A Chance Encounter: The Date Cont’d

Are you happy? Kunle asked Maria shortly after she kissed his right hand that rested on her shoulder, cupping her left breast. He waited two long minutes to ask that question. He didn’t want to alert her to his awareness of how her feelings for him were being revealed and he didn’t want her knowing about his (he was insecure and not sure if his feelings would be well received). He asked the question while he reached for his wine glass with his left hand and while observing that the candles were holding on strong and that the night was blue and he noticed the first star (he smiled and thought it was some kind of sign [though he didn’t believe in such]).

Meanwhile, Maria wanted him to. She felt like she was in some kind of movie and she was the star with the best supporting actor. She was Alicia Keys and he was Idris Elba (though Kunle looked nothing like Idris Elba). She felt like it had been a perfect weekend and she couldn’t wait for it to be over so she could get back to reality. However, she felt like those moments were magic and she is enjoying each and every minute. She felt like the set had been set by the finest of designers and planners, tailored to her specifications without her contribution. She felt like someone stole her play book and had figured out a way to avoid her mountains, hills, and walls she has in place. She even questions herself if she was falling in love and dismissed that evil thought, “this shit is not fucking real.” She felt like Idris Elba was James Bond and she was one of his women, but the main one that ends up on vacation with Bond at the end of the movie.

Maria: What’s with the philosophical question?

Kunle: Haha, I love how your mind works and understands mine.

Maria: How so? And regarding your question, are you asking if I’m happy now or if I’m happy in life?

Kunle: You knew the question was deeper than it seemed, that’s why your mind gets mine. And I’m asking regarding both situations.

Maria: So why not ask the question directly.

Kunle: Because I want to know both, for reassurance to two different questions I can’t ask yet.

Maria: Well, this moment (she paused for about 30 seconds as she stared into the blue evening that was slowly turning into night) this day has been magic, with a capital M. This whole weekend has been outstanding.

Kunle: How so?

Maria: I’ll get back to that. In regard to the question if I’m happy in life, my answer is a solid yes. I’m comfortable with all my past actions and decisions, I’m at peace with what’s to come, I’m in tune with myself.

Kunle: Wow!

Maria: The weekend has been magical because of our time together and I think that’s because you’ve been consistent and full of positive energy.

Kunle: I’m stunned.

Maria: I’m not surprised (as she chuckles). This water is now feeling a bit cold, but I’d love to change that and stay like this a little longer. This is better than sex and sex with you is the best I’ve ever had by the way.

Kunle: Wow, I feel like that’s a huge compliment. Thank you! Lean up a bit let me let some of this water out and fill it with hot water.

Maria: It is a compliment… big head and that’s a genius idea.

Kunle opened the tap and turned it all the way hot. He felt a lot of the burn of the hot water, but he didn’t flinch because he was doing it for love. Wait, “am I in love?” Kunle asked himself as he felt his heart skip a beat. “Holy shit!”

Maria: This is perfect.

Kunle: This is enough?

Maria: No, not yet, a little bit more. I want this moment a lot longer.

Kunle: (Excited at the news) Okay!

Kunle turned the tap off and relaxed back into his comfortable position, placing the blue pillow behind him for neck support. They both sat in silence for ten minutes as they listen to Snoh Alegra’s Ugh, Those Feels Again album. Kunle subconsciously played it because he wanted to send a message to her. He wanted her to hear the line that says “I fall for you every time I resist you.” And “I try not to show how I feel about you, thinking we should wait but we don’t really want to.” Maria loved his choice, she didn’t connect the dots, but loved how he’s been able to pick the perfect soundtrack for each occasion this weekend. This has been a fun weekend but she felt like it is not sustainable as she pondered on the future. “What if I don’t want to? What if I don’t have the energy? What if I’m upset about something?” She stopped herself and reminded herself not to fall for this “Yoruba Demon.”

Maria: Good song choice (she says as she breaks the silence)

Kunle: Yea? Listen to this next part.

Maria: Okay.

Kunle: I try not to show how I feel about you, thinking we should wait, but we don’t really want to.

Maria: Aww, you’re catching feelings already?

Kunle: I’m just sharing the phrases that I felt were perfect for the moment.

Maria: Aww, lover boy. It’s okay, you don’t have to be shy. Let’s get into some robes.

They exited the tub and though Kunle wanted the chance to watch her stand up so he can see her beautiful body from this angle. He imagined it’ll be beautiful to watch as she’d stand up straight, as water drips down her body, grab a towel to dry off a bit. She’ll then proceed to exit the shower slowly as she steps over the tub with her left leg, she’ll stop and smile at Kunle as he watches her like a dog reunited with his owner. What would her ass look like from this angle? “I bet it’ll look glorious,” he thought to himself.

None of that happened because Kunle was a gentleman and he exited first and helped her out of the tub as he handed her a towel like a well-trained butler. Maria fancied it, she loved all of it.

Maria: Grab the joint, let’s stay at this level.

Kunle: Okay! (He said in a high-pitched voice).

Maria went into the room as Kunle dried himself. He observed himself in the mirror and the voice of Michael Blackson came to his mind “I am one sexy mora fucker.” Maria reappeared and gave him a bag that contained a matching silk robe, but the one she handed him was men’s and was brand new. Kunle was shocked and impressed at the same time.

Kunle: Men’s huh?

Maria: Yup!

Kunle: Are you sure you’re single?

Maria: I was saving that for Idris Elba but you’ll do.

Kunle: Wow, thank you… I guess.

Maria: (Disappointed as she felt like Kunle did not understand the compliment, she turned around to kiss him as he slipped the robe on) You’re welcome!

They kissed so passionately that Kunle was convinced he had met his soulmate. She observed Maria raise her leg as if she was a Disney princess and he loved it. He grabbed and squeezed her butt with both hands and she loved it.

Kunle: Come, let’s light this up and get comfortable.

Maria: Yes daddy! (Looking Kunle dead in the eyes as his face lit up with satisfaction. “And he’s back”).

Maria led Kunle to the ottoman as Kunle redirected the sound from the bathroom to the living room. He wondered if Maria had an ex-boyfriend or husband that set up the gadgets in her condo for her. Maria placed two pillows on the ottoman as Kunle poured some hot water, from the translucent electric kettle, into two mugs that Maria had added honey and tea bags to. They both settled in and Kunle changed the tempo of music by playing Show You off by Wurld.

Kunle: I hope you’d give me a chance to show you off for the rest of my life.

Maria: Only if you don’t blow it.

Unsure how to receive the answer, he felt reassured that he’s not the only one catching feelings. At least it seems like she’s feeling a spark. Here you go, he hands her the mug filled with tea. He laid first on the ottoman and Maria took her position, like a queen in the inner sanctum of her palace. Kunle felt like she was Missandei and he was Grey Worm (from Game of Thrones); this way of thinking keeps him loyal; he’s always assumed.

Kunle: Tell me about your last relationship.

Maria: We met seven years ago and dated for 4 years. Turned out he was already married with three children that he abandoned. I ran like the devil was chasing me. I recently came to the conclusion that there’s no place to run to while listening to Nina Simone’s Sinnerman.

Kunle: Wow, that’s crazy. I’m sorry.

Maria: Don’t be, I was younger and now I’m wiser. What about you?

Kunle: Well, did he set this place up for you?

Maria: No, I hooked this up myself.

Kunle: I love your taste.

Maria: (Softly) Yea, me too!

Kunle: My past relationship was outstanding but didn’t feel like it’ll ever get to the next level due to required growth on both sides.

Maria: Wow, that’s nothing I’ll ever expect a man to say.

Kunle: Well,

Maria: (Cutting him off) And you’re more man than any man I know, besides my father.

Kunle: That’s saying a lot, thank you. You barely know me though.

Maria: I know the most important things.

Kunle: Like?

Maria: You’re consistent, present, happy, creative, dynamic, and most importantly a protector.

Kunle: Wow, all from one weekend?

Maria: You know a lot about someone that shares as much as you do on social media when you spend a weekend with them.

They both shared a warm and heartfelt laugh and sipped from their tea that was soothing to the soul on that warm evening with the windows open and the moon fully shining.

Maria: So you and your ex over or still at it?

Kunle: Forget about her, I have a confession.

Maria: (A bit nervous because she is not ready for his verbal confirmation of his feelings for her.) Uh oh, anything good rarely follows those words.

Kunle: (Pausing for effect) I have a matching set of silk robes too, but the women’s is medium.

Maria: That’s my size, I ain’t no skinny bitch, though they’re beautiful.

Kunle: Calm down, you’re beautiful whichever way you choose.

Maria: Wise man.

Kunle: If I were to make a life decision on a house that I’ll live in forever, I’ll pick the one that is fully loaded with top of the line everything.

Maria: What does that have to do with my body image issues?

Kunle: You are the fully furnished house I’ll choose. (Maria was shocked but liked the analogy).

Maria: What equipment would I have?

Kunle: If you can imagine it, it’s there and it’ll never break and would stay shiny and spotless forever.

Maria: Wow, now I’m flattered. Your imagination is wild huh?

Kunle: Yea, I’m in my head a lot.

Maria: Tell me a story. I want to be the main character.

Kunle: Okay (as he felt a gentle breeze blow the smooth silk, reminding him of how good it felt).

Maria: Go on, Mr. Smooth Operator.

Kunle: Imagine yourself in a blue silk dress and a pair of red Louboutin stiletto. You’re wearing a tanzanite tennis necklace in 18k white gold, but it’s not too loud. You have a piece red silk scarf wrapped around your Hermes bag. How do you want your hair?

Maria: Curly, bouncy, hmm and moisturized. Wild and unrestrained.

Kunle: Okay! Your hair is shiny, like you bathed it in the finest of natural ingredients and smells heavenly (a scent only you can create). Standing next to you is Idris Elba, or his substitute, as you both wait for your car.

Maria: What was he wearing?

Kunle: He was wearing an all-black silk outfit like the one Nipsey Hustle wore in Higher music video, only his was silk top to bottom and tailored by his Nigerian tailor. He stands at the same height as you, elevated on your stilettos, and he’s wearing a pair of black tuxedo shoes and a black and gold African cap. He has a yellow gold tanzanite ring on and his cufflinks were also yellow gold and tanzanite.

Maria: Do you guys have traditional names for those caps, so I know how to ask for them when you go to Africa next? And what is a tanzanite?

Kunle: Good save, but it’s cap. To my knowledge, my language has one word for cap and it’s fílá which literally translate to cap, any cap. Tanzanite is rarer than diamond and only found in Tanzania on the hills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was recently discovered (in 1967) and only enough supply for our generation.

Maria: Feela?

Kunle: Perfect.

Maria: Thank you, please continue, I’m captivated by your story. Where are we going?

Kunle: You’re having dinner with the president of the country you’re living in because your farm and businesses are thriving, and you’ve been very generous in giving back to the community. Your philosophy is “The goal is to get rich with the community, not while the community remains stagnant because you’re just paying slightly above the average salaries.”

Maria: I said that?

Kunle: You and your partner/husband agreed on it.

Maria: I love it!

Kunle: The driver pulls up the navy-blue Rolls Royce with white interior and the roof had the stars projected.

Maria: Wait, which country?

Kunle: You pick! I pull the door open, I mean Idris, pulls the door open for you and extends his left hand as you step into the car. He bows slightly, subconsciously without realizing it, but you saw it. You didn’t need his hands, but you knew how he treated you and that’s why you married him and ended up in paradise.

Maria: Go on…

Kunle: The driver exits the car, dressed in some sort of uniform because Idris wanted to give a treat to his queen. He wanted to remind her that although they’re living a modest life where his main source of income are his farms that has turned into cash cows. The driver opens the door for Idris as he gets in, his Bluetooth automatically connected, and plays She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley. Maria smiled and realized what was happening. She loved it and loved the gesture even more. Idris slides the roof open because the air was fresh, clean, you can smell the turquoise blue salt waters that shelters the island.

Maria: See? Hair down haha.

Kunle: Right! The drive wasn’t far but you wanted it to last a lot longer.

Maria: Exactly!

Kunle: Idris agreed to your request and sent a text message to the president “we’re running a bit late.”

Maria: Wow, that powerful huh?

Kunle: Go with it.

Maria: I am, I’m loving this.

Kunle: The truth of the matter is you were going to dinner on the water at one of your resorts with the best chef on the island and Idris knew the president also wanted to solicit donations for his reelection bid and for his political party. Even though you both decided not to participate in the local politics, Idris needed something from him.

Maria: Why is he keeping him waiting then?

Kunle: It’s a power move. The car drove around on the night the sun set came a lot earlier than usual and the moon came up vibrant. After driving around for 10 minutes without a word and Idris playing songs such as; She’s Still Loving Me by Morgan Heritage and I Feel Good by Barres Hamond, she said she was ready. Idris told the driver to head to the venue as he reached for your hands (Kunle grabbed Maria’s hand and squeezed it in real life). He saw a few tears roll down her cheeks. “Are you okay?” Idris asked. You look at him and say?

Maria: Thank you for building me a dream to live in?

Kunle: He smiles back and says “you deserve this world babe. You’re my rock, on which we have built this modest empire. You centered me and I greatly appreciate you.

Maria: (With tears rolling down her cheek) Wow.

Kunle: I’m getting hungry. Wanna grab a bite?

Maria: Yes, me too. Let’s order in.

Kunle: Okay. I read about this Jamaican restaurant that’s supposed to be really good. Let me see if they deliver.

Maria: Yes, I need flavor to seal in your beautiful story.

Kunle: Haha, did you enjoy it?

Maria: I did, please don’t tell me it’s over.

Kunle: The tea has gone cold, but to be continued.

Maria: Please continue.

Kunle: I have to give you something to look forward to.

Maria: You only have one story? And trust me, there’s plenty I’m looking forward to.

Kunle: There is only one fantasy I want to explore consistently. There would be other stories, but that’s for the future. Lets watch a comedy, you choose.

Maria: Coming to America!

Kunle: It’s on Amazon Prime!

Maria: Yes.

The food arrived and they both sat on cushions placed on the ground by the fire place that Kunle had suggested they light. They laughed the evening away as they devoured the oxtail and curry goat Kunle had ordered. It was delicious. Kunle left Maria’s apartment and went back to The Oaklander to prep for his week; make sure his dry-cleaning was done, catch up on emails sent by the kiss ass colleagues that want to seem like they’re going above and beyond by sending emails on the weekend, and planned his week. Maria did the same after Kunle left and she also meal prepped; she didn’t let Kunle leave before making love. It was slow, passionate, and extremely emotional for Maria. She was in control and got exactly what she didn’t know she needed, but loved to have experienced. “Is this the end?” She asked herself. If it is, she thinks she was at peace with it and would cherish the sacred moments she had this weekend.