The weekend came faster than Nora anticipated. She spent most of Saturday holed up in her apartment, reviewing blueprints and drafting revisions for the resort project. But her thoughts frequently drifted back to the cafe and the brief encounter with Adrian. She scolded herself for allowing a random stranger to linger in her mind. Yet, there was something about his voice, his ease, and the way he carried himself that felt disarming.
On Sunday afternoon, Amaka called.
"You're coming out today," her friend announced without preamble.
Nora frowned, glancing at her laptop. "I have work to do."
"You always have work to do. You need a break. Meet me at the park in an hour. No excuses."
Nora sighed but agreed. Amaka was relentless when it came to pulling her out of her self-imposed shell. As she got dressed, she chose a simple outfit, denim jeans, a white blouse, and comfortable sneakers. She wasn't trying to impress anyone.
The park was alive with activity children laughing, couples strolling, and vendors selling ice cream and snacks. Nora found Amaka near a food truck, waving enthusiastically.
"I got us tickets for the open-air concert," Amaka said, handing one to Nora.
"A concert?" Nora asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Relax, it's nothing fancy. Local artists, good vibes. You'll love it."
The event was held at a grassy clearing in the park. A small stage was set up, and the crowd was spread out on picnic blankets and foldable chairs. Nora followed Amaka to a spot near the middle, where they settled in with cups of iced lemonade.
The first few acts were enjoyable, though Nora found her mind wandering. She was about to suggest they leave when the emcee announced the next performer.
"Please give a warm welcome to Adrian Umeh!"
Nora froze. She turned to Amaka, who was grinning knowingly. "Did you plan this?"
"Not at all," Amaka replied innocently. "It's fate, my dear."
Adrian stepped onto the stage with his guitar slung over his shoulder. He wore a casual white shirt and dark jeans, but his presence commanded attention. He greeted the audience with a boyish smile, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
As he began to play, Nora felt a familiar tug in her chest. His music was more than just melodies; it was a story a blend of hope, longing, and resilience. She found herself leaning forward, captivated by the sincerity in his voice.
Halfway through his set, Adrian scanned the audience, his gaze pausing when it landed on her. For a moment, it felt as though the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them. He smiles a subtle acknowledgment, before continuing his performance.
When the concert ended, Amaka nudged Nora. "Go talk to him."
"Why would I do that?" Nora asked, feigning indifference.
"Because he clearly noticed you, and you haven't stopped thinking about him since the cafe."
Before Nora could protest, Adrian was walking toward them. Amaka conveniently excused herself, leaving Nora standing alone.
"Hey," Adrian said, his guitar slung across his back. "I thought I recognized you from the cafe."
Nora nodded, trying to appear unfazed. "You were great up there."
"Thanks," he said, his smile widening. "And thank you for staying to watch. It means a lot."
They chatted briefly about his music and the park's lively atmosphere. Nora found herself relaxing, surprised by how easy it was to talk to him. Adrian's energy was warm and unpretentious, a stark contrast to the corporate world she was used to.
As the evening wound down, Adrian hesitated before speaking again. "I'd love to hear more about some time. Maybe over coffee?"
Nora blinked, caught off guard. She wasn't sure if she was ready to let someone into her world, especially someone as unpredictable as Adrian. But something in his eyes made her say, "Sure. That sounds nice."
They exchanged numbers, and as Nora walked back to her car, she couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of excitement for something or someone beyond her work.
Adrian was a melody she hadn't expected, and as much as she tried to resist, she knew his music was already beginning to change her rhythm.