“I shall not dignify that baseless accusation with a response,” I bite back playfully, waving a hand in front of my lips to disguise my growing smile. My knowledge of the language comes from the five years I took it in secondary school in Nigeria, and all mastery is long gone, but Niyi doesn’t need to know that.
I expect a retort, a comment of some sort, but instead, his lips repeat their earlier twitch—he’s fighting back a laugh. I want to say something, to continue our lighthearted quippy exchange, but Mercury’s voice fills the space once more and all heads turn to the stage.
“It’s lovely to see you all mingling. Now we’ll hear from someCupid’s Bowcouples and from our first coached pair, for all of you interested in our dating consultation program.” Some people take the stage and Mercury introduces them.
I’m almost at my seat before I notice I’m alone. I search for Niyi andfind him pinned to the back wall. I shoot him a look that I hope conveys, “Why the fuck are you standing there? It’s time to sit down.”
He lifts off the wall and hurries to my side before the speakers begin. But when he gets to my side, he doesn’t sit down. Instead, he squats, and my attention is pulled to the way his thighs stretch his simple black pants. He’s so fi—No.
I refocus on the words coming from his lips.
“I have some other work to do, but this presentation will help you decide,” Niyi says for my hearing only. “If you decide to work with me, I’ll see you again. If not? It was lovely meeting you, Moyo. I wish you all the best, and I sincerely hope you find love.” He squeezes my shoulder on his way out.
The first speaker, a chirpy brunette, sits and details her love story while a man holds her hand. His palm never leaves hers, and without knowing them, I can tell he longs to kiss the back of her hand, the urge eating him alive. Public performance must not be typical for them because her words shake more than mine did during my first year at the hospital’s Foundation Gala. But when she stops paying attention to the sea of onlookers and focuses on her lover, her words gain clarity and strength. She finishes to thunderous applause, and he kisses her temple. The way her shoulders slump into his frame, the way he cradles her, tells me everything I need to know.
I don’t even bother staying for the coaching presentation. My mind is made up.
I find Mercury standing among a group of people in impeccable suits and tell them I’ll do it. Not because I want to work with Niyi, I don’t care about him and his muscles, but because of the love I saw on that stage. I was kidding myself, pretending I would be fine with simply a companion. Or with someone who doesn’t make my heart flutter simply by existing. Seeing those two on the stage reminds me that love is out there. It exists for others, and not just my parents.
Fear be damned. Cole and the Wife be damned.
I deserve to find someone, and I guess it starts now…again.
10Moyo
EVERYTHING IS SO…PINK.
I mean, yes, it is a dating app calledCupid’s Bow, but I didn’t expect the boardroom to look straight out of Barbie Land.
This time—dressed in a pair of simple black slacks and a soft baby-blue turtleneck with my leather, shearling jacket—I’m prepared to enter the app’s workspace. No scrubs, no rushing out of work. Ready to sign this agreement and get to work finding my life partner.
And see Niyi.
The thought is intrusive, making my heart flutter like a butterfly testing out its wings. My inner, secondary schoolteacher emerges, echoing a familiar refrain: “I will clip those wings.”
This is not the time nor the place for a schoolgirl crush. I’m too old for it, especially over someone I have met less than a handful of times. Trusted methodology only. No experimentation.
As I prep my wing-cutting scissors, the double doors open and my efforts are sullied.
Mercury walks in first. Their locs bounce with their steps. They are effortless and chic in a monochrome, forest-green ensemble with gold jewelry to accentuate. Behind them holding a packet is Niyi, and damn, doeshe look good in navy pants and a light-blue crew neck, a few shades darker than my baby blue.
“Moyo.” Mercury outstretches their hand. I take it and they pull me into a quick hug. “Thank you for giving us another chance.”
“Thank your convincing clients,” I say.
Mercury responds, “And you’ll soon be one of them.”
“That’s the plan.”
Mercury’s bubbly demeanor switches to a more serious one in the blink of an eye. “I know we messed up last time, but like the couples you saw at the mixer, your matches will be handled by our most experienced matchmaker. In addition, Niyi here will be listening to your post-date feedback and informing the process, so I am more than confident we can lead you to the love you desire.”
Mercury’s calm and collected expression is in stark contrast to Niyi’s blank face.
“Now, I’ll leave you to your introductory meeting. As always, feel free to contact me, but you’re in great hands.” Mercury flashes a smile in Niyi’s direction, and the man in blue only shifts his eyes to acknowledge their words.
Soon it’s just Niyi and me. Neither of us move for a second and then we move simultaneously.
“Sorry,” we say in unison.
