Run away with me he said

"Come on, quit your job. I run a business. I'm rich, I'm nice - the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Start a life with me. Leave your old one behind", He said, as we sat around the table. His legs opened and relaxed demeanor. Me? Crossed legged, straight posture.

We just finished a lesson. I asked briefly about his personal life. And he made his move. I knew he would. I knew he would try at least.

He liked me. He brought his daughter in to meet me the other day. Like I should fill his life. Be his support. His woman. A step mother to his already mid adult daughter. A step mother. (spoiler alert, he does confess to me later on this was his intention). Keep reading.

"Come on think about it", He pushed, pulling me out of my train of thought. "Let me know den. Take your time", his Carribean accent slipping through.

He slipped on his coat and started gathering his things. We were right under the cameras and he knew that, so he spoke in a hush tone, and not drawing any attention. Very calm and smart move i thought.

He said, “Later”, as he made his way down the stairs. I then reviewed my schedule for the day.

...

Later on in our “relationship”, he confessed that he told his 25 year old daughter, he wanted me to be the step mother of his daughter, right after he met me. He didn't know why, but he had such a strong instinct about it. He wanted her to have a good female influence in her life - especially one who could dance.

...

We met on my lunch break after him convincing me to give him time to get to know him. I knew just the place. This was fraternizing and I knew it. So I had to be smart about it. I'm a good actor. I really am. I'm not very open with people so a lot of things stay to myself or in journals and books and stories.

I sat at a table hidden away. I watched him with his casual stroll. Ripped as always. Shades on. Business man.

I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect. So, I prayed.

He entered. Smiling after locking eyes with me. He sat across from me.

"We better make this fast", I said. "I only have an hour".

He laughed lightly and then made eye contact with me again. "That's all I need", he stated calmly. He glanced at the menu and ordered a mutton roti and me a vegetarian one. The food was gonna take a while so we sipped on our colourful island sodas.

"So", I began. "Why am I here?", I quipped, pretending to be confident and pretending to not know why. Again, he laughed and looked up. He stared intently.

"You know why. You can't deny it too. I see it in your eyes. You don't know me. But I'm good at reading people. You're not an affectionate person. But you always touch me when we dance and you want me to feel your touch".

I squinted my eyes. Trying not to get defensive.

"Tell me I'm wrong", he said, holding his gaze.

"I'm just doing my job", I mumbled under my breath. Knowing, fully knowing he was fucking right, to some extent.

"Hmm. I'm not complaining. I quite enjoy it. And I'm sure you do too, otherwise you wouldn't be doing it so much” he went on.

I looked down and pursed my lips. I knew he was analysing me. I secretly loved it and loved that he was paying attention to me in the way that I never received, but always craved. My every move, noticed.

"Look at me", he said, calmly. I pursued my lips together and folded my arms like a little kid, and met his eyes.

"Tell me the truth," he said. "Just tell me. And if you don't feel it,,,if you don't feel the same just tell me too, that's okay too, but at least be honest with yourself"...

I inhaled. Pretending to think about the answer but fully knowing the answer.

"Look...I don't know. Okay I...just need .. to maybe think on my own...Because even just meeting you is a damn risk. I could lose my career and a new start that I just embarked on....Just let me -"

"Look", he cut me off. "We have 50 minutes until you have to return and I have see you again in a week. Let's just admit our truth. Here is mine. I like you a lot. Maybe even love you. You're kind. You're nurturing even when you're not teaching. You're great with kids even when you ask about them, I know you'd make such a great step mother to my daughter.

I need a supportive woman, and I know I haven't known you long but please just give me a chance to take you out. Show you what I can offer. And you can make your choice from there. You probably have a man, but please i wont interfere if you don't choose me. Please. I promise you won't be dissapointed. Anything you want you can have and I'll be your everything - your best friend, your homie, your man - whatever you need. If you tight on funds, i gotchu. If you want to take a break from work, I gotchu. If you want to fly first class, I gotchu girl. You wanna go to the islands? I gotchu girl. Just please let me take you out on a date. Get to know me. I can get to know you. Just please. One date. I've been looking for a woman like you. My previous woman well - that's a story for another day. But you, when I first met you, I was in love. You can dance, you are so sweet and pretty and smart and fuck, man...you the one for me".

He took a break, to watch my reaction. I was serious and taking it all in. His everything? Funds? First class? Who is this person?

He nervously laughed, and continued on, "You are teaching me so much and pushing me out of my comfort zone. Please. No woman has ever done that to me"...

I aimed my gaze at the decor on the wall. Taking a beat. Processing.

The waiter brought our roti's on a tray and placing it front of us. “Here you go, one vegetarian and mutton. Enjoy guys”. The waiter walked off and tended to her next task, disappearing into the kitchen. I looked at the food losing my appetite. Thinking on his request. again - who the fuck is this man?

I drew out a long breath. “Look i don't know who you are, and I do have a man. I should have just shut this down sooner - but im shutting it down now. This is inappropriate and crosses all my professional boundaries. And my romantic boundaries. I appreciate you telling me your feelings and they are completely valid, but i can’t meet you here anymore im sorry….- i fumbled in my bag for some cash.

“Hey, come on..this is harmless”, he persisted still very calm.

I took out cash and laid on the table, and about to wrap my roti to take it with me, he put his hands on mine, forcefully but somehow gently as well. I met his eyes, they were soft and calm. I was frantic and eager to leave. We were opposites?

“Im sorry that i crossed your boundaries and invited you here but you came - so you must feel a way about me. This is my truth, at least think about it. If you change your mind, come through to my crib tonight. Here is address". HE slipped me the address, I wrapped my roti and adjusted my bag on my shoulder.

"Later", he said with a smile on his face, as I slid through the booth.

"Later", I said, unsure of what just happened. As i walked back to work.