Chapter Sixty-Five

Chapter Sixty-Five
Today was the day for the read deal, in Nelson’s words. 

After the party, he had not ceased to pay me endless visits at the pastry shop, showing up almost every single day under the guise that he had an order to pick up. 

Of late, I was beginning to question his sugar intake because pastries usually had a high percentage of sugar and sweeteners. He always got cupcakes and that in itself was not such a healthy choice especially for daily consumption.

The last time we saw was two days ago and that evening after a busy day at work, he called as usual but this time, he sounded serious like he had something he wanted to tell me or an important message to pass across.

“Nelson, you don't sound cheerful at all, what is the matter? Is there something you want to tell me? Is everything okay?” I asked, following his low tone. 

But he laughed, claiming that everything was okay.

“I'm just tired from work, you know how running a large business empire can be.”

Speaking about businesses, I didn't know what exactly he did for a living. A couple of times I'd heard him discuss transportation and shipping of goods so I just concluded that that was his line of work, and it appeared quite lucrative because he was rich.

“Okay, did your goods not arrive safely this time because you don't seem to be happy,” I asked, trying to press further so that I could find out the exact problem.

“My goods? Oh, that. They're in safe hands. What are your plans for tomorrow evening?”

“Well, I only have plans to enjoy my rent before it finally expires in a few months, you know I'm not much of an outside person. I'm such a home buddy.”

“Perfect! I made a reservation for a private dining at Amari private lounge, some thirty minutes' drive away from town, just the two of us. What do you say about that?” 

My face lit up. Nelson had spent a fortune in the few weeks of meeting me. Each time we had dinner, the bill was never less than a hundred euros, he liked the really expensive spots where he would pay hugely while still tipping the servers. Some people were just that generous in nature. 

I pitied him each time he had to spend that much but I couldn't dare mention it to him, because the one time I did, he frowned at it. 

“I only spend my money on things and people that are worth it, why does it bother you so much that you're?” he'd asked, not a trace of smile on his face. 

“That's nice, but Nelson, do….” 

“No May, don't start please. Are you in for it? That's all I need to hear right now?”

“Hmmmmm…” I dragged, pretending like I was contemplating my decision even though the whole of my heart already screamed a resounding yes.

“Please, it won't be for too long, you will be back to your baby in no time, I promise.” 

“Okay. I'm in.”

“Yes! Thank you so much, now all you have to do is prepare something stunning to wear, and I'll send my driver to pick you up by 7pm. Remember it has to be something extraordinary and captivating.”

“Is it your wedding tomorrow?” I teased

“Seeing you will do me more good than any wedding would.”

And just like that, the butterflies returned, fluttering insistently as I lay on my bed to sleep. 

6:30 pm the next day, I was standing in front of my mirror, staring at the shimmering red dress I'd bought months ago but never dared to wear because I still had some extra weight from having my baby.

The dress was bold, hugging every curve and sculpting my body frame. It had a slit that went all the way from my toes to the top of my thigh. The neckline was some cute shallow V-line that went a little down, revealing some cleavage. 

It had a single strap to the back of my shoulders and the back was opened all the way to my upper waist, revealing my sexy back. 

For dresses like this, I was grateful for getting back in shape after the baby, now one could hardly tell I ever had one because my waist and tummy were almost nonexistent. 

I paired it with gold heels that glittered under the light, giving me that poise of danger and elegance. 

I sat to do a minimal make-up look as I couldn't go on this date with a bare face or just lip gloss, it had gone beyond that. I wanted to feel the best while still serving looks. 

I put on foundation, contour, drew out my brows, added some blush to my cheeks, highlight and some eye shadow, I wasn't sure in what particular order each one would go, but I did what I saw my sisters do back in the day, lastly I dabbed on some shiny gloss over my overlined lips and then I was done with the make up looking beautiful and enhancing my facial features.

I let down the two strands of curls that I had tucked up with a pin while my high ponytail dangled at the back. 

I sprayed my secret seduction perfume and rubbed some scented oil on my bare skin that gave me a glowy look.

I looked back in the mirror again, ready to leave and I looked so damn expensive!

At exactly 7pm, I received a call from an unknown number and I knew that it was Nelson’s driver calling. 

“I'm at the gate,” he said.

“I'll be with you in a minute,” I responded and I ended the call.

I clutched my gold purse and locked the door behind me, ensuring I secured it with the key properly and then I moved carefully towards the gate where I saw a sleek black car parked by its side.

As soon as the driver caught a glimpse of me, he stepped out of the car and walked briskly over, and opened the door with a polite nod. 

“Welcome, Miss May.”

I smiled, mumbling a thank you as I got into the car gently. 

Inside the car, it was so cold as the AC blew vehemently, exactly how I liked it.

The ride was smooth, silent, and luxurious, with the driver paying attention to his driving while my mind wandered to Nelson who was probably already at the venue, patiently waiting for my arrival. 

As I thought about his piercing gaze, I felt my heart beat fast against my chest, and my body felt a wave of nervousness.

When you liked a guy, it was almost like a humiliation ritual. Most times I got really anxious and extremely self-conscious around him, making me either stammer, dumbfounded, walk foolishly and almost miss my steps and lose a bit of composure. 

Sometimes I wondered if he saw all these and if he did, I wondered if he laughed silently at them or if they made me look stupid, and honestly, that was what I feared the most.

Soon, he drove into a modern building made with glass and steel and with warm lighting and ivy-covered walls.

A valet opened the door and I stepped out like I was on a mission. I felt nervous but I didn't let it show, I couldn't afford to right now as a lot was at stake for me if I did. 

I did a confident sashay into the building, following the direction of the valet until he led me into the area that had been designated for our date. 

As I stepped foot into the room, I took a deep breath, as my nervousness had skyrocketed, all because I was so close to seeing him. 

At this moment, I could be likened to a high school student who was about to walk past a group of very handsome boys, one of whom she had a crush on.

But thankfully, the light was dim and so I could glance at him, my prince charming from the spot where he stood, waiting for me to walk towards him without my awkwardness showing too much.

He was dressed in a charcoal suit that hugged his frame perfectly and his shirt was open at the collar, revealing just enough to make my pulse race. In his hands was a bouquet of deep red roses, the same color as my dress. 

He smiled when he saw me, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just us. 

“You look so gorgeous, absolutely breathtaking,” he said, handing me the flowers. 

I took them gracefully, my fingers brushing against his, “Thank you,” I whispered, smiling back.

I wanted to compliment him so badly but I waited till we sat and he was deep into the conversation before I did, that way it would get to him more.

He offered his arm, and I looped mine through it, the warmth of his skin grounding me. 

Inside the dining hall was intimate, with about two large tables, set beneath a chandelier that looked like falling stars. Soft jazz music played in the background, and the scent of roasted herbs and citrus lingered in the air. 

He pulled out a chair for me and we both sat.

“You're really committing to the gentleman act,” I teased.

“It's not an act,” he grinned.

The food was exquisite. We had seared scallops and truffle risotto, a dessert that tasted like heaven in layers. 

After the food, we talked about everything - childhood memories, dreams we hadn't dared to chase, fears we hadn't voiced out to anyone. 

He told me about his mother, a kind and hospitable woman who passed away a few years ago after she had been bedridden by a stroke some days after her sixtieth birthday and I rubbed his shoulder slowly, assuring him that she was definitely proud of him wherever she was. 

After what seemed like an eternity of heart-to-heart conversations, he leaned toward me, searching me with his eyes.

“I need to tell you something,” he said, raising my concern.

I nodded, my heart already doing its thing.

“Since the day I set my eyes on you, I've never been the same again,” he said, pausing to hold my hands.

“May, I've fallen for you, completely, irrevocably.”

I stared at him, short of words and expression. I wished I could record this moment and play it in my secret over and over again. 

“I didn't expect it and I never saw it coming. Now, every time I see you, every time I hear your voice, I feel like I'm exactly where I am meant to be.” 

I opened my mouth but no words seemed to come out. I was speechless drowning in the sea of his love confessions. 

“I'm not asking for perfection nor am I asking for promises. All I want is just a chance to love you, to protect you, to be with you, and be yours.”

Silence stretched between us, thick with emotion.

And then I laughed, softly and breathlessly, finally finding the strength and courage to. 

“I swore I’d never do this again,” I said, looking away from him but he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. 

“Let me be the reason you do it again; let me be the reason you believe in true love again.”

I felt tears prick my eyes, but they didn't fall. I was too stunned and too full of emotions. 

“What if I say that I don't know how to do this anymore?” 

“Then we’ll learn how together.”

I looked at him deeply; at the man who had shown up, day after day, with kindness and patience; the man who saw me beyond the surface and saw deeply into my soul; the one who was very interested in who I was and not just what I had to offer; the one who was ready to support me in everything I decided to undertake in.  

And I nodded.

“Yes,” I said. “I’ll be your girlfriend.”

Immediately those words left my mouth, he drew closer to hug me and after that, we proceeded to have our first kiss, and right there I experienced the heights of feelings I'd ever had for him.