Love O'clock: Chapter 3

- Please don’t leave. Please take a seat. We need to talk. He said holding my arm.
I sat down and just looked straight into his eyes and said:  Seems like I’m the only one who didn’t know about the plan.
- Raina called me earlier today and told me everything. So we both decided that the best way to fix the problem, was to make you believe you were going to have dinner with her. He explained.
-  And I never called back because….
- You, Stephen, never called back because you were already busy with someone else. I cut pointing my index towards him.
- Please listen, I didn’t call back because I…
- Because you were busy playing around with your new paramour, all cuddled up in a coffee shop!
-  Well she is…
- She looked at least 16 and dressed inappropriately for the weather. I cut again.
-  She’s not 16 and you shouldn’t…
- I shouldn’t what? I asked, not giving him the opportunity to speak once again.
- Leda is my younger sister. The young lady you saw me with this morning is my 21 year old baby sister Aleda. He said calmly.
-  And I never contacted you after our first date because I didn’t think you were interested in me, seeing the way you left after I tried to kiss you back. He added.
Crimson face after realising I drew up my own conclusions on Stephen without thinking  twice AGAIN! I sat back on my chair quietly, keeping my eyes on my glass to avoid meeting his. I was so embarrassed that all I could do was mumble a pathetic “sorry”, and although he seemed bemused about the whole situation, I wasn’t. This man that I had met about a month ago was making feel so vulnerable. I didn’t even need to see him often and I felt like I was under his charm. I felt completely disarmed against him, completely weak.
After a few glasses of wine and some fine dinning, we left La Salumeria and headed towards my building.
- Careful! Stephen said holding my waist and helping me up on the steps that lead to my apartment.
Once again, I had too much to drink and it always lit this intense fire in me that just made me want to unleash my inner beast and make passionate love to my partner. Speaking of lovemaking, I was quite curious about Stephen abilities in bed: was he rigorous while making love? Hit all the right spots? Adventurous with sexual positions? Freaky? Enjoyed using sex toys?
- Hands up. He whispered in my ear.
The black lace dress I was wearing not so long ago was now on the floor. Stephen was undressing me, a kiss for every item he took of my body. Following the dress, he took of the heavy chandelier earrings softly biting my ear lobe. I could feel myself gradually trembling, waiting for the big moment where I could go off just like a ticking bomb. My Marc Jacobs watch, a present from my brother Aaron was the next item he took off and of course leaving a trail of sweet wet kisses on my arm. He wrapped his hands around me and undid my bra in a second and looked at me like every woman would dream of being looked at by a man they loved or cared about. But even under the influence, all I wanted to do was wrap myself up in my shower gown, after all it had only been a month or so since we met and I wasn’t ready to stand naked in front of him. However, I decided to stand still and see what would happen next.  Stephen moved closer to me and kneeled down, holding my hips firm, started kissing my lower abdomen and as he kissed and licked his way down to my privates, his hands did the job of taking my undies down south. Holy crap! The more he kissed and licked , the more my vagina dampened, all I wanted him to do was to lay me down on any surface and give it to me! Give me everything he had... oh Lord! I wanted this man terribly inside me.
- Ready to get into the shower? He asked all smiles.

Love O'clock: Chapter 2

- Ray! I’ve been trying to reach you what were you doing?
- It’s 2 am! I was obviously asleep. And why the hell are you so loud? Don’t tell me you just emptied a bottle of wine!
- Yes, I was with Stephen. I answered.
I could hear Ray jumping up and down her bed with joy. She’s always been very optimistic about my relationship with him.
- Tell me now! Tell me now! I’m all ears. Did you guys fuck? She grinned.
- Oh my word! You really need to let go of that habit of dropping the “F” bomb. And NO! We did not sleep together but we sort of got intimate.
- Oh my!!! Is a good kisser? What did you guys do? Ray asked eager.
- Pretty much but I initiated everything and I’m embarrassed about my reaction. I started kissing him, it was the wine…
- Honey it’s always easy to blame the alcohol isn’t? Ray laughed. Don’t worry these things happen. You remember when I jumped in bed with Will last year after a few bottles? At least you didn’t have to do the walk of shame in the morning.
-Hahahahaha. I remember. How is he by the way? Are you guys still on a no-talking mode?
-Does it matter? She said exasperated. Will is the most complicated man ever and he needs someone as complicated as him to get through. And I can bet you I am not that woman.
- Just kiss and makeup. It sucks having to choose to who to invite to dinner parties. I love you both and I want to keep you both.
- Yawn. Let me get back to the beauty sleep you’ve just pulled me from. We will catch up on Saturday and please don’t let go of sweet Stephen, I have a feeling… Night’. Love you.
She sent me kisses and hang up.

I glanced at my phone to view any messages; there were none. Deep inside I wish I had gotten a call or message from Stephen although I didn’t deserve any after the way I left abruptly. A mixed feeling of resentment and shame took over me, I grabbed my phone and deleted his numbers that was the only way I could never get in contact with him again. Either way I wasn’t looking for love and he came at a bad time. I stepped into the shower for a few to sober up, slid into my pyjamas. Jumped into bed and shut my eyes close hoping for a better day.

***

Working for someone was never my thing. I preferred doing things on my own and even if I did not make 5 or 6 figures like some of my friends I still made a humble living doing what I loved. I was a professional make-up artist and had a studio just a few blocks from my building.  I fell in love with make up at the age of 12, I used to watch my mother apply her satin red lipstick every day before heading off to work. Her face was never too busy with colours, she always stuck to the basics and still does until now. Moreover lipstick was the only make up she was allowed to wear to work. Ever since then I’ve been collecting make up products and teaching myself the art of the make-up. I had work for a few celebrities in the past, such as Jennifer Lopez and Regina Hall. My biggest breakthrough was being part of the make-up team for the John Galliano fashion show 6 years ago. I was just 23 and it felt like a dream come true. I flew to Paris extremely nervous but still confident enough to remember what I needed to do upon my arrival. It was mum’s friend Paula who helped with everything by giving a few of my samples, make up charts, colour swatches to a source close to Pat McGrath (Yes, Pat McGrath, the fabulous and most influential makeup artist in the world), I immediately got retained and called for an interview which went well and got me of the makeup guru’s team for that fashion. It was beyond anything I could have ever imagined and I will forever be grateful to God for such a wonderful opportunity. Currently, I’m working on releasing my own makeup brand all full of nature’s good treats that I wish to sell on the market and also use in store for my customers.
It has been about two weeks since the failed date and I finally made peace with the fact that him and I couldn’t have worked out. The tiniest bit of feeling of appreciation I felt for him on our first date had disappeared  until I saw him on my way to work coming out of a café  followed by a pretty lady who was affectionately holding onto his arm. I was standing right across the road, dismayed, trying to find a possible explanation for what I had seen.  To avoid being noticed I stood behind the bus stop to have a closer look. Stephen opened the door for the mystery girl before getting into it himself and drove off. That explained everything, he met someone else or already had someone else that’s why he never called back, I suddenly felt angry and used. How could he just turn me on and move on to the next one? (Well I started everything and rudely left minutes after), but I still didn’t deserve to be ignored or replaced in that manner.
I took out my cell phone from my purse and sent a message to Ray, seconds after, she called:
- WHAT? No, no that’s not possible, Stephen is not that type! She said trying to be persuasive.
- Well he was with another woman and looked pretty much happy and unaware of the fact that he forgot to call me back!!! I cried, upset.
- No honey, I don’t think he just moved on like that. I’m sure there is an explanation for this and I will fix it. I have just the perfect plan. Meet me at la Salumeria at 8 o’clock tonight. Look sexy.
- But Ray….
She had already hang up. Knowing my friend quite well, I knew she was cooking up something and although I was upset about the whole Stephen situation, I needed my best friend, I needed to get over this feeling. I arrived at the studio and I was all jolly again, ladies doing what you love is the best thing that could possibly happen to you.

I left the studio earlier than usual to get ready for my date with Raina. La Salumeria was a very chic Italian restaurant downtown San Francisco so I opted for a black knee length long sleeved lace bodycon with my newest pair of Brian Atwood pumps. I turned my straight hair into wavy locks, dabbed on a lil foundation and a bright red lip. I was ready to go. I got into the car I hardly used and drove to La Salumeria.
On my arrival at the restaurant, I gave the receptionist details about booking made by Ray.
-  Booking under Raina Duvall? The receptionist asked.
I nodded as the receptionist made a sign for me to follow her to my table and to my surprise, instead of finding my 30 year old insane best friend:
- Stephen! I cried mortified………

Photo: (gabrielle-union-instagram-dolce-gabbana-dress-brian-atwood-pumps.jpg)

Love O'clock : Chapter 1

-         - What did you expect me to do? To leave her? She is expecting my child for God’s sake!

I just stood there shocked, trying to process everything I just heard. I remember shaking frantically, feeling nauseous and crumbled on the floor.

When I woke up I was in a hospital room, surrounded by the worried looks of my mother, my brother Aaron and Will.
- Oh my darling, are you alright? Asked my mother caressing my hand.
I just nodded: What happened? Why and how did I get here?
- That bastard! That son of a bitch! That good for nothing……. growled Will before my mother cut him short.
-You just fainted my love, you weren’t feeling well and you’ve be out for 2 days. The doctor says it’s all due to high levels of stress and anxiety.
I noticed that there was something they didn’t want me to know, well mainly my mother and Aaron who was staring at me the whole time, silent, with this pity look on his face.
- Where is Stephen? Why isn’t he here? Is he at work? I asked looking for answers in the eyes of my mother and brother.
-He called of the wedding! Said Will with resentment in his voice.
Hearing those words I suddenly remembered everything……

I wasn’t looking for love when I met him. Not at all! As a matter of fact, I have had my fair share of disappointments and heartbreaks and the last thing I wanted was another meaningless relationship. But he insisted on seeing me again after the New Year eve’s party at Raina’s house, my best friend. I gave in and accepted to meet him a few weeks later with the blessings of Raina who believed we were a perfect match. Stephen my ex fiancé wasn’t the type of man I would usually fall for. He was skinny, dark and looked quite mature for his age. However, there was something about his facial features that made him look attractive: not attractive as my previous paramours but still attractive enough to keep me interested. I always told myself and my friends that the first thing that catches your eye is the physical appearance, the personality is secondary at that stage but usually becomes the primary reason why people stick together or not.

On our first date, he came to pick me up and took me to this new Moroccan restaurant that opened in town. The décor was amazing, very oriental and eastern like. Long similar Persian carpets rolled on the marbled floor. Instead of chair and tables as we would find in common restaurants, the room was filled with a dozen of mini intimate squared rooms that were draped in long flowy sheer curtains,  the tables were very low, dressed in cotton white table cloths were authentic golden cutlery were carefully placed. Colourful and concisely decorated cushions surrounded the table. The setting was very intimate and exotic. I internally smiled at the idea of sipping on some merlot with my date and talking about shit. Yes, when I had a little too much to drink the candid extrovert in me appeared and talked freely with no boundaries.

-        -  Do you like it here? Stephen asked shyly.

-        -  I love it, it’s quite different. I said sitting comfortably on one of the many cushions.

As the night went by I found out that my date was in a long distance relationship recently but things ended when his ex-girlfriend refused to marry him. To avoid getting into a depressive mood due to past relationships. I changed the subject to life dreams and goals. Mr. Stephen was actually interested in pharmacology and wished to open a pharmacy back in Texas where he came from. He supported gay rights and love spending his free time watching movies or reading about new innovations relating to pharmacology.
Parked outside my building, he said: I really had a great time tonight and wish to see you again.
The alcohol in me made me pull him towards me and kiss him rigorously. His lips were soft and had still had the taste of the merlot we had earlier. As his hand glided through my shirt, I shivered at the thought of what could happen after this kiss, I could feel him trying to undo my bra and instead of repulsively rejecting him, I let myself go and enjoyed the sweet caresses and kisses that I’ve not gotten in a very long time. His big hands were firmly holding my breasts while he kissed me passionately. I could feel my genitalia moistening. This was a sign, a sign for me to stop before I ended bedded by stranger (well yes, he was still a stranger, all I knew about him was his love for medicine, his name and his hometown. He could be a serial killer for a fact). I pulled away grabbed my bag and blurted out a goodbye and quickly rushed inside my building with shame….