Simphiwe had been in Durban for almost two weeks and Zinhle was missing him. It was hard to stay strong with Busiso pestering her to go for a meal with him. He was so persistent. Why didn’t he go back to Durban? Why was he staying in Vryheid so long?

By the second Friday that Simphiwe was away, Zinhle cracked. She agreed to meet Busiso for a meal.

As soon as she got home she started preparing for the dinner. She felt guilty, but also excited. She wanted to look beautiful, even if it was just a friendly dinner. Nothing was going to happen, she told herself, as she put on her beautiful navy dress that matched her earrings and her navy high heels. She looked ravishing in it.

There was a hoot outside. Busiso had pulled up in his Audi. She had never been picked up for a date in such a smart car before. He looked handsome. He was well dressed, standing out in all white: white Jordan sneakers, white jeans, a white T-shirt and a white jacket.

“Wow, you looked beautiful in your uniform, but you look gorgeous in this evening dress. You are making me jealous,” he said.

“Ah … stop it. You are making me blush. I might look good, but not as good as you look,” said Zinhle. The words just came out before she could stop them.

“Thanks. I like it when you blush. It makes you look like an angel. Let me open the door for you, princess. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. You smell so good,” said Busiso.

“I told you to stop making me blush.”

“Ah! It’s better if we go now,” said Busiso.

He drove to the glamorous club ‘Maya Lounge’ – the largest in town with the best service, and great jazz music. Zinhle felt special.

“What are we going to eat, princess?” said Busiso. “I have an appetite today. You give me an appetite, Zinhle.”

“Mmm, I think rice and chicken will be good. I feel like a good home style meal.”

“Same here, and then we will have something special for dessert. We have the whole night to get to know each other better,” said Busiso.

Their food arrived. It was delicious.

They were just finishing the first course when a woman walked into the restaurant. Zinhle couldn’t help but notice her. She was beautiful. She was wearing black skinny jeans, a black shirt and black All Stars. She came from out of town, and she smelt of money too, like Busiso.

She walked straight over to their table.

“My name is Jabu,” she said, introducing herself. Busiso’s hands flew up and covered his mouth – like he had just seen a ghost.

***

Tell us: Who do you think the woman is?