"You have to be strong. I'm always with you, my love" Femi's voice woke her up from sleep, but it was a dream again.
She opened her eyes to a world that harboured the pains she bore inside to the sight of a framed picture of her late husband hanging on the wall. A small tear escaped her eye. He was the best thing that ever happened to her, but life was cruel enough to take him away from her.
The morning sun wasn't bright that morning. It was as if it was in solidarity with what Tomiwa felt inside. A deep pain from an emotional wound but hurt like it was from an open wound.
She had been a shadow of herself since she lost her husband two years ago. Each morning, she starts her day with tears and no idea of how to move on or how to stay strong for her two-year-old daughter, Kehinde. She missed him every day and every time.
Her life before was a tale of a proud housewife, respected by all and envied by her friends. She had everything working for her, a house filled with servants and maids at her beck and call. An account steadily funded with money from her husband without any reason at all. Clothes from different designer brands locally and abroad.
She was the trophy wife of her husband, whose only job was to make delicious meals for Femi, and he did well to let her know how good her cooking was.
Tomiwa never doubted her cooking, she was a trained culinary expert but couldn't pursue her dreams of owning a restaurant because of what her husband wanted.
But now, it was all gone, as she couldn't afford to fund such a lifestyle again. Besides, she barely knew how to survive; she had never had the idea to work ever since she became a wife.
Determined to cut down on the flamboyant lifestyle she knew before. She sold their big mansion and moved into a more modest one in the suburban area of Osun State. And with the small proceeds remaining from the sale of the house.
She opened a small restaurant at the end of a small street. She needed to survive to provide for her little daughter. Although it might not be as Femi had wanted, she was willing to do her best.
As time passed, Tomiwas small restaurant grew in even numbers. Customers who came for simple meals left singing praises of how delicious her food was to others.
As the word spread like wildfire, it brought more customers who needed to testify to the deliciousness of "Tomiwa And Femi's Kitchen".
With plates wiped clean, orders made in quantum and overbooked nights. Tomiwa employed more hands to help and expanded her restaurant to a bigger space at the heart of the town.
One day, as Tomiwa wiped the last table clean after a busy day attending to customers. She heard a soft knock at the door.
She tiredly walked over to it, letting the door open a little, and she answered the handsome young man at the other side of the door.
"Sorry, but we're closed for the day"
With a warm but polite smile, the man introduced himself.
"Hi, first of all, I'm Olu and you must be Tomiwa”.
Surprised, Tomiwa asked, "Yes, and how did you know my name?".
Olu smiled, Tomiwa noticed he had cute dimples
"Well, my mum is your regular customer, and she couldn't stop talking about your food and yelling your name as the one she wants to handle the food at her upcoming birthday".
Tomiwa blushed. "That's a compliment, I guess, but I don't do events. Goodnight, Mr Olu", she replied, trying to close the door, but Olu stopped her.
"Please, my mum can be a nag if she doesn't get what she wants. I know my budget of ten million naira might be small compared to what you make but I need this".
At the mention of such an amount, Tomiwa had a rethink. She hasn't made such money In a day cooking.
She stared at her watch, it was already late. She needed to get home to her daughter who had been at home all day with the nanny.
"Sorry, but like I said, we're closed. If you want to talk business, I suggest you come earlier tomorrow".
"Oh okay. My bad, I'm tired also. I just drove here from work. But is that a yes?" Olu asked.
Tomiwa nodded.
"Great, so I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Olu said and bid her goodnight.
The next few weeks, they worked together planning in detail the menu for the party. Olu's mother was very picky, so Olu made sure to guide Tomiwa on the right dishes for each calibre of her mum's friends who would be present at the party.
Olu was so easy to work with and in those few weeks, Tomiwa let go of her pain and felt alive again. She could tell she was falling in love with him but tried so hard not to believe it.
"Tomiwa, no one's going to love a single mother. Just focus on your career" she warned herself.
One evening after the birthday party, which was a success. It even yielded more contracts for Tomiwa.
She sat with Olu alone in his kitchen while her workers cleared the used plates. Olu took her hands and looked her in the eyes.
"You're one strong incredible soul I've ever met".
"Well, I think I know that already", she replied, trying to be sarcastic and so hard not to blush. His hands were soft against hers.
"No, I'm telling you. You're incredible and beautiful, too, and I think I want to know you more".
She was silent and only stared at the floor.
"I guess I moved too quickly, and I'm sorry about it. But I know what I feel and wish you felt it too. Do you?." Olu asked, looking her in the eye.
But Tomiwa gave no reply.
Embarrassed, Olu stood up to walk away. But Tomiwa pulled him back. Breath raised and heart racing, she stood up and walked closer to him.
"I think I feel it, too," she smiled.
Olu pulled her into his arms, and for the first time, she felt protected.
'Maybe it was time to live again', she thought.
Well this is one good piece man, you killed it man.