Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 51

I was nervous in the lift. Maybe this was a bad idea. What if he is busy? I really didn't think this through.
The receptionist was shocked to see me.
“Khanyisile?”
“In the flesh!”
“Your hair.. what happened to your hair?”
“New beginnings. Can I go in?”
“Yeah sure.” she gave me the visitors card.
I didn't see Kieran, I stood behind Kele and cleared my throat.
“Chommie!”
I turned around so she could see my entire outfit. “How do I look?”
“Like a rich woman! Girl, let me take some pictures.”
Kieran arrived as we took pictures.
“Vriendin?”
“Hi!”
“Jy lyk soos ’n ryk vrou!” (you look like a rich woman.) He said that going to his desk.

My eyes were glued to Lutendo’s door.

“Are you here for us or Mr dark chocolate?”
“Kele!”
“Your eyes are over there.” she pointed Lutendo’s door.
“Fine! I came to see him, but maybe that's not a good idea.”
“You made it this far, you might as well see him.”
I went to greet Rendani, Khumo and Alex then I went to see him.

Breathe Khanyi, breathe. I knocked before entering. He had his back facing the door. He was on a phone call.
I just stood there by the door, waiting for him to turn. He did.
“Khanyisile?”
“Surprise!”
“Wow.” he walked closer to me. “You look different.”
“A good different or?..”
“A hot different!” I looked down. “This is a nice surprise. Did you come to see your friends?”
“I came to see you.”
“Me?”
“If you're not busy, I would like to take you out for lunch.”
He sat on the edge of his desk, biting his bottom lip with a brow raised. “If I am busy?”
“There will always be a next time.”
He chuckled. “Come here, why are you standing there?”
I slowly made my way to him. “So, lunch?”
“Can I hold you first?”
I nodded. He had his hands around my waist, pulled me in. He slightly opened his legs so I could stand in between. “You look so beautiful, I just want to stare at you.”
“Thank you. Can we go now?”
“Where are you taking me?”
“Remember that burger place?”

We arrived at Joe's Burger Hub and my mood changed for a second.
“We can go to another eatery.”
“No! I enjoy the burgers from here. If anyone wants to leave, it will be them.”

We found a table and sat there. After a waitress took our order, I quickly went to the bathroom.
Just as I washed my hands I felt hands around my waist. I didn't think twice, I elbowed the person.
“Ouch!”
“Jasmin! Have you lost your mind?”
“It looks like we were both cheating?” she folded her arms.
“Just move.”
“Not so fast Khanyisile.” she had me cornered.
“Jasmin, you said I must stay away from you and your fiancé. I did, now do the same.”
She started caressing my thigh. My breathing pattern changed.
“Jasmin, please.. just stop please.” I had tears streaming down my face.
“You used to like this..” she pulled me closer.
“I used to, now I don't. Just move please.”
She pushed my dress a bit up and tried to kiss me.
“Stop!” with the little power I had, I shoved her and ran out.

I stood outside and caught my breath.
“Ma’am are you okay?” a waitress asked.
I just nodded. I immediately wiped my tears before heading back to our table.
“Are you okay?” Lutendo asked.
“Yeah.. yeah, I'm fine.”
We enjoyed our burgers over a light conversation but I felt like someone was staring at me. I turned to look back, Cassandra and Jasmin were digging holes into my soul.
“Why are they looking at me like that?” I asked Lutendo.
“Just ignore them.”

I had ordered another milkshake before he could drive me home, when the couple decided to make their presence felt.

“I see you have already jumped into your superiors bed.”

“Cassandra please.. this is not necessary.” Lutendo said to her.
“You remember how you called me a slut not so long ago but you're dating your boss.”
I just kept quiet.