The next day after work Steven noticed I wasn't in a good mood he took me to a nearby restaurant during lunch time to cheer me up. We placed our order and I was about to pour out to him about how I was feeling but he brought up Nina in our conversation. "Since the magic you did to my studio is done I was planning to have a grand opening. It won't be anything too fancy. Just a cocktail. What do you think?" He asked. I told him it was a brilliant idea and then he went on.
"So I was thinking about inviting Nina. I know you two aren't on good terms anymore so I want to know if you are ok with it. If you don't want her around I'll just leave her out," I wasn't expecting this at all. I told Steven it was absolutely fine to invite her even though that was a lie. He smiled excitedly and asked me to help him with the planning. I almost asked him why he wouldn't give this task to his girlfriend but I knew that would offend him. Besides I enjoyed spending time with him and just then I had a brilliant idea. If Nina was coming to the cocktail she would definitely bring her boo along to spite me. This was the perfect time to pay her back for what she did in a grand way.
The day for the studio opening came much faster than I expected. My plan seemed nice and flawless. I got to Steven's place a couple of hours early to help set up the place. Just as I was expecting, his Selina was around, finally. With her tiny jeans shorts and oversized tshirt I guessed she came the night before and slept over. Immediately she saw me she shook my hand and complimented me on the amazing job I did. Her warm smile gave me mixed feelings. A part of me was happy Steven had a very nice girlfriend but another part of me was jealous.
I saw Steven walk towards me and I prayed he wasn't going to lecture me about the amount of alcohol I was drinking. He took my hand and we walked to a quieter corner. “You won't believe it, Max T is here! Did you invite him?” he asked excitedly. I looked at him with a puzzled look and he pointed to a man standing in front of the drinks table talking to a bunch of guys. “Oh right you don't know him. He's one of the biggest managers in Ghana. He has over 20 artists his managing at the moment. You know Rickie, Akosua Soul, Lil Crack?,” He asked and I nodded. They were popular musicians. “He manages them. If he decides to use my studio eh, I go hit rough!” Steven exclaimed. I smiled at the thought of it. He was such a hard working guy he deserved a big break. Just then Nina and Fii walked in. My heart skipped a beat when I saw them.
“Steven, Afua!” Nina called and walked to us. She hugged me first and Steven next. Fii and I just nodded at each other. “Is Max T here yet?” Nina asked. Steven's eyes lit up immediately. “Wait, you invited him?” He asked and she nodded. “Come, let's go for a proper introduction. I definitely want you and him making our wedding playlist,” she replied taking his hand. As the three of them headed for the bar they turned to look at me. “Aren't you coming?” Nina and Steven asked at the same time. I quickly told them my usual lie. “You go ahead, I need to make an important phone call,” I took out my phone and walked out briskly as they left.
I wasn't at all ready for what happened. Was Nina actually announcing her wedding? What was the point telling Nina about Fii’s attempted kiss? What if he spin it around and made it look like I was the one who wanted to kiss him? My only witness was Julian and he was Fii's cousin. Things were not looking as concrete as I had planned days ago. “Stop getting cold feet!” I whispered to myself. I shook my head and gulped down another cocktail.
When I got outside I leaned on one of the pillars. I asked myself what at all I was doing. Going home at that very moment made so much sense to me. Maybe it was time to accept that I was the miserable one and just move on. I took a deep breath and and started walking towards the gate. “Afua!” I heard from behind. It was Steven. I knew exactly what he was going to say and I didn't want to hear it. I turned around reluctantly and saw the concerned look on his face. He hugged me and tears started to flow down my cheeks. I couldn't take it anymore. It's like he knew how I was feeling.
Just then I remembered how it would look if Selina came to see us. I moved back immediately trying to wipe my tears quickly. “I need to go. I don't want Selina to, I think it's a bit…” I stuttered. Steven looked at me as if he didn't understand what I was saying. “Just go, go and celebrate today with your girlfriend ok?” I finally said. I expected him to shrug and convince me to stay but instead he let out a laugh. I couldn't tell what was funny so I asked him. “Oh that's what it was,” he whispered to himself. “What?” I asked again. “Selina is not my girlfriend. I don't know where you got that from. She's my cousin. Don't you remember her from uni? She used to cook for me sometimes,” he replied. I stood there confused and embarrassed at the same time. “Oh, really? I don't quite remember. Ok,” I said feeling very silly.
“I knew inviting Nina would make you feel uncomfortable. I shouldn't have…” He started but I stopped him halfway and told him it was fine and today was about him and his studio. “So will you come back inside with me? All of this wouldn't have happened without you. You are the pillar,” Steven said. I don't know if it was the alcohol, the words or the newly acquired information. I took a step closer to him and kissed him. He kissed me back and when I saw him smiling after the kiss I was relieved. “Wow, I didn't expect that. Now I'm wondering if going going back to the party is necessary,” he said and we both laughed. He took my hand and walked back to the party giggled and whispering to each other. I realized that moving on was always the best idea. At least it brought me and Steven together.
The End
