The Introduction

‘‘Hello Kemi, can you hear me?’’

‘‘Yes, what were you saying?’’

‘‘I met Amir at the Introduction.’’

‘‘oh, really how did it go?’’

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“How are you doing?” I don’t know if the question was genuine, but I liked that he cared enough to ask. Amir was handsome, not in a way that begs to be acknowledged but in a way that has to be acknowledged. He walks into a room, and everyone from a distance is smiling because his aura emanates like the sun, never leaving a spot but reaching everyone.

“I’m good. How are you?” I said softly, trying to seem indifferent and unaffected by his presence. I shifted on my feet, glass in hand. “I’m fine. I have missed you.” He looked me over, checking me out without compunction, “You look really good. This dress looks like it was custom designed for you.” He said with his perfect smile, the one he wears around strangers. Looks like we are playing the surface-level game. “It isn’t custom made. It’s from the Janet Lola 2025 Collection; it was on the runway during the Lagos Fashion week.” I said with a straight face.

“I saw you, at the Lagos Fashion Week. You looked stunning. I wanted to say hi, but I didn’t get the chance.” He said with an apologetic expression, I was about to ask why he didn’t approach me when we were interrupted, “Ah Fisayo, is this you? The baby I carried on my back yesterday. How are you doing?” Not giving me enough time to process a reply, Aunty Fola pulled me into a hug, she smelled like expensive perfumes and Champagne. Aunty Fola was the aunt you called when you had “boy issues” she wasn’t the one to call when you were sick and in need of herbal remedies, but she knew all there was to know about using your feminine wiles and in her own words ‘‘how to have a successful dating life’’. I would definitely suggest that she release an eBook, the Lagos dating pool could use some help.

She pulled back to search my face and then looked at the man standing next to me. Aunty Fola smiled and I knew what was coming, “Ahh Fisayo o ma mu oju lo si oja oo. Ahh Fisayo, this man is handsome, you picked well.” She said in an impressed tone. “Young man, I just called you handsome, I’m guessing you are from somewhere in the North?” She stated and asked in the same breath. “Thank you, ma.” He gave a slight nod and blushed. “What’s your name?” She asked and looked over at me in disapproval that I hadn’t introduced them, and she had to ask for his name. “Sorry I got a bit carried away. Amir, this is my Aunty Fola and Aunty meet Amir. My friend.” I said, intentionally slipping in the last part and taking a sip of wine, like I hadn’t noticed the disbelief on Amir’s face when I said “friend”. “Amir?! The same Amir. Wow he is even more handsome than you described.” She said and I wish I was on a boat, to be more specific the Titanic, because not only does Amir know I have been speaking about him with my aunt, but he also knows that I described him as “handsome”.

“Aunty I think you have drunk enough champagne for one night.” I took the glass of champagne from her and handed it to a waiter. “I will be back soon. You better talk to him so you can be more than friends, enjoy your youth, take your chance.” She said, making sure to whisper the last part to me before wandering off, to meet one of the women from one of the many groups she belonged to. Most of these groups were just an excuse to wine, dine and gossip about the latest news in Lagos.

“She seems cool.” Amir stated in a smug tone, making sure to smirk and nod at her. “Of course she is. She called you “handsome”, so she is definitely cool.” I said, replacing my empty wine glass with a new one. “The coolest” he replied and took a sip from his glass. “It’s best to keep your ego in check, we wouldn’t want anyone calling you “smug” or anything.” I replied. “No, I think my ego is fine and as it is you have made it your life’s mission to keep my ego in check.” He said, the trajectory of the conversation changed and it felt like we were talking about something different. “What do you mean?” I asked out of curiosity.

“I didn’t approach you at the Lagos Fashion Week because you were with a friend and you seemed happy, so I didn’t want to bother you. But it hurt my feelings to hear you answer ‘‘no’’ when you were asked whether you had been in a relationship in the last five years. It had me thinking whether I was just a “friend” as you stated earlier to your aunt.” He said in a pained voice, and a part of me wanted to feel guilty but a bigger part of me was pleased that he was bothered.

“Do you really want to me to answer that?’’ I said with a straight face. “The food. Decor. Service. This event was well organized. Kudos to the planner.” He said, tipping his glass at me. “Thank you.” I said in a satisfied tone.

“I have missed you too.” I replied to the comment he made earlier.

“By you’’ by Simi & Adekunle Gold starts playing.

“Our song” we say in sync and smile at each other.

“Good times.” He says with a tone that implied he was reminiscing.

“Yes. Good times that cannot be recreated.” I say in a tone that implies I believe otherwise.

“Why do you say so?” He asks with genuine enthusiasm.

“History begs to differ. And I would rather not be fooled by the same person twice.” I say with a smile, making a note of dropping my glass of wine and clanking it with his.

“See you at the wedding.” I say and walk away without waiting for a reply.

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‘‘So that’s it. I think it played it cool.’’ I say with pride and excitement.

‘‘As your best friend. I am obligated to inform you that you still like Amir. So, what do you plan to do about it?’’ Kemi asks.

‘‘I don’t know. Let’s see how the wedding goes.’’