Playing For Keeps

9| Chapter 6-Tayo

''Come for dinner,'' Nana says, holding Lola's hands. Her eyes sparkle, the joy stabbing me in the heart and back.

I lied. All for the smile I saw on her face, I wove myself into the web of lies Lola had created.

She says no, trying but failing to pull her hands from Nana's. We share a look, the cry for help clear in her eyes but I can do is shrug and plead with mine.

''Would your parents mind?''

She shrugs, still side eyeing me while I whistle, rolling back and forth on the soles of my feet.

I'm mentally not here.

''It's late,'' Lola croaks out. Nana nods, her demeanor devoid of the joy and now a crushing guilt settled on my chest.

Annabelle turns, her eyes finding mine. She narrows them and I shrug. She leans against Lola, placing her lips against her ear for a couple of seconds before straightening and turning to me.

''Nana, why don't we head to the car while Tayo and his girlfriend discuss about dinner.''

Nana looks at her, a slight smile on her face. ''Does that mean you'll come?''

Like a pro, Annabelle changes the subject, not answering the question and pulling our Nana away.

She tries protesting but Annabelle is able to steer her back the way they came. Once they're out of sight, I drag Lola by her hand to the back of my bike and peer everywhere ensuring there's no one beside us to hear.

''About your fake boyfriend proposal, I've thought about it and I'm on board.''

She purses her mouth, crosses her arms and glances at me. ''What if I'm no longer interested? You did say I shouldn't drag an innocent person into my vendetta.''

''And I've changed my mind. So, do you still need my help or not?''

''What's in it for you? And none of the secretive bullshit. I told you my reason. It's only fair you cough up yours now,'' she says.

I sigh, and run my hands through my hair.

The thing was due for a cut, but I didn't have time for it. I'd make time this weekend. The sighing thing though, I seemed to be doing that a lot in the short span that I spoke to Lola.

''My Nana. She's been on my case about finding a girlfriend and had set me up with her hairdresser's daughter. Can you believe that?''

She shrugs though I notice the hint of laughter in her eyes and the way her smile wobbles before she hides it behind her hands.

''Anyway, I told her that I had a girlfriend. I'm guessing someone told my sister or something and that's why she is here. So what do you say to us forming an alliance?''

''This isn't a serious matter but since we both have something to gain, I guess it wouldn't be awful for me to say yes.''

We nod, her eyes shinning as she takes out her phone opening it to her keypad. ''Your number,'' she says.

I type mine in.

She calls, the phone vibrating for two seconds before it stops.

Lola shivers, pulling her jacket closer as the silence builds between the two of us. We had agreed, there was no reason to continue standing before each other but it was like there was this force keeping us tethered to the spot.

Lola has small eyes, framed by two different types of lids, the first I ever saw. Her hair, wrapped tight in thin locs had fallen from its bun. The strands framed her face, baby hairs as my sister called it, still in place. Her skin shone, the melanin popping against her baby blue jacket and white trousers. Never had I seen someone wear jeans with that shade and make them work but she did.