Friends with Trobul
22
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I wish I had taken a real vacation because settling into work after such a magical weekend is the worst. My thoughts keep wandering to the weekend, the possibilities for the future, and the new job offer. With the new job, I have to move to Dublin, which I’m so looking forward to. But our UK plans…
Oh God, this is so hard.
What if… what if I take on the offer, spend few months in Dublin before making up my mind to permanently move to the UK. At least I’ll say I’ve lived to the fullest.
Come to think of it, it wasn’t the distance that had Special bugged. I hiss, tapping on my keyboard, doing my best to focus on the MS SQL code I’m reviewing. It was—maybe I should share with him the idea of him relocating to Dublin .
Yes!
Wow, I feel a sense of déjà vu. Have I thought of this before? Whatever. This makes the most sense. I’ll be earning more, and his European work experience should help him with job searches here. Nah… I need to find out if his company has openings here so I can present this option on a golden platter.
If he agrees, we can move to a bigger apartment in Dublin. Wow! I can’t deny the excitement bubbling within me at the thought of us living in the same city, sharing the same space day after day, and doing naughty, wicked things to each other.
But reality grounds me. I know uprooting one’s life is no small feat, and there are numerous factors to consider. Would he be willing to leave behind the UK, his job, and all he’s known? Or… should I let go of my dreams and the life I’m building in Ireland? I can. Just not yet.
Maybe he would see sense and let me stay here for a bit. If we can just… just find a way, we can make it work.
I sift through my thoughts, reminded of the countless conversations Special and I have had about the future and living abroad.
With a sigh, I lean back in my chair, gazing out of the window as the city bustles below.
Love has a way of conquering obstacles and breaking down barriers in the pursuit of happiness, a random voice says in my head.
Perhaps, just perhaps, the answer lies in finding a simple compromise. We can continue as we are for like a year, then make a final decision on who’s to move to where.
Although my first day back at work is filled with activities, I find myself on the brink of a decision. Knowing Special and I, we’ll figure this out soon. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together. I believe the love we have—which I just reconfirmed during my visit—will help us meet in the middle, wherever that may be.
I’m shutting down my computer and gathering my belongings with a sense of accomplishment from all the tasks I tackled today, even while thinking about what Special and I were up to last Saturday, when my phone vibrates on the desk. I pick it up, smiling when I see a message from Itohan. Her timing couldn’t be more perfect—I could use some company and a chance to unwind.
The m essage reads: Hey girl, wanna hang out tonight? I need to hear all about your time in the UK!
I type out a quick reply: Absolutely! Let’s meet up. I’ve got gist for you.
We agree to meet at a cozy café just a few blocks away, and with a spring in my step, I make my way out of the office building. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans greets me as I step inside the café.
I spot Itohan with a radiant smile at a corner table. “Hey, boo!” she whisper-exclaims, waving me over.
Hurrying over, I settle into the chair across from her, smiling.
“Welcome back.” She grins. “This is my favorite time because I get to hear all the juicy details.”
“Oh, trust me, I’ve got plenty to share,” I reply with a chuckle. “Where do I even begin?”
Itohan leans in, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Start from the beginning, girl. I want all the deets.”
“First I need some sugar in my system.” We chuckle, heading over to the counter to place our orders.
Armed with cakes, an espresso and a cappuccino, we return to our seats. I begin my UK tale, recounting Special’s reaction at my arrival, preparing breakfast, our outing, the surprise doughnuts, and introducing him to Korean dramas. Itohan’s eyes light up with amusement, sympathy, and excitement, as I share the highlights of my weekend, including the bittersweet goodbye at the airport. She listens intently, interjecting with questions and exclamations, her energy infectious. It feels so good having someone to share the highlights of my experience with and to relive the moments.
Curious for a second opinion, I steer the discussion toward what’s been weighing on my mind all day. Itohan has lived a thousand lives, so I believe her perspective would be valuable.
“Umm…” I begin, “I’ve been thinking a lot about something lately. What do you think about a woman earning more than her man?”
“Hmm…” Itohan leans back in her chair, her expression contemplative as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. “I believe that in a relationship, what matters most is the mutual respect, understanding, and support between the two people. Financial dynamics can be complex, but they shouldn’t define your relationship. As long as both partners are comfortable and secure, tsk, the rest shouldn’t matter.”
Special and I have all that, I nod in agreement. “That makes a lot of sense.”
“Yes,” she continues, sharing an anecdote about her aunt’s marriage.
“I’m glad I talked to you about this,” I sigh. “It’s been on my mind a lot lately, especially with the changes happening in my life.”
Itohan’s brow quirks up. “Changes? Babe… Drop the gist!” She grins widely. I catch her looking at my ring finger before looking at me with a smirk and a shrug.
Shaking my head, I chuckle. “It’s not that.”
She sighs dramatically. “I for say.”
I continue, a grin tugging at my lips. “I’ve been offered a new job, a really good one. And it comes with a substantial increase in salary.”
Itohan’s eyes widen. “Oh my God, that’s amazing!” She rushes over to my side of the table for a quick hug before returning to her seat. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a bit, just a bit emotional. “But you know, it’s interesting. The idea of earning way more than my guy has been on my mind. I was just wondering about it, that’s all.”
“He’s going to be a lucky man.” Itohan smiles fondly, placing a hand on mine. “Don’t worry, you guys will be fine.”
“You think?”
“Ahan, you guys are my favorite power couple. What are you saying?”
I release a reluctant smile, scratching my nape. “I don’t know. You know how men are. What if he feels less of a man?”
She shrugs. “Baby girl, he’s a human being. He might be shocked at first, but with the way your guy is, I doubt he would be like that. Even if,” she scoffs with a tiny chuckle. “In this economy? He’ll end up celebrating with you and will be proud of your achievements.”
He might be shocked at first … Itohan is such a prophetess. I think the shock part happened this weekend. So… I’ll just give him a little bit more time and we should be good.
As we wrap up our conversation, my phone buzzes with an incoming call, and I glance at the screen to see Linda’s name flashing. I share a look with Itohan before sliding my finger to accept the call.
“Hey, Linda,” I greet with a smile. “You called at the right time. I’ve got exciting news to share.”
Linda’s voice crackles through the line, “Oh really? Spill the beans!”
I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of happiness welling up within me. “I’m going to accept a new job offer. It’s an amazing opportunity with a substantial increase in salary.”
There’s a moment of silence on the other end, followed by an explosion of cheers and excited exclamations. I can practically feel Linda’s excitement through the phone as she eagerly proposes switching to a video call, which I quickly accept.
“That’s what’s up! I’m so happy for you!”
Itohan chimes in, “See? Congratulations, boo!”
I chuckle at their contagious enthusiasm, expressing gratitude and swiftly introducing them. I’ve brought up their names in previous conversations with both groups, so the introduction flows seamlessly.
“Is it in the UK or where?” Linda asks.
“It’s in Dublin. I’ll have to move to Dublin to accept it.”
“Oh...” That is a silent question from Linda asking about Special and the UK if I ever heard one.
“Yes, don’t worry about that. We’ll discuss it. Besides, I got the news there and he was happy for me.”
Itohan and Linda sigh and I chuckle at their concern for my relationship. “You guys, ehn,” I mutter, touched. We’re fine. I’m fine.
“Which company?” Linda asks.
“Same one, Rubicon.”
“Awwn…”
“I ’m so happy for you.”
Itohan smiles, nodding in agreement. “Congrats babe.”
“Thank you.” I reply, my voice slightly cracking with unchecked emotions.
Linda’s laughter echoes through the line. “Oh, Fii, you want to cry?”
“Me? Cry? I’m just emotional. Leave me jor.”
Itohan raises her almost empty coffee cup in a mock toast. “To Fifi and all the monies she’ll be sharing with us!”
I join in their laughter and their toast, praying for the best possible future.
With the sound of our laughter still lingering in the air, I signal to Itohan that it’s time to head out. After connecting my hands-free earbuds to my phone and handing one to Itohan, I switch back to audio call. Itohan and I stand up from our cozy corner in the café, weaving our way through the growing after work crowd.
Itohan lets out an exaggerated sigh when we make it to the street and see a truck with an event advert. “Ugh, can we talk about how everything here is just so darn expensive? It’s like my wallet cries every time I want to do something fun.”
I nod in agreement, a wry smile on my lips. “Tell me about it. Sometimes I feel like I need to take out a loan just to enjoy eating out.”
Linda’s voice comes through the earbuds. “And that, my friend, is why I’m still in Nigeria, counting my pennies.”
We all laugh.
“Come on, Linda,” Itohan starts, “you can’t stay in that country forever. You deserve to experience the world.” Instigator.
Linda chuckles. “I will, I’ve got plans. But hearing you both complain about expenses just makes me a little more grateful for my current situation.”
“Better do and come out soon,” Itohan adds. “Sha make sure you don’t come out broke.”
We laugh again, and Linda ends hers with a sigh. “Alright, you two, as much as I’d love to continue this, I’ve got to run. Duty calls, you know.”
Itoha n and I exchange knowing looks, nodding even though Linda can’t see us. “Of course, Linda,” Itohan teases, “duty and all that.”
Linda chuckles softly. “I like her, Fifi. You two better behave while I’m away. And Fifi, don’t let Itohan drag you into too much trouble.”
I grin, shaking my head at Itohan’s imaginary reputation preceding her. “Don’t worry, we’ll be on our best behavior.”
“Good. Alright now, you two should take care. And Fii, keep me posted on the job offer, okay?”
“Okay ma.”
With a final exchange of well wishes, Linda ends the call, leaving Itohan and me to continue our walk to where we’ll get transportation home. We chat about mundane things and when I ask what she’s doing for the rest of the evening, she looks at me with a sly grin, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
I raise an eyebrow, knowing that look all too well. “Alright, spill it. What’s the latest scoop?”
“Oh, you won’t believe this; I’ve got a date tonight.”
“A date? Since when?”
“Since I joined this dating app. You need to see your face.” Her laughter rings out as she fills me in on her latest romantic escapade. “I met this tall, luscious Ghanian guy on the app, and we’ve been chatting for a while. We’re meeting up at a pub tonight, a small get together.”
I chuckle, genuinely happy for her. “That’s great. Finally, someone you’re interested in.”
She winks playfully. “Hmm mmh. And if you were open, I would’ve invited you along to be my chaperone.”
Smiling, I shake my head. “As tempting as that sounds, I’ve got work tomorrow. Gotta be responsible, you know.”
She playfully waves a dismissive hand. “Work, schmork. I get it—someone has to pay the bills when we go out.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Not just that, I can’t stay out all night partying.”
Itoha n laughs, linking her arm with mine as we stroll. “Ah, the responsible adult life. Don’t worry, boo, I’ll give you all the juicy details tomorrow.”
“You better. Have a blast tonight,” I say, genuinely happy for her. “And don’t get into too much trouble.”
Itohan winks, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Oh, you know me. Trouble and I are old pals.”
I give her a playful shove, then we exchange a quick hug before going our separate ways.