“Let’s go to dinner.” my cousin Idara suggested.
We had been shopping for her wedding since I got off work. We were currently at a bridal shop looking at veils. The whole experience was overwhelming for me especially because Idara was very picky.
“Sounds like a great idea, we can hit the bar and have a few drinks afterwards.”
“No drinking, don’t you ever get tired of drinking?”
“Nope, you need to drink once in a while to calm your nerves.”
“My nerves are fine.” Idara said and narrowed her eyes at me. “They sound bad to me especially with this shopping, you have not picked one veil that you like since you got here, I said tired of looking at veils.”
“Yes, you are right, maybe we should leave.” Idara said and looked at the store attendant who was showing us different veils.
“Take you time, I was just kidding.”
“You sound bored, let’s go.” She said and packed up her things, putting her cell phone n her purse. She told the store attendant that she would be back to look at the veils on a different day and we left the store.
*************************************************
I had not been to Food Shack in a while. It was still the same establishment, but I noticed a lot of changes. Idara and I sat in the patio area overlooking the bridge. We watched the cars move slowly in traffic over the bridge. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to eat because I scanned through the menu several times. It also did not help matters because my phone kept ringing and I kept ignoring the calls.
The waiter walked towards us with our food. Idara moved her purse out of the way so the waiter could set the platter in front of her. The meal looked inviting. He placed my food in front of me. He asked if we needed anything else. We declined and thanked him politely. He left.
“Let’s pray.” Idara said as she put her fork in her rice.
“You should pray.” I told her.
“Sure.” She said as she recited the Grace.
We both said “Amen” after she finished reciting the Grace.
“This is nice.” I said after chewing the first fork full of food that I put in my mouth.
“I am so hungry, and the food is delicious, I am about to order a second plate.” Idara informed me.
It won’t be a bad idea, I haven’t eaten out in so long.”
“Doesn’t your friend with benefits take you out to eat?”
“Which one?”
“You have more than one?” Idara asked raising her eyebrows.
“I don’t”
“Okay, have you recently switched to someone else.”
“No, what do you mean by that?”
Idara smiled at me. I did not like the way this conversation was going, and she was really beginning to irk me.
“So, it’s still Osas right?” she asked looking coyly at me.
“Yeah,” I reluctantly replied. I hadn’t told her about Yemi yet.
“So how are things going with him?”
“I beg your pardon?” I retorted.
The fact that I was not engaged and living Idara’s current life did not make me less deserving.
“Chill I was just kidding.” she said and looked at me to weigh my response.
I rolled my eyes and put a forkful of rice into my mouth. She did the same, but her gaze was on me.
“So how is Osas doing?” she asked breaking the silence.
“He is doing great.” I said and nodded.
“Cool” she replied. She kept staring at me as if she expected me to say more.
“I mean the sex is amazing, but lately he runs home to his family.”
“He is married?” Idara asked with her eyes wide open in shock. I chuckled at her reaction.
“No”
“Are you sure?
“Yes, it’s just his siblings.”
“Doesn’t he have his own place?”
“Not yet.”
“That’s crazy.” Idara said and coughed.
“Calm down before you choke on your food.” I told her.
“I will choke on my food before you mess with a married man, what are you thinking?” she asked angrily.
“What’s your problem? He is not married, and we are just having fun, it’s just sex, calm down please.” I did not need preaching at the table. She knew what I had been through with different men and judging me was not going to help.
Idara looked upset.
“Let’s change the subject.” I offered uncomfortably. She shook her head in disagreement.
“No, I am interested in hearing more.”
“More of what? My boring life with Osas.”
“Maybe you should leave him alone.”
“Maybe he should leave me alone.” I huffed. Idara shook her head.
“Why are you shaking your head?” I asked. Idara always felt the need to say something. She was the perfect princess with the charming life.
“Why do you make poor choices when it comes to men?” she asked as she sipped from the glass in front of her.
“Poor choices?” I asked bewildered.
“Yes, you either messing with married or emotionally unavailable men, it’s crazy how you can put up with such nonsense.” Idara said.
“I don’t make poor choices, I guess those men are attracted to me and speaking of poor choices, your fiancé is someone’s ex-husband.” I spoke. Idara looked flushed.
“He is legally divorced,” she replied defensively.
“You were responsible for the end of their marriage Idara.” I told her.