On the other hand, Leila hovered at the door of the hall skimming through the people in attendance in search of Toddley Jenga. She was nervous but was determined. Tonight was the night, she was going home with a new friend today. She knew she was dressed to kill already. She knew she looked amazing. Her husband had praised her and told her how gorgeous she looked. Mark initially was sulking that his wife was going to the party looking so pretty without him. He trusted his wife but he didn't trust the men around. Secondly, he wished he was out with her by her side, walking ever so proudly with her. But he couldn't stop her from going, he wasn't that kind of man who would lock his wife at home. He was proud of her achievements and wanted her to enjoy every bit of it.
Leila stood at one corner looking around the hall when she saw Toddley approaching her side. 'Ooohh he's on red too'. She let out a flushed smile. As he drew closer, she felt more anxious. Her palms were sweaty. She rubbed them together and pretended to bring out her phone from her handbag. 'I'm not even sure he's coming to meet me. Be calm Leila'. In her moment of uncertainty and nervousness and 'staring at her phone pretense', she felt someone's presence in front of her.
"Hi"
Leila looked up to see who was talking and it was him. She knew her heart was beating faster and louder and hoped he didn't hear it. She was sure she looked so flushed now. 'Compose yourself. Poise always'
"Hello Mr. Jenga. You made it." Leila asked trying to control her voice from coming out too high- pitched. 'What stupid question? Of course he'd make it here, he was the manager of Saturn Enterprise. Dummy'
"Oh yes. I did. At a point there I thought you weren't going to be in attendance".
'Someone's been looking for me. That's another plus'. "I had to settle some stuffs at home before coming out" Leila replied. "That's okay".
"So what's the motivation behind the red color tonight?" Leila asked trying to make small talk.
She was more relaxed now and interested in the conversation she was having with Toddley. He looked at her and at himself too and it dawned on him that they both were on the same clothe color.
"I could ask you the same. How come we're wearing the same thing? I can accuse you of
copying me you know. After all I arrived here before you?" He asked with a friendly smile, happy that she came up with a topic of discussion because the only thing that kept coming to his mind was asking her if she liked chips. His inner self looked at him very disappointedly but he ignored it.
"I ran out of ideas and this was the only thing that came to my mind. Plus I haven't worn this dress for ages. Still surprised it fits me".
"Yeah it does. You look magnificent in it". Toddley gave her genuine compliment with a piercing gaze. Leila's face was flushed. "Thank you Mr. Toddley. You don't look bad either".
"Thank you. And you can call me Toddley or Todd, we can do away with the Mr. that is if you're comfortable". He paused before adding the last part. He didn't want to appear too forward.
"I guess I am Todd. Call me Leila."
"Nice to meet you Leila". He extended his hand for a shake and she took it. None of them withdrawing, they just stood there holding hands.
"So does that make us friends like outside the business world?" She asked now taking back her hand. She wanted to be sure the goal she came to the dinner with had been achieved - making Toddley Jenga her friend.
"Ummmm....." Toddley stroked his chin and looked up pretending to be in thought.
Leila smiled at how petty he could be. The Toddley Jenga she knew in the work space was a different one - proud and always serious. This was a different Toddley Jenga - free and less intimidating. She felt lucky to see this side of him.
"We could be friends if you share a drink with me. We could talk about anything before the party is over" He offered.
"That would be nice" She replied as they both walked towards the bar.
They stopped to greet people they knew as they walked across the hall. They looked beautiful together. At the bar, Toddley pulled out a seat for her and helped her down before sitting down opposite her. They ordered drinks and talked as they drank. Their discussions ranged from work, to work, to family background, to school experiences, to work and social life.
From the conversation, Leila could deduce that Toddley was the ladies' man. He always had girls flocking around him. She hoped he didn't perceive her to be one of those girls. Well, he was the one that walked up to her tonight so maybe not. She tried her best not to talk too much about herself especially her
married life. She just let him know the basics of her life. They talked on and on and basked in each other's company. Hours had passed and the dinner was over. People were beginning to depart and the hall was
becoming empty. Leila and Toddley hadn't realized until the one of Leila's acquaintances at work came to tell her goodbye. Toddley looked at his wrist watch and it was past 10pm already.
"We lost track of time" He said to her.
"Yeah. I need to head home. I'm tired" Leila replied standing to her feet. She was not actually tired but she had to get home. She had a husband waiting for her.
"It's okay. It was nice having your company around. We could do this some other time". Toddley replied with a satisfied smile. He stood up and began putting on his jacket that he had removed in the middle of their conversation.
"Yeah I'd love that". Leila replied with a matching smile. They both strolled out of the hall into the cool breeze of the night. They paused at the entrance.
"So, I could give you a lift?" Toddley offered. He didn't want to outrightly ask her if she had a car. He knew ninety percent that a woman of her status should be a car owner. He was only being a gentleman just in case she didn't come with it tonight.
"Thank you. I have my car with me". She replied proudly strolling towards the black Lexus LX 700h car version she just acquired. Toddley followed her. He helped her open the door and she stood behind it.
"I had a nice time Todd. Thank you".
"Me too"
"Goodnight. We'll see again" Leila replied not knowing what else to say. She would've loved to stay more but she couldn't. "Goodnight Leila. Drive safe". He hesitated a little before placing a light peck on her cheek.
Leila blushed. Her cheeks were red. She grinned, got into her car and drove off. Throughout her ride home, she smiled triumphantly. Toddley Jenga was now her friend. She had done it. Toddley smiled happily as he watched her drive off. He was glad with how far they'd come tonight. He was going to make sure he spent time with her again and that was the moment he
realized he didn't collect her phone number or any means by which he could reach her. He was angry with himself, he was a total mess. How could he forget something so important and basic as her phone number. Now he was back to stage one - looking for ways to meet her again.