The Unexpected Perfect Date

Today was a gloomy day; I had been feeling down all day, after my recent; very unexpected breakup of 10 years I could not get out of this rut I was in. I was headed home when the sun peeked out just long enough to shine down on me before disappearing without a trace behind the clouds, I blushed taking it to mean I could look forward to a brighter day.

I had taken the week off with no plans I just need to regroup and get my head back in the game, finding out that my man had been cheating for 2 years was unbearable to say the least. I thought we were happy but look at me looking like his fool; even his family knew. I was seething as I thought about the many times in these years, they had smiled in my face knowing his dirt.

I hopped out of bed wanting to get my mind off it; running a steaming hot shower practically scorching my body any pain to mask the pain on the inside. I was willing to endure I stood there for as long as I could; before the tears started to fall, then anger took over. I switch the shower to cool to calm myself down before sinking into a ball of misery under the falling water “how could he do this to me?” I shouted in anger, I felt revenge growing inside me; but I was never this person to seek revenge to hurt anyone; hell, I could not even hurt an ant, but this feeling was undeniable, and I wanted to feed it.

Day 4 after the breakup I found myself sitting outside his job; just waiting. Unsure what I was waiting for what could I do at this point but profess my undying love and look even more like a fool. I was at a loss. I was about to pull off when I spotted his car; he had taken back my Benz, so I was driving a rental unidentifiable to him. A woman approached his car all cheery, bright eyed and bushy tailed happy to see him causing that anger to spark. She leant in planting a kiss upon his lips causing a tear to perk up in my eye. “How could he do this to me” she said to herself again gripping the steering wheel as if to release some of the growing anger; she skipped around the car hopping in, then he gently pulls off into traffic I followed them; they arrived at the airport parking casually taking my glasses and hat to stay unrecognizable seeing the flight they were catching I grabbed me a ticket. “what the fuck am I doing” I asked myself; snapping out of my daze as the pilot pulled away from the dock. It was too late I had to go with them. Having the imperfect seat, I could see them interacting with each other as if they had been a couple for years all love and kisses the way he stroked her hand how he used to stroke mine, how he put his finger to my chin and pull me close. I gripped the arm rest trying to suppress the growing rage.

“Nervous?” I was interrupted by a warm touch on my hand snapping me back to reality I looked over immediately calmed by the man sitting before me. “I was nervous my first time too just think of it as a dream; and let it take you there we’ll be there in 8 hours just rest.” He spoke softly.

8 hours I thought, where are they headed.

I awoke to us arriving in the Caribbean “can I help you with your luggage” the gentleman asked.

“I don’t have any.”

“Oh, are you here on business?”

“You can say that.”

“

Well, I hope you enjoy your stay.” He smiled grabbing his carryon allowing me to leave before him.

I got a hotel in the one they were accommodating; I had just got a big bonus at work, so I decided to splurge on myself to make me look as good as possible I wanted him to fall to his knees if we accidently ran into each other. But my thought changed back to the stranger on the plane; something about him calmed everything ill feeling growing inside me.

As I sat there taking in the sight of them enjoying each other’s company the scenery while eating my lunch thinking about my spontaneous trip, I decided to enjoy myself. As bad as I wanted to snap his neck and make her watch I did not have it in me to confront him; I was nothing but good to him, I did not deserve this he would get what he deserved; I am sure she was not doing anything but using him for his money, but he seems so in love who was I to interfere with love.

“If looks could kill” I heard a warm voice say pulling me from my vengeful thoughts.

I blushed it off kindly “how’s that business going.”

“Swimmingly” I chuckled diverting my eyes from the pool.

“You seem stressed.”

“How can you tell you don’t know me maybe this is my natural face.”

“It can’t be” he smiled looking me directly in my eyes causing every muscle in my face to relax.

“see that’s better” he smiled.

Causing me to blush.

“What brings you to the island.” I asked trying to divert our eye contact.

“I live here” he said coolly.

“That’s nice. So, what brings you to the hotel.”

“My homie is getting married here they put us up, so I figured why not.”

“That’s nice” I said instantly thinking back to him what if…. I shook off the thought feeling anger arise.

“So, are you alone?”

I thought on this answer I did not know this man, though I felt I could trust him. “Yes.”

“Any man back home?”

“Recent break up….so no” I said speaking the words aloud for the first time cut like a knife. I exhaled sharply.

“That deep”

“Your good at reading people…”

“It’s a gift” He smiled “I’m Marcellus by the way.”

“I’m Radiance, so do you have a woman? Are you staying here alone…? what else did you ask me?”

“Wait your name is Radiance?”

“Yes” I blushed.

“That’s beautiful. It fits you. I don’t mean to be forward, but I want to get to know you while you’re here if you’re up for it.”

“Maybe… I cannot promise I will be any fun. This break up is fresh and the smallest things set off those feelings. And you didn’t answer my questions.”

“remember back on the plane. When you were anxious, do not think about that for the time you are here I know that is much to ask but try and enjoy yourself with me. I’m single and no I don’t have anyone here with me.”

I thought for a second. What could it hurt? After all better this; than stalking her and him down and hurting them; this way I could take my mind off him and focus on moving on. Over the next few days, we woke; then met each other for breakfast when he was not with his friend getting ready for the wedding, he was with me, taking me site seeing adventuring around town. One night he took me on a date one starry night surrounded by candles; accompanied by the perfect meal and dessert; we talked all night, falling fast asleep watching the sun rise. I had to admit this was the most fun I had in years. He was very attentive and trying every way to get to know me in the short time I had to be here he seemed really into me. Which was cool with me and kept me wanting more time with him. I had completely forgot I was staying in a hotel with him, nor had I seen him.

“I’ve been wanting to ask since the first night we stayed up and talked all night, but would you like to be my date to this wedding?”

“Sure, I would love to.” I smiled nervously.

“Don’t be nervous you don’t have to worry about meeting any of my family just random people to have a good time; put on a fancy dress and make me look good standing on my arm.” He smiled putting his hand to my chin pulling it up to meet his eyes. I blushed slowly turning my head away from him. I could not allow myself to be weak for him. Though I wanted to.

The next day we went shopping for the gown we had decided that I would skip the ceremony and meet at the reception. Which happen to be a masquerade ball he was ready with mask in hand passing me mine as we got out the limo. “you look ravishing.” He said holding out his hand as I took to leave the limo. When we entered, I was greeted by and elaborate picture of him and her; I could have died on instant, but I held my stomach trying my best to keep it together.

“Are you alright” he said as calmly as possible.

I could feel the tears coming on; but I fought them back. And stood tall. “Yes and no… that’s my ex.”

“But you said this was a new break up.”

“Together for ten years he dumps me out the blue come to find out they’d been seeing each other for years I had no idea. I just found this out a few days ago.”

“Ok let’s go.”

“No… let’s stay” I smiled. Shaking it off.

“Oh, my my, my Marcellus who do we have here her physique is absolutely stunning.” she gawked at me.

Causing me to throw up in my mouth a little. I wanted her to hurt how I was.

“Why yes she is a gift from god.” He said kissing her hand.

“You remember my, hmmm husband Spence” she smiled giddy.

“Yes, I do.” He said blowing him off seeing him for the dog he was.

“If you hurt her that’s your ass” he said as cool and direct as possible.

“You worry about yours and I’ll worry about mine” he barked back.

“Chill boys.” I spoke. Causing Spence to cock his head to the side as if he recognized my voice.

I nodded my head as if to say yea it is me.

Marcellus took my hand planting a soft sweet kiss upon it. “Shall we.”

“After you.”

We took our places in front of the bride’s table.

“your finest bottle of wine, we need a toast.

As he poured our glasses, I caught Spence’s eye again, we raised our glass of 2019 Jetbird Merlot Marcellus caught Spence fixated on us. He pulled me close wrapping his arm around my arm encouraging me to take my mask off as we sipped entangled, his legs crossed between mine, I caught what he was doing the definition of eat your heart out. I took my mask off; took a sip of merlot and planted a sweet kiss upon his lips completely ignoring the fact Spence’s eyes were on us.

“I think he’s angry.”

“His loss apparently she was his prize. Shall we” I said standing ready to take my leave.

He took my hand to follow as we make our way to his limo, I hear him.

“Radiance; I’m sorry” he shouts; we ignore him, and we drive off into the night.