Ex swap: Lagos Edition

The only thing worse than being a bridesmaid was being a bridesmaid to my best friend’s ex."

The wedding was in Lekki. Of course it was. Tolu said “beach wedding” and meant 200 guests, matching lilac gele, and a DJ who only played 2016 Wizkid on repeat.

I spent 3 hours in Third Mainland traffic to get there, sweating through my aso ebi and rehearsing how normal I’d act. Normal. Like I didn’t care. Like seeing David again wouldn’t feel like getting hit by danfo.

And then I saw him.

David. Tall, annoying dimples, carrying a tray of small chops like he owned the place. The guy Tolu swore she’d never speak to again after he “forgot” her birthday 2 years ago. The guy I had a secret crush on for 6 months before I told myself it was stupid.

Now he was the best man.

Which meant for the next 48 hours, I was trapped in 4-inch heels, a tight gown, and his orbit.

"Zara," he said when he spotted me. His voice was the same. Low, with that tiny tease at the end.

"David," I said back, holding my clutch like a shield. "Congrats. On... being here."

Smooth.

He smiled. "You look nice. Lilac suits you."

I almost said thank you. Then I remembered. Tolu. The rule. No dating each other’s exes. Ever.

The ceremony started at 4pm. Nigerian time. So 5:30pm.

We stood on opposite sides of the altar, sun burning our faces, while Tolu walked down the aisle looking like a goddess and her new husband cried. It was beautiful. It was also torture.

Because every time the officiant said “turn to the person beside you,” I had to turn to David.

Every time we had to hold the rings together on the velvet pillow, our fingers brushed.

On purpose? I couldn’t tell.

By the time we got to the reception, my feet were killing me and the generator had cut power twice.

"Can you help me with this?" David appeared beside me, holding two bottles of malt. The AC in the tent was barely working and sweat was on his temple.

"What?"

"The playlist. Tolu wants it switched to Amapiano before the cake cutting."

So now I was DJ assistant with my ex’s ex. Perfect.

We ducked behind the DJ booth. It was loud, dark, and smelled like suya and perfume.

"You still hate Amapiano?" he asked, scrolling.

"I never hated it."

"You said it sounded like a blender in 2021."

"I was 19."

He laughed. That same laugh that used to make me text my friends did you hear that??

For a second it felt easy. Like before everything got messy. Before Tolu cried to me for 4 hours. Before I promised her I’d never go there.

My phone buzzed. Tolu.

Zara where are you? I need you for pictures.

I shoved my phone back in my clutch. "We should go."

"Yeah," David said. But he didn’t move. He was looking at me like he was trying to figure out a math problem.

"Zara, can I—"

"ZARA!"

Tolu’s voice cut through the music. She was at the entrance of the tent, gele slightly tilted, holding her bouquet. Smiling, but her eyes were scanning.

I jumped. "Coming!"

David stepped back like I’d burned him. "Go," he said quietly. "She needs you."

I walked away. Fast. My heels clicking on the wooden floor.

The rest of the night was a blur. Cake. Pictures. Dancing. Tolu pulling me into every photo.

"My bestie!" she kept saying, squeezing my arm. "I’m so glad you’re here."

I smiled until my cheeks hurt. 

At 11pm, the party moved to the after-after party at Landmark. Bonfire, more drinks, boys trying to shoot fireworks over the water.

I was supposed to go home. I had work in the morning.

But Tolu grabbed my hand. "Please stay. Just till 12. For me?"

How do you say no to that?

I found a chair near the fire. David was there too, talking to Tolu’s cousin. When he saw me he paused mid-sentence. 

The DJ played Essence. Everyone started singing.

Someone handed me a cup. I didn’t ask what was in it.

Two hours later, my head was buzzing and the bonfire was dying. People were pairing off, leaving in twos.

"Let me walk you to your car," David said suddenly. Appearing out of nowhere.

"I didn’t drive. Bolt."

"Then let me wait with you till it comes."

It was stupid to say yes.

It was stupider that I wanted to.

We walked to the parking lot. Lagos was quiet for once. Just the sound of waves and a security guard whistling.

My Bolt was 7 minutes away.

The silence was too loud.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. You?"

"Yeah."

He kicked a stone. "Look, about earlier. I didn’t mean to—"

"You didn’t do anything."

"I almost did."

My stomach dropped.

"David—"

His phone buzzed. Then mine.

Same time.

Same message.

From Tolu.

I saw you. We need to talk. Now.

The air went cold.

Down by the beach, I could see her. Standing by the water. Phone in her hand. Not smiling anymore.

David cursed under his breath.

"Zara, I—"

But I was already walking toward her. Because some rules you don’t break.

And some friendships you can’t afford to lose.

Even if your heart is beating way too fast.