NOT MY USUAL WORLD Novel Chapter 2

NOT MY USUAL WORLD
EPISODE 2
Ronke told herself she was not going back.
She had work. Meetings. A charity board dinner. Her father was flying in from Abuja. Her life did not include roadside cafés with plastic chairs and string lights.
And yet, by 8:47 p.m., she was driving toward Ikoyi again.
She blamed traffic. She blamed boredom. She blamed curiosity.
She did not blame her heart.
The café looked the same. Small. Warm. Ordinary.
He was already singing.
This time she did not stand far away. She sat. One of the plastic chairs. The crowd was slightly bigger tonight. A couple holding hands. Two university boys. An older man sipping tea slowly.
Tobe saw her.
He did not stop singing.
But something in his voice shifted. Softer. Deeper.
She noticed.
When he finished, the applause was warmer than the night before. He stepped down and walked toward her like she had always been expected.
You did not break down today, he said.
No.
So you came willingly?
Do I look unwilling?
He smiled. No.
He placed a bottle of malt in front of her.
I did not order this.
You look like someone who does not drink sachet water.
She laughed softly.
You are observant again.
It is free, he said.
I can pay.
I know.
The way he said it made her pause.
Do you do this full time? she asked.
Mostly. I also help my uncle at his workshop during the day.
Mechanic?
Yes.
That explained the engine. The steady hands.
Why do you sing here?
Because it makes someone’s day better.
He looked at her when he said it.
Her phone buzzed.
Dad.
She straightened slightly.
You should take it, Tobe said gently.
She nodded and answered.
Hi, Daddy.
Where are you? her father asked, calm but firm.
Out.
Out where?
With a friend.
The word felt strange leaving her mouth.
Friend?
Yes, Daddy.
A pause.
Be home before ten, Aderonke.
Okay.
She ended the call.
Strict? Tobe asked.
Structured, she corrected.
He nodded.
That word again.
Structured.
She suddenly saw her life from outside. Armored cars. Guest lists approved before events. Engagement meetings discussed like business mergers.
Before she could overthink it, she reached for her phone.
Give me your number.
He blinked slightly. Why?
In case I break down again.
He smiled and told her.
She saved it with Tobe.
They talked a little and when she stood to leave, something felt different.
Drive safe, Ronke.
The name followed her home.
Back in Banana Island, the lights were on again. The house glowed like nothing had ever gone wrong.
But her mind was still under string lights.
She removed her heels and sat on the edge of her bed.
Then she did something reckless.
She called him.
He answered on the second ring.
Hello?
Hi.
Pause.
Ronke?
Her lips curved automatically.
Yes.
You got home safely.
Yes.
Good.
They spoke for fifteen minutes. About nothing serious. Music. Why she hates silence. Why he likes it. How Lagos feels different at night.
When she finally ended the call, she lay back staring at the ceiling.
Ronke.
No one had ever called her name like that.
Her eyes drifted to the framed photo on her dresser.
Her and Anthony.
Perfectly dressed. Perfectly posed. Two powerful families smiling behind them.
Their engagement had been announced three months ago. It made sense. It strengthened alliances. It was respectable.
Anthony was accomplished. Famous in business circles. Polished. Strategic.
Everything her father approved of.
She stared at the ring on her finger.
Then her mind drifted.
To rolled-up sleeves.
To quiet laughter.
To someone who did not look impressed by her car.
For the first time since her engagement, she felt something unfamiliar.
Not doubt.
Just… contrast.
And as sleep slowly claimed her, one name echoed softly in her thoughts.
Tobe.
To be continued