The Affair

Nakida

"Nakida! Yo. Kida. Babes!!!"
Armante was shouting down the hall. I was in the dressing room getting ready for work. My head was banging and all the drama from the past few days was really wearing me down.
"Didn't you hear me calling you Nak?" Armante panted as he rushed into the room
"Mmmhm" I said turning round, my face  half  done.
"Nak?" He repeated, stopping in the doorway.
"Yes Armante?" I replied,turning around to resume my make up.
"You didn't tell me you knew Clarence" He said
I froze. A million thoughts bouncing around in my mind. What was going on?
Slowly. I turned around to look at him, raising my chin at an angle. "Why? What about him" I replied, every inch in my body straining to keep calm.
"He is my boy, from high school. He called you and I happened to pick the call."
My eyes widened causing my mascara to smudge all over the my eyelids
"It's funny that he's the one that brought you home the other day. Small world you know. I might arrange a meet up so that we catch up. Wanna come? He went on. "You should come. It'll be laugh. No?"
"Hmm I'm not sure. I don't really know Clarence. I think you should just go alone To catch up. You know?" I replied with a forced chuckle
"No,no,no." Armante said "it's only polite for us to go together so you're coming" and with that he left the room.

***

Armante stepped out of the car to hug Clarence. Together they made their way past the front of the car heading towards the restaurant. Then Clarence's gaze turned to hit mine. I could see fear flash through his eyes then disappear. He walked over to the door and opened it, helping me out. His palm was warm and soft. I could feel a million sparks travel through my body as I looked at him. I didn't want to let go.
"Oh yh. Nakida came along" Armante told Clarence, only just remembering that he had insisted I came.
"Hi. Nakida. I mean Mrs ...
I forced a smile as he racked his brain trying to remember what his childhood friends surname is.
He was still holding unto my hand and I was felt my legs go wobbly
Luckily Armante stepped in. Chuckling he said "no need to be formal. Just call her Nakida" and with that he grabbed me by the waist and headed in.
Clarence carefully walking behind.