Temi treated her special guest with a savoury dish of Jellof rice and fried fish prepared in Yoruba style. Alongside the rice was also a gourmet delicacy of Amala and Ewedu with goat meat.
Jimmy's eyes flew wide in a tantalising ecstasy when he saw the dishes.
"Please don't tell me you went through the pain of cooking all these for me? You shouldn't have, that's a whole lot!" Jimmy exclaimed.
"Why not? It's not every day that I have my champion come visiting me!" She retorted and laughed while Jimmy's heart skipped multiple beats. He loved it whenever Temi called him 'her champion' and it sure felt different when the same phrase came from Liliana.
"I hope you would like the Amala? I don't know if you've tasted it before?"
Temi asked as she passed him a bowl of water. "I'm afraid you have to wash your hands to eat that, it's the traditional way to enjoy it better than using cutlery!" She laughed.
"I've eaten Amala and Ewedu at Liliana 's place before." He took the bowl and washed his hands.
"Who is Liliana?" Temi asked.
"A childhood friend, we grew up and schooled together with James. Her family and mine are good friends as well!" He explained and proceeded to taste the Amala and Ewedu with his washed hand! He widened his eyes in pleasure and approval after savouring the first mouthful, "This sure tastes so good, better than the one I ate at Liliana's!"
Temi laughed! "Don't flatter me Jimmy!"
"I'm not, I love it!"
He ate some more and then turned to the jollof rice and ate some.
"My God! You are a better Chef than an artist!" He complimented.
Temi dissolved into a hilarious outburst and it sounded like good music in Jimmy's ears.
"You tease me too much!" She said trying to catch her breath and then she gave him a slight shove.
"I mean it my love! I could just settle in your home, Never to leave again so I can eat all the nicest things you cook!"
He said while looking into her eyes and Temi's heart fluttered just hearing him call her my love for the first time.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the patio, Jimmy and Temi found themselves immersed in conversation, their words flowing effortlessly like a gentle stream meandering through the lush countryside.
They shared childhood memories, reminiscing about carefree days spent playing in their homes and chasing after fireflies as dusk descended. Each story was punctuated with laughter and smiles, as they uncovered shared experiences and discovered new connections that bound them together like threads in a tapestry of friendship.
Their conversation turned to their likes and dislikes, with Temi revealing her fondness for vibrant Ankara prints and the soothing melody of traditional Nigerian music, while Jimmy confessed his love for epic movies and the tranquillity of nature. With each revelation, they found a common ground and a deeper understanding of each other's passions and interests.
As the evening wore on, they delved into their favourite foods, Temi described the tantalising flavours of her mother's water yam porridge, while Jimmy recounted the comforting aroma of his mother's homemade meat pie. Their mouths watered at the thought of these delicious dishes, their taste buds tingling with anticipation.
But perhaps the most magical part of their conversation was when they spoke of their dreams and aspirations. Jimmy shared his desire to design the most magnificent structures like his father, to travel the world and interact with different people and culture while Temi spoke of her passion for art and her dream of one day becoming a renowned painter and a music performer.
They were still immersed in the warmth of each other's company when Temi's parents came home from their farm.
When Temi's parents laid eyes on Jimmy, their faces lit up with warm smiles, and their eyes twinkled with genuine hospitality. They welcomed him with open arms, embracing him as if he were a long-lost friend rather than a guest meeting them for the first time.
Temi's mother, with her gentle demeanour and kind eyes, immediately set about fussing over Jimmy, ensuring he felt comfortable and at home in their humble abode. She showered him with affectionate gestures, offering him a seat at their dining table and serving him a steaming cup of zobo, her very special brew of dry hibiscus leaves, infused with the flavours of local herbs and spices.
Temi's father, a man of few words but a heart as big as the African sky, greeted Jimmy with a firm handshake and a warm smile. His eyes twinkled with a silent understanding, conveying a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that transcended language barriers.
Together, Temi's parents created an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, enveloping Jimmy in the comforting embrace of their family. They listened attentively as he shared stories and laughter with Temi, their genuine interest and kindness shining through in every interaction.
Time ceased to matter whenever Jimmy was around Temi and it was no less profound with her parents. Finally, he had to retire to the guest Lodge where James had made a reservation for him. The plan was for him to return the next day. Temi walked him to the guest house which wasn't far from his home and bid him goodnight warmly.
"It's nice knowing that you are in my neighbourhood and very close to me, I shall dream of you tonight!" She said warmly with sparks of fire in her eyes.
Jimmy took her hand and kissed it tenderly! "Sweet dreams my fair lady! I shall also dream of you again!"
"Sweet dreams then, my love! I will take you to my parents' vegetable farm tomorrow morning as promised! Sleep tight!" She blew him a kiss and left him at the lobby of the guesthouse with butterflies in his belly.
Jimmy checked in and was made comfortable in his room. He talked to James and later checked up on his parents. They were getting settled in their British home. Sarah chatted with him for a long time and the talk was mostly about Liliana, how gorgeous she was looking and how disappointed she was that Jimmy didn't show up in London. Finally, Jimmy fell asleep and had the soundest dream of his life, and no dream.
The next morning, Jimmy arrived at Temi's house before the rising sun. He was excited to go on that farm tour and so was Temi. She took with her two sun hats for protection, a flask of tea and some snacks.
As Temi led Jimmy around her parents' small-scale vegetable farm, a vibrant tapestry of colours and scents unfolded before their eyes. The farm, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Ikorodu, boasted rows upon rows of lush greenery, with neatly cultivated beds bursting with an array of vegetables and herbs.
The air was alive with the gentle hum of bees and the rustle of leaves, as Temi proudly pointed out the different crops growing in the fertile soil. They passed by towering tomato vines laden with plump, ripe fruits, their vibrant red hues glistening in the sunlight. Nearby, rows of okra plants stretched towards the sky, their delicate flowers nodding in the breeze.
As they wandered further into the farm, they came across beds of leafy greens such as spinach and pumpkin, their verdant leaves swaying gracefully in the wind. Temi's parents had also planted a variety of herbs and spices, including fragrant chilly pepper, bell peppers and mint, their aromatic scents filling the air with a symphony of flavours.
Jimmy was awestruck by the beauty and abundance of the farm, marvelling at the care and dedication that Temi's parents had poured into their work. He admired the simplicity and sustainability of their farming practices, noting how they utilised organic methods to nurture the soil and promote biodiversity.
But more than the physical beauty of the farm, Jimmy was struck by the sense of pride and connection that emanated from Temi and her family as they tended to their crops. It was clear that this small patch of land held a special place in their hearts, serving not only as a source of sustenance but also as a symbol of their heritage and resilience.
As they made their way back to the house, Jimmy couldn't help but feel inspired by the beauty and serenity of the farm, vowing to carry the lessons he had learned from Temi and her family with him wherever he went. In their simple yet profound way, they had taught him the importance of nurturing the land and cultivating connections, both with nature and with each other.
At home, Temi's mother had prepared a warm breakfast of pap and beans cake. Jimmy felt at home and one with them as he shared the food with them. Temi's mother had also packed a bag of fruits which she presented as a souvenir to him.
"Aww ma, this is really too kind of you, you didn't have too!" He said looking at the bag hesitantly.
"It's not a problem at all Jimmy, we have a lot of these fruits in this town and I know that where you live, they cost a fortune. Take the bad with you so you have something to show off about your visit to Ikorodu town." Mama Temi urged him with a genuine smile.
Jimmy was so touched that he couldn't reject the kind gesture.
"Thank you so much ma! I will sure put in some good words about this beautiful land and how generous the Adenugas are! My warm regards to pa Adenuga!" He said and bowed to Temi's mother in courtesy.
"Safe trip back home my dear, and my warmest regards to your family!" The matured woman greeted him back!
It was truly a trip that would remain indelible in Jimmy's heart.