My colleague Maria was not at work that day which left me covering both my work and hers. And so my lunch got delayed by two hours. Just as I walked outside, Mpumi walked in with a broad smile on her face.

“Glad I caught you in time, or I was going to demand they give you free time to hang out with your friend.”

“Mpumi, you just can’t rock up at my workplace whenever you like. You will get me fired.”

She laughed graciously, taking my hand in hers. “I wanted to tell you yesterday but we didn’t find time. Thuso is buying me the supermarket.”

“I didn’t know they were selling!”

“They were not but now they are. So you can relax because you are the new boss’ friend. Let’s go out for drinks, I’ll send your manager a text, I’m sure he’ll understand.”

“I don’t know, I haven’t even had lunch and…”

“Even better, we can start with lunch then.”

She took me to one fancy, crazy-expensive restaurant in town. I stared at their burger and chips rated at around R160, a plain orange juice ranging from R80 to R150.

“Relax chomi, I got you. Order whatever you like,” she said, picking up her menu.

A waitress appeared and took our orders. I could sense smugness in Mpumi’s eyes, after going to her house I just didn’t feel comfortable around her anymore. And so I just pretended as if I couldn’t see anything.

“Well? How is marriage life? How does hubby feel about you working in that dump?”

“I’m surprised you want to buy a dump,” I responded, annoyed.

“Argh Freaky, you know exactly what I mean. You are sexy and beautiful, there are so many men out there who would kill to have you in their lives, take you around the world, to show you off!”

“Well it’s a pity because I’m married now.”

“And what do you have to show for it? A depressed face and a stupid job at a supermarket? You can do better and you know it.”

“You have no right judging me or my marriage or even my husband for that matter.”

“Oh I do OK. You introduced me to this lifestyle, you taught me how to make a man want me. You showed me how this thing is done and then you go and get married by some broke looser who lets you work at a supermarket? Come on now Freaky, be serious.”

“His name is Justice and he is one sweet, caring man who took me in with my two kids who are not even his.”

“Guess what honey, this is 2017, sweet doesn’t pay the bills. He took you in with your kids, so what? Did you force him?”

“No I didn’t, it’s just that…”

“Then you don’t owe him anything, Freaky! Look we’ve been friends for years, I know you better than anyone in this world. I know you’ve been ignoring me because you couldn’t stand my lifestyle, because it makes you feel small. And you know what, it should, because this is the kind you and I dreamt of all our lives.”

“I don’t know where you take all that nonsense and quite frankly I don’t care,” I said, hiding behind my menu.

“Look, that guy who gave you a lift last night, that’s one filthy-rich guy. And if I was not dating Thuso I would have my claws all over him.”

“And you are telling me all this because?”

“Because he is crazy about you. He wants to show you a good time all you have to do my darling is let him.”

“No Mpumi, I just told you I’m married.”

“Well too late now, I gave him your number.”

“You had no right…”

The waitresses interrupted us with the tray of food. I was so annoyed at Mpumi I just wanted to leave. But when the aroma of the food got to me, all I ever wanted was to eat and just keep ordering. It had been years since I had tasted such mouth-watering food.

After lunch I didn’t even bother going back to work. Mpumi reassured me she would have a word with my manager and so I had nothing to worry about.

I arrived home worn out that day, to be welcomed by my two little rascals, each handing out roses to me. I smiled to myself, knowing it was my husband’s way to cheer me up. In the room I found an indoor picnic set up on the floor. There was a glass of wine, a basket of fruits and plates of Turkey and rice with mash.

It really wasn’t much but it was my husband’s way of showing me appreciation and I loved it.

“Happy anniversary, my love,” he said, helping me take off my jacket.

“Babe you didn’t have to!”

“I’ve been planning this for a very long time. I know you thought I forgot, I mean the look you gave me this morning?”

I felt so guilty after his words, knowing the real reason why I was mad at him. I made a vow to myself to stick with my man through thick and thin and never let people like Mpumi try to poison me.

***

Tell us what you think: If you could choose, which life would you take: the loveless one with riches or the love-filled without riches?