Ayanda had kept telling herself that she wasn’t keen to get into a relationship right now. She wanted to work hard at her career and take care of Olerato.

But after a while her Mum and her two best friends had other ideas. They kept pointing out that she needed more balance in her life. She had been so preoccupied getting her life on an even keel after her dad and Gloria died, she had neglected her social life.

Then the failed relationship with David had left a bitter taste in her mouth, making her more determined to remain unattached.

*****

But now Ayanda enjoyed a long soak in the bath. She dressed in a short blue and white dress that showed off her perfect figure. She had bought it at Young Designers Emporium and it was worth every cent. She completed the outfit with a pair of white, high-heeled sandals. She knew she looked good.

Ayanda imagined Thabo here in her bedroom. Why did her mind keep going back to him? She wondered what his surname was. If she knew his surname she could Google him and see what came up. Who was this man, besides the fact that he was tall and handsome? His eyes had been like fire that ignited her. She longed with all her heart and mind to see him again. She thought of his phone number that she now had logged into her phone. What would he say if she was to phone him right now?

She’d give anything to see that tantalizing mouth again. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him. She’d only spent a short while with this man – now she wanted to know every tiny detail about him. Was he a good man?

She knew what her friend Angie would say to this state of affairs: “You seriously need to have some sex, girlfriend.”

Ayanda burst out laughing at the very idea. Perhaps Angie was right.

“What are you laughing at, Mama?” Olerato came bounding into the room. “Oh, Mama you look so beautiful,” she said as she saw Ayanda all dressed up.

“I just feel so happy,” Ayanda turned around and looked at Olerato. “I’m looking forward to going out with my friends.”

“I hope you have a good time, Mama. I’ll be happy here with Gran and Jacob. He’s going to watch The Lion King with me.”

The Lion King was Olerato’s favourite DVD. She had watched it at least a dozen times but she never seemed to grow tired of it.

Ayanda bent down and scooped her into her arms.

“I love you, Missy,” she said as she kissed Olerato’s face.

“I love you, Mama,” Olerato said, looked adoringly at her. “You smell nice too.”

Neo walked into the bedroom and said, “Now don’t you go messing up your Mama’s nice clothes.”

“I won’t,” Olerato said solemnly. “My Mama looks so beautiful,” she then sang at the top of her voice. “She’s the most beautiful Mama in the whole, wide world.”

“Hmmm, is that Opium you’re wearing?” Neo asked approvingly, breathing in. “It has the most alluring smell.”

*****

Mary was driving Ayanda and Angie from Sea View into Port Elizabeth. She had opted to drive because she was still on antibiotics after an illness and couldn’t drink.

“I might not be able to drink,” Mary said, “but that’s not going to stop me going out and having a good time.”

The three friends were in good spirits as they drove into town and found parking at The Boardwalk. After the accident Ayanda had hated coming anywhere near The Boardwalk. But she knew she needed to conquer her fear or it would enslave her.

One day she had set out to The Boardwalk on her own and retraced the steps Gloria would have taken on that fatal day with their father. She couldn’t claim that it had cured her. In fact after she had done the trip she’d come home, sat down on her bed and cried until she could cry no more.

At some stage she knew her mum had come into her bedroom with a cup of hot sweet tea, and forced her to drink it. Then she had handed her two tablets and stood over her as she swallowed them. Next she had helped her into bed, covered her with a duvet and she had fallen into a deep sleep.

“Hey earth to Ayanda,” Angie said. “I’ve been babbling on for the last five minutes and you haven’t heard a word I said.”

“Sorry,” Ayanda said and turned and looked at her. “I was just miles away.”

“Well I hope whoever he is that he is ravishing,” Angie joked.

“Does everything have to be about men?” Ayanda smiled.

“Oh yes,” Angie deadpanned. “At this time on a Saturday night it’s nothing but men and more men. Bring them on I say.”

Ayanda and Mary burst out laughing.

The three women weaved their way through the crowds of people milling around The Boardwalk.

Ayanda found herself looking for his face in the crowd. Then she told herself that she was crazy – but she didn’t care. For all she knew he was married. Maybe he had given her his phone number so he could have a fling with her. Why hadn’t she asked him straight out if he was married or had a permanent woman in his life?

***

Tell us what you think: Does Angie have a healthy attitude to men and dating?