Leroy loved going to church. It was just that on most occasions, he caught 'Saturday Fever' which prevented him from attending. All that was about to change. For Leroy believed he had found the perfect motivation.
Last night had gone even way better than he could have hoped for. It was true he had missed the awards show but that paled in comparison to the company of none other but Nadia Asare. Leroy closed his eyes and earnestly prayed to God. She was the woman he needed in his life and to think that all along she had been a cousin of Darryl's. What were the odds?
He wondered why Darryl had never introduced his cousin prior to this moment. Then again, Darryl rarely talked about his family and his relations. He was often silent about that. Leroy was aware that Darryl had initially had a falling out with his father over the choice of his career. Over the past few years, however, Leroy was aware that Darryl had tried to patch things up. He was unable to tell if Darryl's efforts had yielded any results. Darryl was usually silent about matters concerning his father. Theirs was a strange relationship, Leroy mused.
Throughout the service, he could not help but search for Nadia. Last night, he had invited her to attend church here. She had accepted and told him she will do her best to make it. Leroy had hoped to see her at the beginning so they could sit together, but sadly that was not to be. As the service came to an end, so did his disappointment grow: he had still not caught a glimpse of her.
When the final prayers were said, Leroy sat down and bowed his head. He was not in a hurry to leave. He was sad to admit that he had been more interested in meeting Nadia here than in coming to worship. He got up and headed for the exits, hoping on meeting his parents before they left for their various meetings. He would go for a drive and come and pick them up in about 2 hours.
'Leroy!'
Leroy turned around and saw Nadia standing a few steps behind him.
He smiled and started walking back to meet her even as she headed towards him.
'I thought for a moment there that you had not been able to make it. I haven't given you my heart yet and you are already breaking it.'
Nadia laughed and held out her hands to meet his.
'It is nice to see you too. I came late and the ushers led me upstairs. I saw you turning your head round and round. I was almost afraid it will get twisted and fall off.'
'Haha. You are funny. Come on, let's go and get brunch.'
'Hmmm? You must be reading my mind. I brought my car though. Let's use that. Or you prefer us to drive separately?'
'Your car will be best. I want you to drive me round town. I will have to come back here anyways. My parents are attending church meetings. I will have to come back and drive them home.'
'Good son vibes.'
Leroy only smiled brightly. His dad could drive home; but this way, he won points and he played a dutiful son which he was anyways. He allowed her to lead the way to her car observing the subtle sway of her hips as she walked.
Once inside, Leroy quickly gave her the directions to the venue. Luckily, she knew the area pretty well. She started the car and in about ten minutes they had arrived. This time round, Leroy eagerly got out of his seat to open the door for her.
'Thank you.' Again, she smiled at him and Leroy was reminded of how beautiful she looked. If she kept on smiling at him like that, he may just end up carrying her away.
Nadia looked up from her plate and looked at Leroy. He was a funny and charming guy. It was becoming difficult for her to believe that she had only met him last night. He spoke to her about everything and allowed her to question him on everything. He said there was nothing too private or personal for them not to talk about. She was still getting to know him but so far, he had been very attentive to her. He was a wonderful friend to have.
'Done admiring me? Sorry to interrupt but as much as it pains me to say this, we would have to leave soon. It's past 2 o' clock already. It's a wonder my folks haven't called yet.'
Quickly, Leroy called for the waiter and settled their bills.
'My treat. Next time I will allow you to take me out and put the moves on me.'
'Yes sure, let's be on our way. Mind you, I haven't gotten any moves.'
'Don't worry, I can teach you some of mine. Let's get going.' Leroy stood up and helped Nadia to her feet, gently ushering her out.
'It was really nice meeting you again. I only came over because of Darryl's big night. When he started out, I promised him that if he won more than 2 awards in a night, I was going to show up at the awards ceremony. Turns out he had not forgotten. Can you believe that? I just remembered I have to go to Tema today to see my parents.' Tema was another city about 40km away from Accra.
'I am glad you made that promise else I would not have met you. So, thank you. And thank you for fulfilling it.'
Nadia got into the car and drove them back to the church premises.
'I enjoyed spending the weekend with you, short as it was.'
'Me too. I had fun.'
'Alright then, safe journey back home. hope it doesn't take another awards night before we get to meet again.'
Nadia laughed out loud.
'Here, let me give you my contact.' She recited the numbers and Leroy saved it onto his phone.
'You can text anytime. You can also call anytime. I will return all missed calls as and when seen.'
'Yes madam. Do have a safe trip back. Let me know when you get home.'
Leroy stepped out and waved as she drove away. He sensed there was another man in her life. She had been a bit guarded in her responses. It did not matter. She was going to be his future wife one day. This was going to be the balancing act of a lifetime. How do you remain a prospective boyfriend while being a friend to the girl you like?
Leroy put his hands in his pockets and stared hard at his feet. He bowed his head and headed towards the family vehicle. After about 10 minutes of waiting, he saw his parents walking towards the vehicle. Their meeting was finally over. He was glad he was present and ready.
'Leroy, I was expecting you to give me the keys and go home. You need not have waited.' His dad said as he sat down.
'No worries Dad. I had to meet a friend after church, that's why.'
'Was that the pretty lady you were talking to? You should have introduced us.'
'Mum!' Leroy had no idea his mum had seen him talking to Nadia.
'Interesting.' His dad said in response to their exchange.
'Leroy, don't act so surprised. I was coming to ask you for the car keys and that is when I saw you talking to her. You must give me points for not interrupting your conversation.'
'That is Darryl's cousin, Nadia.'
'I had no idea Darryl had cousins, much less one as beautiful as her. Do invite her to dinner the next time she is around.'
'Yes, Ma. Now, can we be on our way?'
'Sure, let's go. My baby girl must be feeling abandoned.'
Leroy started the car and drove on home. Surprisingly, his dad passed no comments on the fact that he had been waiting at the church premises because of a girl. Leroy was grateful for that.
He knew he had his work cut out for him. He hoped to make Nadia his bride one day.