Rachel trots in front of the giant mirror and beams, a sales assistant carrying her train behind her. She’s wearing a full-on princess dress puffed out with lots of tulle and organza, and the sweetheart neckline is doing wonders for her boobs.
“Rachel, you look amazing,” I squeal, while Ola cries, “Babe, this is the dress.”
“I really like it,” says Rachel, looking over her shoulder at us.
“Me too.” I fan my face. I suddenly feel hormonal. Of course I’m happy for my cousin, but it’s hard not to feel sorry for myself after yesterday. What if I really am destined to be alone? I try to squash the thought down.
“So, Yinka, how was your Valentine’s Day?”
Perfect timing. How does Ola do it?
“Oh, yeah!” cries Rachel. She stops faffing with her tiara. “How did the lunch date with Alex go?”
“Go on, Yinka. Tell us about this daaate,” says Ola, laughing smugly like a cheerleader. My face goes poker, but I’m sizzling inside.
If only you knew what I know about you. That would wipe the smirk off your face.
“Well, it was great.” The words shoot out of me. “Alex even invited me for lunch at his this Sunday. He’s going to cook. And guess what? He said I’m wifey material. Yup, I know,” I add in response to Rachel’s gasp. “Only thing is, his sister passed away not too long ago, so we agreed to, you know, take things slow.”
It feels like an out-of-body experience, hearing myself lie. Feeling my tongue move at super-fast broadband speed.
“Yinka, this is such good news,” Rachel says, clapping her hands. “Well, obviously, not his sister passing away. But the second date. And the compliments!” She fans her face and pretends to get choked up. “Oh, I feel like such a proud mum.”
I deliberately avoid Ola’s gaze, my senses returning to my body to pick up the debris. “Like I said, his sister passed away recently. He might not be ready for a relationship—”
“Don’t jinx it!” Rachel slaps my arm. “Girl, you need to stay positive.” She swerves to Ola and says, “Seeee. I told you the date would go well.”
Ola and I lock eyes, and the first thing my brain thinks is, Ha, who’s laughing now! Ola’s smirk is well and truly gone.
“Well,” she says eventually, “I guess the two of you proved me wrong. My bad, Yinka. Aww, Rach. I really love this dress on you.” She spreads her arms wide and gives her BFF a hug.
March
Tuesday, 2 March at 11.03 a.m.
From: Howell, Cara To: Yinka Oladeji Subject: Vice President Operations position at Oscar Larsson Dear Yinka,
Thank you for applying for the Vice President Operations position here at Oscar Larsson and sorry for the time it has taken us to get back to you.
While my colleagues were impressed by your CV and you clearly showed potential in the interview, we have decided to go with another candidate.
Although we will not be proceeding further with your application at this time, we welcome you to re-apply for a managerial position if you see any relevant listing in the future.
Thanks again for applying and all the best for the future.
Cara Howell
Human Resources Manager
Thursday, 11 March at 3.55 p.m.
From: Green, Sarah To: Yinka Oladeji Cc: Shane, Dave
Subject: Update
Hi Yinka,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. It’s been a manic time! Yes, I managed to chase down HR at Citi. Sadly, they’ve decided to go with an internal candidate, I’m afraid. But they said they will keep your CV on file for the future. I know this is upsetting news and not what you want to hear, but hopefully we’ll hear back from the other employers I put you forward for.
In other news, I got a new job! My last day in the office will be next Friday. But I’ll be leaving you in the capable hands of Dave Shane, who I’ve cc’d in. He’ll be your main point of contact going forward and he should be in touch in a few days to arrange a call with you. He’s got your details, so no need to send.
Wishing you all the best for the future.
Best wishes,
Sarah Green
Recruitment Agent
Catasift Recruitments
Thursday, 11 March at 3.58 p.m.
From: Oladeji, Yinka To: Dave Shane
Subject: Update
Hi Dave,
Hope you’re well. And nice to virtually meet you!
Further to Sarah’s e-mail below, I wondered when would be a good time to catch up? It would be great to know whether there are any openings you think that I’d be suitable for. Also, do you have any updates on my other applications?
If you want to give me a call, I’m available all day.
Best wishes,
Yinka
Thursday, 18 March at 12.44 p.m.
From: Oladeji, Yinka To: Dave Shane
Subject: Update
Hi Dave,
Hope you’re well.
I was wondering if you received my e-mail below? Before Sarah left, she said you’d be in touch to arrange a time for us to speak. Is it possible to arrange this in the next few days? As you can understand, I’m really keen to get an update on my outstanding applications, as I haven’t heard from any other employers as of late.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yinka
Thursday, 18 March at 12.44 p.m.
From: Shane, Dave To: Yinka Oladeji Subject: Automatic reply: Update Thank you for your e-mail. I am on holiday for the next two weeks with no access to my inbox. I’ll respond when I’m back.
Cheers,
Dave
“For flip’s sake!” I thump my bed. Breathing heavily, I click “reply.”
Thursday, 18 March at 12.45 p.m.
From: Oladeji, Yinka To: Dave Shane
Subject: Automatic reply: Update Hi Dave,
You stink at your job! Next time you want to bugger off, include a point of contact! I hope it rains where you are!
Cheers,
Yinka
I breathe out, remembering how it used to feel at Godfrey whenever someone sent me a rude e-mail. Then slowly, and ever so carefully, I click “delete.”
April
I’m happy for my friend
WEDNESDAY
RACHEL
Hey cuz
How are you? Are you feeling any better?
Don’t worry. You didn’t miss too much yesterday
Will post an update in the WhatsApp group, including when the next bridal meeting is
Rest up xx
I’m happy for my friend. I’m happy for my friend. I’m happy for my friend.
These are the words that I keep telling myself every time I glance over at Joanna and her new man Brandon, who are sitting directly opposite me and having a hard time keeping their hands to themselves.
It’s the first time I’ve agreed to come out since the Valentine’s Day fiasco and I’m already regretting it. We’re at this nightclub in central London: me, Joanna and Brandon, Brian and his partner, Ricky, and Nana, and we’re celebrating Joanna’s new job. She’s been offered a position as the PR manager at a tech company and she starts next month. With the new job, she gets unlimited holiday, free granola bars, and the company even has an office dog.
Meanwhile, the only blessing in my life these last few weeks has been the latest season of Insecure. And Mum’s lack of contact. A few weeks ago, she broke her phone, and since Carphone Warehouse no longer sells the old Nokia model she’s been using since the nineties, she had, after much persuasion, left the store with the latest iPhone. According to Kemi—who’s still having frequent dinner dates with her—Mum is having a hard time adjusting to touchscreen.