They turned the corner, walking down the long right side of the gym.
“It may be close to it, but I have a life.”
“Yes, one that we had to force on you.”
Kenya did her best to keep up with Adanne’s pace. Her cousin’s legs were longer, but she walked deliberately, slowing downenough for Kenya to keep up but moving fast enough to stretch her muscles a bit.
“Listen, since my spouse—and yes, it feels good to say that—does well financially, I can be a bit more flexible with my schedule. I am still working here at the community center, and I still love to do makeup, but I have more freedom to respond spontaneously. Drink some soda with my cousin. Sounds like she’s got a lot on her mind.”
They started down the far wall, the path putting them close to the hoop the girls practiced at. Adanne waved and turned her attention back to Kenya.
“You usually have a lot going on. But it usually doesn’t weigh you down, like now.”
Kenya sighed. “I’ve got so much to figure out in so little time with my job, and this ankle recovery doesn’t help. But as of yesterday, I’m trying to think through this whole situation with Solomon and his mother.”
“Isn’t this supposed to be a pseudo relationship, more for convenience than anything else?”
“Yes, but it’s obvious I have a crush on him. Since—”
“The hospital.” Adanne finished her words.
Kenya grinned. “Our conversations and meetings have been really sweet and fun. Adanne, he even took me to the library.”
“That was fun?”
Kenya recalled the headiness that was soon followed by her heavy thoughts. “It was, but then I went into this meeting with his mom so insecure. I thought because Auntie was Nigerian too that maybe you had some insight on how I needed to maneuver. Is there something culturally I’m missing?”
Adanne was quiet for a few minutes. They rounded the corner and walked halfway down the other long side of the gym before she answered. “Well, you probably have as much experience as I did.”
“Maybe. I just can’t figure out Solomon’s mom. She seems very nice and regal, even, but I am not sure that she likes me.”
“Why do you say that?” Adanne’s words came out with a laugh. “Everyone likes you.”
Kenya shrugged. “I don’t know. It was just the way she looked at me, like I’m talking to a queen and I’m this little peasant trying to win the heart of a prince.”
“So, no more pretending, at least for you.”
Kenya had already admitted her crush, but it seemed too palpable to say again. “It’s obvious that Solomon thinks very highly of his parents, and I don’t wanna make the wrong move, especially with this wedding coming up.”
“I still can’t believe they invited you to the wedding. That seems like a huge move.”
“And there is more riding on this. His parents are connected to the guy I need to talk to from Blue Horizon. I’ve already messed up twice. I can’t afford to get this last chance wrong.”
Adanne paused to look at her. “Kenya, any mom or dad would be blessed to have you getting to know their son. You infuse joy into whatever room you walk into, and you make everyone smile and feel better just by being you.”
She locked arms with her and they continued walking. “Being me got me in trouble at your wedding.”
“So what? Walk into the room with your high-heeled—or maybe ballet-flat—shoes. I think you should just be yourself and not worry about what others think. Have fun! And, oh my goodness, you’re gonna eat such good food. And the music, girl. If your ankle was strong, I would tell you that this would be the wedding that you need to get your dancing shoes on for.”
Kenya agreed. “From all the reels and posts I’ve seen on social media about Nigerian weddings, I honestly cannot wait.”
“All the colors in the patterns. The way everyone just glows. From expert makeup application, I’m sure,” Adanne added. “Honestly, I wish I was going with you too. But who knows, if all this goes well, you might have a Nigerian wedding of your own one day.”
They laughed. Kenya was excited, but she still couldn’t shake theniggling thoughts. Being herself was great textbook-level advice. But how could she be herself when who she was seemed so inadequate, especially now that she couldn’t do the things she was skilled to do.
They walked one more lap around the gym and then headed back to the front desk. “I need to go. I’m supposed to get measured for my dress.”
“Yes, queen!” Her cousin grinned and gave her a hug. “Remember, you can do this.”
