Naledi (The Moon)

Chapter 8

Nani's POV:

Pearl and I sat at the table which faced the area that lead towards the vast garden and pool lounge. Taken once again by my surroundings, I inhaled sharply as I thought of how beautiful it would soon look during spring when the flowers have bloomed. I watched closely as the workers installed the large charcoal, handi-gas heaters —that looked like giant lava lamps—, spreading them accordingly so that when lit, the heat wouldn't inundate the guest. I was grateful to be here, with the best seat in the house enjoying fine dining with my lovely new mate. She had discarded her coat with one of the servants. She appeared really toned as her arms involuntarily flexed when she relaxed in her seat.

According to my father, Ms Randall had downplayed her position when she said, she's "one of the investors." Turns out, she owned seventy percent of the place, hence the writings on the wall. Once again, humble and modest. A rare combination to find when it came to people with money. I couldn't help but wonder how she got her riches. Old family money? A widow perhaps? Or maybe, she was one of those women, I read about who owned mines and were fortunate in their findings.

"Do you have children?" My curiosity getting the better of me, I spoke without having time to contemplate my words. She smiled dryly, quiet, lost in thought. Oh, no. I must've touched a nerve.

Nani, you fool! Now you've done it!

When she didn't reply, I panicked. "I'm—I'm extremely sorry for the intrusive question. It's just that, you're so warm, patient and kind. You resemble someone who deserved to be a mother. Let alone an older sister. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sorry to assume." I pinched my thigh, punishing myself for my outburst.

She raised her glistening eyes at me. They softened when they witnessed my remorseful ones. "No need to apologise. It's a—" she laughed nervously. Not knowing of what to say, her eyes trailed to the garden, lost in thought. I've clearly pressed on an open wound. I silently hoped that I didn't just tarnish my father's shot. "Pardon me. I'm not always like this." She blinked away an incoming tear.

Shit!

My heart sunk. How do I fix this? I suddenly felt awkward and ashamed of my words. It's never my intention to purposely hurt anyone or make them relieve old wounds.
Saving the day, my father appeared from the kitchen with two plates, smiling anxiously as he approached us. He made his famous chicken fillet wrap, glazed with his special secret sauces and side of vegetable stir-fry.

She took in the palatable aroma bursting from the dish and slowly lightened up. Her smile returned to her face after she took a mouthful bite of the wrap. Releasing a loud, agreeable moan, she closed her eyes lost in the flavours and the crispness of the dish. My father and I, watched her in anticipation awaiting to hear her response. "Christ! If this isn't the best breakfast combination, I've ever had." Stabbing the stir-fry, she released yet another sound. "Dear God! Mr. Langa. You certainly know what you're doing! This is beyond delectable. Your wife, is one lucky lady." She remarked after finishing her food in a matter of minutes.

Dad flushed as he smiled earnestly, looking rather pleased with himself. "Thank you. I'm glad you think so." He bid a swift nod. "I cannot wait to work with you, herein going fourth." She declared. My father and I, shared an astonished look. "Wha-what? Could you please repeat that?" He stammered, disbelief evident in his features. She laughed, "you have the job. It's official." She concluded with a dear smile. I darted my eyes towards my father, to find his gleaming with tears of joy. "I thought? Forgive my confusion. I thought once, I've done my job after the launch then I'd have an answer." He removed his chef's hat, clutching it tightly in his hands.

"To my realisation, you've already done that job according your lovely manager/ daughter here, and I'm pleased with what I've just ate so no need to fret about that pending decision. You're officially, The Pearl's permanent caterer." She stood up, extended her hand awaiting my dad's. Still drenched in disbelief, they exchanged firm handshakes consummating the deal. "Thank you. Thank you so so much. I—I'm truly speechless." Sighing in great relief.

"No but thank you for the most tastiest experience of my life. I expect such greatness for launch of course?" She enquired with prying eyes. "Most definitely, Ms Randall. Most definitely. Thank you once again." Now he was crying. My heart swelled with pride. Lord knew how much my father deserved this. Especially from the lips of the actual owner of this fine establishment. He'd be set for life. He no longer had to worry about anything, financially. This was his long awaited breakthrough.

"Lewis!" She called out to a waiter, who quickly emerged from the kitchen. "Bring the Langa's two of our finest champagnes in the back. I believe a celebration is due tonight." She ordered the young waiter. He came back two bottles of 1996 Dom Perignon Vintage. I gasped when I saw the bottle because for a second, my memory flooded back to the time, when I was with Luca and we shared said bottle. I wasn't familiar with the brand then but I now knew that it wasn't cheap. One costed a staggering price of half my tuition. I clenched my eyes shut, pushed back the memory and slowly came back to the present.

"Come here you." Dad took me in his arms, whisked me away as he embraced me into a bear hug. I squealed, tears brimming in my eyes while he turned with me in his arms like he used to when I was younger. Pearl's laugh echoed as she partook in our celebration. "Congratulations. And you, I cannot wait to see you again." She touched my cheeks instantly making me shy. She emerged from the great hall, leaving my father and I in total disbelief to what just transpired.

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"Congratulations, my love. You've most certainly earned this." My mother, looking rather pleased and proud of her husband, raised a champagne flute filled with Dom as we settled around the table at Ocean Basket.
My father had taken us all including Iman, —of course— out to one of his favourite restaurants, where they served the juiciest prawns and best grilled salmon. I for one, was always taken away by their bread appetisers. By the time, the food had arrive, I would've already stuffed my face full with their cloudy soft bread which I dressed with their pesto, garlic and coleslaw toppings.

"Your mouth." Iman turned to look at me as I continued chewing unladylike. He signalled at my cheek. I scowled, "what?" I said with a mouthful. He shook his head and wiped the residual bread powder from my face. "Oh, right." I felt shy when I realised how I must've looked but then that was common whenever we'd come here.

"So what she like?" Iman interrogated. "Who?" I arched a brow at him. "Pearl Randall, Nani aka your new mate." His mouth rested on a thin line as he finished the sentence. I instantly laugh. "Don't start." I rolled my eyes. "What?"
"You're jealous of a woman in her fourties' that I'll hardly ever see again?" I shook my head, with disapproval at Iman and his possessive nature. "Heck that! From what you tell me, she's beautiful, fit, single, childless and a billionaire? Need I say more?" His eyes were dancing in anticipation. I finally put two and two together. "Eww! Please don't tell me." I peered my eyes at him. "Oh yeah. Seems like, Iman is back in the game!" He rubbed his hands like a villain, planning his next heist.

"And what delusional game is that?" I scoffed. Nothing good ever came out of him, calling himself in the third person. "Charm her petticoat off, of course." He smiled looking rather pleased with himself. I instantly laughed, chortling loudly actually till my eyes were flooded with tears. "Your self confidence continues to boggle my mind, dear Emmanuel and who still says 'petticoat'?" I laughed once again.

"What?! You don't think I can do it?" His eyes challenged. "Oh no, I know you can go up to her and probably make her shy and laugh with your forward tongue but 'charm her petticoat off'? Please." I scoffed. "Now look who's jealous." He smirked. "Oh my dear friend, I'll only be jealous when you start dating your peers, which is never, thanks to your fetish of elderly women." I squared up to him till we were eye to eye. "What can I say, I love a woman who knows what she wants. Why waste my time with tedious kids when I can have well established women?" He shrugged, smiling.
"And being someone's boy toy doesn't bother you? Don't you want something fruitful? With someone who actually sees you?" I tested.
"Please. Like who exactly?" He rolled his eyes.
"I don't know. Neo, for instance. She's 'beautiful, fit, single, childless,' independent and incredibly smart last I checked." I listed.

He pondered upon my words, clearly realising something he'd previously missed. "Is that, right?" He smiled slowly. I could almost see the lightbulb flickering in his head when it finally hit him. Hopefully, he'd actually ask her out rather than fixate upon the idea.
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