Did anyone miss me?

Bukola walked angrily to Toye's room slammed the door and flung herself on the bed.

Even the mattress she had carefully chosen for his bedroom after his last girlfriend dumped him was not offering its usual comfort.

 She had deliberately shopped for a new mattress when he seemed to be so attached to a particular spot he said his girlfriend was used to sleeping.

What could be the problem? She thought angrily shaking her foot on the bed. She had done everything possible to persuade him, yet he was not bulging hence, the threats and that was not working either. Her friends were beginning to get to her about picking uniforms (aso ebi) for her wedding and all. If she decides to start shopping for the wedding, she’ll need to give them date which was not available. She was so sure money wasn’t the problem. Toye’s company was doing fine and he had the connections. He was just being stubborn about the whole thing.

She needed to talk to her mother. She searched beside her for the phone. She was at crossroads and they usually do this type of thinking together.

 Bibi was about the good life and would not bother herself with marriage talks, she'd rather have the freedom of choosing whoever she wants. Her mother is in a better option, two heads they say are better than one.

“Hello mom,” she said when her mother picked on the first ring.

“My darling, how are you?”

“I am not fine mummy,” she grumbled.

“Is everything okay?” The mother was immediately at alert.

“It’s Toye.”

“What happened this time?”

“He is refusing to pick a date for the wedding.”

“Why?”

“I am confused, I don’t know what to do again. I have tried everything from persuasion to discussions to threats, nothing seems to be working.”

“Is he still having sex with you?”

“Of course, although sometimes I have to seduce him.”

“Does he enjoy it with you?”

“Mom!”

“Sorry I asked.”

“It’s fine.”

“Does he take care of you, give you money and all?”

“Money is not a problem with him, he gives even before I make a request.”

“Do you want me to find out if he has another girl?”

“Maybe you should, but I don’t think so.”

“Maybe I should call him and give him an ultimatum or something,” the mother suggested.

“It will make it worse, he will know I have talked to you. He is complaining that I am putting pressure on him already.”

“What do we do now?” she asked thoughtfully.

“Is it bad to want a good life? I love him, and I just want him to love me back.” Bukola said wearily

“He loves you, darling, I am sure of that. Why else would he propose?”

“Maybe because he had no option after that girl dumped him and he couldn’t reach her.”

“No darling, don’t say that. He loves you for who you are. He had other options after his ex left but he chose you.”

Bukola sighed. “I am not that close to his mother, I would have talked to her,” Bukola complained.

“Oh! I have an idea…” her mother enthused.  Just then, Toye opened the door to the bedroom.

“Just a minute mom,” she whispered and held the phone away from her ear.

She watched him go to his closet and pick up a casual shirt. He ignored her and did not even glance in her direction. She could tell he was still upset from their conversation earlier. Maybe she has said too much she wondered.

He changed his shirt and was on his way out when she asked where he was going

“So I need to take permissions now?”

“I just...”

“I am picking some stuff at the estate gate,” he said and left.

She sighed and put her phone back to her ear.

“Are you there mom?”

“Right here, darling. What was that?”

“Toye came into the room, I didn’t want him to know I was talking to you.”

“Okay then.”

“What were you saying about an idea?”

“Why don’t I call his friend, that one that has a wife in the event planning business.”

“Damola?”

“Exactly. I'll talk to him, try to make him persuade Toye. He needs to do something fast.”

“Well, maybe you should try. They are pretty close.”

“What about the wife, aren’t you close to her?”

“Mtchew,” Bukola hissed “that one?” she sneered

“she doesn’t even behave as if I exist.”

“Why, Does she know anything?”

“I don’t think so, I used to ignore her when she was dating Damola, I didn’t know he was going to end up marrying her.”

“She would have been a good one to talk to or persuade her to talk to her husband for you, both of you can even do wifely things together. Even plan outings to involve both men.”

“I don’t know. She’s a difficult one. You know she was a friend to Toye’s ex, best friend even.”

“Wow, we cant use that avenue then. Just send me Damola’s contact then. I will schedule a meeting with him.”

“Alright mom, please leave me out of the conversation, just talk to him on neutral ground. I don’t want to seem desperate.”

“Of course darling, we are never desperate.”

“I am thinking of moving out of his place for  a few days maybe it will get him thinking.”

“Don’t you dare,” Her mother warned. “He needs to constantly know you are there. It will serve as a reminder for him to do the right thing.”

“You think so?”

“I know so darling, let me get working on his friend. Don’t worry, we'll sort this out. Before you know it, you are legally his.”

“Thank you mom, I love you.”

“Love you too baby. Just take care of yourself and keep loving him.”

“Alright mom,” she tried to smile. “Regards to Bibi,” she said referring to her sister. “Is she at home?”

“You know her, always on the move. She’s out with some friends.”

“Alright then, I will get you the contact and wait for feedback.”

“Bye, dear.”

SEE YOU NEXT TIME

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