Chapter 5 — Chapter Five

I had never enjoyed shopping. Parting with the little money I had out of necessity wasn’t my idea of a fun day out, and I hated standing there debating over a few cents difference in price. But now everything had changed. I had twenty thousand grand to burn and I intended to shop like the other half – with complete abandon.

When we walked into the fancy suit shop, the attendant gave us a look of disdain. Vusi made a beeline for the suit rack and inspected the price tag. His jaw dropped. He turned to me, aghast, and I flashed him a confident smile. This was our turf now and we had as much right to be here as anyone else.

Squaring my shoulders, I walked up to the jewellery counter, picked out a pair of cufflinks and tossed them onto the counter. “I’ll take those.”

“Are you sure, sir?” The attendant said “sir” in a mocking tone, and for a minute I seriously considered punching him. “They’re the most expensive ones we have.”

“In that case, give me two,” I replied, looking him right in the eyes.

He cleared his throat. “We won’t accept credit cards until we run a check on you.”

“No problem.” I took out my bulging wallet. “I’ll pay cash.”

Instantly his manner changed. His eyes lit up. “Of course,” he gushed. “Will that be all, sir?”

Now that was the tone I’d been waiting to hear – the tone of a man who would bleed himself dry to cater to my every need. Amazing how much a little cold hard cash could change the atmosphere.

“Actually, my friend and I want a few more things,” I told him.

He practically jumped over the counter in his hurry to assist me. “Absolutely. What do you need?”

For the next hour we tried on shirt after shirt, suit after suit. We sat with our feet up like kings while Mr Shop Attendant and a colleague brought us shoes and put them on for us. In one day I went from being no one to wearing clothes worth more than a few months’ rent.

The effect didn’t wear off after we left the suit store. Everywhere we went we were treated with the respect that comes when people think you have money. The world was all about appearances, and I maximized on it. Loaded with shopping bags, we stopped outside a car hire office.

Vusi sighed. “We’d better enjoy the view while we can.”

“We’ll enjoy it more from inside,” I told him, nudging him towards the entrance.

“Senzo, are you crazy?” he hissed. “We shouldn’t blow all Jasper’s money at once.”

“Why not? He has more.” I winked at Vusi, then turned to the approaching attendant. “Hi. I’d like that one.”

Vusi looked where I was pointing and gasped. It was one of the most expensive cars on display. Maybe blowing the cash wasn’t the smartest move, but we were going to a fancy charity event and we had to fit in. Besides, this might be our only chance to experience the high life. After all the years of hustling, we deserved it.

Vusi was my boy, but I had never met anyone so whipped in my whole life. The minute we got home from our shopping spree, he called Zanele. Not to say hi or whisper sweet nothings, but to tell her about everything he bought so that she wouldn’t be shocked when she saw him in his new threads.

I couldn’t believe it. This was supposed to be our plan, two guys going on a great adventure, no girls allowed. But ever since Zanele came into the picture it felt like there was an invader in our friendship. She came over that night to see the clothes and give me a lecture about robbing people blind. Even though she had brought us drinks, I was annoyed.

I tried to explain that Jasper was scum and he deserved it, but she wasn’t having it.

“It’s wrong and you know it,” she said.

“If you knew the way Jasper treated me you would understand,” I told her.

Vusi nodded. “Ja, it’s true. Jasper gave him hell back in the day. He gave everybody hell.”

Zanele sighed. “Fine. Maybe Jasper deserves it, but what about Ayanda? Why can’t you just be yourself, Senzo? If she’s as kind as you think she won’t care where you come from.”

I laughed. “No way. She’s a high-class girl. I have to show her that I’m her equal or she’ll never respect me.”

“Don’t waste your time,” Vusi said to Zanele. “Senzo’s been dreaming about this girl for years.”

“She’s my soulmate,” I sighed. “My true love.”

“Love?” Zanele scoffed. “You don’t love her!”

I turned to give her the dirtiest look I could come up with. “What are you talking about? I’ve been in love with Ayanda since I was a kid!”

“You’ve wanted her since you were a kid,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “You and Jasper are the same. You’re fighting over her like she’s a toy instead of a person. When you love someone you don’t trick them and lie to them.”

I snorted. Obviously Zanele had been watching too many romantic movies. “Ja right, like you’ve never lied to Vusi.”

“She hasn’t,” said Vusi. He sounded so sure.

“And he has never lied to me,” said Zanele. They gazed into each other’s eyes.

“I would never, babes,” said Vusi.

“I know, nunu. You’re so sweet.”

“You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re so –”

“Ja, ja, ja, enough!” I cried, embarrassed by all their lovey-dovey nonsense.

Zanele snuggled up in Vusi’s arms. “You should be honest,” she said. “Lies only make things worse.”

“Whatever,” I replied irritably. “Look, Ayanda’s not going to be impressed by some loser from the township. She’s not a cleaner in an office, she’s a lawyer.”

“Uh, he didn’t mean that,” said Vusi hastily, but it was too late.

Zanele raised her eyebrows. Her nostrils flared. Her lips twitched. Oops. I was in trouble now. “Oh, excuse me, Mr Fancy,” she sneered. “I’m not the one who told you to chase women who are too good for you, so don’t give me attitude, okay?” She pushed Vusi away and stormed out of the room.

“Why can’t you think before you talk?” asked Vusi impatiently, then hurried after her.

I wanted to call him back, but I knew there was no point. I had offended Zanele and Vusi would be mad at me until I apologised. Ag, women! Why did they have to be so difficult? It was Zanele’s fault, anyway, telling me I didn’t love Ayanda. Of course I loved her. I ignored the little prick of guilt. Fine, maybe lying to her wasn’t a good thing, but I was lying because I loved her. That was an excellent reason to lie. In fact it was the best reason in the world.

The Galwegian Estates was the sort of place I had only seen on TV. Fancy cars pulled up outside, beautiful people stepped out and cameras flashed furiously as the press tried to capture all the celebrities in their designer outfits.

Vusi whistled, peering through the tinted windows of the car. I had booked our tickets under the name Sedibeng, and they had cost almost as much as the shoes I was wearing. We had found a guy to serve as our chauffeur – there was no way we were driving ourselves, that would just look stupid – and I had planned our entrance down to the second. Paparazzi crowded round the car as we approached, curious to see which famous face would emerge. They were in for a big surprise.

“Remember Vus, attitude,” I said as the car rolled to a stop. “This is a normal Saturday night for people like us. Be cool.”

“I’m cool,” he said, sounding a little offended. “You’re the problem.”

“Don’t be stupid, I’m the king of smooth.” The driver came to open my door. I took a deep breath, then stepped out.

The flashing lights were more than I had bargained for. I was completely blinded for a minute and I froze, blinking and waiting for my eyes to adjust. I knew I looked good. I was in head-to-toe white like a badass rapper, with diamond-studded crocodile skin shoes on my feet. Ja, it was flashy, but I couldn’t resist. I’d probably only get one chance to wear the shoes before some moegoe broke into our flat and jacked them.

Attitude, Senzo, I told myself. You’ve got this.

I held my head high, looked down my nose at the photographers and walked towards the entrance. Vusi was right behind me, dressed in pink. I’d tried to tell him that pink plus a fake fur collar gave him a kind of big city pimp look, but when he put on the suit he grinned like a kid opening Christmas presents. How could I deprive him of that kind of joy?

We strutted up the steps, the Kingpin and the Pimp, and I heard people whisper as we passed, wondering who we were. Let them wonder. They couldn’t see much of our faces behind our new shades. Anyway, after the night was over we’d vanish back into our anonymous lives and no one would give a damn.

Once we were inside, Vusi leaned in and whispered, “What now?”

“Look, there’s Jasper, talking to Gideon,” I told him. “I’m going over there to see what I can find out. Just relax. If you see Ayanda, buzz me.”

But Vusi wasn’t listening anymore. He had caught sight of a waiter carrying a tray of champagne glasses. Without another word he started moving towards his target.

“Vusi!”

“Just getting a drink, bra.” He called out to the waiter, “Ey, chief!”

“Would you like a glass of champagne, sir?” the waiter asked.

“Just one glass?” Vusi snorted, but reached for a glass anyway. “Where’s the bottle?”

I sighed. Knowing how Vusi got when there was free alcohol flowing, I might be stuck handling this job on my own. I looked around for Ayanda but there was no sign of her, so I moved towards Jasper and Gideon. I snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and hid behind a large flower arrangement to eavesdrop.

“Just hear me out,” Jasper was saying. “Imagine what a merger between Amazi

and Sithole could do for us. We’d expand up into Africa, instead of being on the brink of bankruptcy like we are now. Sithole could be our last chance.”

I took a sip of my drink, frowning thoughtfully. Amazi was in that much trouble? No wonder buyers were circling like vultures.

“Forget about it!” said Gideon impatiently, and I got the feeling he and Jasper had discussed this before. “Sithole is a crook. He dresses and speaks like a gentleman but everyone knows the truth.” He sighed. “As the head of marketing your job is to push product sales, not buyouts!”

“I get where you’re coming from, but –”

“I’ve spent my entire life building this business from the ground up,” Gideon interjected. “Do you know how many families depend on us? Sithole would sell us to the first multinational that came along. People will lose their jobs, Jasper.”

I peeked behind the flowers and saw Jasper shrug callously.

“These are tough times. Either we adapt or we die.”

Gideon leaned closer to Jasper. “Why are you so keen to entertain his offer?”

Good question. I had my own suspicions based on what I’d overheard between Jasper and Chairman, but Jasper never got a chance to respond. He would probably have lied, anyway. A musical voice interrupted, and at the sound of it my heart leapt.

“Hey, the guests are here. Everyone’s asking for you, Pa.”

It was Ayanda. I almost knocked the flowers over in my haste to catch a glimpse of her. She came closer, almost floating towards me. I froze, clutching the vase to keep it from falling. She was exquisite, and she was close enough to touch. Almost.

“Sorry, my dear,” said Gideon. “We’re coming right down.”

“By the way, about the Rosenbaums,” said Ayanda as they moved away, “remember you said you’d mention the orphanage to them?”

I leaned over, watching them leave.

“I will if I get a chance. My priority right now is finding a capital partner.” He looked at Jasper. “The right capital partner.” He walked on ahead, leaving Ayanda and Jasper to follow.

Jasper sipped his wine and beamed at Ayanda. “I’ll introduce you to them, babe.”

“That’s all right,” she replied. “I don’t want to go behind Pa’s back.” Was it just me, or did her tone sound a little cold?

She went on ahead, and Jasper scowled. Nope, it wasn’t just me. Good. It took all my willpower to refrain from following her. Well, that and the fact that the vase was ready to topple over and it took me a few minutes to set it right. I decided to go in the opposite direction. It was time to start my play. If I did it well I wouldn’t have to chase Ayanda. She would come to me.

The venue had filled up since our arrival and there was no shortage of rich, gullible-looking people to target. As soon as the speeches were over and people began to mingle I set my sights on an elderly white couple. I walked towards them, then stopped to pretend to admire a small bronze warrior statue on display close to where they stood.

“Ah, the proud warrior,” I murmured, loud enough for them to hear, and with a touch of sad nostalgia. “Just like the one my father...” I sniffed and turned away from the sculpture to find the white couple watching me. “Oh! Excuse me. I didn’t see you there.”

“Are you alright?” the woman asked. “You seem to be quite affected by that artwork.”

I nodded sadly. “It reminds me of my father. He died a long time ago. In exile.”

She drew closer to me, her eyes wide with pity. “Oh, how sad! I’m so sorry. Did you grow up in exile?”

“Yes.” I cleared my throat and put on my brave, noble hero face. “It wasn’t easy. And when I returned home I had to start from scratch, with nothing.”

The elderly lady started to tear up. “You poor, poor child.”

I sipped my drink and shook my head. “Don’t pity me, please. It made me who I am today.”

I spun my tale a while longer, until a few people had gathered to listen and the old woman was so overcome that she pulled me in for a hug. White guilt is a beautiful thing. Useful too, especially at month-end.

I patted the old lady on her back in a dignified fashion, and was just about to lay on a sob story about my long-lost sister when I saw Ayanda coming towards me. She had a curious little smile on her face. I was tempted to push the old woman aside so I could run to Ayanda, sweep her into my arms and carry her away before Jasper turned up. Fortunately I wasn’t quite drunk enough for that yet.

I released the old lady, but I only had eyes for Ayanda. She smiled at me. It was the same smile from all those years ago in school, coy and magical.

“Looks like this is where everything’s happening,” she remarked. “What did I miss?”

The old woman tapped Ayanda’s arm. “Ayanda, dear. You absolutely have to meet this lovely young man. Senzo, I believe?” She turned to me to confirm.

Ayanda extended her hand and suddenly I couldn’t remember my name.

“I, uh, yes, uh...”

“I’m Ayanda Zwane.” When our hands touched, I felt a shiver of pleasure.

I cleared my throat and pulled myself together. “Senzo. Senzo Sedibeng.”

Her eyes widened. “You!” For a moment I thought she was onto me already, then I remembered the business with her handbag. “You’re the one who brought back my bag!”

I smiled. “Yes, that was me.”

“I’ve been trying to find you but you’re not on social media,” she gushed.

I nodded, trying to look cool. “I’m not really into that stuff. I’d like to start, but I never seem to find the time. Thank you for not sending the police after my young friend. I really think he can turn his life around.”

“Oh, it was the least I could do,” she said. “When I heard the whole story I felt so bad for the poor kid. He should have just asked me for help. I would have given him some money.”

“You’ll be surprised how proud orphans can be.”

“I’m so happy to finally meet you!” she said with a little laugh. I felt a very pleasant tingle moving through my body. Yep, this was love for sure. “The receptionist at the office won’t stop talking about you, you know,” she went on. “I think she’s started a fan club.”

I laughed. “I only did what any decent person would.”

“Unfortunately there aren’t enough decent people anymore.”

She was still holding my hand, and I wasn’t going to complain. She beamed. I beamed back, and then I saw Jasper standing behind her and leering suspiciously at me.

“Have we met?” he asked.

To my disappointment, Ayanda let go of my hand.

“Definitely not,” I replied, adjusting my shades. “I think I’d remember that face.”

Jasper frowned. “Are you sure?”

I pretended to pause to think about it. “Unless you were at that clothing drive for the homeless last month. Are you into charity work?”

“He isn’t,” said Ayanda hastily. “But I am.”

“Oh, really? I do a lot of charity work in KZN,” I said, “organizing volunteers to build schools and orphanages that side. I guess it’s something I picked up from my years in exile. The struggle isn’t over yet, you know.”

“Is that right?” Jasper sneered.

I nodded solemnly. “Ja. The country needs more than B.E.E. That’s why I wanted to come back, make some money and use it to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Ayanda sipped from her glass. “It’s interesting that I never heard of you before you returned my purse.”

I let out a chuckle. “Yes, I prefer to do it anonymously. It’s not for the publicity, you know. It’s for the people. Especially the kids.”

She nodded in excitement. “I know exactly what you mean!”

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jasper roll his eyes in disgust. To his left was Vusi, approaching with two glasses. I waited until Vusi was right next to us, then I shifted slightly, knocking into him and making him spill wine all over Jasper.

Vusi gasped.

Jasper was livid. “What the hell? Look what you’ve done!”

A wet patch had spread down the front of his pants. It looked as though he had peed himself. It was the best thing I had seen all week.

“I’m so sorry,” I gushed. “I didn’t see you there, Vusi.” I winced at the stain. “That looks bad, my brother.”

Jasper glared at me.

“You probably want to rinse that off before it dries,” Ayanda suggested.

Jasper clicked his tongue furiously. “Damnit!” He stormed away in a huff.

When I looked back at Ayanda, I saw her smile.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“It was an accident,” she replied.

Vusi downed his wine and looked forlornly at the other glass, the contents of which had been soaked up by Jasper’s crotch. “Let me get you a refill.”

“You don’t have to –” I began, but he was already gone.

As soon as I realised that Ayanda and I were finally alone, my confidence vanished and I was that teenager standing in front of the class again, trying desperately to impress her. She glanced at me. I glanced at her. Okay, maybe I did more than glance. Maybe I stared like a love struck schoolkid. Ayanda looked away shyly and cleared her throat. I fidgeted with my tie. I wanted to say something clever to fill the awkward silence, but my brain had gone fuzzy.

“So how long have you been back in South Africa?” she asked, coming to my rescue.

“Oh, not long,” I said, relieved to be back on track. “I work a lot, so I don’t have much of a social life. I have very few friends here. I’m still settling in, discovering new places. Trying new things.” I smiled. “It would be nice to have a guide to show me around the city of lights.”

“Hey, I’d me more than happy to.”

“Really?” I pretended to be surprised by the offer. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“No bother at all,” she assured me, sipping her drink. “Just let me know when.”

I was about to respond when her buddy Mandla turned up.

“Hey chomie,” said Ayanda warmly.

“I think your friend there has had a bit too much to drink, hey,” he said, pointing.

We turned just in time to see Vusi lifting silverware off the tables and stuffing it into his pockets. Ayanda gasped. I groaned.

“This is so disappointing,” I said, shaking my head. “And he was doing so well.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, he’s actually a former hobo,” I declared. Vusi would have to forgive me. I was sure he’d get over it; he had forgiven much worse. “I took him off the streets, cleaned him up and bought him a suit. I’m trying to rehabilitate him back into normal society.”

“Ja, neh,” said Mandla, eyeing Vusi with disdain. “You can take a man out the gutter, but you can’t take the-”

“Stop it, Mandla,” said Ayanda sharply. “The poor guy. Senzo, it’s not a problem. The work you’re doing is very important. I really wish there were more men like you. It’s just silverware, after all. It can be replaced.”

“Thank you,” I said. “That means a lot to me.”

I watched Vusi stumble over to the DJ and whisper in his ears. Suddenly the music switched to a throbbing house beat. Vusi launched into a dance, right there in the middle of all the guests. An elderly white woman, grinning from ear to ear, got up to join him. Within seconds the floor was packed with elderly people getting their groove on. I looked at Ayanda, worried that my homeboy had ruined her party, but she was smiling.

I did the only sensible thing a man in my position could do. With a casual shrug, I leapt onto the dance floor and started doing the pantsula, much to the excitement of the old white people. Soon they were all trying to imitate me. It was classic. I spotted Jasper return from the bathroom, and I knew I had to seize my chance. I hurried over to Ayanda, took her hand and led her to the dancefloor. She didn’t resist. I started dancing around her and soon she let loose and busted a couple of moves of her own.

Across from us, Vusi was in the middle of a dance battle with an elderly white man, who made up for his lack of agility with sheer exuberance and determination. The crowd

cheered, clearly favouring the old white guy. I turned back to Ayanda, but not for long. Mandla interrupted again, tapping my shoulder.

“You need to stop that friend of yours before he burns this place down!” he hissed.

Vusi was dancing around topless, waving a flaming shirt over his head. The old white man was in the process of unbuttoning his own shirt and the people gathered around them, who were equally hammered, were going nuts. In a matter of minutes the party had spun completely out of control, and it was fantastic...

...Until Gideon came running towards us with a fire extinguisher. He blasted away at the burning shirt, eliciting moans of disappointment from the onlookers.

“Okay,” he gasped, “party’s over.”

The elderly white man patted Gideon on the back, laughing hard. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time, Gideon. Not since the sixties at least.”

Gideon put down the extinguisher. “Apologies about this, Mr. Rosenbaum, but it was a fire hazard.”

Mr Rosenbaum waved away the apology. “I’m not wearing a shirt. Call me Stuart, please.”

“Okay, er, Stuart.” Gideon nodded towards Vusi. “I don’t know how he got past security, but I assure you he wasn’t on the invite list.” He scowled at Vusi. “I want you out of here immediately.”

“Oh, don’t be so hard on the young man,” said Mrs Rosenbaum. “We haven’t had this much fun in years.”

Mr Rosenbaum grabbed his wife’s ass and they giggled like kids.

Gideon’s eyes widened. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves.”

“Listen, let’s meet next week,” Mr Rosenbaum suggested. “We can finalize that deal we’ve been discussing.”

Gideon’s face lit up. “That would be wonderful, Stuart. Thank you.”

“No, thank you,” said Mrs Rosenbaum, and she and her husband walked off, humming as they went.

Gideon turned to face me and Vusi. His smile had vanished. I racked my brain to find something charming to say before he kicked us out in disgrace.

“I don’t know who the hell you two are but...” He laughed and shook his head in disbelief. “I guess I should thank you.”

I was too stunned to respond. He left us, and soon the guests had all streamed out of the venue and the only people remaining were me, Vusi, Ayanda and Jasper. A waiter appeared, set down his tray on a nearby table and started collecting the used glasses.

“Thanks for a great evening, Ayanda,” I said. I didn’t want to leave, but I couldn’t think of an excuse to linger. I gave her a wistful smile, took Vusi by the arm and started towards the door.

“Wait!”

I turned back to face her, my heart pounding with hope. “Yes?”

“Would you be interested in helping out at the orphanage with me? We’re always in need of more hands, and since you’re involved in so much charity work, I thought...”

“I’d be honoured,” I said. “Anything for the kids.”

“Let’s toast to that,” she suggested suddenly, snatching two still-full glasses from the waiter’s tray. She handed one to me.

Jasper glowered at me as I reached out to clink glasses with his girlfriend. He cleared his throat loudly. “Shouldn’t you be leaving now? It’s getting late.”

I took a few swigs from the glass, then put it back on the tray. “Yes, it is.”

Ayanda took a card out of her purse and held it out. “Give me a call tomorrow and we’ll work out the details.”

I took the card. “Thanks. I will.” I allowed myself one last look at her beautiful face, then grabbed Vusi and made my exit. “I think that went well,” I told him as we walked towards the car.

“The floor is moving,” he replied. “I think it’s telling us to dance.”

I patted his shoulder. It had been an incredible night, the best night of my life, and I was convinced it was only going to get better. As it turns out, I was wrong.