Time Out!
40
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I glance at my phone as it chimes the second time, breaking the rhythm of my workday. It’s a text from Itohan, and a small smile tugs at my lips.
New Message from Itohan:
Hey boo, some Naija pals are coming into town tonight for some pub and club hopping.
Wanna join?
Should I? I enjoyed my time at the beach in the UK last week. Plus, this issue with Special has me feeling drained and uncertain. Maybe a night of dancing, drinking and laughter is just what I need to shake off this melancholic feeling.
Quickly, I type out a response ;
Me:
Sounds like a plan!
Count me in.
Where and when?”
Itohan’s reply comes almost instantly.
New Message from Itohan:
We’re meeting at The Royal Oak Pub at 8 pm
Wear something fun, let’s show these Brits how we do it!!!
Okay… I chuckle at her enthusiasm.
Glancing at the clock on my laptop screen, I realize it’s already past 2 pm. I have a few hours to finish up from work and get ready for a night out. With a renewed sense of energy, I resume my tasks, determined to clear my to-do list before the evening.
As the clock ticks closer to 5 pm, I start to wrap up my work for the day. I quickly pack up my things and head home to get ready. The prospect of a night filled with laughter and good company has put a spring in my step.
Rummaging through my wardrobe, I choose a sparkly sequined thigh-length purple dress that’s both stylish and comfortable. It has been sitting in my wardrobe for the longest time, waiting for the perfect event.
I’m humming and applying a light touch of makeup, when I pause briefly, my fingers instinctively hovering over my red lipstick.
“…maybe you could go for a lighter shade. You know, something more subtle,” Special’s voice echoes in my subconscious.
Fuck subtle.
I reach for the red lipstick but stop myself. Taking a deep breath, I acknowledge that I don’t really want to wear red lips tonight and I’m not proving anything to anybody. I opt for nude lips and smile at the outcome.
With my phone and purse in hand, I head towards The Royal Oak Pub, where the air is filled with R & B music, sounds of laughter and conversation. Dublin pub or clubs, they’re different. And depending on your crew, you have the fun y ou need.
Inside, I spot Itohan waving me over to a corner table where a group of unfamiliar faces are gathered. There are a few faces I recognize from previous gatherings and there’s Itohan current string-along-guy.
“Ayyyy, Fifi’s here!” Itohan exclaims, raising her glass in a toast.
The rest of the group cheers, and I feel a warm sense of belonging wash over me. As the night unfolds, we share stories, laughter, and dance moves that could rival any club in Nigeria—bone that, most of the music are not in any way Afrobeat.
The real party begins when we begin hopping from one venue to another, gathering new friends along the way. With Dublin clubs closing before 3 a.m., time flies in a flash as laughter echoes off the walls, and the dance floor becomes our playground.
At one point, Itohan and I take a break from the pulsating music and flashing lights on the dance floor, to take sips of water infused with lemon. Soon, a couple of our clique joins us including Itohan’s current string-along-guy, Kofi, who might just be the one since he’s Ghanaian. He reminds me so much about Evans’ and has been a gracious host, showing us the best spots to dance and sharing stories that have us all in stitches.
Taking a sip of my water, I sense Kofi’s gaze lingering on me for a moment before he speaks. “I must say, you have a captivating beauty.”
A faint blush creeps up my cheeks. “Oh, thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
Even though I’m aware he’s here with Itohan, I can’t deny that his words caught me off guard and made me feel special after a rough week.
He chuckles, raising his drink to chest level as he speaks. “No, really. I have some friends who would be thrilled to meet someone like you.”
Before I can respond, Itohan playfully interjects, “Hold on there. Fifi’s taken.”
I laugh, appreciating the light-hearted banter. Yet, a part of me feels a pang of discomfort. After a brief moment, Itohan pulls me to the side.
“Fifi boo, how far?” Itohan asks, slightly bumping her hip with mine. “Glad you’re out?”
“You have no idea. ”
She glances around to ensure we have some privacy. “I noticed something earlier when I said you were ‘taken.’ You seemed... different. Hope nothing?”
I pause, realizing that Itohan is perceptive enough to sense the changes in my mood. Taking a deep breath, I decide to open up to her. It worked with Mama Gee. Maybe voicing my thoughts will help clear things further.
“You’re right. I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I’m contemplating breaking up with Special.”
Itohan’s gasps dramatically, her eyes widening in surprise as she slaps a hand to her chest, the other on the table. “Whoa, whoa, boo. Slow down. I didn’t see that coming.”
I chuckle mirthlessly, nodding in agreement. “Me too.”
She leans in closer. “You saw another babes stuff at his place? You went through his phone? What happened?”
As she continues listing things, I shake my head, smiling and playing with the rim of my glass. When she finally pauses for me to speak, I take a moment to choose my words carefully.
“It’s... complicated. There are things I’ve realized about our relationship that I can’t ignore anymore. I’ve been struggling with it, and I’m not sure if I want to continue down this path.”
Her gaze softens as she places a hand on my shoulder. “Awwn. You know I’m here for you, right? No, look at me.”
I do.
“I’m here for you,” she says, reaching out with the hand that was on her chest to hold mine. “If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
Touched, I offer her a grateful smile. “Thank you. I appreciate that more than you know.”
“You can come over to my place tonight—that’s if you want to.”
I shake my head gently. “There’s no need. We’re going to see tomorrow.”
“Yes, but—”
“Don’t worry,” I chuckle, “I’m only just thinking of my life. Enjoy your visitors. I’ll make it for our outing tomorrow.”
“You’re sure?”
I nod firmly. “Oh, you bet.”