TRACY
The time was 10 p.m. sharp when Eli's black Range Rover eased through Lekki phase 1 and pulled up in front of my apartment. The street was alive — soft Afrobeats drifting from somewhere nearby, cars passing and horning, people walking by — some talking, some shouting in a distance.
Eli stepped out, looking fresh — designer shirt slightly unbuttoned, wristwatch glinting under the streetlight. The air carried a mix of cologne and leather from his car — a scent so smooth it turned heads even without trying.
I came out of the gate just then, glowing like the night was made for me. My dress hugged on me perfectly, subtle makeup highlighting my cheekbones, heels clicking confidently on the pavement.
Eli smiled, moving around to open the passenger door.
"Damn, you look stunning," he said, eyes running over me with genuine admiration.
I laughed softly, leaning in for a quick hug before getting in. The moment I did, I caught his scent — deep, expensive, unforgettable. I paused mid-hug, smiling.
"Eli, you smell so good!" I said, pulling back slightly to look at him.
He grinned, giving me that calm, confident nod. "And you look too gorgeous to be real," he replied smoothly, matching my energy.
I giggled, sliding into the Range Rover. The interior lights glowed softly — black leather, ambient mood lighting, Burna Boy's "City Boys" playing low in the background.
Eli got in, adjusted his shades even though it was night, and looked over at me.
"Ready?"
"Always," I said with a smirk.
With that, he shifted into drive. The Range Rover rolled out of the compound, tires whispering against the asphalt. Just then, I saw Kelvin's car pulling up at the gate, and Sonia stepped out as well and join him in the car as they approached behind us.
I sat back in my seat, legs crossed, seat belt on, eyes flicking between the dashboard lights and Eli's face.
Behind his dark shades, his eyes kept stealing glances at me — not the casual kind, but slow, deliberate, admiring ones that lingered a second too long. Every now and then, when I turned my head, I'd catch him watching.
I laughed suddenly, the sound soft and teasing.
"Eli, what?" I said, grinning. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He smirked, keeping his eyes on the road but with that signature calm confidence.
"You make my world brighter just by being in it," he said smoothly.
I rolled my eyes, laughing harder now. "You're too smooth for your own good," I said. But the truth was, I loved it — loved how effortlessly he said things that made my heart skip just a little.
Eli only chuckled, switching lanes as the Range Rover picked up speed toward Victoria Island.
"So, where exactly are we clubbing tonight?" I asked, curiosity dancing in my tone.
He glanced at me again, lips curving into a half-smile.
"That's a secret," he said. "You'll find out when we get there."
I gave him a playful side-eye. "Mmh, mysterious guy. I see you."
Eli laughed softly. "You'll thank me later."
After a short pause, he asked, "By the way, where's Sonia? Thought she'd be downstairs when I pulled up."
"Oh, she's right behind us," I replied, turning slightly to check the mirror. "She's coming with her boyfriend. They're in the car right behind."
Eli nodded, a knowing grin spreading across his face.
"So that means... we're clubbing together tonight?"
"Yes," I said, chuckling. "I told you yesterday she'd come through."
"Oh yeah," he said, pretending to think. "That must've skipped my mind."
I tilted my head, giving him that playful, knowing look.
"I'm glad," Eli added after a pause, his voice smooth and warm. "Tonight's going to be fun."
I smiled, watching the city lights blur past my window — the energy of Lagos wrapping around us both, promising a night that was only just getting started.
The Range Rover rolled up to the iconic Quilox entrance, headlights washing over the crowd of sleek cars, glittering heels, and laughter that filled the humid Lagos night. The bouncer, a massive guy in black, gave a slight nod as Eli eased into the VIP parking area.
My eyes lit up the moment the familiar neon sign came into view.
I clapped my hands together in excitement, doing a little happy dance in my seat.
"I knew we were coming here!" I said, laughing. "Sonia gave me a hint!"
Eli grinned, glancing at me as he killed the engine.
"I can see you like it," he said, his tone low and teasing. "I'm intrigued."
He stepped out of the SUV, the air thick with the scent of perfume, exhaust, and anticipation. Moving around smoothly, he opened my door. I stepped out like I owned the night — heels clicking, dress shimmering under the glow of the club's façade.
Sonia and her boyfriend, Kelvin, had just arrived, their laughter mixing with the pulse of the music leaking through the walls.
I looped my arm into Eli's as we walked toward the entrance. Just in, Sonia and Kelvin walked up.
"Eli, meet Kelvin," I said with a smile. "Sonia's man."
Kelvin reached out with a firm handshake. "My guy, what's good?"
"All good, bro," Eli replied with an easy grin. "Let's have some fun."
"You look stunning Sonia, glad to meet you again." Eli said as he shook her hand. Normally, he would have placed a kiss on both of her cheeks warmly, but I understand why he avoided all that.
The moment the doors opened, Lagos nightlife hit us in full force.
The sound came first — heavy Amapiano beats shaking the walls, bass deep enough to make your chest vibrate. The DJ was in his zone, blending Kabza De Small with Burna Boy's latest remix, "Sponono". The air smelled of expensive perfume, champagne, and faint hookah smoke.
Lights strobed across the crowd — gold, red, and deep violet — slicing through clouds of haze. Girls in glittering dresses moved like they were born for the rhythm. Guys in designer fits — Amiri jeans, Off-White shirts, wristwatches that caught the light with every movement — filled the VIP tables.
We found our spot near the center, right where the lights met the crowd — a perfect vantage point. Our table glowed under the spotlight, bottles lined up like trophies, ice buckets gleaming, sparklers ready.
Sonia waved at a waiter, snapping her fingers in that Lagos way that meant no time to waste. "Abeg, bring us Azul and Don Julio, quick quick!"
I laughed, shaking my head. "This girl ehn, she doesn't play."
Eli leaned closer to me, his voice cutting through the music.
"I see you only roll with high-energy people," he said with a grin.
I turned toward him, my eyes catching the flash of blue light.
"It's Lagos," I replied, smiling. "You either match the energy or stay home."
Eli leaned in and pecked my chin, in a way I blushed and stared back into his eyes that were covered with his shades. He knew I was shy, so he pulled down his shades and stared back into my eyes, then I slowly turned away shyly as my eyes caught Sonia's — who was already smiling and holding Kelvin's hand demurely.
Eli pulled away smiling, as he took his shades back into his eyes.
Sonia suddenly whispered something into Kelvins ear, and he gave me a quick glance, smiling softly.
The waiter arrived with bottles, and the sparklers went off — a burst of fire and cheers lighting up our corner. Kelvin raised his glass first.
"To the night!"
Everyone echoed, "To the night!"