Episode 8

Last updated on October 1st, 2024 at 07:03 am

The anticipation of Sundays has been high, but anticipating our date on Wednesday takes the cake. My colleagues literally called out my lack of focus on Tuesday and I couldn’t deny it. I want to share it with my girls but I also want to keep it to myself. In due time, they’ll know.

I drive into the compound, grab my bags, and rush to my door. I closed earlier today because of the date so I still have a few hours until he comes. I really don’t know what to expect because we haven’t contacted each other since Sunday night. I checked him on WhatsApp and saw an avatar as his profile picture. Does any guy have his picture on his profile again? I doubt he also posts on his status at all since I haven’t seen anything so far.

After eating, I go to take a shower and then play music as I get set for my first official date in more than three years not counting my solo dates. I contemplate going heavy on my makeup and decide against it since it’s not my style. I look at the time and it’s 5:30 pm. Thirty minutes left until he shows up at my entrance. I increase the fan and unravel my twist updo to pack my hair in a high bun. I coat my eyelashes and put on some earrings when my phone starts to ring. It can’t possibly be 6 yet. Is he calling to cancel? A pit forms in my stomach at this thought and I remind myself to remain calm.

“Hi!” I say, not able to help sounding upbeat.

“Wow, is this excitement all for me? I should have moved faster then.” He says and I laugh.

“It’s…” I look at the time now and see it’s 5:58 pm. “Oh, it’s almost six!”

“Yes. I’m outside.”

“Umm, do you want to come in? I’m almost done actually.”

“Do you want me to come in?”

“Sure,” I answer without hesitation and describe my flat to him.

I go to open the door when I hear a knock and I’m unprepared for the sight before me. He steps into the house and looks around, then turns to me and smiles.

“Good evening, Ibukun.” He says as I lock the door.

“Hi, Aiden.” I stand awkwardly.

“Come here.” He whispers and hugs me. His hug is warm and I want to get lost in it.

“How are you?” I ask as he releases me.

“I’m good.” He sings and I laugh. Laughter is really easy with him.

“Let me tidy up one or two, we should be out in five minutes.”

“Okay, ma.” He says already sitting on my couch and looking at me.

After seeing how good Aiden looks I’m glad I chose to wear my short lilac gown. It’s a lacey material and looks very classy. I strap on my heels, spritz perfume on my neck, the insides of my wrist and elbow, and grab my purse. I look at myself in the mirror once more and blow myself a kiss.

With Aiden, there’s no nervousness. Just a lot of excitement and familiarity. Maybe because we’re older. Speaking of which, I don’t know his age. I hope he’s at least 30. Omg! I hope he’s older. I panic a little.

—

We’re headed to the eatery that Aiden has planned, which I still don’t know.

“How old are you?” I eventually ask. He gazes at me briefly.

“Why did you ask? What’s going on in your head?”

“Just answer me.”

“Take a guess.”

“Umm, 29?”

“What?! Ibukun.”

“Are you younger? No, please.” I never considered his age but this date feels real and questions are popping up in my head. I deserve to know. He looks really young facially, but his build, style, charisma, and attitude are more mature. Anyone can learn that. He seems to be enjoying my panic but he doesn’t torture me.

“I’m 35, ma’am. Thirty. Five. Years. Old. The same month we met I clocked 35.”

“Wait. Was that the day you came late?” I ask before realising that I just sort of exposed myself. I’m about to tell him not to worry when he answers.

“You remember, Ibukun.”

“Well, there was someone staring at me at the eatery. I would notice when they are not there.” I feel the need to explain myself.

“Ibukun, it’s fine. Yes. It was my birthday and my friends dragged me out.”

“Okay,” I mumble almost pissed at myself.

“Hey, gorgeous. If it makes you better, I left my own party earlier because I needed to see a beautiful woman.”

“What? No wayyy.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He says as he turns to a street and to the gate of a building.

“I want to hear more about this,” I say clapping my hands. He comes to my side of the door and opens it.

“Ahnahn, a gentleman.” I tease.

“It’s our first official date.” He teases me and puts his hand on my lower back. I’m loving this too much to think of a retort, so I smile. We walk in silence into the beautiful compound. It looks like a private lounge or something. A few people are sitting in the compound which seems to be an open bar. The lights are dim and you can only make out the silhouette of the guests. 

As we’re about to enter the building, he says, “The difference between us is that I’m bold enough to tell you that I left my birthday party on time to see you and you’re not bold enough to tell me that you wanted to see me that night. I’m sure you were even sad when you didn’t see me.” I hate how wrong he is and I want to playfully hit his shoulder when a waitress comes to us.

“Good evening, sir and ma.”

“Good evening,” we both reply.

“Aiden Tanmi. I made a reservation earlier.”

…

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