the name is Imani

chapter 30

SUNDAY, 12 MAY

Here I am going to dinner with a stranger. I was quite sceptical about it until I called my friends and they convince that it would be good to try it out so Khanya flew out this morning to look after Armani while I go on the date, that's how excited my friends are.

Anyway, I am in my room getting ready and the other two ladies are in the living room.

I am wearing some simple, clean girl make up. I also installed a 36 inch kinky straight lace frontal wig. I am wearing a short, backless, black satin dress with black LV heels. I am also taking a cute little, black purse.

I spray some body mist and my beautiful body and walk out of the bedroom. I get to the bedroom and Khanya jumps from her seat and ululates while Armani hugs me.

Armani: mommy is beautiful.
Me: awww, thank you. Armani looks gorgeous.

Armani and I do morning affirmations. Sometimes they change but our most used are, "I am beautiful, I am gorgeous, I am confident, I am smart and important.". Some of our affirmations are inspired by the movie, 'The Help'.

Khanya: friend, you're sleeping in another man's bed tonight.
Me: no, I have a child.
Khanya: a child that I am here to look after. come on, go now.

She says pushing me out of my house and handing me my car keys. I drive to the restaurant that he asked that we meet it. It's a nice, fancy restaurant.

I walk in and I'm led upstairs by one of the waiters after checking the reservation sheet. I look around and I see him all the way across the room.

He is wearing a white shirt that's not buttoned all the way up. For the bottoms, he is wearing black chinos and white airforces. His burst fade making him look absolutely gorgeous. He is a beautiful man! He is caramel skinned but more on the light side and has perfect skin.

As I am drooling over him, he waves at me from across the room so I walk towards him. He opens the chair for me and I take my seat. He then also goes and takes his seat across from him.

Me: thank you for choosing the seats with the most beautiful view.

The view of the city from up here is absolutely beautiful.

Neo: don't sweat it.

The waiter comes to us with menus and...

Neo: thank you.

He says with a smile, showing genuine gratitude. This man is so well mannered.

Me: your mother raised a gentleman.
Neo: she would be delighted to hear that.

He says with a smile again! Oh my! Those beautiful straight teeth, those perfectly lined teeth that just lighten up the rest of his face.

Neo: you look beautiful. I also appreciate seeing your captivating smile for the first time.
Me: thank you.

I say as I feel my cheeks burn from blushing.

Me: you're not too bad yourself, sir.
Neo: I try. how are you doing on this fine evening?
Me: I am okay, can't really complain. how are you doing on this fine evening?
Neo: I feel good.

I smile at him again and he looks into my eyes.

Neo: I must say, that smile is too beautiful.
Me: thank you.
Neo: it's a pity I am only seeing it now.
Me: what do you mean by that?

I say laughing at him because I know what comes after this.

Neo: yes, you absolutely bit my head off for finding your daughter. I didn't get your name, a "thank you", neither did I see your smile.
Me: me?
Neo: yes, you.
Me: that was not me, I would never do that.
Neo: what?
Me: are you sure it was me? I was never there.
Neo: oh wow.
Me: I called the next evening and apologised though.
Neo: and I didn't accept it.
Me: why not?

I say with the biggest smile ever.

Neo: it was just words, I believe in action.
Me: whatever. you should also be apologising to me too.
Neo: what for?
Me: you gave Armani ice cream and I had to deal with a hyperactive baby all night long. I barely got any sleep.
Neo: Armani? that's a beautiful name like Giorgio Armani?
Me: no, my name is Imani so it made sense. her name means "faith".
Neo: and yours?
Me: it means "faith" as well. point of the matter is you must apologise.
Neo: I am sorry.
Me: thank you.

We both laugh. I love how we have the same sense of humour. We contine drinking some white wine over nice, light conversations.

Neo: hold on, I think I have seen you somewhere before.
Me: yeah, when you stole my daughter just go give her a sugar rush.
Neo: oh my word, not this again.

He says with a smile, burying his face in his hands. He looks back up and shakes his head.

Neo: no but really, where are you from?
Me: I am from Joburg.
Neo: I knew it! listen, I was in Joburg 5 years ago, if not 6. I was at the mall, I walked in to the mall and got my things. I walked back out and found this car that head been parked there since I went inside the mall. I was quite concerned because I could clearly see that there was someone in the car. I went to my car, put away my groceries and went to the car that had been parked there for a while. I opened the door and there you were, you were crying.
Me: oh my word, that was you?
Neo: yes, ma'am.
Me: this is so embarrassing. I guess you really are my knight in shining armour. first, it was me and then my daughter.
Neo: I know, right? the lady who fetched you looked quite young too.
Me: that is my father's girlfriend.
Neo: what?!
Me: yep.
Neo: so she's not your mom?
Me: no. I know what you're going to ask me and the reason why I have her saved as "mommy dearest" is because it's like a little joke between the both of us.
Neo: that's crazy.

After dinner, we continue to sit and chat for a little while longer. Once we're both ready to go, he accompanies me to my car.

Neo: I really wish I could drive you home, continue our conversations while listening to same good music and the cool breeze coming from outside, rushing inside the car, calming all muscles in the body.
Me: you are definitely a Shakespeare fan.
Neo: and that, I am.

He opens the door for me to get in my car. I do so and he closes the door. He waves goodbye and I drive off, so happy I could scream. I get to the house and rush in.

I find Khanya up waiting for me, she is alone so I'm guessing little miss is asleep.

Khanya: girl! come here and tell me all about it.
Me: okay, so...

I say as I start telling her about the best night of my life. Okay, maybe second best. Giving birth to my daughter is my first favourite.

Khanya: so he knows you?!
Me: yes.
Khanya: from Joburg when the whole thing with your mom happened?!
Me: yes.
Khanya: let the ground swallow you now, my friend! let it just open up and swallow you now because the devil is a liar!

She says in a Nigerian accent.

Me: that's exactly how I felt in that moment but he was able to switch it up, make a joke and change the topic when he noticed that I am uncomfortable.
Khanya: keep that man close! keep your enemies closer but keep that man closest!
Me: oh my word!
Khanya: so when is the second date?
Me: I don't know, friend. I-

I am interrupted by a call from him.

Khanya: you have him saved as "Mr. Grumpy"?
Me: friend, we'll talk about that later.

I answer his call and stand up and walk towards my room.

Me: hey.
Neo: hey. I am guessing you got home safely.
Me: I did.

I close my door and settle on my bed, with my legs up as I get ready to chat with him the whole night. Khanya will just have to sleep with Armani.