It was Monday morning and Zamo had just sat at her office desk when her cellphone buzzed an Angelique Kidjo tune, Agolo. Startled, she picked up cautiously and answered. The male voice that answered back was very deep. And if voices came in flavours, his would be chocolate.

“May I please speak to Zamo?” asked the chocolate voice.

A bit too early for business, isn’t it? The doors will not open for another hour or so. This must be a very important call. She cleared her throat and responded in a very professional tone. “This is she, how may I assist?”

“Oh! Zamo! How are you doing? This is Peello Mikane and I got your number from your friend, Samke. I hope this is not a bad time?”

“Well, it depends on the reason for your call. Are you looking to donate to a charity the SHM gallery is supporting this month? Or are you looking for a specific work of art for personal enjoyment?”

“No, I’m actually looking for you. If you don’t mind my saying that you are the specific work of art I’m interested in. It’s kind of awkward speaking over the phone like this but I wanted to have a conversation with you before the seemingly already planned double date your friend, Samke, organized. I really, actually wanted for us to gain some ground, have some sort of foundation so that when we do meet officially on the blind date, the uncomfortable silences will be at a minimum. I hope I haven’t put you off with my being forward?”

Zamo, a little surprised, muttered, “Um, no….not a problem but I would appreciate it if you cut all the schmooze about me being a “work of art”. I might be a work of art, but not yours. Watch your mouth!”

Peello quickly realized that this lady was unlike any of the other women he had dated and bedded. This made him even more interested to know her more.

“I understand and I also apologise. It seems we have started on the wrong foot. Let me start again, shall I? My name is Peello Mikane and I’d like to get to know you. Can we meet for a quick coffee? Say, 10 o’clock?”

After a brief pause, she replied, “Is this your direct number? I will check my diary and let you know.”

Of course, she had no diary to check. No meetings. All exhibitions were already planned and set to take place on specific dates throughout the current month. She figured if she played hard to get, he would lose interest and leave her alone. That’s all she wanted: to be left alone.

“I’m looking forward to it.” Peello answered, his heart skipping a beat.

“Goodbye then.”

“Goodbye.”

She put the phone down and wondered just what exactly she had gotten herself into. She didn’t even ask where to meet. It must definitely be a public place. Safety first! She checked the time. Okay, still three more hours at her disposal. She decided that Samke should come and be her undercover bodyguard in case she needed protection.

IM to Samke:

This Peello guy just called. He wants to meet before the blind date. We’re meeting for coffee at 10am. I’m thinking somewhere very public and close to the gallery so I can make a quick exit if I need to. You’ll have to come along as camouflaged reinforcement. Mam’ Khubuse’s kitchen corner, alright? Please respond ASAP! Xoxo

IM FROM Samke:

Hey! He doesn’t waste time, does he? Will definitely be there to give moral support! You can always count on me my friend. Mam’ Khubuse’s spot is perfect! Xoxo

Aright, with that sorted, she tried to get as much work done so that she wouldn’t feel guilty for leaving the office before lunch. Twenty minutes later, she found herself daydreaming about Peello Mikane and imagining how he looked – if the voice matched the looks and the physical build. Mh mh mh!!!

She reprimanded herself for thinking such thoughts about some random man she has never set eyes on. She resolved to focus on her work and complete all reports for submission to her supervisor who will check-in artwork submitted, cataloguing all those that have been reviewed and cross check authenticity of incoming artwork.

Before she knew it, it was already 9:30 a.m. She quickly called Peello back and hoped he wasn’t blown off by her aloofness earlier. Peello picked up on the first ring.

“Good morning, Peello speaking. How may I be of assistance?”

“Hi Peello, it is me, Nomzamo. Can we meet for that coffee? There is a place called Mam’ Khubuse’s corner kitchen not far from the gallery. Okay if we meet there?”

“Sure, it’s not a problem. I’m sure I’ll find it just fine. See you later!”

She put the phone down and e-mailed off the required reports and fired off another IM to Samke telling her that the coffee “date” was on and she’d be leaving the office shortly. It took about five minutes, by car, to get to Mam’ Khubuse’s place. Be that as it may, she decided that it was a very lovely day to not walk over there.

***

Tell us: How do you think the date will go?