Unmasked

Lola tossed her wardrobe's array of dresses onto the bed, examining each one in front of the mirror and sending the rejected ones back into the wardrobe. Chioma observed her friend, marveling at the intensity with which she invested in preparing for what she insisted wasn't a blind date.

"If it's not a blind date, then what is it?" Chioma asked, stretching on the bed, thoroughly enjoying her friend's dilemma over what to wear.

"Which of these two do you think I should wear?" Lola asked, holding up a short black silky gown with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit and a floor-length red velvet with an open back.

"The black screams I'm desperate, so the red it is," she replied, dismissing the choice without much thought.

Lola returned the black gown to the wardrobe, placing the red gown on the bed. She selected a black stiletto heel from her collection of shoes and placed it beside the dress on the bed. She opened her drawer and took out her pearl earrings, arranging them on the dressing table.

"I still insist I must come with you to this blind date," Chioma persisted.

Lola narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw. Grabbing a can of body spray, she momentarily considered throwing it at Chioma, but instead, she took a deep breath, threw her hands up in surrender, and watched as Chioma fell into a fit of laughter.

"Samson is not a blind date. You know very well that we have been chatting and calling each other for six months now. I feel like I've known him all my life," Lola explained.

"Yen Yen Yen Yen Yen! Abeg!!! Let us hear. I feel like I've known him all my life," Chioma repeated after her, injecting a hint of sarcasm.

Lola shook her head as she sat in front of her dressing mirror, pulling out her makeup bag and placing it on the dressing table. "I know what your problem is. You are jealous of Samson and me."

Chioma stood up from the bed and pulled herself off the jeans and top she was wearing, leaving her only in her underwear as she searched through Lola's wardrobe looking for a perfect dress.

"Look, my darling! When I do business on Instagram with anyone, I keep it strictly business. I don't even know how Samson would fall in love with his client. I still feel like there is more to this thing than you know, because why you of all his clients?"

Lola applied some lipstick and smacked her lips, observing them for a while. Satisfied with the perfect amount of red, she dropped the lipstick and picked up her brush and powder.

"Love happens in strange ways, but you wouldn't know because you are anti-love." Lola teased.

Chioma played the oblivious card, ignoring Lola's words as she positioned herself behind, delving into her makeup, and pretending not to notice the annoyance that painted Lola's expression.

Pixabay

Two hours later, both ladies were ready and in their taxi, en route to the Genesis Lounge. Samson had called earlier, notifying Lola that he was already at the lounge and eagerly waiting for her. Lola couldn't wait to meet the man she had professed so much love to over the phone. It all began in his DM when she inquired about the price of sneakers displayed on his page. Three weeks later, they were talking and calling each other into the night.

The taxi stopped in front of a neon light signboard with "Genesis Lounge" written on it. Lola paid the fare, and both ladies opened the door simultaneously, stepping out. Lola took out her mirror from her bag, checking to ensure her makeup was still intact, while Chioma rolled her eyes.

Lola's phone rang, and it was Samson. She swiped left. "I'm here already, my love. Where are you seated so I won't have to search long before finding you?" Samson informed her he was seated by the bar, dressed in a blue shirt and black jeans. She ended the call, placing her phone back in her bag.

"Alright, girl! Here is where we part ways. You go in first. I'll come in later and find a good place to sit where I can observe and come to your rescue in case he tries anything funny," Chioma said, outlining her plan.

Lola looked at her childhood friend and shook her head. Chioma had always been very protective of her, from their secondary school to the university, and that's why she loves her so much. They've been through thick and thin together, yet somehow managed to maintain their friendship and the mutual love they share.

She walked into the lounge, where ambient light bathed the room in a soft glow and subtle spotlights highlighted certain areas. Searching for the bar, she located it at the far end of the lounge. Adele's music played in the background at the perfect volume, creating a relaxed vibe. Spotting a man in a blue shirt and black jeans with his back to her, her lips curled into a smile. With her heart beating fast, she adjusted her dress and walked slowly, her eyes fixed on the back of her target.

In the dimly lit corner, Chioma lounged on a plush sofa, her senses attuned to the unfolding scene. Lola gracefully approached the man at the bar and tapped on his shoulder. As he turned to face her, her smile faded. As Lola staggered back, taking two hesitant steps, Chioma, sensing the shift, was ready, perched on the edge of her seat, ready to step into the script.

Lola held her hands up, her palms halting Samson's attempt to embrace her. The once-pounding heartbeat slowed to a sluggish rhythm. Her legs, once steady in stilettos, felt increasingly weak. In his pictures, he embodied a sculpted physique, a chest adorned with strong, well-defined muscles, emanating an aura of strength and fitness, complete with perfect, white teeth.

However, the man standing before her carried a substantial weight, a prominent pot belly, and his teeth showed signs of wear, lacking the perfection often associated with meticulous dental care. Samson reached for her hand, but she retrieved it, taking another step backward. In that moment, all she wanted to do was flee.

Without uttering a word, she turned and walked out of the lounge. Chioma grabbed her bag and hurried after her, increasing her steps until she caught up. She stopped her friend in her tracks and stood in front of her. The colors had disappeared from her face, and her eyes looked misty. Lola tried to speak but was silenced by Chioma's fingers on her lips.

"You don't have to say anything. I'll book a ride home."

She wrapped her around her friend and held her tight. As they clung to each other, Chioma made an unspoken promise to hold back the teasing tonight and unleash a tidal wave of playful taunts tomorrow about falling for a mysterious catfish.