_Seven years ago_
"Surprised are you now? Imagine man of my word Ms. Pheobe. Look outside your window if you don't mind" the voice said
"And why would I do that" she asked, irritated
"To prove to you that I'm waiting for you to come down. Your shift has ended, hasn't it? I want to have an audience with you. Just for a minute or two" it said convincingly
Pheobe closed her eyes and massaged her temples. Who at all was this guy and what was his problem? As if walking away from him was not enough. He's stalking her as well? Settled on what to say she opened her eyes.
"I'm sorry to inform you that it's not possible. First of all. Secondly, stop stalking me. I am a free woman with rights. Respect yourself a bit more and leave me alone before I file a case against you."
"And I doubt you remember what my name is?" He asked.
The other line was silent and he chuckled. He expected much.
"My name is Akim Ocansey but you could simply call me Akim." He offered and would have continued talking hadn't she been cut short by Pheobe.
"I don't care what your name is. All I want is for you to stop pestering me."
"I would not stop until you agree to meet me for dinner. I promise not to take much of your time. Meet me at 6 pm at the Aced restaurant downtown. I'll be expecting you." He declared before hanging up.
Pheobe was vexed. Who does he think he is? He wants to meet her. She chuckled at the idea. He'd get what he wanted and would regret it.
Akim had chosen a table close to the glass window. At night the streets were a moving work of art with cars and coloured lights adding up to its beauty. He had arrived 20 minutes earlier than the expected time. At 5:46 pm, Pheobe entered the restaurant in a purple ball gown that hid her curves but made her look marvellous. Her braids we styled into a bun with two strands standing out at her forehead. Her make-up was light and her jewellery was a simple diamond necklace and a golden bracelet. She needed no extras because her ebony-toned skin made her beauty glow whenever light touched it.
She looked around for a familiar face when her phone rang. Still searching for the beckoning hand she walked to the right wing of the restaurant. She saw Akim dressed in a classic designer suit. His her neatly cut and his beard smartly tried. He looked more handsome than Pheobe had envisioned. She was falling? No. She quickly snapped out of it. It was her freedom they were gathered to discuss not a long-distance pleasantry.
Akim started to talk but Pheobe wasn't paying much attention. She was distracted but the movement of his thin lips that kept pronouncing words only he understood. What was he doing to her? Pheobe shook her head and looked into his eyes. She soon regretted it. As if his lips were not tempting enough. In his eyes, she saw peace. The kind that one rarely experiences. She felt attracted to him. His entire appearance was doing stuff to her body that she didn't understand. She had been on a date before but this felt different. Special.
Akim realised that Pheobe was preoccupied with her thoughts while looking deaf-eyed at him. He stretched his hand to touch hers that lay unsteadily on the table. Pheobe wished he didn't do that. It only worsens her case. She quickly pulled away. She excused herself and walked to the washroom. A waiter came to their table with a menu. Akim asked that the waiter left while he waited for someone.