PART 4: The Watch My Grandmother Left Me

I opened my mouth and closed it again. The words were stuck in my throat. My head was spinning.

“Ari… who is Ari abi what is Ari? What was grandma not telling me? And just like that, I’m meeting a billionaire’s daughter in a public toilet… na so e dey happen for movies na.”

I was turning these thoughts over when I noticed Kemi Kuti was holding out a premium black card with gold lettering to me.

She nudged me again and I scrambled for words to apologize but she cut me with a smile

“Just call me when you’ve made up your mind. We’ll leave now. We don’t want our orders getting cold.”

She turned around. I could hear her friends’ giggles echoing out of the restroom like they were in an empty hall.

I watched them leave, then turned back to the mirror. If I was light-skinned, I’d be pale as a blank sheet.

I quickly dropped my lipstick and the complimentary card in my small shoulder bag. I’ve had enough for one day. No more Kemi Kuti surprises.

When I walked out, my mood felt light, even a bit of feeling airy. My walk felt like I was floating on a cloud.

From my table, I saw cleared plates in front of them.

Wow. They didn’t check on me. They didn’t even wait before ordering.

As I got closer, I wondered if I should tell them about my encounter. Then I changed my mind. Susan would just say I was lying and that I picked the card off the bathroom floor.

I scanned the restaurant for Kemi and her friends. Nowhere. Maybe it really was a dream. The restaurant was nice, but too low for someone like Kemi Kuti. I must’ve imagined that meeting.

I dismissed the thoughts and focused on these girls who clearly hated me.

I sat down with a weak smile hiding my annoyance. “I see you all ordered and ate without me.”

“You couldn’t even wait for me. How long was I gone for?”

Susan, big mouth as usual, opened her mouth. Becky beat her to it.

“Did you really expect us to wait? We organized this hangout to bond, but you chose to have your pity party in the restroom. Don’t blame—”

I cut her off. “So none of you cared enough to check why I was taking so long? You know what, you shouldn’t have invited me. It’s obvious you don’t want me here!” My voice rose at the end.

They didn’t expect that outburst. I wanted to say more, but I held back. This wasn’t the place to embarrass myself.

Arms folded, Susan spat back, “Guys, see why I didn’t want her to come. See how she’s shouting and embarrassing us. What’s so hard about coming back and ordering? Or were you expecting us to pay for you?” She hissed and flipped her jet-black 16-inch bone straight hair.

I took a deep breath. “So you all didn’t want me here? Huh, Nancy… even you?” Nancy just stared at her phone, scrolling Instagram like nothing was happening.

She glanced up with a bored look. “Abeg don’t drag my name into this. I didn’t say anything. Your own too much sef.”

Her words hit harder than my breakup with Kamchukwu.

“Oh well, I guess I’ve learnt my lesson. Thank you, guys…”

Out of the corner of my eye, a figure approached. I was too battered to pay attention. Not even Nancy — the one I did assignments for from high school till Caleb University final year. It’s not that I’m broke. My parents can fund me. I ran into debt from silly mistakes, and I promised myself I won’t disturb them. My mom always says I can call home, but I’m 27. I should fend for myself. My salary can take care of me, only that…

“Hi… sorry we didn’t catch your name,” a voice stopped my spiral.

I looked up. One of Kemi’s girls.

I smiled small. “Oh… yes, I’m Yemi Ajayi.”

She smiled back. My friends perked up. Surprise all over their faces.

“My name is Adaeze, and Kemi wants you to join us for a group picture. Evidence for her dad,” she giggled.

I saw it instantly. My friends were on the edge of their seats, desperate to know what was going on.

I smiled inside. This was just the start of their “wow” and questions.

“Uhmmm, okay, I didn’t see you guys inside…” I said calmly, though I was shaking.

“Oh, we were at the jewelry store next door. Can we go now? They’re waiting,” she signaled for me to follow.

With the sickest sweet smirk on my face, I turned to my “friends.” “Ok ladies, I have to go now.”

I stood up and left with Adaeze. Halfway through the restaurant hall, I glanced back. Their jaws were on the floor. Bewilderment written all over them.

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