A Chance Encounter

“You’re in my city!” The notification from Sophisticated Beauty on Instagram flashed on Kunle’s iPhone 11 Pro, as he checks for the location of his Uber while raising a hand for the check from his breakfast at The Oaklander Hotel, part of Autograph collection from Marriott.

First a frown, then a smile that lasted a little too long as Kunle opens his Instagram application. Before opening the message from Sophisticated Beauty, who’s real name is Maria, he viewed his Instagram stories to see what he had posted the night before when he went out and had a few drinks with his colleagues and clients, a total of seven people. One post revealed that Kunle’s night started off with drinks at a local watering hole where he had a glass of Jameson Black Barrel, but did not depict the diversity of the patrons which included a few engineers, consultants, lawyers, some enigmatic characters, graduate students (MBA, Law, and a couple of medical school students), and this group of kids in their early twenties who just twerked along to every song. Kunle remembered thinking, “I didn’t know you can twerk to My Way by Aloe Blacc” and being genuinely intrigued. He also remembered his African American colleague, Travis, asking, “not your scene?” and Kunle responding, this is exactly my scene, with a perverted smile.

The next post showed him at dinner where he had the salmon with Brussel sprouts, but just him and only two other colleagues were present. The next post showed him and Travis at the hotel bar having a nightcap. Every single post included either the name of the bar, restaurant, or hotel. “Ready for the bill? Breakfast is included with your stay sir, thank you for being a platinum elite customer.” Kunle looks up with a sense of pride and entitlement and says “thank you Sandy,” as he slips her a $5 tip.

Travis came out of the elevator and saw Kunle waiting at the lobby and said “my bad man, my girl wouldn’t get off the phone.” All good bro, Uber is here.” Kunle responded. They got in the Uber and after some chit chat, Kunle went back on Instagram and looked at his DM. He finally is caught up and can now respond to Maria.

“You’re from Pittsburgh? How neat!” Kunle typed. “Where are some of the places I have to checkout?” Kunle, with a smile on his face, locks his phone and starts to discuss the details and agenda of their first client meeting of the day on the 30 minutes Uber ride.

Kunle: “We still don’t have the final valuation from PwC, but I sent you the draft. Please put that in the model so when we get the final version, we would only have a couple of minor edits to the model. I completed the first draft of the memo, it’s lit.

Travis: Got it boss. Weren’t you a little tipsy last night? How did you finish the memo?

Kunle: Erin woke me up at 6 this morning and after she left, I wrapped it up.

Travis: Erin who?

Kunle: oh my bad, the light skinned girl at the bar last night, she came over after you left and we had a couple of drinks, in my room.

Travis: My man, that’s why I formally requested that you be my coach!

Kunle: Haha, let us just get past this 2 hour meeting first.

The Uber pulled up to the offices of blah blah blah and Kunle and Travis walked into the building. Kunle wearing a grey pinstripe suit from Hugo Boss, sky blue button up shirt, and tan shoes to match his tan belt; and Travis spotting a clean pair of black slacks, white shirt, and a grey sport coat, put their game faces on and disappeared into the lobby. The Uber driver, a retired engineer, looked on as he received a notification on his phone that Kunle tipped him 25% and thought to himself, “my man.”

During lunch, Kunle looked at his phone and realized that Maria had responded to his message almost immediately.

Maria: There are a few hidden gems that you can’t find on google, let me buy you a drink and I’ll show you.

Kunle: I’d love that, but only if you wouldn’t judge me for being boogie.

Maria: Haha, okay. I’m free after 7pm tonight. How long are you in town for?

Kunle: I’m free after 7pm too actually, and I’m here till Friday, but I’m due back next week. However, if Pittsburgh proves to not be boring, I might just stay through the weekend.

Maria: You’re staying at the Oaklander, correct? It’s kinda all over your IG stories haha

Kunle: Oh right, I love it there lol
Maria: Perfect, I can pick you up at 7:10

Kunle: Okay. Dress code?

Maria: I should be asking you, Mr. “boogie”

Kunle: Haha, I deserved that. Hmm, comfortable and relaxed. Think Saturday morning farmer’s market run for someone who lives in the South

Maria: You want me to dress like Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated?

Kunle: No, more like Insecure Issa Rae, although It’s Complicated is one of my favorite movies of all time.

Maria: Haha, I can definitely do that.

Kunle: Cool, I’ll see you at 7:10

After lunch, Kunle got off a call with his manager, Kevin, a cool 42 year old caucasian man from middle America; he made partner at the firm in his mid 30s. Sharp ,witty, and a charming man. He was thanking Kunle for turning around the 200 page memo two weeks ahead of schedule. Kunle told him how he worked the past few weekends to get it done because he wanted to focus on his other client’s disaster in the making that’s slowly coming to light. He has a solution, but needs to do extensive research. All of this was BS because Kunle already figured it out and just wanted time to explore Pittsburgh on the client’s expense account.

Kunle danced to sweet Soca music as he applied a little perfume to the inside of his wrists and then rubbed it behind each ear. He put on a red short sleeve shirt, a denim jeans, a navy blue sport jacket, and loafers.

By 6:45 pm, he was in the bar upstairs having a glass of whiskey. Travis was already there, plugging away at the model, with a bottle of Voss water keeping him hydrated.

Travis: Heading out?

Kunle: Yea, meeting up with a friend that lives here (even though Kunle had never met Maria)

Travis: Nice.

Kunle: How’s the model coming?

Travis: Bro, I’m frustrated man, my VLOOKUPs are not picking the right data

Kunle: Try index and match

Travis: I’m not 100% solid on that yet

Kunle: Let me see (puts down his glass and glanced at his gold apple watch at the message that read, “I’m 5 mins out.”). Here

Travis: Holy crap, that’s it

Kunle: Something like that. Replicate that formula on the other tabs and you should be good

Travis: You’re the man. I’ve been trying to figure this out for the past 4 hours

Kunle: It’s okay bro, we’ve all been there haha

Travis: My girl is gonna call me in 2 minutes, I’m gonna take the call in my room, it’s loud here.

Kunle: Cool, see you at 8 in the lobby tomorrow morning (as he responds to Maria and told her to valet park and come up to the bar for a drink)

Kunle sat outside on the blue couch on the balcony looking at the sunset, as Sweetest Taboo by Sade started to played in the background, and wishing he had a cigar to complete his evening. He looked inside through the glass wall and noticed Maria standing there looking lost. Kunle was shocked at her beauty. She was wearing denim jeans that she rolled up to her ankle revealing her 6” heels, that looked like they might not be comfortable, but she seems extremely relaxed and graceful. A light blue button up collared shirt to match her jeans, and her big curly hair looked like she has her own attitude and requires perfection. Kunle looked on as she reached for her phone to send him a “where are you?” text. She looked up and saw Kunle looking like a deer about to be run over by a Lexus Rx truck.

Kunle waved at her as he flashes a smile. She smiled back and blushed a little. The sunset behind Kunle, his choice of outfit, red shirt, blue blazer, denim jeans, and his stance (left hand in his pocket, right hand holding his whiskey with no ice, his locs [dreadlocks] neatly disorganized). Maria kept her eyes on him and him on her as she walked towards him, taking 3 left turns, to get to the balcony where he was holding the door for her. He reached out and gave her a firm but respectful hug; firm so she could feel his presence and leave an impression, she smelled his perfume and loved it, and he smelled her perfume and thought she smelled like daisies.

Kunle: you look lovely. Nah, you look fucking amazing

Maria: (Blushing and smiling uncontrollably) thank you

Kunle: (Cutting her off) I meant to curse, but in a respectful way

Maria: (Still blushing uncontrollably) it’s okay, I’ll allow it, this time

Kunle: Drink? I’m drinking Jameson Black Barrel

Maria: Already? Are you going to get all trashed on me?

Kunle: If I had a cigar, it’ll take me 1 hour to finish this double shot

Maria: I’ve always liked your style and how you just seem to enjoy your own company. I feel like you don’t even need me, you’re fine with your memories and Sade in the background. Not like I stalk you on Instagram or anything, you just seem…

Kunle: Are you kidding me? Your presence is going to elevate my experience here, probably redefine it. Did you see how I was looking at you like a puppy that’s been missing his owner for months?

Maria: Haha, well I’ll take that as a compliment, but you looked more like a deer in a headlight. (Both laughed at the comment and were interrupted by the waiter)

Sandy: Can I get you a drink ma’am

Kunle: Sandy, you’re still here? Can I please see the menu?

Maria: I’ll have what his having, but with a splash of coke and some ice

Kunle: Forget the menu (he says sarcastically)

Sandy: I left after my 4 hour breakfast shift. I’ll be right back with your drink. She walks off and closed the door

Kunle: Ma’am? Lol

Maria: I get that a lot actually

Kunle: Must be all that boss energy that radiates out of you

Sandy returns with her drink and Maria and Kunle toasts as they sat on the navy blue sofa, comfortable but not too close to each other, and gazed into the light show after the sunset as I Want You Around by Snoh Aalegra played in the background.

Maria: (Observing Kunle vibe to the song in awe) what do you know about this?

Kunle: Haha. So, what’s on the agenda

Maria: It’s a surprise. (thinking, I love this vibe, where can I bring him?)

They finished their drinks and headed down to the lobby where the valet guy, Tony, enthusiastically greeted Kunle. “Good evening Mr. Olu; keys are in your car, he says to Maria.” I’ll see you when I get back, Kunle responded as they got into Maria’s Model S Tesla.

Kunle: Okay, now I definitely see why they call you ma’am

Maria: Haha, it’s not that serious

She drove him to Burn, a cigar lounge, bar, and restaurant in Northshore. Upon arrival, Kunle was impressed. She ordered Pierogis, Nachos, and Caesar Salad for them to share and Kunle ordered two Jameson Black Barrel with a splash of coke on the rocks. The waiter was quick with the drinks and Kunle proposed a toast.

Maria: What are we drinking to

Kunle: Chanced encounters

Maria: Mm, I’ll drink to that

Kunle: Do you mind if I smoke a cigar?

Maria: I brought you to a cigar lounge for a reason (she said with a smile)

Kunle: I had to make sure. Do you want something?

Maria: I’ll share with you

Kunle disappeared into the cigar room (a separate humidity controlled room that’s at the back of the establishment). He chose the Churchill Double Chateau by Arturo Fuente for himself, and chose a Petit Davidoff with the Connecticut wrapper for her.

While away, Maria was still mesmerized by how charming Kunle is, how well he carries himself, his sense of style, and how great he smelled. She especially loved how he seems to see her. She felt heard, he was witty, and she felt they hit it off right away. She noticed a middle aged Caucasian man approaching. He was wearing an oversized suit, a shirt that is hanging on for dear life because the buttons looked like they could pop any minute now, and worn out black shoes that needed some polish. She thought to herself, I wonder what Kunle’s shoes looks like, I haven’t noticed. “Need some company sweetie?” The man asked. No thank you, I’m waiting on my husband, she responded. “Well, he’s one lucky man” the man responded. “I’ll be sure to let him know, says Maria.”

As the Caucasian man walked off, another Caucasian man approached her. He was younger, better dressed, and less obese. As he said “hey, how are you?” Kunle emerged with a cigar between his lips, light smoke escaping from his mouth; as he ran his left hands through his locs, and an extra shirt button unbuttoned revealing his chest and small gold chain.

Maria: Looking aesthetically at Kunle, honey, what took you so long

Kunle: (Playing along) Sorry babe, I wanted to choose the perfect cigar for my lady. Hi, is there a problem? Kunle asked the curious dude, let’s call him Brandon, looking on.

Brandon: “No problem, I assumed your lady was by herself but she clearly is not.

Kunle: Yea, that’s why I left my drink, so people can see that there are two glasses.

Brandon: my bad, enjoy your evening

Maria: That’s clever

Kunle: What is?

Maria: Leaving the glass

Kunle: Apparently it didn’t work

Maria: It probably did, to an extent. They both laughed and Kunle presented her with the petit cigar.

Maria: You don’t like to share, do you

Kunle: I actually love to share, just not my cigars

Maria: Fair enough. What did you get me?

Kunle: Something mild, Davidoff. And I got myself a mild cigar as well, Arturo Fuente

Maria: Nice. So where are you from…

Kunle and Maria exchanged background stories, she did most of the talking. He learned that she was born into a catholic family where both parents were advanced degree holders (mother PhD and father MBA). She’s from Georgia, went to University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate and MBA and works for a tech company as a VP of marketing. She loves sunsets, sunflower dresses in the summers, long walks on the beach, and travel. Kunle told her about his job as an international tax consultant, briefly about his travels, and about his passion for writing.

They were both fascinated with each other, but often had to remind each other that this was just the first meeting. Maria finished her 2nd drink, Kunle his first and took the last drag from his cigar and asked what’s next?

Maria: Wanna go somewhere with music? I can dance a little

Kunle: Oh okay, on a work night?

Maria: I’ll work remotely tomorrow

Kunle: Let’s do it
Maria: Don’t you have work tomorrow too?

Kunle: It’s supposed to be half a day because I was scheduled to fly out tomorrow

Maria: Was scheduled to fly out?

Kunle: Haha, I’m hoping the next destination wows me and I stay for the weekend

Maria: I think your mind is already made up and my job is to not mess it up, haha

Kunle: Mm, you may be right. I’ll stay if you’ve got the moves

Maria: Haha, you may want to check-in to your flight now

Both laughed as Kunle paid the tab and they walked out. Maria was okay to drive, despite having two drinks. They drove to the shady side where they went into a lounge/club with no name. It was only 9 pm and there were college students everywhere. They walked into the lounge after their IDs were examined and they were both searched. Kunle thought to himself, the music must be good here.

They got upstairs and Kunle ordered drinks. Maria hung out close to the DJ booth and when Kunle returned with their drinks, he remembered how amazingly breathtaking she was. He handed her a drink and whispered in her ears, you’re incredibly beautiful. Maria gazed at him and said, “dance with me.” She stood up clumsily and grabbed Kunle by the hand and led him to the dancefloor. They both started dancing as the DJ played R&B and hip hop songs from the late 2000s, Neyo, Drake, Rhianna, Sean Paul, etc. The DJ switched to dancehall and Kunle couldn’t compose himself anymore. Like Glue by Sean Paul made Kunle want to get a little closer to Maria, so he did. He grabbed her by the waist, pulled her a lot closer as they rocked left to right in harmony. “What are you up to this weekend, Kunle asked.” Maria couldn’t hear him because she was on a different plane.

Maria couldn’t remember the last time she was this close to, felt such a connection with, or was this attracted to anyone. The faint smell of the cigar, mixed with his perfume, and his natural smell gave her this intoxicating smell that she couldn’t resist. She was lost. She felt his hands on her hip and his other hand locked in hers as they danced cheek to cheek. Maria couldn’t believe she was already horny and that she was entertaining the thoughts in her head. Snap out of it she thought to herself, but it was already late, she was already gone.

Kunle realizing that his voice was too low decided to not ruin the moment and didn’t ask again. Still holding on to her hand, he raised it up and used his other hand to gently guide Maria to turn around and they started to bump and grind. After she was turned around, Kunle released her hand and she still stood straight with her butt rubbing against his groin. She stayed on beat and they started to dance like a pair of college kids that went to school in the late 2000s. When the DJ played She Drives Me Crazy by Kevin Little, Kunle felt like he was having an outer body experience. He watched himself glued to this gorgeous woman while he used his finger tips to trace her arm, almost like he was looking for a secret passage. There was no pressure at all from his touches, but she felt every single nerve he touched. It tickled her a bit sometimes and other times it made her even more aroused. She grabbed his hands and placed them on her breasts 30 seconds into I’m Still In Love With You by Sean Paul and Sasha. Kunle accepted the invitation and gently caressed her breasts, she pushed up against his groin and noticed he was getting aroused. When she applied more pressure, Kunle squeezed her breast a little tighter.

Maria turned around when the DJ started playing Busy Signal’s version of One More Night. She put her arms around his neck and Kunle had both hands on her butt. She looked straight into his eyes and he stared back, as if he was a nine years old boy gazing lustfully at the stars. He leaned over and kissed her soft moist lips. She kissed him back as she ran her hands through his hair, gently pulling his head closer. Oh my fucking god he’s an amazing kisser that tastes so good, Maria thought to herself. Kunle couldn’t believe how good of a kisser she was and how amazingly comfortable he felt in her arms as they kissed.

Maria pulls back slowly and said “it’s 11:30, want to start heading out?”

Kunle: Yes gorgeous, after you

Maria: Gorgeous? Is it because I let you kiss me?

Kunle: It’s especially because of that. If I said it sooner, you might have thought I was only trying to get in your pants and you wouldn’t have believed me

Maria: You just always seem to know what to say, don’t you

Kunle: Only when in the presence of an angel

They walked back to the car and Kunle opened the door for her, even though she was driving, but not before he passionately kissed her one more time. He opened her door for her and went around to the passenger side to get in. Maria leaned over and opened the door for him and they drove off into the night.