Making every effort to pay keen attention to her appearance, Daina was determined to look real good, even if she was just running to the supermarket. You just never know who you might run into, she rationalised, not needing to add that she was thinking about Colin and Damien.

She’d be damned if she let them see her looking less than fabulous. She had her days when she’d think about the hurt they’d left her with, but it was on those days that she’d make an extra effort to spruce up and look finga’ lickin’ good.

Leaving her jacket in the car, and letting her fitted blouse show off the contours of her chest and her arms, she lost herself in thought as she meandered through the aisles of Epicurean trying to remember what she needed at home.

It was then that his cologne infiltrated her nostrils. He smelled real good. Looking up, her eyes met his. It was “Big Banana”. Mmmmm .... he looked even better in his work attire. He saw her too, but he also saw Liam.

Smiling at Daina, he walked past Daina, and picked up a pack of Stayfree. Hmmmm, Daina thought, he must have a woman ... oh well. But the thought didn’t stop her from still admiring his well toned physique. “Big Banana” wasn’t bulky, but you could see that he worked out. She’d later find out that he was shopping for his 13-year-old daughter, he was divorced, and he looked good for his age.

It would be a few days before she’d get a call at work. Daina was beginning to realise that if someone wanted to find you Antigua it was really that easy.

His voice wasn’t as smooth as Liam’s but it was manly, with an edge of something mischievous. Daina could tell she was going to have fun with this one. The attraction was definitely there. This time, however, unlike Jaycie, she was not going to think about house, kids and future. All she focussed on now, was what she was going to wear that night to “Wine n’ Jazz” at the Coast. She wasn’t interested in anything beyond that ... at least not for the moment.

“Big Banana”, born Adrian, after his grandfather who was now deceased, invited her out for drinks and to listen to his favourite Jazz band, the Harbour Trio, who would be performing that night. Daina smiled as she thought about his love for jazz. She liked jazz, but didn’t get the opportunity to indulge as much as she would have liked in the past.

She decided to meet him there. Her first good decision.

She settled for slacks and a modest, though shape-fitting blouse. Her second good decision.
Sitting at the bar, she smiled confidently as he walked into the bar area. He was wearing khakis, and he wore them well. His light pink shirt blended with his caramel complexion, and she couldn’t help but wonder the picture their skins would make side by side.

She was about to find out.

Leaning in to kiss her on her right cheek, Daina enjoyed the feel of his lips against her skin. But it was when he opened his mouth that all fantasy and hopes of at least a month of flirtation flitted out the door.

The stench that overwhelmed her almost made her gag. She tried to soothe her nostrils in a strong glass of rum. It didn’t work. She tried to let the occasional stench of the waters by the quay fill her nose – the wind wasn’t blowing in her direction.

But his hands on her thighs did. His constant grabbing and rubbing and groping of her arms distracted her for moments only. She couldn’t take it anymore.

Not only was his breath bad, but he was touchy as well. Praying someone would call her, her cell rang, just as he passed his sixth dirty remark. Adrian had made his intentions clear, and she was about to make hers.

“It was nice meeting you, but I have to go ... and please ... don’t bother to call.”
Daina didn’t think she was being too harsh, but she was not about to endure groping hands, and a dirty mouth – literally and figuratively.