The seductress, by Tunde Asaju

I agreed to meet him at a very famous restaurant at lunch time. But I had asked my boss for the rest of the day off. I spent more than one hour preparing for this meeting – the high heels to wear, the dress and purse to match and of course, the perfume. I spent the day before at the hairdressers. I wanted to be the best for today. My nails are made without attachments and I am very satisfied with the way they are.

I deliberately waited 30 minutes late. By the time I came, the restaurant was full. When I parted the bamboo curtain, I could see eyes, men’s lecherous eyes watching me and as I sashayed through the marble floor, I could feel those eyes undressing me. ‘No way guys, you are free to watch, but to touch, it is reserved for him only’, I told myself as a smile creased my powdered face. I do not subscribe to all the foundation, the mascara and all that stuff that my gender spend their time and money on. Even my female gender complement me on my looks and my velvety skin. I was born an original, I did not intend to live as a duplicate. I wanted men to see that I am a plane Jane.

His raised hands showed that I would have to torture more men before I reached the seat he reserved for us. I intended to make the walk worth the while.

He stood up, walked to the back of the seat he wanted me to sit on, a complete gentleman. But I did not come here just to sit down, I wanted the whole world to know that he is mine…well, I intend to make him mine.

‘Young man’, I told him, watching his proud smile, ‘sit back down’.
‘I want you to take a seat first, you are “the lady”‘, he said in that voice that gets me water in the right or wrong places.
‘Obey before complaining my friend’, I said flashing him my best smile. He did as he was told. I walked behind him, put my arms around him, making sure that my two mangoes sandwiched his head between them. I am the seductress today. He lifted his head to look at me and I planted a hot kiss on his lips. I could feel the muscles of his shoulders tense up, then relax as his tongue found mine. IT lasted just a moment, but I could feel the jealousy in the air.

I walked to my seat, pulled it out and settled myself in, putting my crocodile skin well polished purse on the table.
‘I see you mean business today. Where did that kiss come from’, he asked smiling like a man who has just won the BetNaija lottery.
‘I think you have suffered enough,’ I said. ‘The plan was to make you feel at home’. He laughed.
A waiter came, dressed in adire and cap. He stretched the menu towards me but I shook my head and motioned towards him.
‘Give us a few minutes’, he directed. The waiter retreated, like a good boy, taking two steps back before turning and disappearing behind the afternoon cloud.
‘Drinks’, he asked?
‘Whatever you order’, I said, asking ‘how was your day?’
‘It’s just beginning. In fact, you could say that my life is just beginning’, he responded.
We both smiled.
I ordered fresh palm wine for him and sorrel or zobo drink mixed with ginger for me. He promised to taste my drink and I shrugged my shoulders. It promised to be a long weekend as I stretched my shoes to touch his knees. He lowered his hands behind the tablecloth and I winced as his soft fingers found a bit of my thigh.
‘Be very careful’, I asked him ‘or, I might move my chair closer’.
Being the shy type, he withdrew his hands, not completely, letting it hang where it was. The waiter returned!

Artwork by Bing creator.