Chapter 7
‘So he’s thirty-five and he lives in Clapham,’ I said, emptying a packet of premium cat food into Toby’s bowl.
Toby had developed a taste for expensive meals ever since I fed him a packet of Applaws turkey wet food as a one-off treat a couple of years ago.
Since then, he doesn’t care to touch anything that isn’t brand named.
Toby snuggled against my leg for a few seconds until he could no longer resist the aroma of the white fish, salmon and prawn stewed in gravy.
This boy ate like a king and, to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘Is he fit?’ replied Sade.
‘He’s been working at the hospital for a while and he’s such a lovely guy, Sade! He’s into video games but not like … obsessively. He loves his music and he’s a really sweet and outgoing guy.’
‘Is he fit?’ replied Sade.
‘I think his last serious relationship was around eighteen months ago too, so still kinda fresh on the market. He’s got a car and he’s really really good at his job – you can tell he has a real dedication to it which is gre—’
‘GIRL!’ exclaimed Sade, the frustration in her voice clear as day. ‘Is. He. Fit or nah??’
‘Which is GREAT …’ I continued, teasingly, ‘if you’re looking for a man with stability. Damn, you couldn’t let me finish pontificating before going straight to the looks?’
‘Babe? I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this. His personality sounds cool or whatever, but I’m trying to get put through the mattress and, in order for that to happen, I’m going to need to be sexually attracted to him so … let’s see his photos please. Fast fast!’
At this, we both burst into fits of laughter as I screenshot Kofi’s Instagram account and messaged it to her. I was hoping that she’d be interested enough to at least try going on one date with him.
I waited with bated breath as I anticipated her response. I was met with a flurry of ‘oooh’s and ‘mm OK’s before she delivered her final judgement.
‘He’s cute, you know.’ After what seemed like an eternity of waiting. ‘He’s tall too! He’s got that whole “Mahershala Ali” thing happening, and his glasses are definitely giving “Zaddy” vibes. Yeah … I like what I’m seeing!’
Music to my ears. I grinned as I switched from my handset to earphones so I could get undressed and settle in for the evening.
I needed to check and see if Jericho had responded to my cheeky response, as well as make some dinner and direct-message Kofi to let him know that he’d been given the all-clear to message Sade.
I could see this being a match made in heaven, and I loved this for both of them.
‘That’s what I like to hear, sis! Honestly, he’s a lovely guy. Am I OK to give him the go-ahead to message you?’
‘Yeah, go on then. I’m not doing anything at the moment, so …’
‘Wait,’ I interjected, slightly concerned about her nonchalant disposition. ‘Sade, take it seriously! He’s a really nice guy so don’t treat this one like a plaything because if you break his heart, I’m gonna have to hear it at work and I don’t wanna be caught in the middle of any drama.’
The tinkling of her laugh echoed through my earphones as I undressed down to my underwear and made my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. ‘Babe we haven’t even spoken or texted yet; calm down! He seems like a really wholesome dude, I’ll be gentle with him.’
‘Mmmhmm,’ I responded apprehensively. I knew my best friend like the back of my hand.
Although a great girl, she could be a bit of a ghoster when she got bored; a habit I had been trying to get her to kick for the longest time now.
I needed both of them to work together at least temporarily – selfishly – for my sake.
After getting off the phone with Sade, I stepped into the hot shower and allowed the scalding hot water to pour over me as I thought about some of the day’s events: my dad’s trauma dumping, and the revelation of Femi proposing to my mum.
As mildly entertaining as Steven and I found the situation between my parents, I couldn’t help but low-key feel sorry for my dad.
Being single at his age must feel shitty – especially when experiencing unrequited love.
I’d always had a fear of loneliness – especially the prospect of increasing loneliness as I aged and all I knew was that I didn’t want to end up like my dad – alone, heartbroken and bitter.
After my shower, I warmed up some leftovers and settled onto the sofa with Toby, my phone and laptop in hand.
I still needed to find something to wear for my first date with Jericho this weekend and had to place an order to make sure it arrived in time.
Before that, however, I needed to check out Jericho’s response on OuiMeet.
I had no expectations for the upcoming date, which only added to the excitement.
I didn’t mind what we did that afternoon – as long as I enjoyed myself, that was all that mattered.
I opened up the app to see a response from him:
Well, I’m glad to have left an impression!
I’d be lying if I said you didn’t leave a slight impression on me too.
:) I hope that I’m able to satisfy your curiosity this weekend too; although I’m more than confident that I will, tbh.
I don’t have a high rating on this site for no reason – and that includes my so-called ‘weak’ chat-up lines!
Where I’d be taking you depends on the following: What are your hobbies?
What do you like to eat and drink? Are you more of an activities person or a chilled one? I can then take it from there. :) x
I swooned as I sank further into my sofa, with Toby wriggling out of my grasp, an indication that I was clutching onto him a little too tightly.
This man knew exactly what to say; he was charming and cheeky without being corny or over the top, and he seemed attentive.
Attributes escorts had to have in order to be successful, I supposed.
I knew that I had to try as much as possible to keep from getting emotionally attached to this man as this was all purely transactional.
I was just paying for a service; that’s all this was.
Still, it didn’t stop me from being a little bit excited.
I messaged back:
The fact that you felt the need to drop in your rating is so bold of you.
Hmph! I’ll be the judge of that eventually.
:) Also, we love an organised king so you automatically get a point and a half for that.
In answer to your questions: 1) Hobbies include playing video games, eating good food and drinking great coffee, buying and reading books, live music and photography; 2) my answer to what I like to eat and drink is simply ‘yes’ (although I’m not the biggest fan of Indian food!), and 3) I can take or leave both – although I think I have to be in a certain mood to want to do activities on a date – I think that’s more of a second and third date-type thing, don’t you?
After sending the message, I hit up a few of my favourite clothing websites to see what they had in stock, opening up several tabs with my current top-three brands – Aligne, Marks I’ll make sure you leave the date a happy woman!
Thanks for your answers too, I appreciate it. I’ll get back to you soon with some plans in tow. I’m really looking forward to our date; I’m sensing something chill for this one, but I’ll confirm once I’ve organised. :) Have a good evening x