The conversation was getting longer than she anticipated. He was quite sharp and quick, peeking through her emotions trying to read her but he's dealing with a tough woman.
Nothing serious. Just small conversations about Lagos traffic, work stress, and how Nigerian weddings lasted longer than some marriages.
He listened when she spoke. Not many people did.
Before she left, he said, "I hope this isn't the last time we talk."
Aduni gave a polite nod.
She had learned something about men.
Charm was free.
Three days later, her phone buzzed. Unknown number.
"Good evening, Aduni. This is Tade. I hope you got home safely after the wedding."
Aduni stared at the message.
Her first thought was not romance.
How did he get my number?
" I've definitely got a stalker on my tail...who the heck did this guy thinks he is anyways?"
Her second thought was more dramatic
" Who gave him my number without asking me?" She was ready to go Godzilla on anyone who went against her personal rule!!
Before she could reply, another message came.
"I asked the bride for your contact. I hope you don't mind."
Aduni leaned back and exhaled slowly. She suddenly wished she could smack Ronke really bad but at least he knew to explain himself. That was already better than most.
She typed:
"Good evening, Tade. I don't mind."
That should have been the end.
It was not.
The conversation flowed easily. He was attentive without being aggressive. Polite without sounding rehearsed. Funny without trying too hard.
He asked about her work.
She told him she handled operations at a small logistics firm.
"You must be very strong," he replied. "That's not an easy field for a woman."
Aduni paused.
There it was.
The normal compliment that sounded supportive but carried a small box inside it.
For a woman.
She typed back
"It's not easy for anybody. But yes, I survive."
He sent a laughing emoji.
They spoke late into the night.
When she finally dropped her phone, she told herself something important.
"This is just conversation. Not destiny. It's just a normal thing... don't get your hopes up girl!"
Experience had taught her that attention was not commitment.
And charm, she reminded herself again, was still free.