Amara looked at herself in the bathroom mirror for the last time. Then she adjusted her cheap gown and took a deep breath. Trying so hard to fight away her nervousness. And when she was sure she could handle the number of shimmering chandeliers, people dressed in suits that cost more than her entire salary, or the scent of exotic perfumes that'll linger in the air in an exclusive event, she wasn't even invited to. Adjusting herself for the last time she made her way out the door.
"You can do this", she kept whispering to herself. Her hands were gripped tight on the costly leather bag she had borrowed from one of her rich friends. She had just one chance left to get her client to sign the proposal, which was in her bag, or risk losing her job.
"I kid you not. This is your last chance or you're out," her boss's voice kept echoing in her ear. It was a delicate sink-or-swim situation, and Amara was determined not to drown.
She got to the hall of the event and standing at the corner attending to his guests was her client, Mr. Jide Alade, a business tycoon and everyone knew that with his wealth and affluence, just his signature could save not just her job but her company too. He stood there laughing and dressed in his black tuxedo with his greying hair slicked back. His appearance alone reeked of wealth.
Immediately, Amara knew she had to take the risk even though she didn't know how to impress someone as wealthy as Mr Jide. Already, she had nothing to lose. Her son's school fees were not paid yet, nor was her house rent.
Her eyes moved from Mr Jide to the sparkling decoration in the hall. The decorations were complimented with sparkling gowns of the rich ladies in the room and the well-tailored tuxedos of the men as laughter echoed in the room. There was a live jazz band giving a rendition of soft melodic tunes. While the waiters serve guests with champagne in glass.
"You've got this" she motivated herself one last time and walked towards Mr Jide.
Luckily for her, all the guests surrounding him left before she could get there. Giving her the space she needed to pitch her idea.
"Excuse me, sir, Mr Jide," she said, grabbing a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by and maintaining her composure. Her voice shook slightly but she covered it with a smile.
"Hello, beautiful one." Mr Jide politely replied, turning to see who it was. "Do I know you?" He asked.
"I don't think so. But my name is Amara Okonkwo. This might be unprofessional but I have a proposal I believe will be of interest to you"
Mr Jide chuckled. "A proposal? This is a party jot the boardroom"
"I know that sir, but I believe our company is what you need. Which is why you need to hear me out" She pleaded.
"Enjoy the party", Mr Jide said, ending the conversation and trying to walk off.
But Amara wasn't giving up "Sir, I understand you’re looking for a reliable partner for your upcoming projects."
Mr Jide stopped then he spun around. "Mrs .." he tried remembering her name.
"Okonkwo," Amara answered.
"Fine, but do you know how many people try to pitch me their ideas at a party? A party?" He stressed the last word.
“Probably a lot,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing. “But none of them are as desperate as I am.”
Mr Jide sighed. Somehow, that caught his attention, and truly, Amara looked desperate, and it showed in her eyes. "Alright, let me hear you".
With a smile, "Sir, I'm just a single mother trying to make ends meet to keep a roof over my son's head. I know business shouldn't be done out of pity but I need this deal more than anyone else in this room. I’ll work harder than anyone else to prove that we’re worth it.”
"But you haven't even said anything to get my interest." Mr Jide shrugged his shoulders.
"I know you must have heard a lot of pitches tonight. But if you partner with us, we promise to provide solutions well-tailored to your needs, just like your tuxedo. We have a track record of saving costs and maximising profit. Also, I'm not here to sell our service to you; I'm offering you a partnership that gives you a say at the table." Amara said, her pitch short but the best she could give at that time considering how nervous she was.
Mr Jide was silent for a few seconds. He only kept nodding and smiling in admiration. "You've got guts, really, Mrs. Okonkwo. Your pitch wasn't all that, but I'm willing to give you and your company a shot because of the effort you've put in tonight. Call my office tomorrow, and we'll look at those papers, and maybe we might strike a deal. But for tonight, let's party," Mr Jide said, then he turned and left to attend to other guests.
Amara nearly screamed with excitement “Thank you, sir,” she said, hope flickering again inside her.
As Mr Jide walked away Amara gulped on her glass of champagne. For the first time in months, she felt alive. She had always promised herself to do her best to swim every time. And tonight, she raised her glass to achieve that again.
[Image Source](Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-looking-at-the-mirror-6719090/).
A woman who doesn't give up so easily, Amara got what she wanted after swimming so much. Perseverance achieves what we set out to do. An interesting story.
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Excellent day.