Not Safe To Be Loved - Episode 6

Mike had insisted he dropped the girl off in front of her house. Not much conversation had ensued between them. She was visibly too heartbroken to offer much, not even her name. She had sobbed and sobbed all through the drive. But Mike was confident he had something to start with. At least he knew where to find her. It was a good thing that the street was not too far away from the bar where Tunde had agreed they meet. He was already about seven minutes behind time but he could always explain his way out to Tunde, he reasoned as he pulled up in front of Kay’s Bar.

He had no trouble placing Tunde where he sat. He joined Tunde at the table offering his apology for arriving late.

“I’m sorry, bro. Something actually came up on my way down. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Tunde offered as he lowered the glass from his mouth. “And how was work today?”

“Not bad. I had little or nothing to do actually. What about you?”

“I had been home all day. My wife went over to her parents’ place. She went with the kids. So, I was home alone.”

“Oh”

“And they wouldn’t be returning till tomorrow,” Tunde said a little sullenly.

“Poor you… But wait, don’t tell me you’re missing them already.”

“I’m not going to deny that. I am. Anyway, I’ll survive tonight,” Tunde returned amidst a smile. “So, what should you be offered?”

“Vodka with soda should be alright.”

Tunde beckoned on the bartender. He waited until Mike’s order arrived before he decided to get on with the subject at hand. He had been unable to decide on how best to address the issue. He wanted Mike to be able to get his message, but without actually coming across like he was intruding into his personal life. He had to start somewhere, he reckoned.

“How’s Harriet?” Tunde began

“Who?” Mike replied a little startled. A thousand and one thoughts flooded his mind all at once. But he tried to keep his cool.

“Harriet, I said.”

“Oh! I can’t remember you ever asking after her. So, why this evening?”

“Nothing. She just came across to me like one good girl. Or is it wrong I asked after her well-being?”

“I didn’t say that, did I?”

“Just something about your reaction when I mentioned the name.”

“And when did you turn a psychology, man?” Mike said forcing on a smile. 

He picked up his drink for the first time to calm his nerves. He was looking for any telltale sign on Tunde's face. Until he was sure how much Tunde knew, he was ready to play the waiting game.

“Maybe I’m reading too much meaning into your countenance. But anyway, that girl strikes me as a good girl, from a distance though. And if I may advise, I’ll suggest you take a closer look at her and that’s if you haven’t been doing that yet.”

“Okay,” Mike returned coolly.

He was now convinced that Tunde hadn’t learnt anything of the events of the previous night. But could this be all Tunde wanted to let him know? He was about to say this when Tunde cut into his thoughts.

“I had a dream about you. And it was a terrifying one at that,” said Tunde.

“A dream?”

“Yeah,” Tunde said nodding his head in affirmation. “I actually can’t remember the dream in details but I can tell a bad dream when I have one.”

“And the dream was about me?”

“Yeah. Something to do with an aggrieved lover…”

Mike’s outburst of laughter caught Tunde unawares. He couldn’t make out anything he said funny that could have drawn such reaction. He waited, gnawing at a fingernail, until Mike got over whatever prompted his laughter before saying another word.

“Did I say anything funny?

"I wouldn't say that, man. But I just couldn't help the 'aggrieved lover' part. Anyone told you anything?"

"How?"

"I'm just having troubles reconciling some things you've said. First, you asked after Harriet, one thing I can't remember you ever doing. And as if that wasn't enough you mentioned a dream about an aggrieved lover. It leaves me sort of confused."

"But I don't think the laughter you let out was that of someone who was confused about anything. Let me tell you Mike, you can't continue like this. It's time you got serious with a woman, believe me."

"Alright"

“I really want you to get a woman and settle down. You can’t carry on like this forever.”

“I heard you, bro,” Mike said not one bit convinced. “Who needs a woman?” He mumbled to himself. He raised his glass to his lips before saying, “Let’s drink man. A man would do what he would do.”

“Maybe you should answer my question now.”

“What question?” asked Mike with a mouthful of drink in his mouth.

“The one I asked about Harriet.”

“Oh Harriet! Harriet is history now, bro,” Mike said matter of factly.

Tunde knew better than to ask for what went wrong. He picked up his drink for a sip staring at Mike with a knowing look. He would not give up on this man, he promised himself. There had to be a way into his heart. And he was prepared to walk all the way.


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N.B: What becomes of the lady that Mike seemingly helped in last week's episode. To find out, join me here next week for another date on "Not Safe To Be Loved..." Till then, keep doing you!