I should have stayed home. I knew it the moment I woke up. I knew it even as I woke up with an excruciating headache and checked the time to see that I had just about twenty minutes if I wanted to make it to the book signing in time. I couldn’t think of a gift my best friend, Marissa, would love more than a signed book from her favourite author. I knew Marissa like I knew myself so I was positive handing her a signed book from her idol, Chimamanda Adichie, would secure me best friend points for life.
But even as I gulped two tablets of Aspirin, washed my face and saw my not too clean and bedraggled self out the front door, I wondered if it was a good idea. Another session of the book signing was to be in another three days. Maybe it would be better if I waited for that. Reminding myself for the umpteenth time that I was doing this for Marissa and the next three days might not be a good time, I trudged ahead and hoped the public buses would be at least friendly to me today of all days.
As I rounded a bend, I bumped into someone sending my bag of the unsigned book, wallet and notepad to the wet July sand.
“Damn,” I muttered bending immediately to pick it up. I nearly cried as I found the wet sand already smearing the book irredeemably.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” a voice said as its owner bent beside me. I stilled and counted to three in my head. I knew that voice. Good Lord, I would recognize that voice from anywhere. Daring to take a peek from my wind wrecked hair, I stared into familiar brown eyes. I swallowed a gasp before it had the chance to get out.
“Stella?” He asked, in that tone of his that bordered on sultry but mocking. I became aware of too many things at once. The fact that he was still using the woody aftershave I introduced him to, the fact that he’d grown a beard, and boy did it look good on him. James had glowed up without a doubt. More than anything, I became aware of myself. My greasy hair, my dark comfort sweater that hadn’t seen water for weeks now, my bare face that was devoid of any form of make up and not in the fresh, girl next door kind of way. And oh my goodness, did I even remember to brush my teeth?
That last bit made me spring like a coil into action as I hastily gathered my damaged items and equally damaged dignity into my bag and clutched it to my chest, wet sand and all and took the liberty to take a few steps back. It was one thing to run into your ex who was once the love of your life after three years, it was another thing to run into him when you were looking like your absolute worst and have him give you that mocking grin that was second nature to him. The one he had on now as he stared down at you, all six foot three of him. I felt my self esteem sink even lower.
“James,” I called out, hoping my voice didn’t come out as a squeak. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
He chuckled. “Likewise. Since when did you move into this state? I didn’t ever think you’d leave Lagos.”
I bristled within me, trying to fathom if this was some sort of insult. What did he even mean? Forcing a perky smile that betrayed everything I felt inside, I replied. “Oh, a while back. A change of scenery is always good.”
His voice turned mocking. “I can imagine.”
I felt an itch creeping up my spine. The book signing must have begun already and I was here with my ex who from the looks of it didn’t have a personality glow up alongside his physical glow up. I should leave but I found myself curious. “You didn’t tell me why you’re here?”
“Oh....” he began but was cut short when a rich, contralto voice called out.
“Darling! You’re here...” I turned to see what I would moderately describe as the most beautiful woman I’d ever set my eyes on. Elaborately done braids set on a heart shaped face that boasted a toothpaste, commercial-worthy smile. She had on make-up, the type that made you think it wasn’t made-up but actually was. Subtle and stylish, tall and glamorous. Everything I was not. Of course, this is who James would go for.
James on the other hand had a smile I’d never seen on him in all five years of us being together. A smile or one who thought himself blessed in all ramifications. It was like he was soaking up her beauty as he gave her a hug. No surprise there. I mean who wouldn’t smile at such a beauty?
I stood there awkwardly as I contemplated my options. I could remain there and wait in shame for him to introduce me, if he was ever going to do that or I could quietly leave. Deciding on the latter, I began to backtrack when the lady turned to me.
“Oh my, I didn’t notice you there. Forgive my manners. Are you James’ friend?” She gave me the bright toothpaste smile and extended her hand for a handshake. I took it gingerly. Soft hands, as I expected.
“It’s alright. I’m Stella. An old friend of James. I’m just leaving now,” I added before she had any thoughts of roping me into conversation. She was gorgeous and not a stuck up bitch like books made exes to be. She was incredibly nice. A girl could only take so much.
“You rushing somewhere? You can come in with us for coffee. I run a café just off the street.” So she was accomplished too, I thought, sighing inwardly. James, the oaf, still had his eyes on her like she was the best thing since sliced bread.
“Nah,” I said, giving a winning smile of my own. Oh what I hoped was winning. “I’d best be going. It was nice seeing you though.”
“Likewise,” she responded. I was going to give her another smile but she had already turned and was already heading into a building with James, hands interlocked.
“Just my freaking luck,” I muttered. Glancing at my watch, I cussed and began sprinting to the bus stop. I soon raced to the bookstore where the signing was supposed to take place and caught sight of the notice board almost immediately.
UNFORTUNATELY, the signing has been shifted to TOMORROW due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope you understand. See you tomorrow, dearest BIBLIOPHILES!
I could have started weeping then. Sliding down the white-polished bookstore walls, I looked on at the other pedestrians as the milled past. None of the privy to what had just happened to me. None of them privy to the overwhelming pain threatening to suffocate me from the inside out. I let out a long sigh as a tear slipped. I really should have stayed at home.
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