Confessions of a Modern U’Makoti(BWWM)

Confession #5

Confession #5

Under normal circumstances I am a gracious host. Not to toot my own horn. Waiting on my guest’s hand and hanging onto every word of their usually boring stories. But when I have an unwanted or uninvited guest, my generosity lessens. Especially when that guest happens to be our own family princess; Kea.

One can only imagine my surprise when my morning coffee was interrupted by the loud hooting of Kea’s car. With her luggage laid out on the lawn – enough bags to last a normal person three months - Kea gave me a rehearsed smile as I opened the door.

“Thati!” She exclaimed, engulfing me in an unexpected embrace.

“Kea? What are you doing here?” I asked as I pulled away, still very confused.

“Well, the wedding planner cancelled our meeting today, so I thought I’d just stop by anyway. You know, so we can reschedule? Anyway, aren’t you going to invite me in?” She pushed through the threshold but I stood in her way.

“What the hell? Why aren’t you at a hotel? Do you parents know you’re here? Does Thato?” Her face seemed to fall for a second, only a second and then her smile reappeared.

She faked a laugh before she spoke. “You know how lonely I get at hotels. I wanted to spend some time with you. And Mom knows I’m here. Thato’s busy with a few business things and he can’t be bothered with the wedding. So are you going to bring my stuff in or?” She smiled absently as my eyebrows rose. I don’t buy it.

Knowing Kea, I wasn’t going to find out what the hell was going on anytime soon. I studied her for moment. Great Brazilian weave, a fair complexion and her eyes were watery. “Okay, but you’re taking your bags in too. You know where your room is.” I gave her a small smile before wrapping an arm around her. “It’s good to see you again dolly.”

Kea’s bag’s did not want to end. You’d think there wouldn’t be enough space for all these designer bags in her tiny car. But once we’d finally cleared her car and I’d ungraciously dropped the last bag onto the floor, I needed to get some answers.

“Are you moving in? Cause we’re going to have to negotiate rent.” She laughed, but it wasn’t her usually laugh, it was fake and that didn’t sit well with me. She sat on the edge of her bed staring at her engagement ring. “You okay dolly?” I sat next to her.

“Yeah, I’m great. Look at my ring… “ She shoved her ring into my face. It was a statement. An elongated oval cut white diamond, if I remember my Rich Kids Diamond Spotting 101 class I’d say safely say there’s around twenty-two karats on her little finger.

“Wow, it’s a show stopper.” It really was, and yet Kea wasn’t as happy as I’d imagined her to be.

“You know, if we were back you’d probably have a ring just as big. And we’d be like our moms, organizing charity events and raising kids.” She laughed. “That would be nice, don’t you think?”

I tried not to cringe at the idea, being anything like my mother seemed more like a nightmare than the fairy-tale Kea was selling. “No, not particularly. Anyway, how long you staying over?”

“You want to kick me out already?” She gaped, like a goldfish.

“No, no. I just mean. I work and sometimes I go out and I need to check if you need a babysitter or not.” I joked, she rolled her eyes in response.

“Whatever, you know you love me and you’ll let me stay as long as I want.” She nudged me with her shoulders.

“And you need to stop exploiting my affection. And yeah, you can stay, you stray ol’ mutt. But only if you don’t eat my food. “ I warned, resulting in a real laugh from our little princess. “Anyway, I’m gonna head out to work. You know the wifi password, food’s in the fridge and I’ll be back later.” I began walking towards her door when she called for me.

“Do you have any plans for tonight?” She gave a small hopeful smile, I didn’t want to disappoint her.

“No, why?” I leaned against the door frame.

“How about a girls’ night out? I got two tickets to this really cool art exhibit at the Complex Art Gallery. Be my plus one?” She wrung her fingers nervously.

“Sure thing Dolly, I’ll call you later. Love you, bye.”

“Love you too.” She called as I left her room.

And after my third coffee and second scriptwriters meeting my day got a little more interesting. Our favourite bartender; Aaron, called. He’d been calling all weekend and on the odd occasion when I did answer, I was the i***t who had nothing to say.

“Hey there Tiger.” He greet, emphasizing on his ridiculous pet name.

“Hey, what you wanna rub it in my face yet again that I can’t play putt-putt?” I spoke sarcastically, earning a hearty laugh from the other line.

“No actually, I wanted to know if you had any plans for tonight?” He was nervous. I like. I could have played him a little just to watch him squirm (I was still very raw from him leaving me) but I just don’t have the energy.

“Aww, sorry bud. My cousin’s in town and we’re having a girls’ night tonight.” I faked a sympathetic tone.

“You’re not avoiding me are you?” I could hear the humour in his tone.

“Little ol’ me? Avoid you? “ I spoke in sweet voice.

“Okay, I hurt your ego the other night when I didn’t kiss you – “ Woah, you are not that fine to be throwing around comments like that, like you’re Mr Universe.

“Listen here, bartender, that has nothing to do with tonight. If I wanted to avoid you I would. If I wanted to kiss you I would. If I wanted to ditch my cousin for a guy, I would but I don’t so I won’t. “ Find your zen, find your zen before he finds out just how much you really like him. “Anyway, you’re taking me out tomorrow night. And please no fancy restaurants this time. “

He chuckled lowly before speaking. “Tiger are you asking me out on a date?” He spoke in a faux astonishment.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I was ordering you to go out on a date with me. “ I noticed, Dimpho approach me through the corner of my eye. “Uh- I have to get to work. I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

“Sure, I’ll call you tonight. Take care Tiger.”

“Bye Aaron.” I whispered as Dimpho’s eyebrow rose. The line soon went dead and Dimpho had that amused look on her face.

“Who was that?” She crossed her arms across her chest, smirking like a con-artist.

“No one. Just Aaron.” I shrugged my shoulders apathetically.

“Just Aaron?” Her face seemed to brighten up even more. “Just Aaron. You and Aaron went on a date and you didn’t think to call your best friend? Such a f*****g cow. What were you too preoccupied throughout the entire weekend with your new toy?”

I laughed humourlessly. “No, trust me. Nothing happened, he didn’t even kiss me. “I huffed impatiently as Dimpho howled in laughter.

“Come on Thati, that’s not funny.” She finally spoke once her laughter had died down.

“Hence me not laughing.” I deadpanned. Dimpho’s reaction was yet again delayed by a fit of laughter.

“Oh my God, you like him. Like, you’re invested and you don’t get invested. I accept flowers, money and any designer anything you have to express your gratitude.” The woman couldn’t even be modest for a spilt second, I snorted.

“I need to get to work.”

“Why? Thati, tell me what happened. “She begged with a pouty lips.

So I told. And then Dimpho called Nadia who had me retell the story. And by the time I got home I was tired of talking about Aaron. I’d been fangirling enough and Dimpho and Nadia had already planned our wedding. I was half way into changing into my usually surprise stained shirt but Kea reminded me of our little outing. She wasn’t taking no for an answer nor did she want to watch Magic Mike or the Chocolate Factory… And here I though male strippers would make her re-plan her entire night. Nope, Kea wanted art.

If I learnt anything worth learning while I was at school, it was to collect art. Kea and I had been collecting since we could understand the true value of art. So this was our definition of a night on the town, we weren’t raised to go clubbing or raving. We were raised to be socialites, the type that you see on tv with the large diamonds and old husbands with old money.

You have to understand this because, we didn’t just go to any old art gallery. Kea handpicked this one, it was exclusive with an open floor plan, white walls with unpainted concert floor and guests adhering to the strict black tie dress code. Very pretentious, very Kea.

Don’t get me wrong I love spending her but my taste had lessened considerably since I moved out of the nest. Keeping up with appearances was Kea’s thing, not mine so you can only imagine just how bored I was. With Kea gushing to her old friends -who had invited her here -about her wedding and the stunner of a ring she’d graciously flashed, I’d begun aimlessly admiring the art.

I’d been staring at one painting for the longest time. It was classic bathtub with a figure painted in white, the figure’s wrist was slit and the blood poured into the clear bathtub water. I didn’t know if I wanted to buy it or cry. While I stood still deciding a man stood beside me.

“I call it Blue Forest.” He spoke in a thoughtful tone.

“Why would you call it that? Why not Suicide? I spoke, still very much amazed by the piece in front of me.

“Well I guess that makes more sense.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m Samuel, the artist.” He stood still gawking at his artwork.

“Thati, the bystander. It’s a beautiful painting.” I complimented.

“Thank you, would you like to see the rest? “ He turned to face me this time. His red hair was a mess and his green eyes had bags and black circles surrounding them. He looked incredibly uncomfortable.

“You sure you don’t have investors to entertain? “ I smiled, he returned the smile.

“Everyone here, is here to socialise. You’re the only one here who’s here to admire the art. My partner can entertain the investor, he’s been doing it for hours. “He shrugged nonchalantly.

“You speak with a lot of distain towards your partner. But I’ll save a night of hell, show me some more incorrectly named works of art.” We’d began circulating through the gallery.

Imagine post modernism impressionism, portraits, photography, sculptures, abstracts and artwork inspired by Frida Kahlo, Mark Rothko, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Georgia o’Keeffee, Michel Angelo all in one room. That’s how Samuel described his and the other artists’ artwork on display. My inner art enthusiast was in awe. We’d stop a another painting that peaked my interest.

It was of a nude woman, her face had been blurred out by harsh brush strokes and her so had her breast and anything else that made her a woman. There was only a silhouette against the dark background.

“Who painted this one?” I asked marvelling at the work.

“My partner. He doesn’t paint as much anymore, but when he does, its powerful. “ He too gawked at the painting in admiration.

“What’s it called?”

“Modern Woman. He tries to empathise with women of this century, he said their bodies aren’t their’s anymore, so he blurs out anything that would attract you to a woman, disfiguring her like how society would.” Samuel still stayed trained on the painting in front of him.

“That is powerful.” I agreed.

“Would you like to meet him? He’d like you. See this girl that he’s interested in ditched him, maybe meeting you will make him forget about her.” He chuckled lightly as though he’d strain himself if he chuckled any harder.

“Sure, and then I’d like to buy the incorrectly name Blue Forest and Modern Woman. When you two die, I’m going to make a fortune.” I joked and this time he really did laugh.

He weaved us through a group of socialites before stopping behind a man with his hair tied into a tied bun at the top of his head, his black blazer held onto his board shoulders tightly. And then he turned around once Samuel called.

What the f**k.

“Thati?” He spoke just as surprised as I looked.

“Hey Aaron.” I waved awkwardly.

“You two know each other?” Samuel spoke just as confused.

“Yeah, this was the girl I was telling you about?” Aaron spoke in a hushed tone, and Samuel immediately turned pink with embarrassment.

“Thati! There you are. “Kea joined in. “ Listen I’m heading home. I have a massive headache.” Her eyes were red and watery, I didn’t want to make a scene so I’d let my curiosity die down.

“Oh okay, let’s go.” I hoped she’d allowed me to escape with her but she wasn’t going to let that happen.

“No, you’ve met two very handsome gentlemen.” She winked.

“Uhm – Aaron, Samuel this is Kea ; my cousin. Kea, this is Aaron and Samuel, they own the gallery. “ I introduced awkwardly wincing as Aaron kept his eyes on me.

We all exchanged pleasantries and small talk before Samuel escorted Kea to the car and I stood fumbling with my finger in front of Mr Artist.

“You look gorgeous tiger.” He spoke as he took a hold on my hand.

I gave him a small smile, “Thanks, uhm. Why didn’t you tell me you also own an art gallery?”

“The same reason why you didn’t tell me why you’re a Pedi princess.” He smirked defiantly.

“Right, well I wanted to buy a few pieces and then I’ll be on my way.” I tried walk in the other direction but then I remember he still held onto my hand.

“So this is your idea of a girls’ night out?” He spoke satirically.

“Princesses don’t party.” I said matter-of-factly, fixing his uneven collar. He smiled as his eyes wondered across the room then flickered back to me.

“You hungry?” He asked.

There was no food at this event. I mean, finger foods are cute and all, but I needed real food and Aaron was offering. How could I resist. “I’m starving.”

“Okay then, let’s go.” He began to walk towards the door before I pulled back.

“Wait, you’re just going to leave your party? What about your guests?” I asked.

He sighed. “For the last two and a half hours I’ve been board out of my mind talking to those people. I’ve been a good host, now I’m starving and so are you. Why not just leave?” He probed.

I had no answer. Hell I wanted to leave just as much as he did. So when I didn’t objected he pulled us out the gallery, to his car. It was late and the only restaurants open were McDonalds. I wasn’t picky, I was elated. I could eat all I wanted without feeling bad because of this place was cheap. Aaron and I were the only ones in the restaurant, dressed in our Sunday best with a table filled with half the menu, we ate like starved hyenas.

“Where did you learn how to paint like that?” I asked stuffing a nugget into my mouth.

“My mom. She experiment with every art medium until I was ten. She taught me everything I know.” The corners of his lips tugged upwards.

“So why have the bar if your gallery’s doing so well?” I questioned, I wasn’t convinced.

“The bar was me being realistic and safe, the gallery was a dream.” He stole a nugget.

“How so?”

“The bar was in a great location and people love getting drunk, it’s hard for a business like that to fail especially since we’re expanding. And the gallery started out in a garage in Sam’s house and once we found the space, it was just an opportunity that we were willing to grab. Anyway enough talk about business. You didn’t mention your cousin coming over?” He asked sipping on his drink.

I huffed still very confused by Kea’s sudden appearance. “We’re planning her wedding.”

“I didn’t know princesses planned their own weddings .” He spoke in a mocking tone.

“Shut up.” I flung a chip at him. “We’re not helpless, you know.”

He laughed. “I’m sorry tiger.”

I glanced at my phone. It was pretty late. “We should get going. Knowing Kea, my house is already on fire.” I teased.

And once we’d arrived at my house, standing beneath the archway I knew how this scene played out. I was setting the rules tonight and nothing would happen tonight. I’d found the extra keys I’d kept beneath my potted plants and waited for Aaron to leave.

He didn’t.

We just stood there waiting for someone to do something like two teenagers. It was awkward. I furrowed my eyebrows as a question popped up in my head. What was this guy doing with me? I mean think about it, he’s successful and I’m trying to be as poor as I can be, because I refuse to ask my parents for money. He probably made his mom proud whereas I was constantly disappointing mine.

“Aaron, what do you want from?” His eyebrows furrowed, “I mean, my last few boyfriends weren’t that picky. A few wanted a job at my dad’s mine, others wanted s*x. One wanted my clothes. Like my last boyfriend, yeah. He was engaged but it was strictly s*x. So what do you want?” I bit my lower lip awaiting his answer. I wanted to avoid any feelings getting hurt right now before I got in too deep.

“You were with an engaged man before?” I could hear the laughter in his voice.

“Yes, it was a huge mistake. Moving on, what do you want? Is it money? “ I questioned.

He took a few steps towards me. His jaw clench as my back pressed against the wall. I felt his palms cradle my cheeks as his scent engulfed me. His eyes were cerulean, barely showing the green streaks in between the blue. His breath mangle with mine as he pressed his body onto mine. With all the blood rushing to my ear, when he whispered.

“I want you.” It sounded as though he’d been shouting. His soft lips pressed against mine. I think my shock paralysed me for a second. I could feel his lips on mine and his warm tongue against the seam of my lips. My eyes shut as I involuntarily wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him.

I’d moaned into the kiss as his hands squeezed the nape of my neck allowing his tongue to caress mine teasingly. I could feel a familiar pressure in the pit of my stomach as he pressed his lips against mine with urgency. And just when I though it couldn’t get any better…

“Thati, when are you coming – Oh, nevermind.” Kea quickly slammed the door.

I pushed Aaron way. “You should go.” I could still feel the tingling sensation on my lips. He grinned in response.

“Okay, but I need a kiss for the road and goodnight kiss and a goodbye kiss.” He quipped, as his thumb brushed against my lower lip.

“Aaron, you need to go. It’s late.” I giggled.

“Not without my third kisses, tiger.” His eyes gleamed.

“Fine, three short pecks.” I warned.

“One for the road,” He pecked. “Goodbye.” He pecked again. “And Goodnight.” He kissed tenderly before pulling away like a happy schoolboy. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, now go. “ I’d pushed him off my patio if I had the strength. Or if I wanted to.

“Fine, Goodnight tiger.” He began walking towards his car before he spoke again. “I suggest you go insider before I find another use for those soft lips, tiger.” He winked before finally leaving.