The date was going better than I expected.
Dinner was a three course meal that was absolutely delicious. But I barely focused on the food because I was having the time of my life conversing with this man like we were old friends.
We talked about our families, culture and everything in between. It felt refreshing to be on a date and not be so rigid.
But I decided against getting my hopes up. One good date didn't always mean the possibility of a good relationship.
Maybe I had had a little too much wine because somehow our light-hearted talks shifted to me opening up about the societal pressure to get married.
"It's 2024 for goodness sake. I'm not even supposed to be letting things like this get to me with everything I have going on for myself."
I laughed at my idiocy. He was quiet so I continued.
"Every single time my mother calls me, it's always about the same thing. Ada, when are you bringing a man home?'" I mimicked my mother's high pitched voice.
"I even had to lie to her that I have someone and it's pretty serious just to get her off my back for a bit."
I chuckled yet again. I was letting myself succumb to too much pressure and I hated it. But then I didn't want to let my parents down. It had been this way all my life.
From getting through medical school with high grades and getting a job in one of the best hospitals in LA. It was the mounting pressure from back home that kept me going. It had its perks. But now that I was growing older, I had become weary.
"It doesn't have to be a lie." Alessandro finally spoke up.
I laughed again. "What?"
"Yes. It doesn't have to be a lie."
"I'm not sure I'm following."
"Marry me, Ada."
I sobered up real quick, withdrawing my palm from his.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. I may want to get married but I am not desperate."
It was his turn to laugh.
"Relax, let me explain."
I leaned back on my seat and stared at him.
"I am my family's heir. They want me to be married as soon as possible. I have a timeline of about three months. Trust me, Ada, I want to woo you the right way but I am pressed for time."
"So, what are you saying?"
"Let it be sort of a contract. You can walk away with a good sum of money to fund that clinic you've always wanted if things don't work out between us."
"You do realize the point of me wanting to get married is because I want a lifelong commitment right?"
"Right now, I want to give that to you. But this is real life and I don't want to make promises I can't keep."
I scoffed. "Alessandro, this is absolutely crazy."
"I know. You don't have to give me an answer immediately. Just give it some thought and get back to me. I'll respect your decision either way. And we can always still be friends afterwards."
I took a long look at him. There are some people one cannot be "just friends" with and Alessandro was one of them.
But I simply smiled and nodded, promising to give it some thought.
When it was time to go our separate ways, he walked me to my car.
"You're sure you can drive yourself?"
"Absolutely."
I was fully sober.
"Text me when you get home."
"I will."
He pulled the door open for me after I unlocked the vehicle.
I slipped in and waved at him as he mouthed; Drive safe.
I pulled out of the parking lot and sped onto the highway.
Alas, it was indeed an eventful night.
~
Busy as ever, my work took away every thought of him and his absurd proposal, so much that I couldn't fill my best friend in on what happened.
I had a scheduled surgery in the next few hours.
And as if my mother was clairvoyant enough to know when I was free, she called me just then. It was a video call. Uh oh.
She was seated next to my dad and they were both smiling.
Again, uh oh.
Inasmuch as I was happy to speak to my parents, them beaming at me from the screen meant they were up to no good. Or maybe there was some good news they couldn't wait to tell me.
I greeted them warmly and they responded with equal eagerness.
"We have news!" My mom, ever the excited one practically screamed.
"Good news I hope?"
"Your sister, Amaka just had a bouncing baby girl."
"Oh wow." I said with a smile. "That's amazing!"
"It is o. I'm packing my bags like this. America here I come! I'll see you right?"
"She lives in New York and I have work."
"So you mean I'll be in the US and you won't come and see me?"
I swallowed.
"Besides, don't you want to see your niece?"
"Did I even know that my supposed sister was expecting?"
"I thought you did."
"I found out via social media." I said deadpan.
"You two haven't been talking?"
"When have Amaka and I ever been in good terms?"
"Let bygones be bygones Ada. You're the eldest."
"Of course." I smiled stiffly. "I have to go now. A patient requires my attention." I lied.
I ended the call before they could respond.
I hated how they seemed to always sweep my feelings under the carpet because I was the eldest.
They acted like my sister didn't betray me. It hurt so bad.
I paused for a second as I realized that them coming to America meant they would want to know the supposed man in my life I had lied about.
And going to New York meant my sister would continuously gloat about being a wife and now a mother. I couldn't imagine such embarrassment.
I picked up my phone before I could change my mind.
"Mr Ricci, are you free tonight?"
"For you, always."