Renting Hearts

three- oh, shit!

Jadesola

Unlike my basic outfit, the pair of sandals I had on and my braids which were in a ponytail. Ima and Chichi were dolled up in an expensive look.

From the high-end brand body con dresses they had on to the heels, expensive hair and the perfect tone makeover.

Even though both of their skins were lighter shades, Chichi was lighter and Ima was thicker and curvier with freckles scattered on top of her nose, stretching to her cheeks. They were both the definition of beauty, class and wealth.

“Hi, baby girl,” Ima grinned as I lowered onto one of the deep blue-coloured single couches with acrylic legs across from them.

I had worked here every day for the past three months but for some reason, sitting here made me pay attention to the detail of the dining lounge.

The interior of the dining area was jaw-dropping. Starting from the dotted sparkly light surrounding the round shapes mirror engraved into the ceiling, to the walls, some of which were a tall length glass window. The rest of the walls were enriched with beautiful and shiny golden designs. The marble floor was smooth and shiny against the light engraved to the wall reflecting over it.

Ceramic buckets of plants were lined up against the walls, some tall in length and some short. A vase of flowers was placed on each rectangular-shaped, smooth wooden table.

“Oh my god, you guys look beautiful,” I smiled, dropping my handbag beside me. Everything I felt earlier had disappeared. I was always happy each time I was around them.

“Thank you,” Chichi grinned, taking a sip from her wine glass.

There was a bottle of one of the most expensive champagne we had at the bar, seated in an ice bucket. As the thought of what the money would do for me crept into my mind, I breathed deeply, shaking the thought off almost immediately. Everyone had the right to spend their money in whichever way they wanted.

“How are you?”

“How was your day?”

They asked simultaneously.

I grinned, “Fine, I guess,” I said, glancing between them.

“You are not in your club outfit though,” Chichi pouted. “Or are you not going with us anymore?”

I sighed, darting my gaze across the lounge. Every other guest was busy at their respective tables. I could see Ify serving a couple who were seated against one side of the large window walls that oversaw the city. And by the fake smile on her face, one could tell they were getting on her nerves.

“Jade,” Ima called, leaning towards me and I directed my gaze to them.

I felt bad for changing my mind about going to the club, without letting them know and having them come all the way here. But after spending my Sunday working, I needed some rest to prepare myself for work tomorrow.

“I’m sorry, I’m really tired and I—.”

“Yeah, it’s written all over your face,” Chichi said, a concerned look replacing the pout on her face. “You can go home and take a rest, I will call Nkem to come pick us up, you can join us some other time.”

“Or we can hang a little before I go home.”

“Are you okay with that?” Ima asked and I nodded.

Meanwhile Chichi was already pouring me a drink.

“It’s my birthday, of course, she will be okay with spending some time with me. Here,” she grinned, handing me a glass filled halfway with champagne and I took a sip, letting the tingling sensation settle into my palette. “And oh, Ben was looking forward to seeing you at the club today,” she added, and I almost choked on my drink. Chichi grinned, “You know he is still bothering me for your number, but I told him he would get to ask you today.”