Binary Hearts

21| Moments 🗻

Saturday morning dawned with a sense of purpose for Adaora. She planned to go to the market to buy some foodstuffs, but before she could call Tunde to ask for advice on where to shop, her phone rang. The caller ID showed Chidi Okoye.

"Hello, Sir," Ada said nervously, picking up the call.

"When will you stop calling me 'Sir'?" Chidi asked, leaving Ada momentarily speechless.

"What's your plan for today? I want us to go on our promised date since it's Saturday," Chidi continued.

"Uhmm... actually, I was planning to go to the market to buy foodstuffs, but... I can pend that," Ada replied.

Meanwhile, Tunde was dialing Ada's number, hoping to check in on her. When he found her line busy, he grew a bit worried. "Maybe she's talking with a friend," he thought to himself.

"Oh! Okay then. I'll come and pick you up," Chidi said before they ended the call.

Ada immediately began preparing for the coffee date. She chose a knee-length A-line purple dress with a black statement belt, pairing it with simple but elegant black flats. She let her straight black hair fall naturally, giving her an effortlessly charming look.

Not long after, Chidi arrived in his G-wagon. He honked, and Ada stepped out. Chidi was completely mesmerized by her beauty. It was as if he was seeing Ada for the first time.

"Hello, Sir," Ada greeted Chidi as she approached him, her voice snapping him out of his reverie.

"Sir! Chidi!" Ada said, waving her hand in front of his face.

"Oh, Ada!" Chidi finally responded, slightly embarrassed by his momentary lapse.

"You look... stunning," Chidi complimented her, still taken aback by her appearance.

"Thank you. I see you got a new G-wagon. It's really nice," Ada said, admiring the sleek vehicle.

"I appreciate it, but I didn't just get it. I've had it for a while," Chidi replied with a smile.

They shared a light laugh and made their way into the car. As they drove to the restaurant, they exchanged more light-hearted jokes, easing any initial awkwardness between them.

At the restaurant, they found a cozy corner and sat down for coffee. Chidi ordered two coffees, but Ada cleared her throat.

"You don't like coffee?" Chidi asked, noticing her hesitation.

Ada smiled shyly. "I prefer milk," she said, her shyness evident.

Chidi chuckled. "Milk it is then."

As they sipped their drinks, Chidi leaned forward. "You really impressed me with your performance in the recent company project," he began, and Ada listened attentively. "I want to compensate you, but I don't know how."

"Sir! Oh, sorry... Chidi, you don't need to. My salary is more than enough," Ada replied sincerely.

After their coffee, they walked back to the car. "You planned to go to the market to buy foodstuffs, right?" Chidi asked.

"Oh! Yeah, but..." Ada hesitated.

"But you hope I'm not planning to follow you to the market? It's not proper seeing you at the market," Ada added, trying to convince Chidi not to join her.

"We won't go to the market then," Chidi said as he started the car and drove off.

"Where are we going?" Ada asked curiously.

"The Palms Shopping mall," Chidi replied with a grin.

When they arrived at the shopping mall, Ada was surprised to see that it was entirely reserved for Chidi Okoye. Everyone else had to leave.

"Hmmm... is that necessary?" Ada asked nervously.

Chidi just smiled. "Relax, it's just us."

They walked through the aisles, and Chidi insisted on paying for everything Ada picked out, even adding more items he thought she might like. By the time they finished, the boot of his G-wagon was full.

As they drove back to Ada's home, she couldn't stop thanking him. "I really appreciate everything, Chidi. You've done so much."

"It's my pleasure," Chidi replied warmly. As they arrived at her house, Chidi teased, "So, won't you invite me in for tea or something?"

Ada cleared her throat, feeling a bit flustered. "Of course, come in."

Once inside, Ada mentioned the Igbo dish Edikaiko and periwinkles that Chidi had bought for her. "I couldn't believe they sell it here in Lagos. It's been so long since I had it," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Chidi's expression softened. "The last time I had it was when my mother was alive," he admitted.

Ada was immediately apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Chidi."

He gave her a small smile. "It's okay. It's just... it brought back memories."

Ada gently consoled him, and they shared a quiet, heartfelt moment together. The day had been full of surprises and emotions, bringing them closer in ways neither of them had anticipated.