The Payback ... Part One

The Payback - Part One

“Excuse me?” I ask. “What is that gentleman drinking?” Jorge glances over his shoulder. “Him? Oh, he drinks Christian Brothers XO.”

“Please, send him one with my compliments” I whisper, and smile sweetly. Jorge smiles back, nods and disappears. I take a tiny sip of my Caymus, and glance around the room. Its beautiful here, and being one of the only women in a room full of men makes it even more enchanting. I reposition myself to look at the buildings and the street below, and smile to myself.

What a hectic, crazy month it has been. Endless meetings, dinners, and early morning starts has gotten the best of me, and I am looking forward to the next few days; a few days just for me, before jetting off to another crazy couple of weeks. I smile thinking of what I have planned for tomorrow: a day of pampering at the Stillwater Spa, and from the ache in my shoulders, I definitely need it. I am the quintessential progressive Black woman, I think, and laugh at myself. Too busy for so many things; not enough time to enjoy being me. Lost in my thoughts of my day ahead, I don’t notice when he slips into the chair next to mine.

“Hello, beautiful” he says quietly, and I almost miss it. I turn slightly, engaged in my thoughts, and notice the most beautiful smile and exquisite chocolate brown eyes. I smile back a hello, and he tips his fresh snifter in my direction.

“Thanks for the drink. I am very flattered” he says with an amazing dimple shining in the soft light. I smile back, raise my glass and we share a silent toast. I notice immediately his cologne, and take a deep breath, savoring its musky scent. I turn my head and smile a broad smile, “Its my pleasure. Enjoy.” I respond, and he sips and smiles his appreciation. I see Jorge discreetly eyeing us from across the bar.

“So, how are you?” I ask. “And how are you enjoying it here?” He explains that he is on business, and that he has enjoyed being here, but misses home desperately. I can completely understand. Although Toronto is one of my favorite places, there is truly no place like home. We share common get-to-know-you conversation, and when the lights dim for a second, we look up and realize that we are the only two people in the bar, and laugh.

“Wow” he says. “I haven’t closed a spot down in years!” I laugh too, because I am normally in bed, enjoying the crisp delicate scent of the sheets.

“I’ve enjoyed this” I say, sliding out of the chair, collecting my jacket as I rise. I notice that his eyes travel the length of my blouse, and follow me to a standing position.

“I enjoyed you” he says earnestly, and extends his hand as he stands. “Sean”, he offers, and I laugh because with all the conversation, I realize that we never exchanged names.

“Dawn Clark” I offer, laughing at my corporate introduction, in spite of myself.

I am trying hard not to notice his hands, cufflinks, and the curve of his chest through his sweater. I guess I took too long to look up, because he coughs back a laugh, and grabs my hand. “Walk with me” he says, as he slides my jacket up my arms. I catch a whiff of his cologne again, and we take a couple of steps before I realize that I forgot to settle my tab with Jorge. I turn to call him, and Sean says, “Its taken care of – don’t worry” with that amazing smile. He takes my hand and I turn to him, blushing. “That’s not fair” I laugh.

“You can pay me back, if you want to. Next time” he offers. We both laugh, and I feel his hand on my back, leading me out toward the elevator.

Standing next to him, I realize for the first time, how tall and FINE he is. I glance up at him, and smile. He smiles back as the elevator doors glide open with a chime. After a swift ride, we step out into the brisk September air. I feel the cognac and am glad for the slight chill in the air. We walk in step together for a few blocks, and I see Queens Park, an expanse of green, romantic vintage lightpoles dotting the area, and other couples, strolling. “One of my favorite parks in all of Toronto” he says, and I laugh. He looks down at me curiously, and I tell him I was just thinking the same thing. After walking for a while, I hear bells signaling midnight in the distance. I cant stop looking at his profile. Beautiful mocha skin, strong nose, full lips, great haircut, beautiful shoes. Not surprising that he is an attorney. He looks like one. It is surprising that he is single, and I smile at the thought.

“What?” he asks, and I giggle. I answer, embarrassed, “I don’t know who tossed you back, but I am thanking her now.” He throws his head back and laughs. “Tossed me back, hunh?” He laughs again. “Yeah, well, hopefully you won’t be so foolish”, and looks at me with a serious smile. I smile back, and he slips his hand in mine as we continue towards College Street. We walk in silence, circling back north, and ending back in the hotel lobby. I cannot stop smiling, and shivering – its gotten cold outside, but I am warm in places that are overlooked with my hectic life. “Dawn,” he starts. And stops. “Dawn,” he starts again, taking my hands in his. “I know that it is passe to ask, but would you like to come up to my room for a nightcap?” He looks uncomfortable, like he already knows the answer, and I smile up at him. After a few seconds, I glance at my watch, and try to remember the last time anyone asked me up for a nightcap. One-thirty, it says. I take a step backward, and look up at him. Another step back, take a deep breath, smile, and return a question, “Sean, how about you let me pay you back tonight?”