Rick and I met for lunch as agreed. I wasn’t hungry but I knew if I didn’t place an order Rick will know I was nervous. So I asked for the first thing on their menu; I had no clue what it was as it was not in English but Italian. It was Ricks favourite Italian Restaurant in town. As I listened to him speak fluent Italian, I couldn’t help but wonder at his debonair ways.
I like articulate, polished, tall, dark and handsome men who know their onions and I am not just talking money. A man who can and would command respect wherever he goes and Rick is a perfect fit, I shouldn’t forget to add brilliant with a capital ‘B’. I call him ‘Einstein’; all these contributed to what got me to my present state. How can someone like him be caught in this situation? Loving two girls! It just never happens to ‘amazing’ men like him or so I believed, but the proof is right before me, it’s baffling! I guess when it comes to matters of the heart, no one is immune.
It took me a minute to realise Rick was addressing me, “Oh I am sorry, I didn’t get that,” I said looking confused. “Apparently not,” he responded dryly, his eyes crinkling at the sides, just enough to give him that boyish, sensual look. He was way too sexy and boy, did he know it! “I asked if I should get a room and give you the opportunity to ravage my body. Or if I should be the one to take a leisurely tour of your beautiful, erogenous, luscious, voluptuous body parts,” he said in a seductive drawl with a wink. “You are beautiful in and out, Tobs, and very sexy.
I will not be human if I don’t admit that I want you,” he said grudgingly. I was scandalized. I was not expecting this direct sexual assault. I needed to change the topic and fast; I didn’t like the direction our conversation was going. “Warien Rose Foundation will be given a Recognition Award this Sunday, the 22nd of October at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja by an International Organisation from the United Kingdom called Domestic Violence, UK.
It is in recognition of our work in the area of domestic violence in Nigeria,” I finished in a rush. After a few minutes of giving me a knowing smile, of course he knew I was prevaricating. He succumbed, thank goodness! “Wow congratulations Tobs, I am truly proud of you and you deserve it and more.
Am I invited?” He asked in his deep baritone, looking intently into my eyes. “Would you like to come?” I asked coquettishly, unable to stop myself from picking the gauntlet. This is not good, am I freaking crazy? Flirting with him and encouraging him to come? How can I invite him? I don’t want him there. That is my space! I thought in panic. “No Tobs, don’t think it.
I will be there, no need making up an excuse,” he said decisively, narrowing his eyes as he stared me down. He was right, I was trying to think up an excuse. This man seems to read me like a book and that in itself is annoying especially because of our special situation.
Our lunch arrived, oh my goodness, I stared blankly at the plate, eyeing it suspiciously and then asked the Waiter cautiously, “What is this?” “It is Cervelli Fritti, hai chiesto a questa bella signora, sì?” he said in rapid Italian and translated in his checkered English ‘you requested for this beautiful lady, yes?’ Looking confused he turned to Rick for help. “Grazie Piero, lo prenderò da qui,” Rick said with a smile, meaning ‘thank you Piero, I will take it from here’.
When Piero left, Rick looked at me intently and asked, “You have absolutely no idea what you ordered for, do you?” He asked gently with what looked suspiciously like a smile lurking at the corners of his mouth. “If I did, will I ask?” I said in an aggrieved tone, resenting him for obviously laughing at me. He finally decided to put me out of my misery. “Cervelli Fritti is an Italian delicacy, it is basically fried brains; usually from a calf or a lamb.
It is eaten with salt and pepper or a dash of lemon juice as an appetizer,” he concluded with a mischievous grin. “W-h-a-t! I screamed inadvertently drawing the attention of other diners. “No way am I eating that!” I whispered horrified.