When Austin’s family came down for our introduction, Jessica was with him and did not hesitate to show in little ways that she didn’t entirely approve of her brother’s choice.
And even though she was younger than Austin, one would think by the way she carried on bossing him around sometimes, that she was older.
There were occasions when I went to visit him at his apartment and she’d be there; her reaction was either one of these two- totally ignore me, or throw sarcastic comments my way.
I did not complain to Austin about it because I knew how much he adored his sister and how many excuses he would make for her.
So when I mentioned Jessica to my sister, she was quick to remember.
“That saucy girl?” was Ty’s immediate reply.
“Yes. Her.”
“Can’t you throw her out or something? Its your party, your house!”
I sighed. “I wish, but I have to respect Biyi. He came because of me and I didn’t put any restriction on plus ones.”
“Okay Kay, just make sure she doesn’t get on your nerves. If she does, you know what to do.”
I smiled even though I knew she couldn’t see me.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t get to that jare. Oya let me leave you to your boring party.” I replied.
“Shut up jor. Anyway you gist me everything later. I’m particularly interested in Biyi gist.”
We giggled together, like we were little girls again, sharing gossip.
When I hung up, I felt better. Standing in front of the mirror in my bathroom, I examined my face. Apart from a few smudges of sweat here and there, my makeup was still intact.
So what next? I wondered.
Go out there and keep enjoying my party, pretending not to care that Biyi was right there dancing with one of my archenemies?
Well, yeah. That option didn’t sound so terrible. Pretending was something I was good at.
But I had come to realize that if I wanted something I had to go for it instead of waiting till it drops in my lap by mistake- or never.
With that, I straightened, dusting myself, ready to face Jessica or whoever else.
At that moment there was a knock on the door.
“Yes?”
“Babe you there? Its Ronke…you er…someone’s been looking for you.”
“Who?”
“Er…” I heard whispering, then: “Biyi.”
Suddenly I was nervous. Clearing my throat, I turned the tap on.
“Be right out.” I said.
After washing my hands, I wiped them and took a deep breath before heading out of the bathroom.
Sure enough he was standing there, looking every bit as handsome as I remembered.
“Hey,” I said, casually. “Er…was about returning to the party.”
And yet I wanted him to ask me to stay, to not go yet.
“Can you talk? Just a few minutes is fine.” he looked nervous too, his hands were in his pockets.
“Here?” of course I knew he wanted us to talk here.
“Sure. There so much noise in the parlor except you want…”
“No it’s fine.”
“May I sit?” he asked indicating the bed.
Even though there was a wicker chair in the room, in front of the bureau, I didn’t hesitate to grant him permission to sit on my bed.
“So…”he exhaled.
“So…” I responded. Why was I so nervous?
“Tell me about this engagement of yours.”