Shrivelled Roses 2: Iyana Kleinbooi

7

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 SEVEN

-IYANA-

In the late afternoon, Zwelethu waited outside Iyana's office for her knock-off time because he had reserved a table for both of them at Grazia Food and Wine in the beach front. A part of him felt guilty but he had to remind himself that he was only going home for what needed to be done. Not for Buhle... who was his first wife. Iyana, oblivious to everything that was happening around her, sat across him sipping on her white wine as he drank his lemon water. She had always laughed at him when it came to that, because she found it odd that a Zulu man would prefer sparkling or lemon water than tap water. But he knew his worth, and he could most certainly afford it.

Iyana: So baby...

Clive: Don't say it, just savor this moment.

She giggled, nodding.

Iyana: Thing is, I don't even know how many days you're gonna be gone for. I know you said you're going away for a business trip, but I also know that you will go home before coming back here, so how many days will you be gone for?

Clive: Just a few days... depending on the business trip. I am pretty sure I won't spend more than two days at home.

She squinted her eyes... there was something in his eyes.

Something he was hiding from her, her gut feeling felt it much stronger as he looked away, ducking her stare.

Iyana: You know, we never really got to the bottom of the Buhle issue.

Clive: Buhle issue?

Iyana: Yes Clive... I know you don't like us talking about it but I never really got closure. What was the final decision?

Clive: Okay way, why are we going back there now? Is it because I said I may pass by my home on my way back? You don't trust me Nana?

She sighed...

Clive: Oh-kay. I thought we were past this, but I guess not.

Their food came as he took out his phone and pretended to dial his brother... and Iyana jumped for it, almost spilling her wine all over the place.

Iyana: Baby! What are you doing?

Clive: I am calling one of my brothers, to cancel the trip. I'm pretty sure they can manage without me.

Iyana: No! Please, you don't have to do that.

He sighed, looking her straight in the eyes.

Clive: You don't trust me, and I get that, I flopped. But allow me to rebuild that trust Nana. Please.

Iyana: I trust you okay, yes, akuzofana nakuqala because you hurt and betrayed me but I do trust you. You don't have to drag your brothers into our business.

Clive: I was just going to tell them I was no longer going with them, I wasn't going to mention your name.

Iyana: Your brothers already hate me Zwe, especially bhuti'Mzukisi. He may have denied the rape allegations but I know he hates me for even bringing that up and ruining that weekend for you guys.

Clive: Don't worry about them, I love you and I want to be with you. That's all that matters, that is all you should be concerned about.

She nodded, taking a bite from her plate...

Iyana: Are you still going to marry her? That's what I want to know.

She asked this question not even looking at him, which bought him enough seconds to wear a "mask" on his face as he responded...