Harry logged off Skype. He had been on since sometime past 5pm and it was almost 8pm as he shut down for the day. He'd really gotten tired of going home to an empty house, he felt more comfortable at his desk getting work done, catching up with his former crew in the UK or simply entertaining himself.
He had been 'skyping' with Femi, part of his former crew in the UK. While he had come back after his MSc, most of the guys had stayed back. Femi had just hinted him, at the tail end of the chat, that Joyce, Harry's ex, was coming back to Nigeria in a week. According to Femi, Joyce had gotten a job offer and she had taken it. Harry had not been in touch with her for a while, but then he'd never really succeeded in getting her off his mind. He'd met a couple of ladies here, but none had really struck him as someone he could date seriously.
As he drove out of the office premises, a plan took shape in his mind. He would have Femi keep tabs on Joyce and so he would know exactly when she was arriving. He would surprise her at the airport and hope it all works well from there on. There really was no reason why it should not, distance had been the major factor that had led to their breakup. He would not meet her empty handed, no. He had to go with a gift, something she would definitely fall in love with and hopefully re-ignite her love for him.
And so, the next Saturday, with three days to spare before Joyce's arrival, he drove to the mall hoping to find that magical item that would help him win her back. As he pulled into a parking spot he noticed a truck across the lot. It made him smile "Ingenious!" he murmured. He got out of his car and made his way to the truck. A number of ladies were excitedly shopping off something that was clearly as fashion house on wheels. The last time he'd seen one of these was while in the UK. He spotted a pretty lady who seemed to be in charge. She was helping the other ladies and giving suggestions, he approached her, surely she could help him.
15 minutes later, they were chatting like old friends and she was trying to help him pick out something that suited Joyce's frame and color (he'd shown her a picture online), something that was perfect for the occasion. "I have something I think will be just right" Olori said looking towards a hanger of dresses at the same moment a gorgeous lady stepped out of the changing area in a very pretty dress. "Oh, dear!" Olori said smiling at Harry, "she got the dress. Sorry Harry." Harry could see how this was just the dress he needed for Joyce. "Damn!" he swore. The lady was speaking to an assistant while looking herself over.
"Ok, Harry, let's find you something else" Olori said "No. I want that dress" Harry insisted making Olori laugh. He walked up to the lady "Hi. You look real gorgeous in that dress, can I buy it from you?" he said, now the lady was laughing. "Buy it from me?" she asked surprised. "Harry don't harass Kike o!" Olori said intervening. "Kike, my name is Harry. I'm a Mergers and Acquisitions consultant. Would you be open to discussing my acquisition of this pretty dress over lunch." he pressed. Now all three ladies ere laughing.
"Ok, Harry, tell me, why do you want this dress, my dress, so badly?" Kike asked after they had ordered drinks. Olori had let them take the dress along and asked that whoever won the 'negotiations' should return and pay for it. Kike looked gorgeous still even in a top and jeans. He could hardly stop looking at her even while he spoke to the waitress. "Focus! Get the dress for Joyce, Harry, and go home!" his head screamed. He went ahead and told her his story. He needed the dress to win his babe's heart once more. He went on and on about the past - times he'd spent with Joyce and stuff they'd done, he noticed Kike listened intently. Finally he stopped when their food arrived.
"I think you should have the dress, Harry. It's so nice to see there are still guys who are as intensely romantic as you are. Nothing should stand in your way of getting her back." Kike said sliding the paper bag containing the dress across the floor towards him. "I really don't need it anyway. For one, I got a lot of stuff already" she patted her own bag "and I was going to wear it to a family function - my Dad's birthday. No one there'll notice my dress, just old men, my naughty brothers and cousins" she said smiling. "Thank you, Kike. I won't forget this." he said as they settled down to the meal before them and other subjects of conversation.
Harry sat back, it was past 4pm. Femi had just told him Joyce's flight would arrive at 7:05pm that night. He picked up his car keys and got up. Why was this so hard right now? He had it all planed out and it was going all very smoothly, then why was he finding it difficult? It was time anyways, now or never.
"Is that what you are wearing to the party?" Kike heard. She spun around to find Harry looking impeccable in a shirt, blazers and slacks. "Harry! How did you find me?" she asked. He laughed, "You mentioned you worked here, remember? I simply told the guys at the gate I was your cousin, today was your Dad and I was here to get you." he explained. "Hmmm! Aren't you supposed to be on your way to the airport?" She asked. "No, Kike. I'm here to take you to the party." He said handing her a bag. Kike was very confused, she looked at him, trying to ascertain if this was some kind of joke as she took the bag from him. Inside was the dress that he had wanted so badly for his ex and a pair of shoes she remembered from Fashion On Wheels.
"Would you kindly let me be your escort tonight?" He asked. "Harry!" She exclaimed still not sure what to believe. "Please, go and put those on, time waits for no woman, no matter how gorgeous." he said smiling at her. She gave him a warm hug, turned away quickly and headed off to change. He did not need to see her eyes well up with happy tears. She could only pray this worked out, she had thought of giving up on being found by a real man but then again, she would try this one last time.
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