The church bell tolled its final note, echoing over the zinc rooftops of the town. Worshippers spilled into the courtyard in clusters, their voices rising in a hum of greetings, laughter, and gossip. Children tugged at mothers' wrappers, chasing one another around the mango trees while the scent of fried puff-puff drifted from a vendor's tray nearby.
Glory stepped into the sunlight, smoothing the folds of her emerald-green lace gown. The gele tied by Chiburuoma earlier framed her face neatly, and gold earrings winked in the sun. She walked alongside her friend, both of them exchanging smiles with neighbors who paused to admire their attire.
"Ah, Glory, Lagos fits you well o," one elderly woman teased.
Glory smiled politely, but her attention drifted across the yard. Abraham stood a few feet away with Tamuno and Emperor, his crisp white shirt and navy trousers catching the eye. He wasn't talking much — he rarely did — but his presence was solid, like a tree no one could ignore.
Before she could wave, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Glory Ikpe!"
She turned to see Desmond, tall in his wine-colored agbada, his confidence carrying him through the crowd as heads turned. His baritone voice was smooth, his smile disarming.
"You nearly blinded us in church today," he said, stopping in front of her. "Are you sure you came to worship God or to distract the choir?"
Laughter bubbled from people standing nearby. Glory rolled her eyes, though she felt her cheeks grow warm. "Don't start, Desmond. It was just a dress."
"Just a dress? If na just dress, then angels for no look twice," he quipped, earning another round of laughter. Then, lowering his tone slightly, he asked, "Can I walk you home?"
Before Glory could answer, Tamuno's booming voice cut through the air.
"Desmond! Leave our sister abeg, before Abraham vex for you."
The crowd chuckled, but Desmond turned slowly, his smile never faltering as his eyes landed on Abraham. "Why should he vex? She's free, abi?"
All eyes shifted to Abraham. He hadn't spoken yet, but his jaw was set. Emperor smirked, nudging him. "Guy, say something before Desmond carry your blessing."
Abraham took a step forward, his gaze steady on Desmond. "Glory came with us. She'll go back with us." His tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the weight behind it.
The atmosphere thickened. Glory's heart thudded in her chest. She hated being the center of this unspoken tug-of-war, yet a part of her thrilled at the idea that Abraham would claim her, even in so small a way.
Desmond chuckled, but there was steel beneath it. "I didn't know she needed bodyguards."
"Not bodyguards," Abraham replied. "Friends who know her well."
Tamuno whistled low. Emperor clapped his hands together. "This Sunday sweet o! Glory, choose now before offering time close!"
"Emperor!" Glory snapped, heat flooding her face. People nearby laughed, but she felt the knot of tension coil tighter.
Desmond tilted his head, his eyes sliding back to her. "Well, my offer still stands. Whenever you're ready, I'm around." With that, he gave a slight bow and walked away, his agbada swaying behind him as onlookers whispered.
Silence lingered for a beat until Tamuno broke it with a laugh. "Glory, na film we dey act like this? I swear, I no fit miss next episode."
Glory shook her head and hurried off, her sandals clapping against the ground. She could feel Abraham's eyes on her back, and her heart betrayed her with its racing beat.
---
Later, at the roadside suya stand, the friends gathered as usual. The scent of roasted beef and fresh onions hung in the night air. Abraham was quieter than normal, chewing slowly while Tamuno and Emperor rehashed the churchyard scene.
"Desmond no dey fear," Tamuno said, shaking his head. "The guy just waka enter like say na him own ground."
Emperor grinned mischievously. "But Abraham, you sef. The way you talk, 'She'll go with us' — guy, that one pass grammar. That was declaration of ownership."
Abraham gave him a look. "You talk too much."
"But it's true!" Tamuno leaned forward. "You for see the way Patience dey look when the whole thing dey happen. If she no vex for Desmond, na me be goat."
Abraham's face darkened at the mention of his neighbor. He tossed a piece of meat into his mouth and said nothing.
The silence was enough to make Emperor and Tamuno exchange knowing glances. They wouldn't press further, but the battle lines had been drawn.
And somewhere across town, Desmond sat in his own circle of friends, already plotting how to tip the scales in his favor.