(Muzi meets Sihle at Glen café)

Muzi: Am I glad to see you? Yes!

Sihle: Don’t be too happy! I haven’t been to your house.

Muzi: I have a reason to be, don’t you think?

Sihle: Just stop. So, what is it that you want to go through with me?

Muzi: We have to be convincing.

Sihle: What do you mean by that?

Muzi: It means we have to get our story right and be that close. We should act like a normal couple or else they’ll pick up that we’re not really an item.

Sihle: They’ll be right. We’re not a thing.

Muzi: Do you want to kiss your dream trip goodbye?

Sihle: Don’t blackmail me. You know I can’t say no when the reward is that trip.

Muzi: Then work with me. It’s that easy.

Sihle: Yes, sir!

Muzi: Cut that crap! We’re no longer in middle school.

Sihle: Hey, you aren’t going to be a control freak when you want this to work.

Muzi: How will it work?

Sihle: Normal and healthy relationships are mutual. Both partners benefit. They are comfortable towards each other. None orders the other.

Muzi: How do you know all that? Don’t you waste your time chasing other people wives?

Sihle: No need to remind me about that fiasco. It happened. It passed. Now, can we move on?

Muzi: Sure! You have to stop it though, at least for two months. You’re with me now. I despise cheaters!

Sihle: How do I start a new page when you constantly remind me of my past? Huh? Muzi, I am expecting you to treat me like an adult.

Muzi: That was deep!

Sihle: You can waste my time, you know.

Muzi: I was just making small talk. I didn’t know it was a crime these days.

Sihle: Grow!

Muzi: I’ll need you on that.

Sihle: You’re ridiculous.

Muzi: Okay, the matters of the day. We have to know how it all started.

Sihle: Come on, we’ve been friends since birth.

Muzi: They’ll ask that question just to check that this is not a sham.

Sihle: Okay, we started in school when we were in lockers and it grew to what it is today.

Muzi: I’ll take that. We have to know what the other likes.

Sihle: That’s easy. You know everything about me, and I know everything about you.

Muzi: If so, which sport do I enjoy the most?

Sihle: Soccer.

Muzi: See! I never liked soccer that much. I can’t believe you don’t know that!

Sihle: Hey, we’ve been apart for too long. So, what’s the answer?

Muzi: Squash. I love squash!

Sihle: Oh, that foolish sport! Where’s the fun in bouncing a ball from the wall?

Muzi: If you can join me this evening, you’ll see.

Sihle: No! Besides, I have plans.

Muzi: If your plans are safe, then I’ll allow you to go on with them.

Sihle: Tell me you’re joking!

Muzi: I want you safe, sound and sober tomorrow. I don’t want you to mess this up. This is my one chance to claim my freedom.

Sihle: Goodness! You’re not paying me to do this. I’ll be playing pool with the guys later.

Muzi: Okay. Oh, and technically, I am paying you.

Sihle: Whatever!

(They talk about their plan until late)

Muzi: I’ll have to go. Be early tomorrow.

Sihle: What’s wrong with being late?

Muzi: My parents think being late is disrespectful.

Sihle: Okay, I’ll be early then.

Muzi: Alert me before making an entry to the gate.

Sihle: Why?

Muzi: We have a new dog. You wouldn’t want his teeth to make contact with your flesh.

Sihle: I can handle a dog. I can whistle.

Muzi: Silly you! I want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately before you pitch.

Sihle: I’ll be presentable. Don’t worry, I have your back. You can count on me.

Muzi: What will you be wearing?

Sihle: Really?

Muzi: I just want to know.

Sihle: Well, let me see… I’ll be wearing my flannel t-shirt, black chinos, a bowtie and C&J shoes.

Muzi: Not too bad!

Sihle: Thanks for the compliment.

Muzi: I’ll see you tomorrow then. Don’t forget anything we’ve just talked about.

Sihle: Sure thing!

***

Tell us: Getting to know each other is a big part of becoming a couple. How well do you know your partner?