Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 66

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Melisizwe is your typical black grounded man. He once said he will never sleep over at my house out of respect for my brother because he stays there. And he has kept to his word. We got to Richards Bay yesterday during the day after the man took me to a salon to be pampered. Honestly with a lot of things that has been going on, I kind of forgot to fix myself. But I am glad I have a man who won’t go looking for something new and fresh should I let myself go. He will pick me up and remind me that I am that girl with or without him.

When we got here, he dropped me off home and then headed to a nearby lodge. He didn’t even want to go to Richards Bay at his flat. He wanted to be nearby. Yes, the man has attachment issues. Last night, I fell asleep in his arms and we didn’t do anything. I was too anxious and nervous about the following day. He just reassured me with his presence, his energy and sense of peace. That man is a man through and through. He is not like any of my exes who prioritised sexual intercourse over anything, not even carrying about your emotions and mood. Melisizwe just proves everyday that he is not a boy led by his second head.

Today I am meeting with my investors and to say I am nervous would be the understatement of the century. Presenting in front of them for the first time was nerve wrecking but this is more intense. It’s like going to court and waiting on a verdict from the judge. I have to be transparent about everything to them but also make sure it aligns with what Mbulelo said so that I don’t anger them with thousand versions of my love story. The meeting today is held at Amble Inn Guest House in Empangeni. I was the one in charge of booking it so I went for something affordable.

Just like last time, I get there early and prep the room for everyone and place the refreshments in a corner. I will serve them after we are done. I sit and wait for them. My nerves are killing me. After fifteen minutes or so, they come in one by one and I greet them respectfully. They seem tense. The only person who is cool is Athandwa because she even hugs me.

“Thank you for coming, Miss Mabuyakhulu.” Mr Duston starts off and I smile. “We know it has been a few months and you usually send us reports on how things are going but we would like to hear from the horse’s mouth if we didn’t play with our money and actually invested on someone who understands the concept of business and growth.” He is always the serious one and I don’t mind answering his questions. I like someone who is direct and intentional.

I first off dive into the financial report and explain everything to them about how the funds have been used the past few months and what we have acquired as the restaurant. “We have found a spot here in Five Ways Mall and we have been talking to their management about occupying it and paying for 6 months rent in advance. Now I think we are more equipped to run a restaurant and we know what we need in order to have a fully functioning one. At first, we will take half of our staff from the Richards Bay branch to assist us with the opening and as time goes by, some of them will be permanent this side and some will go back to Bay.” I see all of them nodding.
“In as much as we would live to see our money not going to waste, do you mind postponing opening the new branch? It is the beginning of December now and a lot of things are happening. Rather you focus on making sure that we keep our current and new clientele satisfied and just embrace the chaos of festive season. Maybe you can look into opening the other branch in April or June. I am not trying to stop your plans, but also you have got to slow down and take in the moment. You have just bought a farm which was a great initiative and great way to earn more money. Bask in that first before moving to other ventures.” Mrs Khuzwayo, the only other female in my investors group, states. She is so young but so accomplished. I am just glad that she saw me fit to run this thing. And I am grateful for her advice.

“I agree with Wendy. You have proved that you are capable of growing our investments and we know that in three years to come, Healthy Eats will be nationwide. We trust in your vision and your dedication. So, take your time in making moves and don’t rush. If it were up to me, you would open at least one branch in a year but if you think you are capable of opening more than one, then go for it. I stan you and I am 100% percent behind you.” Athandwa comments and I smile at her. These women are powerful and having their support truly means a lot to me.

“But that’s not why we are here.” Siboniso Mathabela says, clearing his throat. He is a 45-year-old businessman who deals in oil. He has a number of petrol stations in most parts of Africa. He is very accomplished and I also respect him. “One of our conditions for the funds was that we didn’t want you to be involved in a scandal. But somehow you got yourself deep into one that made a lot of people question your character, self-worth and self-control. Yes, your supposed ex-boyfriend came out to address the issue but you could have told your truth way before that. Something tells me he was just doing damage control and you just rolled with it. Do you mind shedding some light on that?” he looks straight at me. I was expecting this but being put on a spotlight for something like this doesn’t make it easier.

“What my alleged ex and friend said is very true. We are good friends and have been since the first investors’ meeting actually. We have never had any inappropriate relationship before and I see him as a brother, nothing more. Yes, he was not happy about my relationship with his father but he was respectful about that and supported us after he came around. So just to make things clear, the rumours are false. I am dating Melisizwe Mzimela but I have never dated his son. I hope that clears out any confusion.” I say and flash them with a smile even though I am not too confident about my smile.

“I don’t think I can trust someone like you with my hard-earned millions. You might have dismissed these allegations but what’s to say something like this might not happen in the future? This does not help the image of the restaurant. You are the face of Healthy Eats but if you are viewed as someone who lack morals or control, then you are not worth my time and investment.” Siboniso responds and I swallow hard. This was what I feared from the get go. Now my fears are coming true and these people are going to see that I am not worth their time and money.

“If roles were reversed and it was Melisizwe who was on the chopping block, nobody would be questioning his morals and self-control all because he is a man. And that’s just sad. Chef Hle has spoken her truth and I have decided to take her word for it. A lot of women don’t end up successful because the minute they rise, there are going to be people who will work twice as hard to pull them down and diminish whatever they are building. I am a black businesswoman and I will not stand to see a fellow sister go down. If you want to walk out Mathabela, by all means. There is the door and I will give you the money you contributed with interest on top.” Wendy states with a straight face and her talk just brings back hope within me.

“Not that I don’t support black girl magic, but Chef Hle has showed us that she is capable of running a restaurant like a pro and not only that but find ways to expand it. She is someone we should support all the way and not judge for her supposed sins. Even if she had dated the young man, we have all made a lot of mistakes in the past. The only difference is that we didn’t have someone air our out dirty laundry for everyone to see. Also, we shouldn’t have included that condition in the contract knowing very well how people would love to see a black woman not succeed. I apologize for that, Miss Mabuyakhulu.” Mr Duston adds and I am just so touched by his words. I thought he was going to say something else but him supporting and understanding this means so much to me.

“I still stand by my opinion and I am…” Siboniso says and he gets cut off immediately.
“And I am still going to buy you out. I will have papers drawn out and you should receive them before the week ends. We don’t need to drag this out longer than it should be.” Wendy responds and then turns to look at me. “Nobody is going to take your daily bread away from you. Some of us understand that you did not only make your dream come true, but you brought a lot of change in our community and opened a lot of job opportunities. You are still going to continue doing that and we will be 100% behind you. Now, how about those refreshments we were promised?” everyone chuckles except for Siboniso and I just smile at her.

“Thank you for this opportunity. Honestly I would jump up and down if we weren’t in a professional setting, but thank you everyone and I promise to never disappoint you. You trusting me even after this happened means a lot.”

Their support means a lot and even though I lost one investor, I still have the full support I had initially and I am grateful. The God I worship never cease to amaze me. Now I just need to get out of here and celebrate with my man. We are free to do whatever we want now. Fuck, it feels like I have just been released from prison and I can’t wait to love my man out in the open for everyone to see. I actually get to post him now. how exciting.