7

Duke and Carla were riding in the back seat of their SUV. The driver drove smoothly along the streets around their residential area as he navigated the vehicle toward one of the main city roads.

They passed by a billboard that featured Duke’s campaign poster. Across the road was his opponent’s campaign poster.

Duke eyed both posters and sighed. “She is going to ruin my career.” He bitterly lamented.

“I am beginning to see things the way you do,” Carla confessed as their vehicle progressed further.

“I’m glad to hear that, Sweetheart,” Duke replied. “Anyway, I have been wondering where I can quickly find a young man who can be able to handle Andra. I mean, from what profession? Perhaps a uniformed person? Because he needs to be strong.”

“Certainly, he needs to be.” Carla agreed.

“Exactly. Perhaps a military man, air force, navy, or a cop.”

“I agree that’s where you can find tough and disciplined guys, because of their training but you will agree with me that toughness can also do with personality. My army uncle is the gentlest man I know. Some of his friends are the same way.”

Duke considered her point for a moment and saw sense in what she was saying. “That’s true.” He acknowledged. “That means we have to broaden our options.”

“Exactly. So, we can look at an engineer as well.”

“Engineer sounds better than a doctor. Doctors’ profession mostly influences them to be cool. That’s not good for Andra at all.”

“You have a point. We don’t need anyone she can just walk all over.”

“But like you earlier pointed out, it has to do with personality, so we cannot be closed-minded.”

“I agree.”

The couple was silent in their thoughts for a while.

“Have you thought of anyone?” Duke asked. “I’m serious about this.”

“I will have to do some research too.” She said and they both gasped as the car jerked and slowed down with random jerks.

The driver managed to move the car to the nearest curb before the car stopped moving.

“What is wrong?” Duke asked the driver.

“I don’t know Sir. We will need the mechanic.”

“I cannot be late for my meeting.”

Carla picked up her phone. “I will call him.” She said, dialing the mechanic’s number. As soon as he received the call, she explained their situation and described their location.

Duke was pressing buttons on his phone by the time she was done with the arrangement. “I have contacted an uber.” He informed her. “He should be here soon.”

“Okay, that’s good.”

“Hopefully, he won’t waste time.”

“You know they barely do. Don’t worry.” Carla encouraged him.

They waited in silence for a while and soon enough, a neat dark grey car showed up behind them and parked by the curb. A horn from the car called to them and Duke informed Carla it was the ride he was expecting.

“Okay.” She said.

“Let’s go.”

Carla hesitated. “Why don’t I wait here for the mechanic and supervise things.” She suggested.

“The driver can do that on his own.”

“The truth is, I will rather be here. You know how I find your political meetings boring. No offense, Honey.”

“None taken.” He replied, smiling as she gently patted him on the shoulder.

“We will come and get you when you’re ready.”

“Fine. I understand. See you later, and thanks.” He kissed her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Duke left them and walked over to the waiting uber. Once he got inside, he was impressed by the neat vehicle and the sweet aroma of the air freshener.

“Good morning, Sir,” The uber driver greeted him politely.

“Good morning,” Duke responded, impressed with his manners and he was more impressed by the user’s appearance.

He was a young man, probably in his late twenties. He was wearing a pristine white shirt, but Duke could not see the rest of his outfit since he was seated. But Duke could tell that he was tall and looked athletic with a handsome face that even fellow men would envy.

The reason such guys are envied by fellow men was that it was understood that such guys would easily get all the girls.

Duke hoped the young man was single. He didn’t want to ruin anybody’s romantic relationship. He also hoped the young man was as tough as he looked, despite his polite manners. This was because he believed he just may have found the right man to marry that stubborn daughter of his. He knew that it was too early to hope but he chose to be hopeful.

He knew that Andra probably thought he was not serious about his threat this time. She thought she would continue to make his life a living hell. Well, he could not wait to shock her. He managed to hide a self-satisfied smile. He could not afford to count his chickens before the hatching of the eggs. First, he had to get to know the young man who he was hoping would be able to handle Andra so he could concentrate on his career.

The driver started the car and hit the road.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll be needing your services all day,” Duke told him.

“That is fine by me, Sir.” He replied. “In that case, I will suggest that we do this offline to save cost.”

Duke smiled, enthralled with the guy already. He fervently hoped the man was single. “Thank you.” He said.

“You’re welcome.”

Duke’s thoughts were momentarily distracted by the heat starting to flood his system. He checked the windows and saw that they were open.

“Is something wrong with your air conditioner?” he inquired.

“No sir. It’s just that I am yet to fill up the gas.”

“Well, you have to do that now, because I cannot bear this heat.”

“Um…I will have to do that later after I receive your payment, sir.

Duke liked that the man was direct. Most times, the such characteristic was found in straightforward people. And straightforward hinted at dependability, a rare trait among people.

“Don’t worry about that part. I will cover the cost.” Duke offered.

“Oh, thank you, but no.” he politely declined Duke’s offer.

“I insist.”

“No, please, I can refill. I’ll just have to do it after I drop you off. By the time I’m coming to pick you up, it will be done.”

Duke nodded. Again, the guy had just scored another positive point with him. Duke was sure the man was not the type to be easily pushed around. This was indeed the right man for Andra. He resisted the urge to snigger with triumph. He just had to get to know the man and make his offer as soon as possible. Andra won’t see it coming. He would show her that he was the parent and not the other way around.