Conflicted barely described how Sewa felt. Was dragging Niyi into her matters the right thing to do? She became more worried when she saw a man walking to her table. Could he be her date?

"Good evening. Are you Sewa Ade?"

That confirmed it. This good-looking Yoruba man was her date. He was tall, dark and handsome with a straight nose and thin lips that intoned an European heritage.

"Yes."

Her mother must have worked a mile for this one. He was probably from an upper class family, with a six figure paying job, lives in a penthouse, and drives a really expensive car.

"Mr Willard Jones? Please have a seat."

"Please call me Will."

She tried to maintain her composure when he flashed her a panties dropping smile. It seemed she was not the only one affected as both men and women stared longingly at her date. His actions were fluid as he drew back the chair across from her and sat in it. He exuded confidence that drew her to him, like a butterfly to flower.

He carried the conversation as easy as breathing, asking about her background and hobbies, and future plans. Giving out compliments was not difficult for him either. Sewa found herself enjoying his company when she related to his matters and hobbies. It didn't take long before they began sharing their frustration over political matters and trends, and Nigerian books.

Sewa was listening to him talk about his latest read, Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku, when something caught her eye. Or rather, someone. Niyi had arrived.

According to their polished plan, Funmi, Niyi and she had agreed that Niyi would walk in about thirty minutes to the date and ruin it. But that was before Sewa found out her date was an easygoing and extremely attractive hot man.

She gave a slight shake of her head and glared at Niyi, hoping he would take a hint and stop walking towards their table. Will stopped talking, giving her an incredulous look. She laughed nervously, daring to glance at a confused Niyi. He was about to leave when Will looked over his shoulder.

"Niyi Adekanye?"

Niyi froze in his steps and turned back with a wide smile. "Hey!"

"It's been so long, man. How have you been?" Will rose up to greet him.

Sewa watched, uncomfortable as the two shook hands and hugged. How did Will know Niyi?

"This is Sewa Ade, my date," Will introduced.

Sewa stood up, prepared to let Will know that she knew Niyi and that she planned to escape the date. To her surprise, Niyi brought out his hand for an handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Miss. You are very beautiful."

"Thank you." She shook his hand, wondering what Niyi was thinking. "You are also beautiful. Uh what I mean is, you have very good fashion sense."

And he did. He wore a fitted blue denim shirt with white trousers and sneakers. It was unlike his usual wear of designer suits. And where on earth did all his muscles come from?

"Hmm." Niyi chuckled, and turned to his friend. "I'll see you around. Have fun with your date."

"Thanks."

Once they settled back in their seats, Sewa could not hold herself back and asked how they knew each other.

"Niyi? We used to be in the same circles when we were younger. To be honest, if it were not for him, I would not be here today. Growing up was tough for me and he was the kindest person I ever met, helping me with a lot of stuff. Until we lost contact a few years back."

"What happened?"

"I'm not sure but the rumours going around said he had vocal nodes and could not sing anymore. He loved singing more than anything and having that must have crushed him."

"Oh."

Their light conversation over dinner continued and Sewa tried to keep up. Her thoughts would stray to Niyi every few minutes, reminding her of how little she knew him and his past. Of course, they were not close enough to start spilling each other's secret but Sewa could not deny her curiosity. She wanted to know more.

After dinner, Will escorted her to the exit, offering to take her home. She agreed and ignored an incoming call from Funmi.

He pulled to a stop in front of her building and killed the engine. "I hope we can do this again next time, Sewa."

"Likewise, Will."

When she opened her door, she came to find her mother and Funmi making themselves comfortable in her living room. They waved their hands for her to come closer to the couch the two sat.

"What are you doing here?"

"Is that what you are supposed to say? You have forgotten how to greet abi?" Her mother admonished.

"Good evening ma," she grumbled.

"What about me? You did not greet me," Funmi hissed. When Sewa said nothing, she asked, "Why didn't you pick my calls?"

"Why would you be calling someone on a date?"

"So how was it?"

"Yes, tell us." Her mother switched off the television and turned her attention to Sewa.

"He is nice and handsome."

"What did I tell you? I'm your mother. I can never choose wrong for you."

"So, are you two going out again?" Funmi asked, raising a brow.

"I think so."

"Thank God o!" Her mother jumped to her feet, raising her hands in praise. She rushed into the kitchen, talking about a fancy dinner she prepared to make.

Sewa agreed to eating more. The food at the restaurant was too small for its pay. Why on earth should that small meal be worth a twenty thousand? Not to talk of the chicken that was not cooked properly.

"Niyi told me what happened. I can't believe you cancelled on our plans last minute," Funmi said, keeping her voice low.

"Will was good company. How could I pass that up?"

"Or you just wanted to sleep with him."

"How could you say that?" Sewa asked in mock horror. The two giggled like little girls. "Now I can't think of him with an innocent mind."

"But it would have been more fun if Niyi crashed it."

"I don't think it would have worked the way we imagined. They knew each other."

"They did?" Funmi asked in surprise.

"Yes. Is it true Niyi used to sing?"

"Yes. It was one of the reasons I used to crush on that idiot. You should have seen with his guitar and plaited hair. He used to be so fine."

"What do you mean used to? Niyi is really handsome."

Funmi darted her a mischievous look and smirked. "If Niyi had been your blind date tonight, would you have gone on with it?"

Sewa opened her mouth to answer but nothing came out. Thankfully, her mother rescued her, calling her into the kitchen to have a taste of the Egusi soup.

She thought back to seeing the man earlier that evening. If it was Niyi, she would not have minded. Hell, she might have spent more time with him.