Rigozo
It was 4 hours, 46 minutes, and 31 seconds since my date with Austin ended, and I needed an ambulance. I was curled up on my couch, my red dress was on the floor, and my shoes were somewhere…I don’t know. I was devastated.
Why o why did I agree to go on a date with him?
‘Because you were not thinking with your head, Ode,’ My inner Sherlock answered.
I deserved that.
Ah! Austin…
This was how it all started.
I got to know Austin from Instagram. One day, he slid into my dm – that’s my Instagram business page where I sell fitness wears. He said he was on a weight loss journey and wanted me to recommend fitness wears to buy. When he asked me if I could deliver the next day, I was like, ‘Heck yeah! Show me the money!’ I was more than happy to help.
Austin turned out to be a dream customer – no bullshit, paid on time, and gave great feedback and referrals – good vibes all day.
We moved to WhatsApp. We talked a lot, did video calls, and supported each other. He became my partner in rubbish behavior, confidante, business adviser, and hype man. His weight loss journey was a huge success, and I never left him to forget the role I played.
Austin wanted to take things to the next level. I thought it was a dumb idea. I got served breakfast in my last relationship, and I wasn’t over it. The only ship I was interested in, was friendship.
I said to Austin, ‘Wo! Abeg I no do.’
Of course, Austin knew about my ex – The bastard.
Fast forward to two weeks ago.
I sent Austin a screenshot of this red dress. It was backless and had a thigh-high slit at the side. It was a gorgeous dress. To die for, and I was drooling over it. I would have bought the dress but I wouldn’t know where to go with it. My life was work, gym, food, and Netflix – not a happening babe.
A week after, I got a package and a bouquet of red roses. I told the delivery guy, ‘Oga you sure say na this address?’ My birthday was still far. He confirmed that it was the right address.
After he left, I quickly opened the package.
It was the red as sin gorgeous dress.
There was a note.
Date night.
We went to a waterfront restaurant. The food, music, and ambiance were perfect. Austin looked so good, in a crisp white shirt, and navy-blue wool trousers. He was turning heads. I was also turning heads in my red dress. Although I didn’t like the attention, the heat in Austin’s eyes made it worth it. My nerves melted away and I was able to relax and enjoy the night. It was perfect.
Austin brought me home and walked me to my door. He told me he thoroughly enjoyed himself and would love for us to do it again.
He said, ‘I know you are not ready for a relationship, but I’ve been ready for us to happen for a long time. And I’m a patient man.’
‘Let me love you, Gbemi. We’ll take it slow, however, you want it. Just give us a chance, that’s all I ask. Please think about it.’ He dropped a light kiss on my cheek and walked back to his car.
4 hours later and I was still thinking about it. Never mind that my couch was my favorite place to be, I felt helpless I just couldn’t shut down my mind. Maybe it was because I hadn’t been on a date in a long time. Or maybe it was Austin confusing my senses.
To be with Austin or not to be with Austin.
One perfect date night and I was reconsidering my single status.
Waking Dreams Unmasked 