Way Back Home. Niq Mhlongo

      “But definitely not tomorrow,” she added.

      “When is the right date?”

      “Let me see.” Senami paused as if mentally calculating something. “Today is already Saturday and we are having a traditional unveiling. Monday will work for me.”

      “What time is good for you on Monday?”

      “Half past twelve,” she said with a smile.

      Kimathi felt drawn to Senami’s beauty and intelligence and was convinced that if he could make a girl like her smile, then he was halfway up her legs. He did not remember ever having been so totally satisfied with a woman’s company. He opened the glove compartment and gave her his business card:

      Mr Kimathi Fezile Tito

      Master’s in Fine Arts, Underground People’s University of Siberia

      Chairman, Mandulo Construction

      There were cellphone and landline numbers on the back of the card. Senami looked at it briefly before opening the car door, then, like someone who didn’t want to make too much fuss, she quickly waved goodbye to Kimathi.

      “It will be great to hear your voice again,” Kimathi said, smiling at her.

      “Why? Were you auditioning me?” she asked jokingly as she stepped out of the car.

      “I definitely was,” Kimathi winked and smiled, “and I am a hundred per cent sure that you have made it to the next round of Idols.”

      “You better prepare your eyes for reality the next time we meet.”

      From the curl of her smile, and the happiness in her voice, Kimathi inferred that indeed she was also looking forward to seeing him again.

      “A looter continua, Mr Politician!” she shouted sarcastically, raising her fist.

      As she walked up the small paved driveway towards the house, Kima­thi watched the movement of her hips and legs. She swayed suggestively as she walked.

      “Yeah, a luta continua, comrade!” he exclaimed involuntarily, and raised his fist.

      Kimathi watched Senami open the door to the house, and disappear inside. He felt like he had been deserted by someone he loved. At the same time he felt blessed and remade at the thought that they were going to see each other again soon. With sweet thoughts of Senami still in his mind, he drove home convinced that his ancestors were smiling down on him.