But it did not turn out the way Tunde had predicted it would. The first sign of trouble for Mike reared its ugly head the night he chose to take Ifeoma and Benita out for a treat. He wanted it a special and surprise treat. So, he had not told them where exactly they were heading as the hired chauffeur-driven limo navigated the roads. He wanted somewhere where meals are served with flawless expertise and with a special view. But even though he knew a number of deluxe restaurants in Lagos, he wanted a place where Ifeoma and Benita had never been. And of all the places he could have taken them, he would never understand why he had had to settle for D’Ellas Kitchen. A decision he was to rue later.
The drive had appeared a little longer than necessary, so Mike was happy when the driver stopped and announced that they were at the posh restaurant. He got out of the limo and took a bow as Ifeoma and Benita both looking elegant stepped out.
Ifeoma hooked her arm in his and that way they walked into the restaurant, with Benita following right behind them. They made good for a perfect couple as they walked into the restaurant. More than a couple of glances were thrown in their direction. Mike was all smiles, he had never known true happiness like this, never in his life had he felt like it had been in the last five days. Though, Ifeoma had stated it was better they played things slow and cool, he could yet without doubt tell from all indications that she was as much into him as he was into her.
Once shown to their table and seated, Benita was the first to say something.
“Nice place” She said.
“I knew you would love the place.” Mike said smilingly.
“It’s classy!” interjected Ifeoma, “Who wouldn’t love it here?”
“The place is wearing a swisher look than the last time.” Chipped in Benita.
“You have been here?” Asked Mike surprised.
“Yeah, only once though. My husband brought me here for our first wedding anniversary.”
“Cool. He must be a man with some taste and one who knows how well to treat his woman. And don’t tell me that’s not true about him.” Mike finished off with a mild laugh.
“If he isn’t, what should I be doing with him?” Benita replied rhetorically with a smile.
“I thought you were going to deny that fact about Ugo.” Ifeoma added.
“Who is Ugo?” Mike quizzed.
“My husband” Benita offered.
“Okay. And what about you, sweet?” Mike said turning to Ifeoma.
“What?”
“Have you been here?”
“If you mean before now, the answer is no. And don’t ask me if I love the place coz I’m so thrilled.” Ifeoma returned with a telling smile, taking Mike’s hand in hers.
They each took their turn to go through the menu and placed their orders. They were served shrimp cocktail as a first course. When the main meal was served, they were eating in silence when Mike excused himself to use the men’s. But when he returned instead of taking his seat, he crossed to Ifeoma’s side and went on his knees.
“Marry me please, Ifeoma.” Mike said producing a customised all diamond engagement ring.
Ifeoma was visibly taken aback. She was prepared for this surprise the least. Words failed her. She just wasn’t sure if this wasn’t happening too fast for her.
“I know this might be coming rather fast…” Mike began as if reading Ifeoma’s thought, “…yes, I know this is true. But I just want you to realise once again that my feelings for you are true and I intend to make the joy and happiness I’ve known with you permanent in my life. And just as diamonds are forever, nothing will give me better joy than spending the rest of my days with you. I’m going to ask again. Ifeoma, will you please marry me?”
Ifeoma looked at Benita, who was watching with all excitement, as if asking for her assurance before saying, “Yes… yes I will.”
But just as Mike was slipping the ring into Ifeoma’s finger, Benita’s mind flashed back to a scene she had witnessed at this same restaurant the night Ugo, her husband, had brought her here on their wedding anniversary.
The rest of the evening was spent chatting over the meal, as they all mused over their different and separate thoughts. It was an evening that meant different things to three of them.
It was an evening of reflection for Ifeoma. An evening that she hadn’t envisaged would come that soon as she stared into Mike’s eyes across the table. Who would have known she would meet the man of her dreams in the same circumstance that had brought Mike her way? There must surely be a blessing in every disappointment, she concluded as she again reached across the table hooking her hand in Mike’s.
For Mike, it was an evening that brought mixed feelings. On one hand, he was glad at the shape his marital future was taking. He couldn’t ask for a better woman than the angel sitting across the table. He wasn’t even sure if he deserved a woman like her. But he was prepared to make it work with her. On the other hand, there was this feeling of guilt engulfing him when he remembered what had happened the last time he was here at the restaurant. This reinforced his resolve to seek Harriet and the other women for their forgiveness.
The evening had brought back a flurry of memories for Benita. The restaurant and Mike’s proposal had kindled a remembrance in her. The more she mused over it, the crazier and more unbelievable the picture that was forming in her head got. But she would have to be sure. Until then, she intended to keep her thought to herself. She sighed and wished for Ifeoma’s sake that what she feared wasn’t what it seemed.
N.B: Remember, the story would be wrapped up this year. I'm doing all I can to ensure that. So, let's meet again on Saturday for the next episode. And I hope y'all are relishing the festive mood in the air. Now, from me to you all, here's my heart-felt wish; May your heart know the blessed gift of HOPE and LOVE that the season brings. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
