FINDING MR. PERFECT.

“ELENA! If you make me late for this appointment, I’m collecting compensation!” Elena laughed from inside her bedroom. “Compensation for what? Standing outside my door and disturbing my peace?” “For wasting my precious time!” “Your precious time? Hannah, you’ve been checking yourself in the mirror for the past twenty minutes!” “Because some of us have a reputation to maintain!” Elena shook her head, smiling as she searched her dressing table for a missing earring. This was how most of her mornings with Hannah began—with noise, laughter, and unnecessary drama. Hannah was a fashion designer who took her work seriously, even if she sometimes treated getting dressed like preparing for a red-carpet event. She was stylish, confident, and naturally attracted attention wherever she went. Elena, on the other hand, preferred a quieter life. She ran a small personalised-gift and stationery business, creating gift boxes, greeting cards, journals, and thoughtful packages for special occasions. She loved making things that made people feel remembered. Her business was still growing, and every new order mattered. “I'm coming!” Elena called, finally finding her earring. “You said that ten minutes ago!” “Then consider this the official announcement!” A few minutes later, Elena stepped outside, carrying her handbag. Hannah looked her up and down. “Finally. You look good.” Elena raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I thought you were going to complain about my outfit.” “I can do both. I’m talented like that.” They burst out laughing as they headed out. Their destination was a popular restaurant in Lagos, where they planned to have lunch, catch up, and pretend they had no responsibilities waiting for them at home. For Hannah, it was a much-needed break from a client who had changed her mind about a dress design so many times that Hannah was beginning to suspect the woman wanted a completely different dress every morning. For Elena, it was an opportunity to step away from her phone, which had been buzzing with customer enquiries since breakfast. They had barely settled at their table when a young man approached them. “Excuse me,” he said, looking at Hannah. “I hope you don’t mind, but I just wanted to say you look beautiful.” Hannah smiled politely. “Thank you.” “I’m Daniel, by the way.” “Hannah.” “That’s a beautiful name. Would you mind if I got your number?” Elena immediately lowered her menu, suddenly very interested in the conversation. Hannah noticed and gave her a warning look. Elena quickly returned her attention to the menu, pretending she had heard absolutely nothing. After a brief exchange, Hannah politely declined to give the young man her number, explaining that she was not interested in meeting anyone at the moment. He accepted her answer and left with a smile. Elena waited exactly three seconds before speaking. “So, when is the official opening of your fan club?” Hannah groaned. “Please don’t start.” “I'm serious. At this point, you need a receptionist. Imagine all the people approaching you without appointments!” “Should I give you the job?” “Of course. I’ll collect salaries, bonuses, and a commission for every compliment.” Hannah laughed so hard that she had to put down her glass. “You’re ridiculous.” “And yet, you keep me around.” “Unfortunately.” They continued laughing, drawing a few curious glances from the neighbouring tables. After ordering their food, Hannah leaned forward. “So, how is business?” Elena sighed dramatically. “Good question. My customers want beautiful gift boxes, personalised notes, perfect packaging, and delivery at the speed of light. Meanwhile, my bank account is behaving as if it has never heard of money.” Hannah laughed. “But seriously,” she continued, “I’m trying to get more customers. I’ve been thinking about promoting my products online, but sometimes I wonder whether anybody actually notices what I post.” “People will notice,” Hannah said firmly. “You just need to keep showing them what you do.” “You say that like it’s easy.” “I didn’t say it was easy. I said you should keep going.” Elena looked at her friend for a moment. That was one thing she appreciated about Hannah. Beneath the jokes, confidence, and fashionable outfits was a friend who genuinely believed in her. “Thank you,” Elena said softly. Hannah reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Now, enough business talk. We came here to enjoy ourselves. If you mention one more gift box, I’m ordering you a box of your own.” Elena laughed. “Fine. But you’re paying.” “Dream on.” Their conversation moved from work to embarrassing childhood memories, unsuitable men, and the kind of random topics that only made sense to two friends who had known each other long enough to understand each other’s madness. Then another man walked past their table. He glanced at Hannah’s outfit and smiled. “That colour looks amazing on you.” Hannah thanked him, and he continued walking. Elena slowly turned towards her friend. “Another one.” “Another what?” “Nothing. I’m just observing nature.” Hannah covered her face with one hand. “Please, Elena!” “What? Maybe we should start documenting these events. Date, time, location, compliment received.” “I'm leaving you here.” “No, you’re not. You still owe me lunch.” Hannah shook her head, laughing. Elena joined her laughter, genuinely happy to be there with her friend. Still, for one brief moment, she wondered what it felt like to walk into a room and have people notice you immediately. To receive compliments from strangers. To be the person someone approached without needing a reason. It wasn't jealousy. She loved Hannah and was happy that her friend carried herself with such confidence. But sometimes, Elena wondered whether someone would ever look at her and see more than the quiet girl who made thoughtful gifts and remembered everybody else's special days. Would someone ever become curious about her dreams, her fears, and the little things that made her who she was? She pushed the thought aside when Hannah nudged her. “Where did you go just now?” “Nowhere.” “You were staring into space.” “I was thinking about how much I love my peaceful life.” Hannah narrowed her eyes. “That sounds suspicious.” “Everything sounds suspicious to you.” “Because I know you.” Elena smiled and reached for her drink. For now, she had her business, her dreams, and a friend who could turn an ordinary lunch into an unforgettable afternoon. That was enough. At least, she thought it was. Because Elena had no idea that her ordinary life was about to become anything but ordinary. And love? Love could wait. Or so Elena believed.