The day was beautiful. He arrived at exactly six o'clock to pick her up and complimented her outfit. The shopping she had done earlier proved useful, as she wore her new Perphy strappy sandals and her Heiress Beverly Hills classy yet edgy black gown. Black is a color that can never go wrong, after all.
She was so confident in her appearance that she believed everything she had told Sunday, the security guy, went in one ear and out the other. Stepping out of her apartment with admiring eyes, he commented, "My God! Aunty you look very good ma! Maka chukwu’m n’ile!." She felt great and proud of herself, with her inner self giving her a pat on the back and saying, "Well done!" Her date also seemed pleased, as he wore a huge smile on his face throughout their peaceful yet charged ride to the restaurant. They listened to Asa's album on the way there.
Traffic was light when they arrived thirty minutes later. He gallantly pulled out a chair for her to sit while she caught a whiff of his perfume, causing her inner self to raise an eyebrow in surprise. "He smells so edible, goodness Lord! Okay girl! Rein it in,” she thought, smiling gracefully as she took a seat.
She placed both of her phones on the table, but soon changed her mind and put them in her bag.
He must have noticed because he promptly switched off his phones and placed them in his jacket pocket. Though he wasn't looking at her, she couldn't help but watch him and admire what she saw. Her inner self whispered, "At this point, I hit the right car!" She chuckled inwardly and inquired about the car, to which he replied that the mechanic was taking care of it. She wanted to apologize again, but decided to let it go. He asked about Kerri, and she responded that Kerri was doing well, but quickly asked how he knew about her. He reminded her that it was Kerri who had been calling her non-stop on the day they had collided. She let out an "oooohhh" and laughed at the memory.
The waiter, as if on cue, came to take their order. She placed her order, and he settled for the same after going through the menu. He made a joke about how it was wise to order the same as the woman so she wouldn’t take out of his food, she chuckled and said “you’d be surprised.”
They spoke about their work. 'Now I understand why your name has been ringing in my head,' he exclaimed in admiration. 'You are the one responsible for that new tea spot in Lekki. I have seen your work!' He gave a surprised laugh. 'Do you know I have always wanted to meet the person behind the work? Now you're here.'
'Small world,' she said.
'Yes, indeed,' he replied.
She remembered the Tea house project quite well. She had hounded Ada’s husband for the project manager's number and followed up on it to impress. Of course, now she didn't have to hound anyone because her work spoke for her.
They discussed his work line. She found out he bought houses, remodeled them to his taste, and sold them off again.
'Matter of fact, I wanted to commission your company for a lounge I revamped earlier this year, but your company line was not connecting.'
'That must have been the time they barred our line for a bit.' Thanks to her staff back then, it had taken the office line getting barred for the intern to inform her that her NIN was required.
They discussed their spirituality, and she noticed that despite the confident persona he projected, he was a simple guy and a man deeply devoted to God. He mentioned attending a small fellowship where they focused on the pure teachings of God's word and offered to bring her along if she was interested.
As he spoke, she couldn't help but wonder if he could be the one, as he seemed to possess all the qualities on her mental checklist of a good man. Her inner self felt an exhilarating rush, and she practically danced in delight. By the time they finished their meal, it felt as though they had known each other forever. His infectious laughter and compliments about her smile only deepened her appreciation for him.
She learned that he was an only child, living apart from his parents. From the way he spoke about his father, it was clear that he greatly admired and looked up to him. He also mentioned that his mother was a driving force behind his pursuit of success.
They left the restaurant in high spirits and he drove her back to the house. How could she describe how she felt better than relaxed and elated. On their way to her house, she checked her phone, 12 missed calls, two from her mum, three from her brother, one each from Ese, Kerri and Ada and the rest from unknown callers. She called her brother back
“My sweetest brother!, I missed your call”
“Don’t sweet me brother. I just left your house, your mother gave me some material to give you and I called you several times”
She could sense the mild frustration in his voice.
'I'm sorry, but I thought I told Mum I'll come get it instead? Anyways I'm sorry. Have you gone far?'
'Yhup, and no, I can't turn back, but I'll find a way to get it to you somehow. What's it about, sef?'
'Our neighbor's daughter is getting married, and she insists I come too, that I'll find a man there.' She said this in air quotes. Emeka gave a soft chuckle. 'Seriously bro, you need to wife your girl so Mum will get off my back, at least for a while.'
'Ahahah that is not happening anytime soon.'
“Anyhow sha I will get it from you, got to go, bye.”
“Sorry that was my brother”, she said as she ended the call.
“Hmmm I figured.” Seems he had more to say but kept it to himself.
She noticed they were getting closer to her gate.
“I really had fun this evening and it was nice hanging out with you”, she said once they parked in front of her building.
"Same here. Does that mean you wouldn't mind doing this again? Maybe soon?" He smiled, his voice soft.
She smiled shyly and nodded, saying, "Yes, soon would be nice."
D’Angelo’s "Brown Sugar" played softly in the background.
Both remained silent.
"So I'll..."
"I guess we'll..."
They laughed, realizing they had spoken simultaneously.
"You were going to say?" She encouraged him to go first.
"I was going to say I'll call you later this evening," he said.
"Oh, yes, sure. I'll be expecting your call then," she replied softly.
She opened the door and stepped out.
"Drive safely," she said, waving as he drove away.
"Come on, D, get a grip! Your thirst is showing," she thought, smiling as she turned to knock at her gate.
Dear Lord, I really like this one. I know it's too soon, but please help your daughter out. Let him be the one. She silently prayed and entered the compound as the gateman opened the gate for her.
Time to call the girls and give them a full upload on her date!
