Spontaneous Attachment

14

"Hey there,you done for today?"
Zoya walked into my office with her handbag,looking ready to leave.

"Uh" I checked the time in my phone and quickly started packing "sure,why are you closing early today?"

It was past four,and I have a date with Zaid, though not really a date since he didn't say it him self but whatever.

"I'm meeting Ashraf's parent for dinner" Ashraf is her fiance.

"Oh cool,ain't you nervous"
I asked as I joined her while we walked out of the building.

"Not really,this isn't our first meeting after all "
She shrugged

"Do I look presentable,or should I go home and change"
She asked while examining her dress and I decided to have some fun.

"God!,you look like a descendant of wild zombies" I finished with a dramatic gasp.

Zoya slapped my arm "liar" she glared at me while I massaged the area she slapped.

"Wicked soul"
I muttered

"Fauzi"
She called when we reached the parking lot. I noticed Zaid haven't arrive yet.

"Yea,what's up"

"Your cousin Zaid, what's up between you two, I noticed some stuffs"
She wiggled her eyebrows to add more effect.

"I don't know"
I said sincerely " he said he's taking me somewhere after work though"

"Mhmm,you two look good anyways,though I'm not into family marriage and I don't know why Nigerians practice it a lot,but it's your choice"

"Yeah,its a bit unsettling, I don't even know what to say to him if he confess, I mean we grew up together "

"Just follow your heart, I'm sure he'll understand your choice,don't do something you'll regret" she placed her hand on my shoulder.

I pulled her into a hug "thank you Zoya" she patted my back

"What are friends for...your guy is here" she released me with a smile just as a navy blue Kia parked in front of us.

"Bye,have fun"
She shouted

"same to you"
I said as I entered the passenger side and he drove away.

"How was work today"
He asked while driving.

I sighed before facing him. He was dressed casually in a grey shirt and black trousers,but he was looking good.

I cleared my throat before answering "it went well,what have you been up to"

He glanced at me briefly and smiled "something great, I just hope things would go as planned"

I nodded but didn't say anything.

We reached our destination which was a fancy eatery and Zaid being the gentle man,opened the door for me.
He look so nervous,just as I am but mine wasn't so obvious.

He led the way as we walked inside and was welcomed by the aroma of different foods,it was calming at the same time it made me feel twice ravenous.

He pulled a chair for me at a far corner by the window before taking his seat.

A waitress arrived to take our orders. I ordered apple juice and pasta while Zaid ordered for just water.

He cleared his throat when she left "Fauzia..... I want to tell you something..." He started but was cut off by the ringing of my phone.

"Sorry,let me pick"
With an apologetic look, I picked the call which came from Saudah.

"Assalamualaikum, Fauzia"

"Waalaikisalam, i didn't hear from you in a while,how's Ammi feeling"

"Alhamdullillah,are you free after work,Ammi wants to invite you for early dinner and she says that you shouldn't say no please"

I stared at Zaid for a moment who seemed lost in his own thought.

"Alright,I'll be there in Sha Allah"

"It's by 5,sorry for calling you late, I totally forgot"
My eyes widened.

"Okay,see you"

I cut the call and checked the time,it was 4:33 already and the house is a bit far from where I am.

"What's that about"
Zaid enquired

"Um,sorry but I think we should postpone this meeting, I got a kind of important call"
I told him with a guilty smile and watch as his face crumbled.

"Oh"
He whispered "okay,let's go"
He quickly stoop up and started walking away,trying to hide his disappointed look.

I felt guilty as I walked behind him,but I can't refuse the lady's invitation,there was something about her that makes me always want to please her.

He opened the front seat for me before going back to the driver's side. I told him the address and we took off.

"So what were you going to tell me"

I asked on the way

He gave me a small smile
"That's for me to know and for you to find out"

I chuckled and shook my head
"Alright, soon"

An awkward silence covered the atmosphere of the car and I couldn't wait to get out of the car.
I wonder when it became this uncomfortable between us.

Zaid parked in front of the mansion and I alighted.

"Should I come and pick you up?"

"Well, I don't know,I'll text you"

He nodded and drove away while I faced the mansion and suddenly remembered my encounter with him earlier today, I felt like turning around but Zaid had already left.

Let's hope I don't see Mr grumpy again.

Poor Zaid.....

Dinner with Mr Salman's mom,don't you think the lady is up to something.