Episode 7

Last updated on October 1st, 2024 at 07:32 am

Sunday has become my favourite day of the week, for obvious reasons. Not that the cause of this feeling is even aware, because, for whatever reason, I’m intent on making it difficult for Mr. Luke, sorry, Aiden. It’s unlike me, I usually go for what I want, I don’t hide my feelings but I’m really making Aiden go through it.

By an unspoken rule, we’ve been meeting at the eatery for weeks now and I always look forward to the next Sunday as soon as I leave the eatery. My weekdays are spent anticipating my Sundays. We discuss, and share things, and I’ve even started morning walks and pilates as an alternative to going to the gym. During one of our conversations, he told me that he once modelled when he was in the university and a few years after he graduated. Now he’s an elite insurance sales guy.

We’re sitting in our usual spot tonight again and he’s just told me some of his likes and dislikes. He dislikes dishonesty. It’s a dealbreaker for him in every type of relationship, even familial. I mull over it and remember that I’ve not told him that I was once married. Not that it matters since we’re just friends. Right?

“When do I get my first official date, Ibukun?” He asks, bringing me back to reality. This is the first time he’s called my name and it sounds so melodic that I want to tell him to repeat it so I can record it. I’m off my game, something is happening.

“Umm…”

“This is our seventh Sunday together.”

“Wait, what? Have you been counting?”

“Yes, ma’am. Been counting from the first day I saw you. Grateful for the spirit of laziness that entered me and made me come here.” For someone who eats so little, Aiden enjoys cooking. He said he used to be the home cook until he moved out of his parents’ house. The day he came here was his first time here. He got home late unusually, was too lazy to cook, and had to come and get dinner.

“I hope I’m not influencing you negatively. You should stay home and cook.”

“Back to the subject, wise ass.” He smiles. I give him a small smile and stick out my tongue.

“Well, we didn’t start talking until like the third Sunday or so.”

“Ma’am, every Sunday has been special to me.”

“Umm,”

“Nothing to say? Okay. Wednesday, dress lovely, I’ll pick you up from your house at 6 pm and return you home.” He takes my phone, turns it to my face to unlock it, and does something, then his phone rings. He smiles. These addictive smiles. “So, you have my number. Text me your address. Before Wednesday.”

“What makes you think I’m free on that day?”

“Are you not?”

“Well,”

“You enjoy making this tough, not so?”

“It’s not that. It’s just-”

“Remember my little note?” Not that I’ll ever admit this, but after squeezing his note, I didn’t throw it away. I later unfolded it and smoothened it out on my nightstand a few days later. It’s been on my nightstand since then.

“What about it?” I probe. He smiles.

“What if I have a man?” I ask.

“I know you don’t. You couldn’t have devoted over a month to our unofficial dates if there was a man. Still, is there a man?”

“It’s better that you asked. Arrogance is not a nice trait.”

“Ibukun.”

“It’s not like we talked about it now,” I say petulantly getting a high from his reaction.

Really?” He whispers putting his elbow on the table. I roll my eyes in response. I’m acting like a child, I know but I like it. He looks away and back to me. Then he gets up and comes to sit on my side of the table then moves close, so close. It’s my turn to get worked up, only that I start to melt instead. He’s never been this close to me.

“Answer my question, Ibukun or I start tickling you right now.” He whispers in my ear. To the average person, he is telling me something private. But we both know what’s happening here.

“Ok ok,” I say and clear my throat. He smiles and goes back to his initial position.

“Okay?” He asks with a smirk on his face.

“There’s no one.”

“Good girl.” I think I see his shoulders loosen up. We remain in silence for a while. I enjoy this comfortable silence, there’s no need to fill it with any noise. He looks at his wristwatch.

“You should get going, it’s getting late.” I look at the clock and it’s an hour my past my usual time. 

“Wow!”

“Yeah, you were too busy being naughty to notice.” He replies. I start to pack my things and feel my heart sink a little. I don’t want to leave yet. It’s really late though. We both walk out of the eatery to my car. He puts his hand on the car roof as I settle in.

“Send me your address, latest by tomorrow.” He says as I look at him.

“Okay,” I answer, hoping my voice doesn’t reflect my emotions. He nods.

“And Ibukun, lying by omission is a thing.” I nod and strap my seat belt.

“Good night.”

“Good night, gorgeous.” I watch him walk to his car as I shut my door. We both know he won’t drive out until I do.

At home, I check and see that he saved his number as ‘My Forever.’ Joker. I quickly type my address and send it to him. I’ll change his contact later. My phone beeps a few minutes later and I see it’s a message from him.

Sweet dreams, gorgeous. And I smile, sheepishly.

…

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