Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 19

My future law is such an amazing person and a gentleman. When we got to his place, he gently shook me just to wake me up and led me to a guest bedroom where I could nap while waiting for his son. Well I couldn’t take a nap. I guess I was too curious. He left me alone and I went on my phone just to check on my socials. They are buzzing. Many people are complimenting the interview. Others are so keen about my relationship status. Why are people so obsessed with umjolo these days? It’s not all that. Boys are the worst. They will hurt you and leave you high and dry. Then another will come claiming to be different, whereas he is just a better liar than the last one. Men are tiring. But Mbulelo seems genuine. I won’t say he is best boyfriend material because he did ghost me while we weren’t dating, but I don’t hold grudges.

I check on my team and they assure me that everything is still in order. I swear I will take them on a team building vacation in January if the restaurant continues being this successful. When I’m tired of watching TikTok videos, I really take a nap this time around and I’m woken up by a knock. I stand and go open the door. I smile when I see Mbulelo.

“Hey babe.” He wraps his arms around me and kisses me. I know I last saw him this morning, but I missed him. He steps inside the room and closes the door behind him. When he starts getting naughty, I break the kiss.
“We are at your father’s house.” I stop him and he chuckles.
“He knows we are adults and what we usually do behind closed doors.”

I smile. “Well I am not comfortable with doing anything under his roof until he and I share a common last name.” he laughs.
“I will make sure to change it soon then.” I hope he is joking. I don’t wanna rush into things. I know first hand how messy a marriage can be. So it becomes worse when you just rushed into it without thinking about it. Plus he’s not even 25 years. I am not judging by his age but come on.

“So how are things at work?” he sighs and goes to sit on the bed. He pats the space next to him.
“Please come and sit down.” This does not look good. I go and sit next to him. “Please know that I love you and I never want to hurt you. Intentionally or unintentionally. Whatever happens, please know that my intention was not to hurt you.” Oww shit. Nothing good comes after a statement like that. I should know. I have been around for so long to know that when a man starts a topic like that, you wont like the outcome of the whole conversation.

“Well don’t keep me in suspense. What happened?”
He looks at me and takes a deep breath. Then he laughs. “Damn baby, you should have seen your face. I am just pranking you.” Yoh. Is this how dating a 2k feels like? This kid is going to cause me a heart attack. A prank? Really? How childish can he be?

I roll my eyes. “Really Mbu? This is the important shit you wanted to share with me?”
He smiles. “I am sorry for joking like this. I am a weirdo, I admit. I shouldn’t have scared you like that. I’m sorry. Can I make it up to you?”
I click my tongue. “I am not in a mood for a drive tonight. Kindly go and purchase changing clothes and toiletries for me at any mall that’s open now.”

He frowns. “But babe it’s 6pm.”
I smile at him. “You grew up in Durban. You should know which malls are still open at this time.”
He sighs and gets up. “Don’t you wanna come with me?” I shake my head.

“Take your father with you. It will give you a chance to bond.” He comes to kiss me before walking out. Moments later I hear laughter from the lounge. A phone beeps on the bed and I see that it’s his phone. I pick it up and before I can rush to give it to him, a text makes me stop in my tracks. Curiosity killed a cat. It’s a message from Mfundo stating ‘Thank you for today. I really appre…’ I can’t see the rest of it. Hebana. Kshuthi I’m a fool. When he sees me he sees an idiot who he can lie to? He was with his ex on this important day in my career and he had the guts to lie to me. Wow. Just wow. I rush to the lounge, not caring about my unhealthy leg. I smile when I see him joking with his father about something.

“Babe, you forgot you phone.” I hand it to him with a genuine smile and he chuckles.
“Thanks babe. Old man here doesn’t wanna accompany me. He prefers watching grown man chase after a ball which is innocent than spend time with his son.”

Melisizwe scoffs. “Stop being a drama queen. Gateway is closing soon, so I would hurry if I were you.” Mbu rolls his eyes but rushes out afterwards. I look at Melisizwe with a wide smile.
“Do you have baking equipment and sleepers?” he frowns.
“Here.” He slides me the sleepers which he was wearing. “I am not sure about baking items. You would have to check the kitchen for that.”
“That’s you giving me permission to use your kitchen, right? Thanks.” I put on his size 9 sleepers and drag them to the kitchen.

I check the pantry and fridge for the items I need. At least I have things I can work with in order to make Strawberry Vanilla muffins. I take the apron I find in the drawer and put it on before starting with my baking. Baking helps when you’re mad. Even when it comes to stirring, you don’t use any machines, just your arms and a wooden spoon, and I’m not talking about the baking butter. When I’m about to put the batter into the oven, Melisizwe comes to the kitchen but doesn’t get in. He just leans by the door staring at me.

“What did he do?” he asks and I frown.
“What are you on about, Mnguni?” I ask in my most innocent voice.
“When a woman suddenly bakes, and not that I don’t appreciate fresh cakes, but when a woman bakes all of a sudden, her stupid man has done something to piss her off. And because she doesn’t wanna go to jail, she takes out her frustration on the kitchen. So, you wanna tell me what this is all about?”

I smile. “With all due respect, Mnguni, everything is okay between Mbu and I. I am just excited that he is here and I am bored. That’s why I’m baking. I don’t want to watch grown man chase after an object for 90 minutes. Also, if ever there was something wrong between us, you would be the last person I would come to for advice.”

He frowns. “Why?”
“You are like the principal. I can’t just snitch on someone because you might give them a strong punishment or no punishment at all. Anyways, cakes will be available soon. We will have them for desert. Shall I warm the platter when Mbu comes back?”
He looks taken aback a bit but he nods. “Yeah, you can do that. But please don’t overwork yourself. If you don’t feel well, don’t hesitate to let me know. Taking cakes out of the oven doesn’t seem like much.” I chuckle.

“Thanks for the offer. I will consider it.” He nods and then walks out. I continue with what I was doing and clean the kitchen as I go.

As the first batch of muffins are done, I take them out of the oven and let them cool off. They smell so nice. I take my phone and snap a few pictures for content. I can’t wait for them to be cold before I can taste them. Seeing the final product of my work reminds me of who I am and what I had to go through to get here. I am not going to go crazy over a young boy who doesn’t know what he wants. Worse he is being dishonest with me. I am not playing this game with him. He can go and play with his mates all he wants.

“Babe.” His voice disturbs me. He is carrying Foschini and Clicks plastics. I guess he went to two stores just to save himself some time. “I will put these in the bedroom. What are you making by the way?” he takes one muffin and takes it, moaning in the process. “Fuck. This is good. It’s okay now, you don’t have to be perfect in everything kitchen related.” I laugh.

“Konje what did you say the work crisis was?”
“Ohh, a pipe burst on site and I had to go and make sure it is fixed and the site is safe for people to resume work.”
I nod. “Your work sounds so cool though.”
He chuckles. “It’s not all that. I just wanna be around you all day. Is Healthy Eats hiring?” I laugh.

“You are annoying. Get out.” He laughs and walks away. My smile disappears as his footsteps fade. How easy it was for him to lie like that. Makes me wonder what other things he lied about.