THE ILLUSION OF PERFECTION 8

Nadia approached, her smile wide, genuine and unpracticed. It was the smile of someone who was greeting an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time.

"Something told me that was you standing on that balcony yesterday," she said, her voice carrying a friendly familiarity, bridging the gap fostered by the years. 

"I wasn’t so sure. Tayo, you look different… and amazing."

Amazing? Tayo felt the compliment like a soft punch in the guts.  He always aimed for spectacular, dashing. Deji was right; it was time to upgrade the whole package, he thought, even as his tired mind struggled to process her presence and the fact that she had seen him yesterday.

He managed a practiced, charming laugh, forcing the brightness onto his exhausted face.

 “Nadia! Wow! It's been ages. And, yeah looking spectacular is always the goal.” 

He tried to sound light and in control but he had the sickening feeling her eyes could see right through the expensive fabric and polished facade to the tired man underneath.

She stopped before him, her smile softening further.

"I thought the goal should be doing amazing things," she countered gently, without a trace of judgment. "But seriously, it’s good to see you.”

Tayo fought the urge to document the moment, to pull out his phone and capture this nostalgic encounter for the 'gram. But the sting of their last encounter held him back.

“Yeah, you too, Nads,” he said, using the old nickname. “It’s been too long.”

Nads? And why are you repeating yourself? Tayo scolded himself, sighing internally. He knew he had to retreat, to regain control before she saw the panic flickering in his eyes. He couldn't manage a real conversation right now; the day's performance had drained all his available energy.

"Are you back at your old flat? I mean...I thought you guys moved?" Nadia asked with genuine curiosity.

"Yeah. My mum moved, but I retained the flat. I've been... busy living. Just back from my Europe tour, exotic locations, you know. Actually, I would invite you up, but it’s kinda late and I've got a brutal early morning." 

The excuse rolled off his tongue as he took a subtle step back. "Can we catch up tomorrow...say, evening?"

He caught the faint flicker in her eyes, a small acknowledgement of his distance.

Nadia simply smiled and nodded, her expression perfectly calm.

 "Tomorrow evening sounds great. I’m usually done with my designs around seven," she confirmed easily, tucking her folder firmly under her arm. 

"I’m still in my uncle's old flat—it's mine now. Come over when you’re free, or just send me a message. I’ll make something nice."

The sheer simplicity of a real dinner invitation—her place, no cameras, just them, was almost more paralyzing than walking into any exclusive restaurant unprepared for the cam and glam. 

"Sure. Got it," Tayo replied, nodding too vigorously. He pulled out his phone, making a show of scheduling her. 

"Perfect, just added you. I think I still have your number… same one, right?”

She gave a soft laugh. "Yes."

"Cool. So I'll text you." He said hastily and without waiting for a response, he turned and practically fled toward the stairs, leaving the overwhelming reality of her presence behind.

"Good night, Tayo," Nadia called out after him.

"Yeah, good night!" he mumbled with palpble relief he could not conceal.

As he climbed the stairs, the full weight of his promise crashed down on him. Tomorrow evening he would have to face Nadia! That meant he had to be that Tayo from years ago, not 'The Brand' he was accustomed to. With a sickening lurch of his heart, he suddenly realized he had no idea what that Tayo looked like anymore.

CONTINUE