Vivian put on lipstick.

Vivian put on lipstick.

She knew full well
the effect this would have on men;
(she had read all about it on the internet),
one man in particular,
Richard
would be meeting to talk business
(among other things)
at eleven.

Later, sitting across from him
with her red lips parted ever so slightly
Vivian felt that things were going perfectly.

The conversation had even got a tad provocative,
When he asked if she would “fulfil the order”
she knew, that he was not referring strictly to business.

She made a conscious effort at retaining her ladylike dignity
while stroking the natural inquisitiveness of male instincts.
How primitive they are. So easily deciphered.

When Vivian left,
Richard was rather confused.
What was all that puckering for?

Behind her
Vivian had left only a red smudge
on the rim of her cup.