My Precious

TWENTY ONE

Grace watched Tobi as he cut out morsels of pounded yam and swallowed it with the egusi soup. She smiled as she took her glass of water to  her lips.

'What?' He asked smiling. 'Don't tell me you are suprised.'

'Actually, I am.' Grace said simply and picked the chicken laps in her plate.

'Please, don't be. I told you this place is good.' He said to her.

'Well, I can testify to that now.'

They laughed and continued their meal.

'What have you been up to lately?' He asked after they had finished their food.

'Nothing much. Job interviews.'

'Job interviews? What about the company you work for?' He asked surprised.

She chuckled. 'History. They called me back but I turned in my resignation letter. I know something better is on its way for me. I don't have to take their shit anymore.'

He was silent. Goodness.

She noticed the look on his face.
'I'll get a job soon. You can take those looks off your face now.'

He nodded. 'That's great.'

There was a kind of strange silence and it was awkward. Grace looked around and was amazed at other people in the restaurant. They laughed and talked fluently. They've always talked well, she wondered why they were like strangers now.

'Can I know more about you?' Tobi asked.

'Yes.' She replied, then stared at him, waiting for his questions.

'Well?' He said waiting for her

'Oh, uhm. I- I thought you were going to ask questions and I was going to answer. You know, like a questionnaire, you are the questionnairee.' She stopped when she saw the way Tobi looked  at her. She realised she's speaking out of line.

He laughed.

'Uh, sorry, sorry. Questionnairee doesn't exist in-'

'Grace.' He called calmly and smiled. 'Calm down. I understand you. You don't have to be sorry. I mean.' He said and relaxed. 'I'm as nervous as you are, probably worse.' He said and gave an encouraging smile.

Grace slowly laughed. He joined her.

'It just feels like I should hop in a plane and escape this awkwardness. What about you?' He asked when they stopped laughing.

She nodded with a smile.

'So if you were to actually hop in a plane, where would be your destination?' Tobi asked.

'Uh, I don't know. Somewhere peaceful.'

'Really?' He asked.

She laughed.

'I've always wanted to visit France.'

'France?' He asked as his left brow went up.

'Yes. What?' She chuckled. 'You say "France" like there is something wrong with it.'

He shook his head. 'No, not at all. It is perfect. Actually, it is great. I love French language. I'll gladly go to a French speaking country regardless. So, France is a great option.' He said.

They were silent. Grace fiddled with her fingers.

'Uhm. Tell me about your family?' Grace asked shyly.

'Crazy as hell but they are lovely.'

'Oh.' Grace nodded.

'You've met my Brother and his wife, you can tell the craziness.' He said and laughed.