I paced around my room, phone in hand, staring at Lia's number. I had promised myself I wouldn't tell her who it was....Femi's identity was still private, but I needed advice.
I dialed her anyway. "Lia… can I ask your opinion on something?" I asked cautiously.
"Of course, girl! Spill it. Is it about Daniel? Please tell me it's juicy," she teased immediately.
I let out a nervous laugh. "Not Daniel… at least, not exactly. Someone… asked me out."
There was a long pause. "Someone asked you out? Ooooh! Is it a secret crush or one of your campus admirers?"
"I can't tell you who," I said, frowning. "But… I don't know if I should say yes."
Lia laughed, sharp and confident. "Morayo, you're kidding me, right? You've been cooped up, arguing with Daniel, and he asked for 'space.' This is like… destiny knocking at your door. You should go! I mean, c'mon, don't let some fear stop you from living a little!"
I chewed my lip, thinking. Daniel had asked for space… maybe this was a chance to finally breathe. "Okay… okay. I'll do it. I'll say yes."
"Finally! That's my girl," Lia cheered through the phone. "Now go enjoy yourself, but don't make it boring!"
As soon as I accepted, my phone buzzed.
"I'm glad. How about we plan a time tomorrow evening? Would six work?"
"Yes, six is perfect," I typed back.
"Also Art Gallery or Dinner date". He asked again.
"Art Gallery" I answered.
"Great. Also… will you be needing anything for the date? Transportation, anything you'd like me to take care of personally?"
I smiled softly at his consideration. "No, thank you. I'll manage. I appreciate it, though."
The thought of it made my chest tighten. This wasn't just another party or casual meetup; it felt… intentional, real, like stepping into someone else's world carefully, cautiously, but willingly.
I hung up and immediately called Lia back. "I have a problem," I admitted, tugging at my hair. "I… I don't have anything to wear."
She squealed. "Oh, you're joking. Don't tell me you're planning to wear your lecture clothes to an art gallery?"
"I can't exactly borrow from my wardrobe… this is different."
"Different? Girl, leave that to me. Come over this afternoon. I'll pick something that's appropriate but still… wow-worthy. Don't stress it."
By the time I arrived at her apartment, Lia had already laid out a few options on her bed. She gave me that mischievous grin I knew so well. "You're going to look… smart, confident, and approachable. This is not the time to shy away."
She handed me a soft ivory blouse tucked into a high-waisted, navy A-line skirt that ended just below my knees—elegant, understated, and perfect for a gallery or museum visit. A pair of nude heels she found for me completed the outfit, and she brushed my hair into a soft, loose wave.
"See?" she said, stepping back. "You look like you belong in a magazine. Not that I'm biased or anything."
I laughed nervously, feeling my chest tighten. The outfit felt… like me, but somehow elevated, ready to step into a space I didn't know yet.
Lia clapped her hands together. "Alright, superstar, now go. Have fun. Be curious. Observe. And for heaven's sake… don't be shy!"
I smiled, taking a deep breath as I looked at myself in the mirror. Tomorrow evening, everything would change—or at least, it felt like it could.