For the first time since my previous relationship ended, I sang a series of love songs while in the shower, and my excitement knew no bounds as I thought about going on my first date after many months.
My voice echoed off the shower walls, and my neighbors must be wondering why I revisited my old habit after a while. It's fair to call singing in the shower my obsession, but it stopped after being served breakfast on a platter of gold by someone who claimed to love me wholeheartedly.
Love Is Wicked by Brick and Lace became my anthem; I put it on replay on my devices but wouldn't sing along to prevent myself from crying. Thinking about the past made me sick, but not anymore since I have found the strength to love again.
It happened like a miracle when I met Moyinoluwa at the shopping mall; we exchanged contacts, and that was all. She became a relief to my wounded heart even as a friend. We talk about so many things every day; we support and comfort each other on bad days, and I thought of taking things to the next stage, or wouldn't you have done the same?
Although I know a lot about Moyinoluwa already, I knew there were so many things I didn't know, and going on a few dates will help a lot. I contemplated on it a lot of times and finally asked her on a date. As expected, she said yes, and it made me happy.
I gave her the honor of choosing wherever she wanted, and her choice was perfect. I went out in something very comfortable as usual and couldn't wait to meet her again for the second time since the first meeting at the mall.
"Hey dear, I am almost at the place. Don't forget our bet." I dropped a voice note while driving, and she reacted with a love emoji.
I kept blushing all through the trip and finally arrived there. I readjusted my dress, brushed my hair again, and sprayed perfume.
"Welcome to Neoxian City Lounge," The doorman greeted, and I felt heads turning in my direction. It was quite understandable because I came out looking irresistible, but just for Moyinoluwa.
I texted her and was surprised to know she arrived there before me. I went straight to her table and was stunned to see an older woman at the same table.
"You lost; I hope you came with my chocolate?" Moyinoluwa smiled and stood from her seat to hug me.
"You deceived me, so there's no chocolate," I replied, opening my arms to receive her.
"A bet is a bet. It doesn't seem like you are a man of your word." The woman sitting at the table interrupted our greeting.
"And you are?" I asked, unwrapping my arms around Moyinoluwa.
"I forgot to mention that my aunt will come with me," Moyinoluwa replied.
"Oh, okay. Good evening, ma." I bowed my head, wondering why Moyinoluwa brought a third party to a date.
"My son, how are you doing? My daughter has said so many things about you," she replied, and I had to fake a smile just to make her feel welcomed.
"I am fine and happy to meet you," I replied, still forcefully wearing a smile.
"What do you do? Moyinoluwa said you are a doctor, but I need to hear from the horse's mouth," she said, signaling the waiter to come over.
"Yes, I am a surgeon. I operate on sick people," I replied, staring at Moyinoluwa.
"Surgeons are rich people; my daughter is lucky. We are not poor too; I hope she told you how rich we are." She replied, and I just smiled before excusing myself from the table.
I went straight back to my car and texted Moyinoluwa to meet me outside.
She arrived a few minutes later smiling, and I don't understand why.
"This isn't funny," I stuttered.
"I know it's not, but this is our tradition. My aunt follows me to every first date just to be sure I am safe," she replied.
"Really? That means you don't trust me," I replied.
"This has nothing to do with trust," she replied, taking a few steps closer.
"I grew in my aunt's hand because Mom didn't survive the delivery. She has taken care of me up till now, and there is nothing happening between me and any man without her consent," Moyinoluwa added.
"Wow, that's cool. You never mentioned all of this before now," I replied.
"I'm sorry, okay? Can we go back inside now?" she asked.
"Yes, I will join you shortly. Let me just make a quick call," I replied, and Moyinoluwa went back inside.
I was stuck between the thought of leaving or going back inside, and I finally made up my mind to join them at the table again.
Upon getting in, Moyinoluwa had made a food order on my behalf, and I was boiling deep inside me.
I didn't touch the food, not because I didn't like it at all but because I had to answer questions all through the time spent on the date. I and Moyinoluwa barely said anything to each other, and it's more annoying to see her watch her aunt do all the talking.
Finally, the date was over, and it felt like I had just completed a five-hour surgery session. I felt exhausted and regretted bringing myself out, thinking I was going on a real date.
"Thanks for everything; I really enjoyed our first date," Moyinoluwa said to me as we walked side by side out of the lounge.
"A date or interview session?" I whispered.
"It would just be us the next time," she replied and hugged me before leaving but that didn't change how angry I was.
It's been three days now, and I am still thinking if dating Moyinoluwa is a good idea.