HITCHED
The next day, Christine found herself pacing her room, trying to steady her nerves. She’d been startled earlier by a delivery: a sleek white corset dress from House of CB—one of the UK’s most exclusive fashion brands. Along with it was a note in Jide’s bold handwriting: _For tonight._
It fit perfectly. Paired with floral-heeled sandals she’d forgotten she owned, Christine looked in the mirror and barely recognized herself. But there wasn’t time to overthink. At 7 PM sharp, Jide’s chauffeur-driven car pulled up.
---
The restaurant was a dimly lit haven of understated elegance, its walls adorned with tasteful African art. Christine and Jide were seated at a corner table, the flickering candlelight casting warm shadows on their faces.
Jide’s eyes lingered on Christine for a moment before he spoke. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said, his voice sincere.
Christine’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you. And thanks for the dress. It’s stunning.”
“Nothing less than what you deserve,” Jide replied with a small smile.
The waiter arrived to take their orders, and once he left, Jide leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table. “So,” he began, his tone light but his eyes serious, “about last night.”
Christine took a deep breath. “Jide, I… I really care about you. And honestly, I feel the same way. But...” She paused, looking down at her clasped hands. “I’m moving to Kenya in a few weeks.”
Jide’s brow furrowed. “Kenya? That’s… sudden. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Because I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Christine admitted. “Everything is changing so fast, and I didn’t want to complicate things even more by dragging you into it.”
Jide leaned forward, his expression softening. “Christine, I don’t mind long distance. If I could move with you, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But I know you wouldn’t want that.”
She let out a laugh, half-amused, half-relieved. “You’re right. I’d never let you do that.”
“See?” he said, his smile returning. “You know me well already. We’ll make it work. I’m serious.”
Christine studied him for a long moment. His confidence, his unwavering belief in them, was infectious. “Jide,” she began, her voice hesitant, “I’m scared. What if it doesn’t work? What if the distance changes everything?”
“Then we’ll figure it out,” Jide said firmly. “But I’d rather try and fail than not try at all. Don’t you think we owe it to ourselves?”
She nodded slowly, the tension in her chest easing. “Okay. Let’s give it a shot.”
Jide’s face lit up. “Does that mean you’re officially my girlfriend?”
Christine laughed, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “Yes, Jide. Officially.”
His grin widened as he leaned across the table. Their first kiss was soft and tentative, a blend of excitement and nervousness. It lasted only a few seconds before Christine pulled away, her cheeks burning. But the look they shared afterward was enough to say everything words couldn’t.
The clinking of silverware and the soft murmur of other diners provided a soothing background noise as they delved deeper into their newfound relationship.
"Jide, I still can't believe this is happening," Christine admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes, filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, held a vulnerability that tugged at his heartstrings.
Jide reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Neither can I," he said, his gaze intense. "But I'm so glad it is. I promise, I'll make this work. No matter what."
The warmth of Jide's hand in hers was a comforting anchor, grounding her in the present moment. As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them.
"I love you, Christine," Jide said, his voice barely audible.
A blush crept across Christine's cheeks but she couldn't bring herself to reciprocate, at least not yet.
The rest of the evening was a blur of stolen glances, heartfelt conversations, and shared laughter. As they walked out of the restaurant, the cool night air brushed against their skin, a stark contrast to the warmth they felt inside.
"I don't want this night to end," Christine sighed.
As they lingered over dessert, their phones buzzed simultaneously. Christine glanced at her screen to see a message from Adeze.
**Adeze:** _You two. Meet me at Café Céleste in an hour. Don’t keep me waiting._
Christine looked up to find Jide already typing.
**Jide:** _On our way._
They exchanged amused glances. “Should we tell her about us?” Christine asked.
“Might as well,” Jide replied. “But let’s make it dramatic.”
---
Jide’s perspective took over as they stepped out of the restaurant. He held the door open for Christine, admiring her hourglass silhouette in the white corset dress he’d chosen for her. The floral-heeled sandals added a playful touch to her elegance. He trailed behind her, a mix of pride and adoration filling his chest.
When his chauffeur spotted them, he swiftly opened the car door. Once they were seated, Jide leaned forward. “We’re meeting Adeze. You know where.”
The driver nodded, and they were off.
During the drive, Jide couldn’t help stealing glances at Christine. Her profile was illuminated by the passing streetlights, her expression a mix of contentment and nervousness. He reached over, brushing her hand lightly. She turned to him with a small smile, her tension easing.
---
Café Céleste was a cozy, vibrant spot known for its artisanal teas and desserts. Adeze was already seated in their usual corner booth, a milkshake in hand and an expectant look on her face.
When Christine and Jide slid into the booth across from Adeze, her eyebrows shot up. “You’re late,” she teased, leaning back in her chair.
“We were… delayed,” Christine said, her tone playful.
“Uh-huh,” Adeze replied, narrowing her eyes. “What’s going on? You two are acting weird.”
Jide exchanged a quick glance with Christine, his lips twitching into a small smile. “Well,” he began, leaning forward for dramatic effect, “since you asked…”
Christine nudged him with her elbow, but he continued. “Christine and I are officially together,” he announced.
Adeze’s jaw dropped. “Wait, what? When did this happen?”
“Tonight,” Christine said, her cheeks flushing pink. “And no, it’s not just because of the Senior Send-Off.”
Adeze’s surprise turned into a knowing grin. “Finally! I was wondering when you two would get over yourselves.”
The three of them spent the next few hours catching up, laughing about old memories and making light of future uncertainties. The café’s cozy ambiance wrapped them in a bubble of warmth, making the hours slip by unnoticed.
When Adeze eventually got up to leave, she hugged them both tightly. “Don’t screw this up,” she whispered in Jide’s ear, half-teasing but mostly serious.
He laughed. “I wouldn’t dare.”
---
After Adeze drove off, Jide turned to Christine. “What next?”
She shrugged, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Just… drive. I don’t want tonight to end yet.”
“Your wish is my command,” Jide said.