playing away… looking beyond the Homefront for the proverbial greener grass on the other side:

Steph sighed as she scrolled through her phone for the hundredth time. Nothing exciting was happening at home, and she was growing restless. She needed a change of scenery. “Chioma, let’s go to the mall,” she said, turning to her sister. A little while later, they arrived at the busy shopping center, the air-conditioning a welcome relief from the searing Laogs heat outside. As they strolled through the mall, Chioma suggested they grab a drink. and soon they were sipping cold Radlers – a girl’s best answer to beer – chatting away about Chioma’s inability to attract high-value men.

Blame the alcohol

After 2 Radlers, things usually start getting a little hazy, and knowing their limit, they decided it was time to head home. But as they walked down the stairs, past the ATMs, Steph suddenly noticed someone staring at her. A light-skinned young man, average height but well proportioned and so looking even taller than he actually was. It was either the drinks were more potent than usual today, or this guy was really rather good-looking! He was casually dressed in a white linen shirt, beige cargo shorts, and comfortable slippers. But he was light-skinned. Sigh. 

What stood out the most however, was the way his chest glistened beneath his gold crucifix. The 2 top buttons of his shirt were undone, likely on purpose, knowing the effect he would have on his prey. This was a cat on a mission, a cocky self-assured Lagos boy, clearly used to having his way with the girls. She can see his type from a mile off. Well, there was no way Steph was going to give him the time of day. 

Then he said hello.   

Con is short for confidence

“Hi, my name is Derek. What’s yours?” he asked, as he walked up to her confidently.  Steph glanced at him, unimpressed by his exaggerated manner. “Hi, I’m Steph, and my cab is waiting outside”. Derek sensed her haste and didn’t miss a beat. “Can I get your number? I’ll call you a little later… I mean, if that’s ok?” he asked with a cheeky smile, suggesting he already knew the answer but thought to go through the motions. 

She hesitated only briefly as she spewed her digits. But as she made to leave, a thought crossed her mind, and without thinking, she turned back and asked, “Where are you from?” instantly regretting it. Now he’ll really think she’s interested. What did it matter where he was from, anyway, she scolded herself. A knowing smile spread across his face – she could almost hear the “gotch’ya” under his voice: “I’m from Delta State. You can call me Emeka.”

Steph smirked, matching his cheekiness: “Derek or Emeka – which is it?”. As she walked away, she couldn’t help laughing to herself. This was going to be interesting. 

It’s the “wait 3 days technique”

Steph found herself daydreaming about him, replaying their brief encounter at the mall. She had given him her number without much thought, but now, she couldn’t stop checking her phone, waiting for his call. Two days passed. Two long, agonizing days. And just when she was about to give up, her phone finally rang. Her heart skipped seeing an unfamiliar number coming through. “Hello?” she answered, trying to sound indifferent.

“Hey, Steph. It’s Emeka.” His voice was smooth, teasing. “Or should I say Derek?”. She smiled. From that moment, their conversations became frequent. They texted and talked every day, their exchanges lighthearted and effortless. But despite their growing connection, it remained strictly platonic.

Emeka constantly invited her out for drinks, always joking that she owed him one. But Steph declined every time. She knew it was impossible. Not with George in the picture.

Really considering playing away?

George was perceptive – the kind of guy who always knew when something was off. At least, that’s how it seemed. If she ever went out with Emeka, George would somehow sense it. And if he called while she was on a so-called “friendly” date, she’d be unable to lie convincingly. So, no matter how tempting it was, she kept saying no. But deep down, she wondered… how much longer could she resist?