Three years later
"And we've come to the end of the show, peeps. Let's meet this same time, next week. It's your girl, Unique Nimi. Bye bye" She said in an overly cheerful voice as she ended the show. She took off the head phones and set it down.
Ayo had been the operator behind the cursor for her show, tapping him lightly, she tilted her head to inform him she was leaving. He gave her a small smile and motioned her to leave. Giving a small wave, she packed her things and ran out.
She had been working at the radio station for two years. Though she just recently moved back to Lagos and so she had requested a transfer to this branch from Ibadan where she previously worked.
She was in the lobby when she heard a shout behind her "Nimi, wait up"
Whipping her head back, Nimi saw Sade approaching her. Sade was the radio host for the 8:00am news. She was very popular in the studio and was a favorite of the listeners. She was also very beautiful and classy. The owner of the radio station was also her uncle.
Many people were envious of her because of her success at her rather young age. Though, nepotism was at play here, Sade was also very talented making it hard for other people to badmouth her.
Though Nimi was confused as to why Sade called her. They didn't really talk much. Especially because Nimi had just moved to Lagos and started working here recently. She had not had much time to make friends yet.
Nimi slowed down "Hi, Sade, what's up"
Sade smiled and for some reason, Nimi felt a bit of hostility from Sade.
Nimi furrowed her brows, she was probably wrong. After all, Sade was a very easy going person and they didn't have much dealings with each other. How could Sade be hostile to her. It had to be her own paranoia.
Sade grinned, shifting her hand through her long black braids "A few of us are going out for some drinks and dinner. A little get together, you should come with us" She motioned at Nimi
Nimi hesitated. She would have loved to go along with them.
However, she really couldn't.
Temi was back to Lagos. They hadn't seen each other for so long and they had made a date to meet up tonight.
Nimio backtracked, well, not a date per se. it was just a meeting before friends. Just to chat, not a date.
Nimi gave Sade a smile "I'm so sorry but I can't make it today. I have to meet someone"
Sade arched a brow "Oh really"
Sensing the change in her voice, Nimi gave her a weird look "Yes, I have a prior engagement". Her voice turned cold.
Sade gave her a perfunctory smile "Then you should be on your way"
Nimi could sense the displeasure in her tone. She was more confused, what was up with this girl?.
"Good bye", nimi walked away.
Heading outside, she was still thinking about Sade's weirdness when she heard a deep voice
"Need a ride? my lady"
Whipping around, she saw Temi. She squealed and jumped into his arms. He caught her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Oh my God, I'm finally seeing you. It's been so long. I've missed you so freaking much"
A husky laugh "Two years since we last saw each other face to face. I have to say you've become more beautiful".
She blushed. Temi tilted his head, the fluorescent light glinting in his eyes, making him look more otherworldly.
"Did you miss me, loni?"
A huge smile spread on her face, she hit him lightly on his shoulders "Do you need to ask? I missed you so freaking much."
It was then she realized she was in his arms.
Feeling awkward, she dropped her legs and shifted her hand through her hair "See, I missed you so much that I forgot myself" she gave a nervous laugh
"Since when did Loni become shy?" He teased
Her cheeks burned "Would you stop?"
Chuckling, he took her towards a black Lexus car.
He opened the passenger door, stretching his hands out "My lady" He winked
She giggled and slid into the seat.
He got in and strapped his seatbelt. Motioning his head towards her "Seat belt".
She nodded and also strapped in.
"Where are we going? She asked. He flashed her a grin
"Well, I just got back in town but I heard people rave about a new place that opened by Computer village"
She gasped "You mean Mabel's"
He nodded "Yeah, you've been there?"
"Only once. Their food is great and the ambience there is wonderful".
"Well, Mabel's it is."
She laughed and settled in.
Nimi had not seen Temi for two years. Almost three really, after that disastrous convocation ceremony, they had applied for the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) program and had gone ahead to serve for a year.
Coincidentally, they had both been posted to Edo state. However, Temi had been posted to Benin city while she had served in Auchi town.
Though, it was the same state, the journey from Benin to Auchi was a three-hour drive. Coupled with their busy schedule, they had only been able to meet up a few times a year.
After her service, Nimi had moved to Ibadan and had gotten even busier with her job.
Temi on the other hand had moved to Kubwa, Abuja. He had worked as a business consultant there.
Nimi had been transferred to Lagos by her FM station. While she didn't exactly need a job to live comfortably, Nimi despised being lazy. Furthermore, she loved her job. She had also missed the excitement of Lagos so she went along with the company and came to Lagos.
She knew Temi was back to Lagos because he intended to open a branch of his consultant company in Lagos.
Glancing at him sideways, Nimi realized thtat he looked different. The Temi she knew was boyish, carefree and mischievous. However, now, now he seemed differenmt.
He looked more composed, more stable.
More attractive
A buzz went off on her head, why the hell did she even think that.
Seeing her expression, Temi asked "What is it?"
"What?" She was startled. He gave a brilliant smile and butterflies filled her belly.
She shifted, what was wrong with her, she kept thinking strange thoughts
Temi is a friend, a friend, a friend. He's her best friend, she recited in her mind.
"Babe, babe, are you okay?"
She jolted out of her thoughts. A wave of embarrassment came over her.
She saw his concerned face, making her feel guilty. If he knew what she was thinking, what would he think.
She wiped all expression on her face and gave him a small smile
"It's nothing. I was just thinking that we're grown up". HE gave her a weird look as if saying, duh, obviously we're grown up now.
She cleared her throat, clarifying "I meant that we're different now". He kept quiet.
She continued "We'll obviously grow up but for some reason. You seem…. different somehow" Her voice turned smaller at the end.
"Hey, look at me"
She didn't respond
"Oluwalonimi, look at me" He said in a low dangerous tone.
She shivered and turned. His eyes, they were blazing with emotion. At that point, Nimi felt lost in his eyes.
"No matter what happens or how it happens, I'll always be here, okay"
No response from her. He continued
"I'll always be your best friend, I'll always stand by you, I'll always be here"
I'll always be yours, he wanted to say that too but stopped. He couldn't spook her.
She smiled at him radiantly "I know, I'm also here for you. Anytime you need me."
He smiled at her and stopped the car "We're here"
She nodded "Let's head in"
Loni didn't know what was happening to her, why she felt so out of it. But at the moment, she was going to ignore everything else and just have dinner.