dressed. Now she understood why she was laughing.

She listened to several of his songs on the radio but have never seen his picture nor him in person.

“Wao!” She exclaimed. “Sammydee!? I had no idea. I’m a big fan. Your songs are on the radio. I love this particular love song you sang. Ehm…

I love you, you’re the best thing that happen to me. The moment I saw you…

She sang clapping her hands. She stopped when she noticed the men were laughing. “Did I miss the lyrics?” She asked.

“No! You’re just amazing. I bet you have forgotten the job you came for seeing how jolly you are.” Sammy said smilingly.

“It’s part of the experience.” She said smiling sheepishly. “Do you mind I if get your autograph? I will have to show my friends I met Sammydee” She added.

Pat was used to the disappointment that comes with failed job hunting. She did her best to meet up with the requirements. She bought a new chic dress to look more elegant. She does not even have the transport fare to go back home. But it is what it is. Jobs are available for the “connected.” Here she is, like a regular Nigerian youth, stranded.

Sammy got his pen from his manager, Benjamin. He signed his autograph on her notepad. He was ready to leave after that. Benjamin offered to give Pat a ride. She immediately took the offer. She could not let the opportunity slide.

Fortunately, that was only one of her numerous troubles. She had thought she would get the job so she could settle her accommodation bill. Her Landlady has warned she would be sent packing if she Didn’t settle it soon. The only opportunity that could save her from being sent into the street had just slid away. Her mood in the car got Benjamin’s attention. He noticed she wasn’t cheerful. He thought it was simply connected to her missing out on the job. Well, he guessed a little right. Getting a job was very important to her.

“Be happy young lady. Do you mind if Sammy gives you recommendations to some more popular radio station? Radios stations that will probably guarantee a better pay.” He said in attempt to ridicule the status of the Merits FM.

“I should have said that you know.” Sammy cuts in “Oh, sorry boss. I lack patience you know?” Ben said satirically.

Ben and Sammy’s relationship was beyond a professional one. They relate like brothers. Ben was Sammy’s plug. He understood him best and knew how best to sell him to the public. He sensed his boss” interest in Pat and wants it materialized quickly.

“This is my card. Come to the address above on Monday. I will see to it.” Sammy hands out his card without looking at her.

He was probably preventing eye contact. Sammydee is rude she thought. With the way he talks and behaves, no one would have noticed this nice side of his. Only he and God knows why he is so arrogant. On her short walk from the bus stop back home. She clinked the complimentary card in her hand thinking about the strange incident. And also fantasized about how he copes with his wife and children with a style like this.