TURNING 30

"Mom, I'm heading to work," Victoria waved as she left the house.

"I do hope when you come back home, it's with a man for introduction," her mother replied sharply.

Victoria rolled her eyes and walked out, thinking to herself, *"She's always like this-marriage, marriage, marriage. That's all she talks about. She married Dad, and he left her for some older woman, so why should she bother me?"*

Misplaced priorities, if you asked Victoria.

Victoria hailed a cab that took her to her first part-time job. She works four part-time jobs a day: starting as a newspaper delivery girl, then a salesgirl at a grocery shop, followed by teaching lessons to teenagers, and finally, a bartender at a bar before heading home to repeat it all the next day.

As she arrived at the bar after a long day, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and music. She served a final round of drinks, feeling the warmth of camaraderie around her. The bar's owner, a jovial fellow named Greg, nodded approvingly as he handed over her hard-earned wages.

Exhausted, Victoria stepped outside, longing for a taste of fresh air. Pulling out her phone, she hesitated before dialing.

"Hey," a familiar voice answered.

"Are you close to Rainbow Estate by any chance?" she asked.

"Well, I'm around the area. Want me to pick you up?" the voice replied.

"Yes, thanks," she said, ending the call.

Standing on the sidewalk, a black Porsche stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing her best friend, Daniel.

She walked over and slid into the passengers seat, featuring a sophisticated interior laced with the scent of leather and a hint of cedar.

"You look cute," he complimented, and she smiled back. "Thanks."

Daniel stopped the car in front of a restaurant, and Victoria raised an eyebrow at him. ""Let's eat. You must be starving after all those jobs," Daniel observed, scanning her tired expression.

"I ate. I told you I'm fine and can take care of myself," she replied.

"That's what you always say, even when it's a lie," he said.

"Let's just go in" she rolled her eyes.

"Fine, let's go," he said, getting out of the car. He tried to rush to her side to open the door, but she was already out.

"Can't you let me open the door for you at least once in your life?" he groaned, making her giggle.

He guided her through the restaurant, where the aroma of spicy fried rice and barbecued chicken swirled through the air.

Inside the restaurant, Daniel smiled as they sat down. "You look pretty."

"You already said that," Victoria laughed.

"Well, let's say your beauty keeps getting my attention," he winked, making her laugh even harder. "You're a headache."

While they were chatting, a waiter took their order and soon returned with jollof rice, fried chicken, plantain, and red wine. They enjoyed their meal until they were satisfied.

"Thanks," Victoria smiled as she got back into the car.

"You're welcome, my love," he replied with a smile.

"Who is your love?" she rolled eyes. "Go and get yourself a girlfriend and stop flirting."

"Why don't you be my girlfriend then?" Daniel teased.

"I'm getting out if you don't stop," she playfully glared.

He laughed and started the car. Soon, they arrived at Victoria's house. She got out and waved goodbye.

Daniel watched her enter the house, a smile on his face.

Victoria was greeted with a big hug from her younger brother. As she was about to climb the stairs, her mother, Juliet, came down.

"You're always with Daniel, but you two never show any romantic interest. What's your problem? Don't you want to get married? Seduce him so he can accept you," her mother insisted.

"Mom!" Victoria interrupted, "Please, I'm tired. Let me rest," she said, storming to her room and slamming the door.

"Stupid girl, you're almost 30. I'm advising you for your own good. Why not take the advice?,"You're almost 30! Time is running out."her mother shouted from the stairs.

Victoria could hear her loud and clear. She couldn't hold back the tears, thinking, *"I've been in several relationships, and they didn't turn out well. I decided to remain single, and it's been hell living here with her constant nagging."*

"I need to leave this house permanently," she thought, biting her lip to hold back her pain as she cried silently.

Victoria woke up, stretched, and yawned loudly, preparing for another day of work. As she was about to leave her room, she heard a car horn. She smiled and went downstairs, getting into Daniel's car.

"I'm serious about you leaving those jobs behind," he said as she got in, his brow slightly furrowed.

"I appreciate your concern, but I need the cash," she replied, resting her head against the seat

"No more arguing. Today is about you and your future," he insisted.

"You're quite bossy today," she teased. "What's your plan?"

"I have connections, remember?" He smirked playfully, eyes sparkling as they drove. "So what's this dream job of yours?"

"Prime," she whispered, her heart racing at the mere thought of it.

"I'll make that happen," he said, determination etched on his face. "You just have to trust me."

"You're delusional!" She laughed, shaking her head but secretly thrilled at the prospect.

"Can you just move the car already?" she said, playfully.

Daniel nodded and drove off

Victoria followed her usual routine as another evening approached. As she brought out her phone and contemplated calling Daniel, she decided against it, dropping the phone back into her bag and opting to take a cab home instead.

Hailing a cab, she climbed in, noticing the driver's gaze fixed on her through the rearview mirror. His distraction was evident as he forgot to start the car.

"Hello, aren't you supposed to be driving?" she remarked, trying her best to remain polite.

The driver snapped back to reality, quickly starting the car, though he continued to steal glances at her until they reached her gate.

As she exited the cab, Victoria attempted to pay him, but he refused with a smile. "How could I take money from such a pretty damsel like you?" he said, revealing a less-than-charming set of teeth.

Victoria managed to fake a smile, though her discomfort was apparent. As she turned to enter her house, the driver called out, "Hello."

"Could I have your number for... future rides?"

"Goodnight, sir!" she chirped quickly, scuttling toward her door. Her heart pounded, unsettled by the driver's gaze.

The driver lingered for a moment before driving off, his thoughts still fixated on Victoria, a smile playing on his lips

Once inside the safety of her home, she stripped off her work-clothes, seeking to wash away the day's discomfort. Just as she prepared for bed, her phone buzzed. It was Daniel.

"Hey, I've got good news!" he exclaimed cheerfully.

"Really? What is it?" she replied, heart soaring with anticipation.

"Check your email! I've sent you something."

Barely waiting, she unlocked her phone briskly. Her breath hitched as the message illuminated the screen:

"Dear Ms. Victoria, we appreciate your interest in joining Prime. We would like to invite you for an interview."

Her eyes widened in astonishment as she recognized the company name, "Prime," boldly highlighted in the email.

"How is this possible?" she whispered, her excitement palpable.

Immediately, she called Daniel back.

"How did you do it? Wow, thank you!" she exclaimed, overwhelmed with joy.

"Calm down," he laughed.

"But how?" she pressed.

"I have connections. You have no idea who your bestie is in the business world," he teased.

"Oh, please, let those without connections breathe," she replied sarcastically.

"What are you saying? You have me. I'm your connection. Anything you need, I'm here," he assured her.

"Thanks, see you tomorrow," she said, ending the call.

Victoria couldn't stop smiling as she reread the message. The interview was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., and she knew she needed to prepare. Energized by the opportunity, she began organizing everything she would need for the big day.