MLMM Photo Challenge — Refined and Sophisticated

Fandango

I was so used to being romanced, if you could call it that, by bums and ne’er do wells whose only interest was to get in my pants that I was shocked when a man I only just met at the grocery store — his name was Joseph — asked me if I’d be interested in joining him as his “plus-one” at an invitation-only exhibition at the local art museum. He said that I had the appearance of a refined, sophisticated lady and a woman with good taste. He was quite handsome, well dressed, well groomed, and he smelled good, too. So I thought why not and accepted his invitation.

I’d never been to an art museum before, and I got very excited at the prospect. But I was also worried. I wasn’t at all refined or sophisticated, I didn’t know anything about fine art, and I had no idea what to wear or even how to act at an art museum. So I called my Aunt Rose, the most refined and sophisticated lady I knew.

I told her about Joseph and asked if she could help me out. I asked her what I should where on a date with a man who was taking me to an invitation-only exhibit at the art museum. Fortunately, my Aunt Rose and I wear about the same dress size, so she offered to let me borrow one of her dresses, something that she said would be fitting for the occasion. She also offered to help with my hair and makeup on the night in question. That was a relief.

The big night arrived. I was wearing the dress my Aunt Rose let me borrow and she had worked her magic with my hair and makeup. I was admiring the refined and sophisticated looking lady I saw reflected in the mirror when I heard the knock at the door. He was right on time.

When I opened the door to my apartment, seeing him took my breath away. Joseph looked so handsome in his tailored suit and tie, and well-shined shoes. He told me I looked lovely and leaned in to give me a kiss hello on my cheek. There wasn’t a hint of beer or whiskey on his breath.

He asked me if I was ready and I said yes. He grabbed my hand and he led me to a chauffeured limousine. He opened the door and motioned for me to step inside, which I did, and then he sat down beside me. He instructed the driver to take us to the art museum, and as the limo pulled away from the curb, he poured us each a glass of champagne. Had I struck gold or what?

We arrived at the museum, entered the ornate building, and stopped at the reception desk where he checked us in. We then went to the lobby bar for two more glasses of champagne. He asked me who my favorite painters were and the only painter I could think of was Rembrandt, so that’s who I said was my favorite.

“Ah, one of the Dutch masters,” Joseph said. “There are no Rembrandt paintings here at the moment, but I’m sure you’ll find paintings that you’ll like. Come, let us go wander about and you can give me your impressions.”

He was very knowledgeable about the art and artists. He would tell me about each painting and about the artist who painted it. I liked the sound of Joseph’s voice, but I was quickly getting bored by what he was saying. So when he asked me if I wanted some more champagne, I eagerly accepted.

A short while later, we were standing in front of a painting and Joseph was droning on and on about it, when he put his right arm around my waist. He continued talking about the artist and I could feel his hand drop from my waist to my butt cheek. And then I felt him move his hand to between my legs. He goosed me.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I screamed. Without thinking, I balled my hand into a fist and gave the fucker a mighty right cross punch. There was a lot of blood and I may have even knocked out one of his teeth.

Humiliated, I ran out of the museum, ordered an Uber, and hurried back to my apartment.

Okay, so I ain’t such a refined and sophisticated lady, but I have my standards and goosing me in public on a first date? Fuhgeddaboudit. The only gold I struck that night was fool’s gold.

Written for this week’s Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Photo Challenge. Photo credit: Pinterest,

27 thoughts on “MLMM Photo Challenge — Refined and Sophisticated”

    • Fandango October 20, 2020 / 11:31 am

      Thanks. It’s one of my longer posts, so it will be interesting to see how many people take the time to read it.

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Sadje October 20, 2020 / 6:08 pm

        You’re welcome! If the story is interesting, they do read it too the end.

        Liked by 1 person

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  2. Stine Writing October 20, 2020 / 8:28 am

    Bahahaha, I was curious to where your story was going to lead. That is great. Joseph sounds like a gem. Cocky and self-righteous!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Fandango October 20, 2020 / 11:37 am

      I’m glad you liked it. It’s a challenge for me to write something told from the perspective of the woman. I hope I did okay.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. rugby843 October 20, 2020 / 9:35 am

    That was interesting. I didn’t expect a story like that from you Fandango, and from a woman’s point of view! I love the ending!😅

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Marleen October 20, 2020 / 10:11 am

    If it’s not already “a saying,” it has been said of specific people that “he wasn’t safe, he was just rich.” Meanwhile, guys/people can pretend to be rich (or classy).

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. bushboy October 21, 2020 / 3:00 am

    Quite a good read. The image at the start gave the story away unfortunately

    Liked by 1 person

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