Zinhle woke up the next morning, having slept like a baby, knowing she didn’t have to worry about going to work. There was no stress. She would have a lovely day with Simphiwe.

Around lunchtime they decided to stroll to the mall. Simphiwe looked good in his black jeans, white T-shirt and white All Star sneakers. Zinhle was wearing a beautiful red dress and the same All Star sneakers. They looked cute together.

Before they went in to the mall to go shopping they sat in the park to enjoy the sunshine.

“Do you know there are employment agencies in the mall? You should take them your CV,” Zinhle suggested. “I can help you draft it. You can find a better job.”

Simphiwe frowned, saying, “I don’t have a problem with my job. Please don’t talk about jobs today. Let’s just enjoy ourselves. It makes me feel like I’m not good enough for you as I am.”

“I love you Simphiwe. It’s just that I’m worried about the future. How can we get married on your salary?” She couldn’t leave it alone.

“Everything happens at the right time,” Simphiwe told her. “Just believe in me. God will bless me with a better job when the time is right. I love you. You are the woman I want to give a wedding ring to. Just trust me. Everything will be fine. I don’t want to fight. It’s a beautiful day.”

When they went inside the mall, there was a new ladies boutique that caught Zinhle’s eye. They went inside and Zinhle saw a beautiful pink dress. She felt the soft fabric. She knew she would look gorgeous in it.

Simphiwe could see that she really loved the dress. “It will look good on you. I think you have to take it if you like it,” he said, knowing he couldn’t really afford it. She hugged him; he was a generous guy.

After shopping they had burgers and orange juice in one of the new restaurants. They would have a proper meal when they went back to her place.

Later, they sat together on the couch.

“Baby, I have good news to tell you,” he said.

“Mmm, good news to tell me! What are you waiting for?”

“OK, smile babes. Tomorrow I am going to Durban. My manager is sending me for training – to become an assistant manager.”

“Wow! That is the best news ever. Why did you wait to tell me now? I almost ruined this special day fighting with you about finding a better job. But baby I don’t want you to leave me here alone in Vryheid for too long. I hope the training is short,” said Zinhle.

“It will only take two weeks and when I come back I will be an assistant manager. Many more things will be possible from now on, baby. You won’t moan at me about a finding better job anymore,” he teased.

“How can I moan about an ‘Assistant Manager’? I can’t do that,” she teased back.

They both laughed; their last day together before he went to Durban was so happy.

Simphiwe spent the night at Zinhle’s place and in the morning he went to his mother’s house to prepare for his trip to Durban. Zinhle had to go to work, but she was content after spending the whole day and night with her boyfriend. You could tell it by the smile on her face.

***

Tell us: Do you think Zinhle will be satisfied with Simphiwe’s status as an assistant manager?