A Chance Encounter — Dinner at Gina’s

While they headed to the elevator, Kunle was carrying a big recyclable shopping bag that held the salmon, couscous, and the pesto sauce Maria made for the potluck. The bag also contained the tres leches cake Kunle picked up. Maria was holding the remaining three bottles of Riesling because Kunle and Maria finished one of the bottles, even though it wasn’t perfectly chilled. This time though, they had the wines in ice because they planned to continue drinking when they arrived at Gina’s. Kunle was walking three paces behind Maria and couldn’t stop admiring her every curve, like he didn’t have her ass in his face just 20 minutes prior.

God damn you’re fine, Kunle said as Maria pushed the elevator button and Kunle closed the gap between them. Maria was blushing but Kunle couldn’t tell. Without warning, he reached over her shoulder for her left breast with his right hand (the free hand) and pressed his pelvis against her butt. Maria felt a rush, she loved how Kunle did that. It was exactly what she wanted as she was still reliving what had just transpired. She got a lot of wetter and moaned slightly; this in turn caused Kunle’s blood to begin rushing to the only part of his body that mattered in this moment. Maria remembered how Kunle had her screaming without care for her neighbors (something she’s never done before) not so long ago, so out of character for her. Also out of character for Maria is what was transpiring. The elevator door opened, and she turned around to look at Kunle.

Maria: Must we go to this thing?

Kunle: We should, I want to meet your friends (As he held the elevator door open for Maria to enter).

Maria: Fine. But we have unfinished business, you can’t just be doing things like this and not expect consequences.

Kunle: Yea, what consequence(s) should I be looking forward to?

Maria: Well, you’re going to need naps tomorrow, unless you’re sleeping in.

Kunle: It’s like that huh? We’ll see, we will see!

Maria: I don’t want to “see,” I want my back blown the fuck out. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.

Kunle: I have an idea what got into you haha.

Maria: Shut up big head. We’re leaving the party early!

They both exited the elevator and out into the car.

Maria: Can I play a song to express how I feel?

Kunle: Please (as he hands her his phone). How long is the drive?

Maria: 5 minutes (as she searched for Blow My Mind by Davido featuring Chris Brown).

Kunle: seriously?

Maria: Yup, you opened the floodgates hahahahahahaha.

Kunle: Literally (they both laughed)! I wish I had more time (Kunle looks over and flashed a smile and a wink). Tell me about your friends. How many people are going to be at this thing?

Maria: About 8, maybe. Gina and her boyfriend Marcus, Wanda (she’s transgendered), Jess, Shawn and Kristi, Grace and fucking Derek.

Kunle: Sounds like you don’t like Derek. Why?

Maria: You make up your own mind about him, but good luck. He’s one of those “know it all” types that NEEDS!!! you to know he’s intelligent. He’s smart, don’t get me wrong, but not as smart as he thinks.

Kunle: Okay, and Grace? Are they together?

Maria: Yes, they met at some conference and they hit it off. He met her at a difficult time in her life and she just settled. I give them till the end of October.

Kunle: That’s 3 months.

Maria: At best.

Kunle: How so, he’s not good to her?.

Maria: You’ll see. Take a left at this light and it’s the peach house.

They exited the house and Kunle noticed the luxury cars park outside. He imagined if Maria’s friends were as accomplished as she was. Maria led the way and Kunle followed. Before Maria could press the doorbell, the door was opened.

Gina: Bitch you’re late!

Maria: I said 7:30, didn’t I?

Gina: It’s 7:40 (they both hugged each other as Gina took a good look at Kunle standing behind Maria). Oh, he’s cute!!! Hi, I’m Gina!

Kunle: I gathered, nice to meet you! I’m Kunle!

Gina: I know (both Maria and Kunle started laughing).

Wanda: (Murmured) They fucked, and it looks like it was good! (Everyone stopped what they were doing and gave Wanda a sharp look) I’m just saying… shit!

Kunle: (Without hearing what Wanda just said). Hi everyone, I’m Kunle.

Maria: (Also missing Wanda’s remark) Right, this is Kunle, that’s Wanda, Marcus, Jess, and Derek!

Derek: Hi Maria, you’re late. Shawn, Kristi, and Grace couldn’t’ make it.

Kunle: Yes, apologies for that, I had to go change my shirt.

Wanda: Why, Maria ripped it off when you guys were doing it (she murmurs as she sips from her cocktail)?

Kunle: Something like that (as he looked over at Maria who was headed to the kitchen)!

Derek: Nice get up! I hear you’re here on business! What do you do?

Kunle: I’m a CPA.

Derek: You mean Certified Public Accountant?

Kunle: Is there another professional meaning for CPA?

Derek: I wanted to clarify in case anyone didn’t know. You know, not everyone knows.

Kunle: (looks around the table) I think they understood.

Maria: Can we eat?

Jess: Yes, I’m starving!

Gina: What else is new (Kunle was shocked at that remark by Gina)? Where are you from Kunle?

Kunle: Nigeria, but I live in Hartford, CT.

Gina: Oh nice, I’ve never been to Hartford.

Kunle: You’re not missing much.

Maria: I’ll make you a plate babe (catching herself), I mean Kunle.

Wanda: Oh, already? Damn!

Maria: Ignore her, Kunle!

Kunle: I hope to live up to their expectations.

Gina: Oh, you’re doing just fine.

Derek: I’ve been to Hartford, a while ago though.

Kunle: Yea? What brought you there?

Derek: I went on a college trip as part of my football team.

Kunle: Oh you used to play football in college (noticing Gina and Maria smiling)?

Derek: I was part of the cheerleading squad.

Kunle: Oh nice.

Maria: Here you go (handing Kunle a nice and well-balanced plate with couscous, salmon, grilled shrimp, and pesto sauce.

Gina: You forgot to say babe (as she looks up like that emoji).

Kunle: Haha, thanks babe (with a smile).

Everyone else emerged from the kitchen from their plates and dinner started. Kunle couldn’t believe how good the salmon, couscous, and the sauce were. While he enjoyed his food, he watched Maria and her friends interact. Wanda reminds Kunle of “that friend” that’s adventurous and would often engage strangers, but sometimes offend them because she has a unique sense of humor. Jess, a brunet caucasian woman from the Midwest, seemed kind and warm. She has the personality of the white girl that’s been invited to “the cookout;” Kunle if her cooking tastes bland. Derek, a black haired caucasian male from Chicago, struck Kunle as someone that seemed like he needs to be respected. Perhaps probably because he was bullied all his life until he got into college. Kunle took a bite of his food.

Kunle: Oh my god!!! This is delicious Maria, DAMN! (Everyone at the table couldn’t help but laugh at Kunle).

Maria: Thanks!

Jess: So you guys are, what? Dating?

Marcus: Yes, what’s the story?

Gina: Y’all need to mind y’all’s business, that’s what they are.

Kunle: You must give me the recipe for everything. (Kunle pours a generous amount of Riesling into his and Maria’s glass).

Gina: I’ll try some of that too, Kunle! Pour it up.

Marcus: You cook?

Wanda: (Interrupting Marcus) How did you guys meet? I’m tired of dating, no good guys out here.

Jess: It’s not about you girl, let’s enjoy Maria’s story.

Maria: We somehow started following each other on IG a while ago.

Kunle: (Simultaneously shocked and impressed with how Jess responded to Wanda) Yea, I’ve been admiring her from a distance for a while. You can say I was “thirst trapped.” But I knew that wasn’t her intention though. I just admired how she carried herself. She had and still has this ora about her. And yes Marcus, I can throw down.

Wanda: Mm, interesting. I don’t trust Nigerians.

Gina: Bitch I’m Nigerian.

Maria: Yea!!! When it’s convenient!

Wanda: So her ass wasn’t phat or nothing? Talking about, “I like her ora and shit (making a gesture of air quotes).

Kunle: (Sipping from his wine and catching himself about sounding like he is simultaneously revealing and admitting that he liked this girl too much.) Wait, you’re Nigerian? (His head twisted like that guy in the meme with his head bent at a seventy-degree angle and eyes fixed on you like are you serious?)

Gina: How far?

Kunle: I dey oh, my sista! How body?

Gina: Body de!!!

Kunle: Bode DE!!! (simultaneously with Gina and both bursting out laughing!!!).

Wanda: See? I don’t trust Nigerians. Who’s this new bitch? Gina never sounded like this!!!

Maria: I told yall, when convenient.

Derek: Whaadathdcartt’s haaaappening?

Kunle: Don’t chew with your mouth open, (pausing for effect) “Bro.”

Everyone was surprised at Kunle’s tone and even Kunle wondered if he was being too harsh with his tone. Subconsciously, Kunle felt he had to set Derek straight because it seemed like his new girl felt some type of way about him. He looked at Maria’s face and she had that look of “yes, that’s my man and ‘HE!’ gon get all this pussy tonight,” with the expression of joy on her face.

Wanda: OMG, I need a Nigerian. You got any cute cousins.

Kunle: Yea, all my cousins are attractive actually. The men around my age all seemed to be married and they all live all over the country, except the East Coast.

Gina: Maria! Balcony (winking at Maria)?

Maria: Yes!

Kunle: (puzzled) Is that a safe word for something?

Gina: Girl time, mind ya business.

Maria: Code four twenty

Kunle: Oh, elevation time?

Maria: Yes baby (excited while twirling her hair looking playfully in Kunle’s eyes)! You bout it?

Kunle: All day every day!!!

Marcus: This is too cute, both of y’all are too cute!

Derek: Yea, their chemistry makes me wanna puke. Hashtag honeymoon phase.

Kunle, Maria, and Gina got up and went outside the balcony of the townhouse. The sun was completely gone, and darkness was about 70% in, while the moon was rising over the ocean in some remote part of the world on sandy shores. Kunle, interrupted by Maria’s cough because she’s an amateur smoker, realized that he was high already. Either Gina’s kush (marijuana) must have been really strong or he hasn’t had some in such a long time and he’s now a light weight. He pats Maria on the back and slightly rubs it while admiring her amazing dress. Maria passed Kunle the spliff (joint) and he took a couple of paces back to take a puff and passes the spliff to Gina, who took a hit and passed it back to Maria.

Kunle: Aww, you don’t have to try so hard to impress me.

Maria: (Choking even further mid puff busted out laugh, as did Gina): Are you not impressed?

Gina: We’re keeping this one. Look at all the squares in there? They’re probably talking shit about y’all. I’mma go stop it.

Gina walks back into the house and Kunle observes her. She stood about 5’1” and definitely hits the gym. Her dress is also form fitting, but longer on her because of her height. She was wearing earrings that looked like she got them on a trip overseas or at a farmer’s market (pre Etsy days). Her hair was out in an afro and looks like her whole existence is in rebellion to societal constraints. She has a few visible tattoos that Kunle was curious about but didn’t get to asking her about them. Kunle really admired and related to her, but loved it more that Maria is best friends with her. Her boyfriend (Marcus) seems like a genuinely good guy. He’s mixed race, Italian and Somalian, and very “light skinned;” Kunle initially assumed he was white. As Gina disappeared and closed the sliding door behind her, Kunle moved towards Maria; it appeared to her as if Kunle was gliding. They were both high. At this time, the temperature had dropped about twelve degrees from when Kunle got to Maria’s apartment about two hours earlier.

Maria: Oh you think you’re smooth huh?

Kunle: Can I be vulnerable with you? (rubbing Maria’s shoulder as if to try to keep her warm).

Maria really appreciated the gesture and the combination of Kunle’s touch, and the slight breeze made her nipples erect and she subconsciously leaned towards Kunle in such a subtle way that it is very easy to miss, but Kunle did not miss it.

Kunle: You see? I feel like this is all too perfect. That’s why I made that comment!

Maria: I thought as much!

Kunle: And your response was perfect…

Kunle leans in for a kiss and Maria was excited to kiss him because he had turned her on from the moment they left that elevator and every single action he’s taken since then has just been making her wetter; including putting Derek in his place, understanding her in her element, and the general chemistry and how he was cool with all her friends. She tried not to let these thoughts distract her from this kiss she was about to melt into. She could taste a hint of the pesto sauce, salmon, and smoke. She loved it! It was like rainbow skittles were exploding in powdery form in her wet mouth and her saliva glands were on high alert and were high functioning. Kunle loved her taste. He could taste the Riesling in her mouth and her mouth was moisturized and so was his. Both their senses were heightened. They kissed passionately while Kunle’s hands carefully caressed Maria’s body, touching every essential receptor for the sensory organ (i.e. she felt everything). Kunle felt a sensation similar to the waves of an ocean gently pushing his body to shore in ninety degree weather on a shore with fine sand. He was really high!

This continued for about 5 minutes, but inside, everyone was talking about Kunle and Maria:

Derek: They’ve been gone a while; you think they’re fucking?

Marcus: Gina’s neighbor is not home. She’s out of town in her four-door yellow Mini Cooper. I love that car.

Wanda: They’re fucking!!!

Gina: THEY’RE NOT FUCKING!

Jess: They seem so perfect. It’s like too perfect.

Derek: Absolutely, almost like an act.

Gina: Y’all just need to mind y’all’s businesses.

Wanda: Everything tastes soo (emphasis on the so) good girl!

Maria: Yea, the Mac and cheese is fire (emerging front the back porch with Kunle)

Kunle: I gotta try that now!

Jess: Y’all are high?

Maria: (Giggling along with Kunle) Maybe a smidge!

Kunle: Who’s got the song?

Gina: Yes, let’s dance!!! (She was also high).

Maria: Yes, let’s dance.

Jess: (Growing even more jealous and happy for Maria) Y’all were out there for like an hour.

Derek: 38 minutes, I timed them.

Maria: (Murmurs) Creep.

Marcus: Nothing really loud, but the Samsung can handle herself a bit (pointing the remote at the 60-inch ultra-thin Samsung TV hung on the wall).

Kunle: (Kunle didn’t want to dance as he was just getting the munchies but welcomed the idea. He wanted to taste more of Maria). Can I choose a song?

Marcus: Go for it, but please let me play this song real quick. (Marcus opened the YouTube app as Kunle went to get himself some Mac and Cheese with some more of Maria’s couscous and pasta; he grabbed a clean fork for Maria in case she wanted a bite. Marcus selected Ginger by Wizkid featuring Burna Boy).

Kunle: Na, you can play every song for the rest of the night (he said with food in his mouth, but with his hands covering it. He was pleased with Marcus’ choice. Everything was perfect. Kunle observes Maria dancing as he takes the fork with a base of cheesecake, layered with couscous, followed by salmon, and the pesto sauce dripped over it, to his mouth. He sat his plate down and started dancing towards Maria).

Derek: Don’t chew with your mouth open

Jess: There they go again, so cute (as she got up and started to dance too).

Gina: Common Marc, let’s dance.

Marcus: Cool, I love high Gina.

Kunle: (Thought to himself, “how’d I get so lucky?) You’re such an amazing cook too! Where have you been all my life? (Kunle observed Maria’s eyes widen up).

Maria: Waiting for you, silly (she said with a cute but sincere smile as she looked into Kunle’s eyes who had his arms wrapped around her butt)!

Kunle: I’m here baby!

They both danced and got lost in each other’s hands for about ten minutes, almost as if they can’t remember that they had company. Gina was also similarly lost, but Marcus was the adult; Jess danced by herself and Wanda just watched on.

Kunle: Do you think they’d be mad if we dip early?

Maria: Nah, I don’t care, let’s go! They’d understand.

Kunle: Okay, I’ll call the Uber.

Maria: Sounds good.

Kunle and Maria headed for the kitchen; Maria to make some to go boxes and Kunle to give her a hand. Gina observed what was going on but wanted to dance to the song that came on right at that moment, Essence by Wizkid ft Tems. She was hyped and was so engulfed in her dance that by the time the song was over, she waved goodbye to Kunle and Maria as they snuck out of the building.

While in the Uber, Kunle informed the driver that he’ll be adding another drop-off location because he did not want to be too forward to assume that Maria was going to invite him back into her home or to spend the night with Her.

Kunle: Hey Chris (Uber driver), I’ll add a second drop-off location, is that cool?

Chris: Absolutely.

Maria: Want to spend the night together?

Kunle: Thought you’d never ask! My place or yours (as Kunle continues to delicately run his fingers through Maria’s dress like he was trying to diffuse a bomb).

Maria: Mine, definitely!

Kunle: Chris, sorry, only one drop off location.

Chris: You’ve got it!

Kunle glanced at the time displayed on the dashboard and realized it was only 9:30 pm.