A Valentine Day Fiasco Chapter 10 – Friends? Definitely.

While John waited for the gate-man to push the heavy wheeled gate open, he made a mental note to run a check on the business Terry said he was into. He had always had double mind about this guy but now it seemed like his worse fears were going to be confirmed. Before he finally drove out, he called Cynthia to find out if she had plans for the evening. As it turned out, she was free. They then made arrangements to check out the new gaming store in town, see a movie and probably have dinner. He could already feel himself getting excited as the call ended. He drove his car out of his parent’s compound and turned into the street. He couldn’t wait to get home and freshen up for the evening ahead.

 When Cynthia got a call from him inviting her to hang out with him she wasn’t sure what to say to him. She didn’t want to hang out with a guy when she was not in a good state of mind but she didn’t want to be disturbing Rachel either. Rachel had plans for the night with Bobo and she didn’t want her to cancel because of her. Eventually she agreed to go out with him. “But what does one wear to check out a new ‘game’ store, see a movie and have dinner all at the same time?” Well she was going to have to ask Rachel especially now that Rachel was here. So she walked to the kitchen where she and Rachel had been preparing spaghetti for them to eat just before she had left to answer the phone call.

“What did he say?” Rachel asked immediately she walked to the kitchen.

“Well, I have just been invited to check out a new gaming store, see a movie and have dinner and I have no idea what to wear. Can you epp a sister out?” Cynthia said.

“How do I look casual yet not shabby at a restaurant for dinner? I am not in the mood to dress up. Any ideas?” She continued.

“Well look for a good jeans trouser, I know you have quite a number then pair it with a feminine corp-casual blouse and a wedge. Don’t forget to add a clutch to it.”

Cynthia was relieved. “Thanks B. Thanks for everything.” She said. She knew she could count on Rachel in circumstances like this. “I have to go now.” She continued heading towards the sitting room to pick her bag.

“So you are leaving me to finish this food alone ba?” Rachel shouted from the kitchen.

“No oo. I will come and finish it for you after work tomorrow. No finish am o! I don commot o. Come and lock your door. I’ll call you when I get back.”

“Alright sis. Drive safely.”

“I will. See ya!”

Cynthia drove off and went to get ready for her outing with John. She didn’t know why but he was already warming up to the idea and she was going to make sure she had fun.

The evening ended on a light note. They had had dinner at a family restaurant and for some reason she didn’t seem as uncomfortable as she used to be sitting with so many happy looking couples and families with kids. In fact when she left she felt lighter and freer. John was the perfect companion and she enjoyed their conversations. He had dropped her off at her place and when she went to bed, she slept like a baby with no cares in the world.

It was a little bit after nine pm when he got home. It was a bit late for a work night but it had been worth it John thought to himself. He was glad he had made the decision to see her when he did and was quite pleased when she had said she had enjoyed herself. As he went to sleep, he did so with a smile on his face.

That was how the texting and long calls began. Sometimes they would both talk so late into the middle of the night that they often needed to remind themselves that they had work the next day. Weekends spent at celebrity industry nights, amusement parks and having dinner together became more often. These they both did as friends. Each party comfortable with the way this were between them.

Then one day, something happened. Something that would change everything. Cynthia was on leave. 

Click to read Chapter 11.