Another Day in Paradise
33
__________ _
As usual, I gradually wake up to soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Stretching lazily, I reach for—oh no! I yawn, sitting up.
What time is it?
“Spesh…” I call out, sleepily digging out my phone from the pillows. Recalling last night’s activities, I smile. Last night was fire! I can’t wait to experience it again. I hope—
Glancing at my screen, I notice two things. It’s late, almost two hours to noon, and there’s a message from him waiting for me.
New Message From Special Love:
Good morning, sunshine!
Let me know when you’re awake ??
A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I type out my response .
Me:
Morning! I slept like a baby.
Why didn’t you wake me?
New Message from Special Love:
Woke up late.
Had to rush out
Best to have you in bed
Made breakfast, yours is covered in the kitchen.
Got plans for today?
Woah slow down baby…
Me:
Nothing really.
I might visit that bookstore again today.
New Message from Special Love:
Sounds good.
I promise to take you out tonight after work.
We can plan the weekend while at it.
Me:
Oh yeah
My bad for arriving unannounced, lol
New Message from Special Love:
I think I’m getting used to it.
I’ll just make sure I have things planned in advanced for my weekends if you promise to continue appearing at my doorstep randomly.
Me:
That’s not a bad idea.
New Message from Special Love:
Newsflash, my supervisor approved my OOO for tomorrow.
Me :
Thank God!
New Message from Special Love:
So let me know things you would like to do too
I respond, making my way to the kitchen. We chat back and forth as I prepare for my day, and by noon, I’m out touring the city again.
*****
When we meet in the evening as planned, we take a long drive to Hedsor Road with a car he rented for today and the rest of my stay. We stop by a quaint café, where the London sky stretches above us as though we’re outdoors, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. After finding a cozy seat in the corner, we continue chatting, sharing tidbits about the scenery and our day.
One thing leads to another, and his gaze turns earnest as he says, “You know, we’ve been through so much together, and I can’t help but think about our future.”
Because of the amateur head I gave you? Is this the moment? My heart flutters but I play it cool, sipping my drink with a steady hand. “Our future, huh? What exactly are you thinking?”
A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. “I think it’s high time we settle down, start a family. I mean, look at us—we’ve grown so much individually, and I can only imagine what we could achieve as a team.”
A team?
The café bustles around us and laughter mingles with the clinking of cups, as I get lost in my head. Why is the idea of building a life together, of nurturing a family, both exhilarating and daunting? I’ve been doing things these past months that I know we’d have to consider as a norm because there are so many possibilities and sides in this ever-changing world of tech.
Are we overplaying our relationship? A voice at the back of my head asks.
But I know.
I know it’s hard to find someone as God-fearing or even as responsible on this side of the world. I don’t want to join Itohan and other ladies in the dating pool, looking for an impossible man. A thought comes to my mind and I can’t resist teasing him.
“Speaking of settling down,” I say, leaning forward slightly I ask, “how’s Destiny doing these days? I’m sure she’s been keeping busy.”
Special’s expression shifts with a curious smile. “Destiny? What has she got to do with what we’re talking about?”
I raise an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Oh, I’m just curious. We don’t talk about her, and I was hoping to meet her in person. I figured since we’re discussing settling down... it would be cool to meet your friends. Maybe we could plan for this weekend and—”
He lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. “I know what you’re doing. See, Destiny is a friend. I’ve told you this before. She’s doing well, by the way.”
I grin, but deep down, I feel dumb for bringing up her name or questioning my man’s loyalty. “Good to hear. And don’t worry, I was just pulling your leg.”
“Hmm.” He nods. “And settling down?”
Sure, I want to settle down. “So…” I begin, “when you talk about settling down, where do you see that happening? Here in the UK or back in Dublin?”
He forces air through his mouth, leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “You know Dublin has its own charm, and I’ve heard you talk about how much you love the city. The promise it holds. But baby, the living expenses there keep getting higher, and if you’re thinking properly, you already know the answer.”
“You’re right,” I admit, thinking of how to convince him in person. We’ve had this conversation a thousand times. Ugh! How can I make him see? “Dublin is wonderful, but there are practical considerations we need to take into account.”
His gaze softens, and he reaches across the table to take my hand. “See, I want us to build a life together—and we’re one heck of a duo. This life we want to build, we have to make a choice that’s best for both of us. I’m willing to make it, are you?”
Am I?
Am I? !
How many times would we do this?
While I appreciate his perspective, the spark of resistance that has been in existence since my relocation became a hot topic in our lives is still alive and burning.
“Spesh,” I begin, my voice steady but firm and lowered. “I understand the practicalities you’re talking about, but let’s not forget that my job there pays significantly more. The cost of living might not be as big of an issue as you think.”
His expression remains thoughtful, and he listens attentively as I continue. “I’m building a career in Dublin, and I’ve been thriving professionally. I love what I do, and it’s opened doors for me that I never thought possible. Baby, I don’t want to give up that momentum.”
His gaze softens, and I can tell he’s absorbing every word I’m saying. “Fifi, I’m not asking you to give up your career or your dreams,” he replies gently. “I want us to consider our options carefully. If we’re going to build a life together, we need to weigh the pros and cons of each location.”
I exhale slowly, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup. Anyone moving has a lot to lose. But coming to my side gives us more of a financial boost . Why can’t you see that?! And why did you use… if we’re going to build a life together—what do you mean by that?!
He squeezes my hand lightly, and shocked by the contact, I lift my eyes to his. “Are you against the idea of settling down already?” he asks.
I shake my head. “It’s not that I’m against the idea of settling down now,” I finally admit, my voice softer now. “But it’s a big decision, Spesh. I also want to make sure that whatever choice we make is one we can both be happy with.”
He reaches his other hand across the table, his fingers finding mine. “I hear you,” he says earnestly. “That’s why back then, I wanted you to school here. All this would have been avoidable or would have been a matter of I’m in London, you’re in Kent. Not a completely different country where we have to get visas to visit each other.”
I press my lips, nodding my head. He’s right, I made a mess of things.