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Chapter 3

Erwane and I were leaving the restaurant, a valet opened the car door for me, I got in, and dug through my bag to give him a tip.

—Thank you, that’s kind of you. I said, handing him a bill.

He thanked me and walked off. I buckled my seatbelt.

Erwane: Are you going to be able to do rides in those shoes?

—Oh yeah, I completely forgot I had heels on, ouch! I don’t really want to go back home now though.

Erwane: We could swing by your shop, get you some flip-flops.

—Damn, it’s already closed at this hour, and I didn’t bring my keys with me.

Erwane: Aren’t there shops open this late in Sadi?

—Yeah, there are, there are even guys selling sandals on the side of the road, I can grab a pair there.

He nodded and started driving. During the ride, we talked about everything and nothing, he was honestly such a nice guy, really far from the image I’d had of him. He parked in front of a shop, and we went in.

Saleswoman: Good evening, sir and madam, can I help you with something?

Erwane: Good evening, I’d like a pair of sandals for my wife, uh, size 8, black preferably.

Wait! Did he just say “his wife”? And on top of that he knows my shoe size? Oh damn, I think I’m about to faint, there are so many butterflies in my stomach.

Erwane: Give me one moment, sir, please take a seat. She said, her voice a little too sugary sweet for my taste.

Erwane turned to me.

—How do you know my shoe size?

Erwane: I grew up surrounded by women, I can guess a woman’s shoe size just by looking, and you’re roughly the same size as my older sister.

I nodded, the saleswoman came back with 5 pairs of sandals in hand.

Saleswoman: Madam, please try them on.

I picked up a pair of mules, with brown fur trim. They fit perfectly.

—I’ll take these, no need to try the others.

Erwane: Okay, how much?

Saleswoman: 50,000 francs, sir.

Erwane: Alright!

—No wait, “alright” how? 50,000 francs is way too much, they’re worth 25,000.

Saleswoman: Sorry madam, that’s not the price. She said, looking me up and down.

—Okay, forget it…

Erwane: Here you go, miss. He cut me off, handing her the money.

—But noo, that’s way too mu—

Erwane: Relax, baby, nothing’s too much for you! He said, pulling me in by the waist.

Damn it! That sentence froze me, his hand around my waist sent shivers through my whole body. His gaze was hypnotic. The saleswoman interrupted us, handing over the receipt. I could see exactly what she was up to, she was eating Erwane up with her eyes. Who wouldn’t, honestly, he was so gorgeous. Too bad for you, sweetheart, this one’s mine. Damn! What nonsense am I even thinking right now.

Erwane: Shall we go?

—Yeah, of course.

I walked out of the shop, him following, we got back in the car, and he started driving. He parked, and handed me a pair of sunglasses. I put them on without asking any questions. We got out of the car and walked into the fairground. There were all kinds of rides.

Erwane: What do you want to do?

—That ride over there that goes up, I’ve always wanted to try that.

I pointed at the ride, he looked over and smiled.

Erwane: You’ve never been here before?

—No, never, every time I planned to come I’d forget.

Erwane: I’m happy to be the person you get to discover this with. Let’s go.

We bought tickets, and got on the Ferris wheel, I got a little scared so Erwane held my hand, after that ride we did a few others. It was so much fun. We’d just gotten off the bumper cars when a guy approached us.

Stranger: Excuse me, can I take a photo with you?

Oh damn, he recognized him. I looked at Erwane, stressed, but he seemed completely relaxed.

Erwane: Yeah, sure, no problem.

I stepped back to let them take the photo.

Stranger: No, stay, I want a photo with both of you.

—Oh really? Uh, okay.

I moved closer and he took a selfie with us.

Stranger: Thanks man, your wife is really beautiful.

Erwane: Thanks, I think so too.

Ohh! That was the second time tonight he’d let people think I was his girlfriend, was that a sign he was sending me?

Erwane: Let’s get out of here before anyone else recognizes me and comes asking for photos or money.

—Okay.

He took my hand, and we left the fairground. In front of the car, I stopped.

—There’s something I don’t understand.

Erwane: What’s that? He asked, walking around to stand in front of me.

—At the shop you told the saleswoman I was your wife, and just now you didn’t correct that guy when he said I was your girlfriend. Why did you lie?

Erwane: Who said it was a lie?

My heart skipped a beat.

—Bu… But, we’re not even together.

Erwane: Well, I’d love for that to be the case! I want you to be my girlfriend. He said, his expression serious.

—But we’ve barely known each other for 24 hours.

Erwane: 24 hours is enough! What I’ve seen so far, I like. I want to see and know more. Time is just a detail. I know you probably don’t see me as the most serious guy out there, and I can’t really say I am. But I really want to try something with you, I think we could have something good.

—Hmm, I’m confused, I don’t want to end up disappointed.

Erwane: I understand, and I promise to do everything I can not to hurt you, at the very least I’ll never hurt you on purpose.

He said that last part as he stepped closer to me, his hands stopped at my hips and he rested his forehead against mine. In that moment, all my walls crumbled like a sandcastle. I locked eyes with his hypnotic gaze, every part of me was screaming to say yes. Which I did, without thinking.

—Yes, I want to be your girlfriend.

He smiled, and kissed me softly on the lips, then on the forehead. I wished he’d kissed me properly, but I remembered we were in a way too crowded place.

Erwane: It’s already past midnight, let me check where the guys are.

—Okay, I’ll check on Zaya.

I sent Zaya a message, and she told me we’d meet in front of the club.

Erwane: Malick and Sergeo are already there, Ethan’s on his way.

—Zaya too, let’s go then.

We got in the car, and he drove off. When we arrived in front of the club, I saw Zaya getting out of a car, followed by Ethan. I got out too.

—Oh really! You little sneak! So that’s why you disappeared, huh. I called out behind her.

Zaya: Oh s**t, Lia, you scared me! Uh… yeah, I went to eat with Ethan.

—Hmm… just eat, ma’am? I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Zaya: Yes, oh come on, we just ate and talked.

—The conversation must’ve been pretty interesting for you not to even text me. I teased. Hi Ethan.

Ethan: Hey Mahalia, you doing well?

—Yeah, thanks, and you?

Ethan: All good, miss, I love your outfit, you look really pretty.

—Oh thanks, that’s sweet.

Erwane: I think so too, cut it out with the charm, little Haitian, hands off my girl.

Ethan: Hey hey, I didn’t do anything, I was just complimenting her. He laughed. Oh! “My girl”! Sounds like there’s some news here. He noted.

Zaya: Oh that! There’s definitely some news. She added, shooting me a look.

—Okay, should we go in? The party’s already started. I said, heading toward the door.

Erwane held my hand, and we walked into the club, followed by Zaya and Ethan.

The music was loud, people were having a great time, a hostess led us to the VIP section where Malick, Stéphane, two guys I didn’t know, and some girls dancing around them were already set up. We greeted them, and took our seats. Erwane ordered 3 bottles of champagne for Zaya and me, and the party kicked off. It was on fire, the vibe was exactly what we needed, I was dancing with Zaya, I’d practically drunk 2 bottles of champagne by myself. The DJ dropped a super sensual track, and I glanced over at Erwane. He was sitting down, so I climbed onto his lap, straddling him, and started a very sensual dance. He grabbed my hips, gently running his hands along my back. My hips moved to the rhythm of the music, Erwane pulled me closer.

Erwane: Stop, baby, you’re getting me hard.

I didn’t say anything and kept dancing, then I lightly bit his earlobe, he held me tighter, pulled my head back and kissed me. That kiss was intense, passionate, our tongues moved together in a fierce dance. It was so intense that we forgot we were in a public place.

—Let’s go home! Was the only thing I managed to say once we pulled apart, both out of breath.

Erwane: Your wish is my command, madam.

I stood up and grabbed my bag and phone, leaning over to Zaya.

—Uh, we’re heading out. See you later.

She smiled at me and nodded.

Erwane: Guys, we’re out. She’s tired.

Malick: Yeah, we could definitely tell how “tired” she was earlier. He teased.

Erwane smiled and said goodbye to them, I gave a little wave, and we left the club, hand in hand, heading home