21 You look happy

Oh perfect timing!" she chirped "because Nabsy just offered to babysit the twins for me". Jamal figured that was probably where all this baby drama was coming from; spend enough time with someone else's and soon you want some of your own.

They arranged to meet at the Lebanese restaurant after her hair appointment and Jamal made a mental note to complement the style even if he did not understand it. Amaka was late but within reason and they sat down to their meal. She told stories of her children and consoled 

"Do you hear from Femi?"

Femi." Amaka smiled ruefully "You are the only one that acts like he even existed. I was beginning to think the father of my children was imaginary" 

He was sorry that he let himself get carried away with nostalgia forgetting how painful reminiscing was to Amaka.

"Our time together is just ghosts of old memories" she whispered

"You have two beautiful children to show for it"

"Femi's parents live 10minutes away from us and act like the kids and I don't exist. He is not here to protect my dignity so they blank their grandkids"

Amaka sighed. She had gotten used to her life and was able to relay such things straight faced.

"C'est la vie right" she smiled at Jamal. Reaching across the table he patted her hand and deftly steered the conversation to University days. Reminiscing of late night library, student accommodation, fashion faux pas. Together they laughed at old habits and threatened ruin each other's polished reputation by putting pictures on Facebook. 

"You look happy" she said to him as he escorted her back to her car "I am glad you and Nabsy are working things out" Jamal raised an eyebrow "I was rooting for you two" she said hugging him and getting in the driver seat. She shut the door, and drove off waving.

Thinking to herself that sometimes couples needed to honeymoon to get back to the basics of affection and novelty of each other.

Amaka was glad then that she did not make it known to Jamal that she had seen him at The Hilton.