Chapter 1: Chapter 1

"Tamera, I think I will consider registering on a dating site?" Lola spoke to her friend on the phone as she tried to cross the road on Beethoven street where her office is located.

Tamera laughed into the phone, knowing Lola will never do such, not that Lola is against anyone finding love on the internet but she was not just comfortable with the idea of a stranger accessing her profile like she was merchandise displayed, on auction sales. She says that much to Tamera anytime she suggested they visit a dating site to get her a man just for the fun of it. Tamera likes to suggest they go on dating sites often just to watch her friend’s dramatic response, the way Lola says it, is one of the most hilarious things she ever heard. Even now she is giggling at the unimaginable picture of poise and dignified Lola being one of the wares at an auction. But she responded with laughter in her voice “Someone must be getting desperate”

"Tamera, all the good men are taken"

"There is still somebody out there for you my dear girl"

"Easy for you to say when you already have that fine husband of yours”

"Lola, I just need you to believe me that someone better than my Ben is waiting somewhere to hook you up; and make you his forever soul mate.

Lola's romantic heart already conjuring up the picture of a handsome man sweeping her off her feet, she was lost in her romantic fantasy that it took the screech of the tires on the tarred street and the sharp brakes of the Black Cadillac to jog her back from wonderland.

"Watch where you are going crazy woman" the driver screamed at her before speeding away.

Lola was in shock that she had to wait to catch her breath for a little while on the other side of the road to get her composure

"Lola, are you still there? Tamera asked her friend in concern.

“Yes, Tam” She patted her face gently to clean the bead of perspiration that has nothing to do with the hot Miami sun and everything to do with her narrow escape.

She could hear her friend breathe a sigh of relief, "but what just happened?

I heard a car screech"

"I think I almost got hit by a car but I'm fine now."

"You're sure you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Tam.

“Where are you?”

“I’m coming from Cherry’s café, on my way from lunch.”

“Please be careful, a lot of crazy people out there.”

“Thanks, Tam, I will talk to you later.”

Lola was grateful for the relationship she shared with Tamera. They were formally colleagues at work but their relationship had metamorphosed into a solid friendship and gradually they become sisters. She had thought that marriage would affect their relationship, but she was wrong, even after Tamera got married to Ben; and they both were still solid. And even when Tamera got pregnant with her first child she had learned a few things from her friend in preparation for when she also has a child of her own, a wish she cannot wait to come to pass.

"Alright, dear take care," Tamera said before she hung up.

Lola disconnected the call and walked the short distance to her office building. She was a little fazed by the near accident, she wondered what would have happened if that driver had not pressed on the brakes on time? Thank God she is fine she thought as she swayed her tiny hips to the elevator.

Lola Peterson is a gorgeous lady, when you want an epitome of beauty and brains then you have got the right person in Lola. She is the Head Digital Marketer/ Social Media content creator for Cola Drinks and Beverages. She loved her work because she not only found the job interesting but entertaining. She got to manage the online clients, monitor their product sales through analytics. She was the face behind the Cola brand online and that in itself was enthralling to her. No moment of boredom in the digital sales/ marketing department new hurdle to conquer each time.

She smiled and waved at Catherine, the ground-floor receptionist as she entered the office lobby, “Hello Catherine how are you today?”

“I’m fine Lola. Thank you,” she smiled and waved back. Lola was admiring and envying the gold ring on Catherine’s finger. She wondered if it was possible to admire and envy someone at the same time.

The girl was just barely out of college at Twenty-five and she was already engaged to the love of her life to be married soon. It was just a couple of Friday back that the guy had called the office during the happy hour to stage a surprising proposal cum anniversary of their relationship with the young lady. It was so romantic that it touched a place in Lola's heart and she got a misty eye for a bit. She had prayed her fiancé would be as romantic as Catherine's. Stepping into the elevator, thankful she had a moment to herself but before she got to her floor the elevator swung open and Mr. Franklin – The Regional Head stepped in.

Hello, Franklin, she said with a glance his way.

Well, if it is not the most eligible spinster in Miami, he said in sarcasm.

Frank had the reputation for being the lady's man, notorious for chasing anything in skirts. Lola had almost fallen into his trap in desperation but Tamera told her the man liked to keep his marriage secrete so he could easily lure ladies into his seductive web.

Franklin attracted the ladies like a magnet; he is the handsome rich boy kind of guy. You know those guys who view themselves as a blessing to the women folks.

Lola was all poise and grace but her eyes shot dagger at him, and she kept a decent distance from him; since both of them were the only ones in the elevator.

“How about dinner tonight?” He leered at Lola, rolling his tongue over his lips.

She was disgusted by that singular act. "In your dreams, Frank, she said with a smirk on her beautiful lips.

The ding beep of the elevator punctuated her words. "That's my cue," she said with a shrug as she stepped out of the elevator

"You can't blame a man for trying," he called after her.

“Keep dreaming Frank” she threw over her shoulder just before the elevator closed behind her.

She shook her head in disgust, wondering the reason some Bosses just like to disrespect themselves in the corporate environment, swaying to her office in a gait that will give the runway models a run for their money.

Lola at twenty-nine years old is a beautiful and well-accomplished Lady. She is tall and well curved with her long hair, thick eyelashes shielding liquid brown eyes, and full lips. She's simply outstanding; this made everyone wonder why she was not hooked yet. She's only biding her time and keeping herself for the right guy.

She opened her laptop immediately she sat at her desk and was tempted to search for a dating site for real, even if it was just to ward off stray dogs like Franklin. She toyed with a site that popped an advert on her system some time ago.

She entered "hookmeup.com" into the web browser and the page opened. She registered her user’s name as “Rose Petals” she used a rose as her profile picture. She could not afford to disclose her identity to a bunch of strangers. It’s bad enough that she was registered on a dating site she thought. A phone call came in and the site was forgotten as she was once again swamped with work.

Collins Price was a little nervous but he knew he had to do this tonight before his courage failed him. He had been dating Sandra for the past three years. He met Sandra at a friend’s party and they were introduced and had been dating since.

Sandra Sampson gave a new definition to the phrase- life of the party. She is bubbly entertaining and fun to be with, she is his direct opposite. The more reason why he thought both of them would make a great couple. He thought as he excused himself to the gents the third time in a row since they sat at the small but classy restaurant. His long stride carried him to the gents.

Collins entered the restroom and stared at his image in the mirror. He is not a bad-looking guy. Ladies had thrown themselves at his feet but he is a one-woman kind of guy. His friends envied his looks and even lamented once in a while what they could do to girls with a look like his, "but I just don't have the energy required to handle more than one lady at a time." He muttered to his image in the mirror, like right now, he didn't need the restroom but he was there because he needed to rehearse his proposal to make sure everything was perfect. Collin was a sucker for perfection, which was a quality that helped him along in his business making Transco Engineering and Construction one of the most sorts after in his industry.

Sandra wondered what was wrong with Collins tonight he had been acting strangely; she hoped everything was alright with them she thought as she admired his retreating back. Collins had the striking look of a playboy with towering height, a broad shoulder, and a well-built physique. His look was what attracted her to him in the first place. She was almost having an orgasm just by looking at him the first day they were introduced. You know the Collin Farrell kind of look. Right now, he filled out the black jacket that lay beautifully on his body. His dark hair cut in style to suit the trends, with thick dark tendrils falling to caress his thick brow. The guy is darn handsome. His looks and money were the things she would miss the most if they ever parted ways. He is so hot that her friends just call him her hot boyfriend. But his personality was one thing she would need help with, Collin, unlike his movie star namesake is too cool for her liking. She watched him again as he made the return trip from the gents. Sandra could see that he was the center of attraction of every lady in the room. That’s the effect Collin had on people.

Collin looked lovingly at Sandra; he had the conviction that she would accept his proposal. The two of them will make a lovely couple. Sandra was the combination of the wind and the storm, contrary to his peaceful gentle flowing stream nature. Some of his engineer friends at Transco Engineering and Construction where he was a partner told him he might not be able to handle Sandra but he had proven them wrong or so he thought by dating her for the past three years, now he would take their relationship to the next level. He gently patted the ring boring a hole in his trouser pocket.

Collin had never felt proposed to a girl in his entire thirty-three years of age, and he hoped this would be the last time. When he got to his seat, he requested Sandra’s hand and pulled her up to stand before him. He already made arrangements with the management of the restaurant in the heart of Miami to play Sandra’s favorite song- I want to know what love is by Mariah Carrey.

Sandra followed his lead, assuming he wanted to dance with her, but when he just stood there looking into her eyes all confident and handsome like a tall glass of chilled baileys to a parched throat on a hot Miami afternoon. She wondered what he was up to.

“From the moment I met you, you have been the reason I wake up from my bed every morning enthused to meet the day.” He paused for effect judging Sandra’s expression. Collin appeared confident to an onlooker but he was a mass of nerves on the inside.

“Collins, what are you doing,” she whispered to him. Sandra looked nervously around her, and just like she guessed they were beginning to attract the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

Collins ignored her interruption but continued. “I know I will find no other woman that will make me feel the way you do.” He gently lowered his tall frame on one knee.

By now Sandra’s discomfort was obvious but He thought it to be just shyness and amazement.

“Sandra Sampson, will you make the happiest man by accepting to be my wife?”

She was shocked and not expecting his proposal. Yes, Collins is a big fish, he had everything going for him, but does she want to marry a personality like Collins? She needed an adventurous man. She thought as she looked at this beautiful man waiting for her response. She liked him and might even love him, but Sandra doubts her readiness for such commitment at this point in her life. She was stuck between the rock and a very hard place. She did not want to embarrass Collin but she would not rub herself of happiness as well, whenever she decided to marry someone it would not be out of pity but from wanting to happily spend the rest of her life with the person. What she felt right now, is far from happy acceptance.

Collin was already growing uncomfortable on his knees, and he could hear catcalls and mouth whistling, “Say yes” someone even said from their audience. But he maintained his position, smiling not so confidently now, and waiting for Sandra’s response.

A tear fell from Sandra’s eyes

Collins saw it and silently asked himself, it must be a good sign, right? When girls tear up after being proposed to, it was gradually becoming debasingly quiet, as everyone watched with enthusiasm at the drama unfolding before their very eyes.

Perspiration beaded on Collins's face, his eyes searching Sandra’s willing her to accept his proposal and save him the embarrassment.

She shook her head gently, more tears dropping from her eyes, I’m sorry Collin” she said, dashing out of the restaurant leaving a chorused “oh…. oh…. oh….” in her wake, and the gentleman in shock and still on his knees.

Sandra was already out before what just happened registered with Collins. Did he just got dumped and rejected in a public restaurant?

He got to his feet and observed the sea of pitying eyes looking at him. He took his purse out of his jacket pocket, settled the bill with plenty of tips for the waiter before striding after his runaway girlfriend. They will get over it, he thought about his entertained restaurant audience. “This kind of thing happens all the time” he muttered as a way of salvaging his shattered ego.

Lola pitied the poor man, watching from the corner of the room. She never believed the proposal that started so beautifully with a romantic ambiance could turn sour. Whatever the girl’s reason for rejecting his proposal was best known to her and probably justified. She had needed a quiet evening to herself after work, so had decided to treat herself to a nice dinner, who knows she might just meet her Mr. Right, she must admit that the dumped guy looked attractive. Why does she have the dumped guy and Mr. Right, in the same breath? Lola tried to take the evening’s event from her mind, but her traitor mind kept wondering to the devastating look on the “dumped Mr. hot guy”