Flair played Cupid...And she said yes!
published: Monday | February 20, 2006

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Christopher Clarke and Stacy-Ann Russell toast the occasion of their Flair Valentine Date. They won the magazine's 'She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not' contest. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

THOUGH HE was late when he arrived for his date with his Valentine, it was obvious that he was nervous. Christopher Clarke coordinated perfectly in a burgundy shirt with matching burgundy and white stripe tie. He twisted from left to right and constantly blabbered strange sounds as he waited. Later he was accompanied by his dream date Stacy-Ann Russell who wore a striking red plunging V-neckline, halter top gown from D'Choix Boutique. Her shoulder length mane of sexy curls framed her face.

He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and like a gentleman Mr. Clarke led his date, her hand supported by his arm, up the stairs of the Hilton Hotel lobby to their dinner table at the Palm Court Restaurant.

HOW IT BEGAN

Several weeks ago Flair threw out a Valentine Date competition titled "She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not" Readers were asked to send the name of the special person they wanted to invite on a date on Valentine's Day but were too shy to ask. Many requests came from shy guys, they came via faxes, emails, and letters. However the panel of judges deemed customs officer Mr. Clarke's request the most original, heart-felt and interesting.

This is what he wrote: "She is the loveliest girl at the office, but the problem is that I am too shy to say a word to her. She has a smile that would turn the darkest night into a beautiful sunny afternoon.

"You are the only one who can help me to get an opportunity to really experience a wonderful evening with this lovely lady".

Still, what sealed it for Mr. Poetic were the lines: "Lord have mercy she's passing through my department; my, does she smell good and her hair is blowing gently in wind caused by the blowing of the air conditioner. Wow, she just said 'hi' to me and asked how was my weekend. Flair help me, help me pleaseeeeee."

The Date

The evening of Valentine's Day at The Hilton was his opportunity to openly profess his affection for her. Notwithstanding, earlier during the day Mr. Lover man sent a bunch of red roses to his date. Like the true 'Cupids' Flair was on hand to preside over the love match and present the couple with their gift prizes which included tokens from Supreme Ventures for a chance to win some cash at the Villagio Gaming Lounge in the hotel. They also got a gift basket of Valentine goodies from Super Plus Food Stores after a scrumptious dinner at the Hilton.

The following day Clarke and Russell were still basking in the afterglow of love and when we spoke with him, he said, "Man, last night was like magic." Then he continued, "This is something I'll never forget. She is really fantastic."

And little wonder as he had been been admiring his colleague for the past six months shortly after his transfer to her department.

Miss Russell said she was oblivious to his admiration and was surprised that he chose her for his Valentine date. "I would see him looking at me but I didn't think.