Prelude to kisses

Chapter 55

They stood next to each other in front of the five storey building. They looked to each other at the same time, and they could read each other's minds. This was right, perfect actually.

"You ready?" Mahita asked, taking Jackie's hand. They made their way into the old run-down building. Their vision was the same, there was no doubt in either woman's mind that this place would be turned into a hundred apartments in less than two years.

Minutes later, after sharing their vision for the building and making a few rounds in their newly purchased building, they found themselves seated in a small traditional eatery. "How long do you think you will be staying here?"

Bulawayo was beautiful. Jackie was born here; her grandfather had a house here and her mom and siblings had come here every holiday when the schools were closed. She'd heard all these stories and most of her uncles lived here. She hadn't been here since she was a baby, but now that she had stepped foot in this place, she felt drawn to it. "Months, could be a whole year I'm not sure", she said looking around the eatery.

Mahita nodded, washing her hands in the small dish so she could start eating. The beef stew was very rich. Mahita made a sound as she took a mouthful of food. The vegetables were nicely cooked, just like her mother-in-law would cook them. "This is so good. It just reminded me of my mother in-law".

"Do you still miss Marvin's dad?"

"Everyday. I miss him every day Jackie. There are days when it's easier and there are days when it feels like it was only yesterday".

Jackie stretched her hand out to her friend on the table and took it into her own. "Do you think it will ever go away? Do you think I will ever forget him?"

"I don't know. But the past month I've been learning that God doesn't take away without giving you something in return".

Mahita nodded slowly before going back to her food. she knew, of course she knew. Or else God wouldn't have blessed her with Marvin. She knew though, that Jackie wasn't talking about Marvin and Mahita didn't want to think about that right now. She'd tried a few times. Had gone on a few dates but a part of her felt like she was betraying his memory. She felt it when she took off her wedding ring, when she let a man walk her up the front house or even invite him for dinner. It just didn't feel right, so she stopped. And although she felt at peace now, she still wanted to be loved, she wanted to be married again, and most of all to give Marvin a father figure.

"I've been thinking about starting a publishing company". Jackie said.

"Really, when do you plan on starting?"

"In a few months. I'm registering the company name right now".

"That's awesome, although I have to ask if you know anything about the publishing business".

"No. I will learn, and I do know a lot about printing. And I know about books".

"You're Jackie Tanaka, I don't think you have ever failed at anything".

"A few months ago, I would have said it's all me, but quite frankly, it's all God. There's a lot of amazing writers out there, but very few and limited opportunities."

"It will be an amazing opportunity. I know a few good writers, including our very own Jossie".

"I've read a lot of her travelling blogs. They are very eye opening".

"Yeah, very inspirational. Which reminds me, we haven't travelled together ever since our girl's trip to Tanzania".

"You're right. We should plan something. But before then I have to fly to South Africa when Laura goes to her honeymoon. I might be away for two weeks or a month."

The two women continued their conversation, taking a sip of the wine as the afternoon turned to evening.