By evening, the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky in warm hues, casting a golden glow on the buildings as Chioma exited Star Restaurant. She had changed out of her work uniform, opting for a simple blue dress that flowed around her ankles. Exquisitely wrapped boxes, a gift from Audrey, were clutched tightly in her hands. Spotting Segun's taxi parked by the roadside, a small smile played on her lips.
Segun leaned on the steering wheel, a picture of casual coolness. Andrew occupied the passenger seat, while Daniel, in the back, munched contentedly on a punnet of bright red strawberries.
'Chioma!' Segun called out, a friendly wave accompanying his greeting.
Chioma approached the car, Chisom trailing closely behind. With Chisom's help, Chioma placed the boxes in the trunk and they both joined Daniel in the back seat. Warm greetings filled the car as they settled in.
The engine roared to life, and Segun pulled away from the roadside. Daniel reached for two Nutri milk bottles in a blue plastic bag, offering one to Chioma and one to Chisom, their labels catching the last of the evening light. Chioma twisted off the cap and took a long sip, the cool liquid refreshing her after a long day.
'Daniel, I'm glad you're here. Today, we're going to have a blast!' Chioma remarked playfully.
Daniel chuckled. 'Heard a rumour the CEO of Moon Corporation might be vying for your attention,' he teased, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Hearing Daniel's words, Chioma's eyes darted towards Chisom. Andrew quickly intervened, afraid that Chioma might blame Chisom. 'Hey, don't blame Chisom! I was the one who spilled the beans,' he admitted, a sheepish grin replacing his earlier amusement.
Chioma's lips curved into a playful pout. 'Andrew, you blabbermouth!' she said, her voice laced with mock annoyance.
Andrew chuckled at Chioma's reaction.
Chisom, leaning forward, added to the conversation. 'Truly, the big boss of Moon Corporation seems interested in Chioma. He even appeared today out of nowhere, giving her a bottle of water. I have no idea how he knew she wanted water.'
'Maybe they're connected on a deeper level,' Segun, who had remained silent, chimed in. 'They seem like a perfect match from heaven.'
Chioma blushed, while Chisom giggled at Segun's remark.
The car pulled up in front of a bustling barbecue stall, the savoury scent of grilled meat filling the air. Chioma, Chisom, Andrew, Daniel, and Segun piled out, the promise of a delicious meal painting smiles on their faces. Entering inside, they sat by the window, enjoying the fresh air.
'Go ahead, choose your favourite barbecue dishes,' Daniel offered generously, his voice booming with enthusiasm. 'It's on me tonight!'
Clapping their hands excitedly, Chioma and Chisom signalled the waiter. 'Twenty beef skewers and a bottle of cold coke, please,' Chioma ordered.
Chisom chimed in, her gaze fixed on the menu. 'Ten chicken feet and a Pepsi, please.'
The men opted for a more traditional selection, ordering chicken drumsticks and cold beers for themselves. As they waited for the food, Chioma excused herself to visit the restroom, her phone buzzing in her hand. A quick glance at the screen revealed Audrey's name, and Chioma answered with a smile.
'Audrey?'
'Chioma, how are you doing?'
'Fine,' Chioma replied, her voice slightly muffled. 'I got your gifts... They're too much.'
'Nonsense,' Audrey countered calmly. 'Where are you?'
'Barbecue stall with my brother and friends,' Chioma explained.
'Then I won't disturb you. Have fun, and head home safely afterward,' Audrey said softly.
'Thank you, Ma'am,' Chioma replied, a wave of warmth washing over her. Hanging up the call, she slipped back into the lively atmosphere of the stall, the tantalising aroma of grilled food sharpening her appetite.
Returning to the table, Chioma found everyone digging into their meals with gusto. Without a word, she lowered her head and grabbed a skewer, savouring the smoky, succulent flavour of the perfectly grilled beef.
Suddenly, a man wearing an orange t-shirt and jeans stood up from his seat and approached their table, holding a bottle of beer and a friendly smile. 'Miss Chioma Chima,' he greeted.
Upon hearing his voice, Chioma's face lit up in recognition. She remembered him as the police officer who had dined at Star Restaurant a few days ago. Chisom politely nodded at him in greeting. The man appeared to be in his forties, with a youthful face and a gold necklace adorning his neck.
'This is Stanley Alozie, a police officer and a customer of Star Restaurant,' Chioma explained to Andrew and Daniel, who looked curious about the situation.
'I am Stanley Alozie, a police officer working at the Nigeria Police Force,' he introduced himself, taking a vacant seat.
Andrew flashed Stanley a tight smile, extending his hand for a polite shake. Stanley nodded towards Daniel and Segun.
Segun jokingly asked, 'Police officer, did you come with your woman, or have you caught a prey?'
Chioma felt a bit uncomfortable hearing Segun's words.
Stanley chuckled. 'No wife at forty, I'm afraid,' he admitted, then glanced at Chioma, 'but perhaps this lovely lady would consider becoming my partner?'
'Well, in that case, you're a bit late because she's already taken. Segun retorted, scanning the room with a playful look. 'Maybe someone else catches your eye?'
Stanley's gaze landed on Chisom, who swiftly averted her eyes, clearly irritated by his attention.
'She's taken too,' Andrew interjected, feeding Chisom a piece of chicken, a subtle display of ownership.
Stanley understood the meaning behind Andrew's gesture. He then signalled to a waiter to bring glasses and wine. Each glass was filled, with Stanley personally filling Chioma's glass.
'Chioma, I will drink this glass of wine to celebrate our friendship, even though I feel a bit saddened that you're already taken,' Stanley expressed.
'Okay, I'll drink with you,' Chioma replied, not making a fuss about the situation. She was still single, but her heart belonged only to Michael, so she was definitely taken. Moreover, in a matter of a few days, she would officially belong to Michael. Smiling at the thought, she clinked glasses with Stanley and then with the others, and they all drank their wine.
Stanley ordered more dishes, and they all engaged in conversation while enjoying their meal.