Chapter 4 A red dress

It was early into the night, and the weather had a warm quality to it. An excited Mimie gazed into the vanity mirror before her. Her dark brown eyes reflected from the mirror and so did her unbelievably hot body. She was so beautiful and this, she knew. She also knew that beauty was power. You just had to be smart in using it to wield that power. A smile appeared on her lips. She was excited. She still couldn't believe that she would be going on a date with Rio. It was her second chance to make him hers. Her last chance too, she believed.

Though the last attempt to converse with him had failed woefully, she was determined to keep pushing. She sauntered to her closet, pulled the doors open and eyes all the dresses lined up. Making a choice, she grabbed a short red dress–something that screamed raunchy. She was intent on impressing Rio. She wanted too to get him to remember that he'd once complimented her singing. It still hurts deeply–his inability to remember it. She shook off the thought. She wouldn't let it spoil her night.

She found a matching lingerie and put it on. She slipped into her red outfit and walked back to the vanity mirror. Examining her look, a look of pride crawled up her face.

I look dead gorgeous, she praised.

She applied powder on her face and smashed her lips with a ruby red lipstick. She pouted her lips. The mirror revealed that she was all perfect for tonight.

It's time to have my way, she expressed.

She slipped her feet into a pair of red ankle strap heels and clutched her purse. Swiftly, she headed out of our apartment. Along the street, she flagged down the cab and got into it. And as the cab man drove her to the restaurant, her mind rested on how she'd struggled to get to where she was. She was no beauty without brains. She was highly talented. She'd put in the work in her singing craft even if it meant stepping on other people's toes. And she would put the same energy into snapping up the man of her dreams. Nothing and no one could stop her.

In about 30 minutes, the cab came to a hustle. And with eyes on her, the cabman informed her that she had reached her destination. She paid her fare and stepped out of the cab gallantly. She strutted into the restaurant with eyes thrown at her here and there, especially from men. Her eyes searched the restaurant to catch a glimpse of Rio. Finally, she saw him sitting at one of the tables. A small shape formed on her lips. She walked to his table and said hi. He looked up at her but didn't seem fascinated.

"Your date is finally here," she said. The smile was still plastered on her face and was disappointed that he did not reciprocate the smile. She sat down upon realizing he wasn't going to pull a chair back for her. She didn't blame him for his cold behavior though. She knew he was still going through the death of his wife, Sarah. But she believed she could make him forget her.

"You look great," she said, fighting to hide her disappointment. He didn't turn excited at her compliment. His blue eyes appeared so dull. She wondered if she had picked the right dress. Would he keep up this mood throughout their date? She drew in breath.

"Do you now remember me?" she asked softly. "I mean from that concert." She searched his eyes for answers. "The last time we spoke, you didn't seem to remember who I was."

He nodded in response.

"Actually, I was surprised when I saw that I was paired with you. I didn't think that my blind date would be someone I've met before. But examining your picture on my phone, it suddenly came back to me. The concert. I realized I had heard you sing on that day."

She smiled. At least, he remembered.

"But on that day, I was just complimenting you for your talent and nothing else. I didn't um, see you in that intimate light of wanting to have anything sexual with you. I was just taken by your singing talent."

Her heart sank. But she remained calm. She didn't want him seeing through her emotions. He didn't have to be so harsh about the whole thing. Was he going to brood over his dead wife forever?

A waiter came to their table and asked for their orders.

"I won't be having anything," he said.

Mimie's appetite had fizzled out as well. A shadow cast upon their table and she turned to see who it was. To her greatest surprise, it was the same red-haired she'd seen with Rio the last time. His face lit up at the sight of the girl. Mimie wanted her to leave.

"Hi Rio," she said. "I saw you from afar and just wanted to say hi."

This was a lie. Anita had been stalking him. He was the key to her success. The lady sitting with him looked so beautiful.

"I was also hoping to put some publishing questions across to you. But it looks like you're busy."

"No I'm really not," he said, surprising Mimie. She was totally dumbfounded at his sour attitude towards her. He averted his gaze to her and didn't look the least bit concerned about her feelings.

"Thank you for showing up Mimie," he said. "As I said before, your talent impressed me and nothing more." He put his hand into his jacket and from his inner pocket, brought out his wallet. He opened it and slipped out some dollar bills. He passed it to Mimie.

"That's for your cab fare. Take care of yourself."

He sprang up from his chair and asked Anita to lead the way. Mimie watched as they both walked away. She scoffed at the sight.