LOST TO LUST

The Reunion

"What would you like to take ma'am? The waiter asked and handed the long menu book to me.

"I'm waiting for someone, so I'd like to wait for the person before I order, thank you." I replied and handed the menu book back to her.

"You can keep it with you and I will also drop one for the other person. If you need anything, I'm right behind you here..." she pointed to her stand which was just two tables away from mine. "So you can just signal to me whenever you are ready" she quickly gave a bow and walked to her stand.

Spicea is one of the best hotels in town, most companies use its dining hall for work dinners, parties, conferences, and meetings. My firm is an affiliate of the hotel and so, all events and meetings take place there. Its serene environment is second to none and the workers are so accommodating, they ooze out professionalism with all their customers. After my husband's dishes, Spicea is next. The taste is one of a kind...

I've been waiting for ten minutes now and my client is still yet to show. I never keep a client waiting, I always make sure I get to the venue at least ten minutes before the time, it helps me feel relaxed.

"Over here Sir" I rose quickly to my feet while waving my hands to Mr. Johnson, he is the client I'm meeting, I've not met him before the meeting but I could tell he was the one from the way he was scanning the hall searching for me.

"Good evening Mr. Johnson, it is so nice to finally meet you," I said with a bright smile while stretching my hand out to shake him.

"Anna?… Anna Cooper?... The world is indeed a small place..."

"Excuse me, I don't think we have met before... I said confused, trying to make meaning out of what he said.

"Oh yes, we have met before, countless times from high school, your sweetheart then... He laughed out loud.

"Omg!!! Short Tobe, I can't believe this, you look so much different, you've grown so tall as well... I was so excited, Tobe was one of the several boys who were after me in high school, I liked him the most because of his petite stature and intelligence. He was so keen about dating me and I almost gave in but then, Daniel came and swept me off my feet.

"Come here" he pulled me into his arms. For a minute there, I felt something different, I didn't hold him at first but I did after few seconds, I rested my head on his shoulder and inhaled his sweet fragrance, it was so refreshing and the memories begin to flow back.

"It is so nice to see you again Anna, you look gorgeous" he whispered into my ears and it sent shivers all over my body. Why am I feeling this way? My husband hugs me every morning and every chance he gets but why does it feel different this time.

"You disappeared after graduation…" he finally released me from his grip. "How have you been? You have to tell me all about you today" he laughed out again and I couldn't resist his charm.

"Well, to start with, it's now Anna Barnes, I got married and relocated, and trust me, there is nothing about me that would interest you," I said while looking away, I couldn't look him in the eyes, I have not felt this way about anyone in a long while, not even Daniel.

"Please, don't say that, everything about you has always interested me and that has not changed, I mean, Daniel snatched you away from me then but I've forgiven him even though, I was hurt for months…" he smiled again.

"Why is the table dry, don't tell me you were waiting for me. Ohh I'm so sorry I kept you waiting, I left some files at home so I had to rush home first before coming here" he signaled to the waiter and he started scanning through the menu.

"Good evening Sir, we are happy to have you at Spicea, what would you like to have? The waiter said with a composed smile.

"I would like to have a plate of grilled fish and a bottle of Champagne," Tobe said and dropped the menu on the table.

"Alright Sir, what about you ma'am," the waiter asked while writing down Tobe's order.

"I will have the same thing he is having but the champagne he ordered is okay for us" I replied the waiter while still avoiding Tobe's gaze.

"So, Mr. Johnson, it's getting late, let's get to business"

"Please drop the honorifics, you are the best when it comes to this marketing business, I have so many proofs to back my claim up so coming here was just to put a face to the person I would be working with, I already made up my mind to give your firm the contract. I will fill you in on what I want but tonight is personal…" he said with a big grin and held my hand over the table.

"A reunion then?" I said and looked into his eyes this time. I don't know exactly what I feel but it felt good

"How are Daniel and the kids?"

"Well, my husband is doing well and my kids are fine too, they will be fifteen in a couple of months. Daniel owns the Barnes cuisine upstate, and so far, it is moving well.

"What about you? Wife? Children? Girlfriends? We both laughed as I mentioned the last part.

"None yet, I guess I've been waiting for you all along" he rubbed over my hand in a flirty manner.

"Well, I don't think Daniel will put up an easy fight" I returned his look.

"Excuse me please" I quickly released my hand from his grip and picked up my phone. "It is Daniel, a minute please" "Hello love, I will be home very soon, I'm still at the meeting and I'm so sorry about today, I will make it up to you. Love you, see you soon." I hung up and placed the phone on the table.

"What happened today? I hope you don't mind me asking? He asked with a mouthful of the grilled fish.

"Today is my 15th wedding anniversary and I'm here spending the evening with you so you can guess the reason for the plea" I sipped my wine and started packing my bag.

"Ohh I understand now, although I don't regret this evening, can we do this some other time," he asked me as he stood up, pulled me up, and held me close to him.

"I won't bite, you know? Let's do this again Anna, I miss you"

He asked once more and kissed me...