After two more days of feeling irritated and eager to make a switch, I decided on a step that would have negative results later on. While at the mall, I got Cindy a PlayStation 5 and added FIFA 24 to her list of games. When you put it that way, going away for a trip for almost two months' salary wasn't such a big deal.
Her reaction that weekend did not match what I had hoped to see.
"
"Daniel, what is this?" she asked, staring at the expensive gaming console with a mixture of confusion and suspicion.
"I thought we could play together," I said, suddenly feeling foolish. "You know, have our own FIFA tournaments and stuff."
Cindy's eyes narrowed, and I could see the exact moment she realized what I was really doing.
"This is about Frederick, isn't it?" she said, her voice taking on a cold edge. "You bought this because you're jealous that I play games with him."
"No, that's not—"
Stop it, Daniel. This is getting past funny into annoying. That jealous part of you doesn't appeal to me. Can't you trust me?
My attempt to say it was a nice present, a tool for us to see each other more often, did not help, as we both understood I was pulling her leg. The truth was, I wished she'd stop trying to fool Frederick and just play with me instead. I wanted to become his replacement in making her laugh and play enjoyable games.
That gift led to awkwardness between us all weekend. Her behavior made me feel Cindy was unsure of my intentions and why I trusted her. After Sunday's game, I was exhausted and more annoyed than I was earlier in the day.
That's when I regrettably told my friend Jide about what happened. At that point, we were in a bar in town. Over a few bottles of Star beer, I let it all out. He interrupted very little and he often showed that he cared by nodding or making encouraging sounds.
Now it's your turn to let her feel what it's like, Jide suggested after I was done. Maybe she won't get what you're going through until she experiences it herself.
I'm not sure what you're saying. Still, I asked, because I had a strong idea of what was coming next.
You should look for another female friend." Someone who is beautiful and hasn't found a boyfriend yet. Try to make her jealous. Experience for yourself what it's like to see your partner connect with someone else.
The suggestion seemed manipulative and immature to me, but in my emotionally vulnerable state, it also sounded as though it might work. The idea of evening the playing field, of Cindy having that same pang of insecurity that I used to feel when she was with Frederick, was enticing in a weird way.
"I have no single female friends," I replied. "All my female friends from university are either married or seriously involved with someone."
"Don't worry about that," Jide said as he extracted his phone from his pocket. "My fiancée has lots of single friends. I'm going to make some calls."
Jide phoned me back that same evening with good news. His fiancée had discussed the situation with a friend, and this friend was ready to lend her assistance. Her name was Evelyn, she was twenty-six years old and was a public relations professional. According to Jide's fiancée, "She's exactly the kind of woman who would make any girlfriend jealous."
It felt like a sign. Maybe this was the solution I contested for.