When Love Finally Knocked

Tinu Adeniyi was the kind of woman who looked like she had her life perfectly together on social media, at least. By day, she was the vibrant, charismatic, confident, and no-nonsense CEO of Tinu Touch Designs, one of Abuja's most sought-after interior design firms. By night, she was a fun-loving friend who gave relationship advice she couldn't seem to follow herself. Her nails were always immaculate, her curls perfectly coiled, and her phone alarm screamed at her every morning to remind her she was that ''girl. But '' that girl '' was still single. Painfully, embarrassingly single, societal and family pressure was a constant reminder of her single status. Her best friend, Ucy, never let her forget. ''Babe'', Ucy said one Saturday afternoon as they lounged by the pool, sipping wine with way too much ice. '' You decorate entire mansions for celebrities and billionaires, but you can't seem to decorate your love life. What's going on, my darling?'' Tinu rolled her eyes '' Love life? That section of my house is under renovation." ''Under demolition, more like,'' Ucy cackled. " When was your last date?'' Tinu hesitated, pretending to count on her fingers. '' Define date, '' she said innocently. ''Girl, Ucy snapped at her if you have to define it, it's been too long, girlfriend! Tinu groaned and lay back on her lounge chair. " Ucy, men these days come in only two styles: emotionally unavailable or financially unstable. Either way, I'm allergic to men like that right now. I have a business to run, and I am happy with my life at the moment. Ucy raised her perfectly sculpted brow. " So, you'd rather be single forever?'' "If forever means peace of good Wifi, yes she smiled. " They burst into laughter, the kind that made people at the next cabana glance over, smile. Tinu could joke about it, but deep down, her heart ached just a little. She knew she wanted someone to share all this, her laughter, her drive, her lonely nights when work didn't fill the silence. Still, she pushed the thought away. Love would find her, right? Eventually? Maybe? She smiled to herself, feeling a little tipsy. Her phone buzzed. A text from her mother. Mum, she answered her phone. Her mum replied church brother Emmanuel is asking about you again. Should I give him your number?'' Mum, please. He tried to cast out my eyelash extensions last time.'' She put the phone to her face. '' I rest my case,'' she muttered. Ucy smirked. '' You need to stop dodging fate, Tinu. Who knows? The next man you meet could be the one.'' Making funny facial expressions at Tinu, fingers crossed, she said, I am rooting for you, my dear friend. Tinu snorted. Knowing my luck, 'the one' probably can't spell interior design." She didn't know what fate was quietly preparing: that her next encounter would involve a missed flight, a spilled cappuccino, and one man who could make her question every “no" she had ever said.