Pedigree

The drive was supposed to be a maximum of six hours not we have taken eight hours, VK really took his time and besides we weren’t rushing for anything.

I am tired of sitting when we arrive, he already made reservations at Lake Kariba Inn. I have never been to this part of the country so despite it being a work trip I am grateful because I get to experience a new environment.

I want in the car as he goes to the reception to get the keys for the rooms, I get out of that car when I see him walking with someone towards the rooms. The evening breeze feels really after being on the road for so long. My eyes dart around and take in as much as possible, I can hear some noise from what looks like a bar or restaurant and my stomach picks the same moment to rumble. I refused to eat anything on the trip so I am hungry.

VK returns with the man he was with.

‘The rooms are ready and the gentleman here will direct you to your room.’ He says

The man helps with my bags and we walk towards the room, once inside the first thing that comes to my mind.

There is an extra king size bed in that middle of the room, a couch and table. Another table which has a small chair that looks like a reading table, a small fridge on the other side of the room and a huge television installed on the wall. He shows me the closet, then tells me how to use the remote for DSTV and Netflix. Before leaving he shows me how to open the glass windows leading to the balcony, I almost feel my tears drop from joy as I look at the Kariba in plain sight. It looks beautiful in the night.

When he leaves I lock the door and throw myself on the bed, this is exactly what I need to mend my broken heart but sadly it is a work.

I receive an email from VK telling me to meet him at that restaurant in an hour, I laugh at that because he could have texted but instead to send me an email.

I want to use the shower but then soak myself in the jacuzzi, an hour is a lot of time.

As I sit in here I can’t help but think of what Nelson is doing right now, my heart folds in knots just thinking of the amount of sex he must be having with his wife on the honey moon. I know dad said I shouldn’t try to get closure because it might not be what I expect but a part of me wants to know where I went wrong for him to treat me the way he did. And what’s funny is that I never suspected anything, I mean how long did the two actually date for them to decide to want to get married? The temptation to drown myself in here is very high so I come out, dry my body and walk to the bedroom. After picking out an off the shoulder dress that has a slit on the side I realize I only have a few minutes before the hour that VK gave me elapses.

I leave my phone charging and walk out of the room, the evening breeze is doing me justice. I walk to the restaurant and I can spot him just next to the pool and wind decides to pick this very moment to blow through my dress exposing my thigh, I feel embarrassed because VK is sitting in such a way that he is facing me and I see a few eyes stare at me. I want to hold it now but then it will show just how uncomfortable I am so I just pretend like I didn’t notice what happened.

‘Good evening.’ He says standing up when I get to the table

‘Good evening.’ I respond taking a seat, he sits after me.

‘Ready to order?’ A waiter asks

I notice VK is drinking some whisky and the temptation to drink wine is very high but then I need to remember why I came.

‘Yes whenever the lady is ready.’ VK responds

‘I just want a mighty big juicy fried fish with lots of fries and different sauces with cranberry juice.’ I say

‘Good choice.’ The waiter responds

‘I will have the same, without the juice.’

‘Coming right up.’

Another one comes and brings us a bottle of wine, but then with just one glass.

‘It will help you relax after dinner.’ VK says

I just smile.

‘You didn’t come with your phone?’

‘I left it charging.’

‘That is strange, at your age I would have expected you to want to take a lot of photos of yourself.’

‘It’s dark.’ I lie even though I know even in the light I wouldn’t do it.

‘And where is yours?’ I add

‘Charging.’

I chuckle to that.

‘What are you passionate about?’

‘What?’ I ask, that is the last question I would have expected.

‘What are you passionate about?’ he repeats

‘Love I guess.’

‘That is not convincing.’

‘After your boyfriend of four years ends up marrying another woman, well I think I am sounding better.’ I say with a chuckle

‘That’s just sad, want to talk about it?’

‘You are kidding me right?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You don’t know who my ex is?’

‘Am I supposed to know?’

He looks genuinely surprised at all this but that doesn’t mean that I will hurt any less.

‘Sweka.’

‘Don’t call me that.’ I snap

‘I am sorry VK, honestly. Maybe my dinner should be brought to my room.’ I say standing up

‘Well I guess we will both eat from your room.’

‘What?’

‘You heard me.’

I chuckle then sit back down.

‘I am sorry for sounding insensitive but honestly I don’t know who you were dating.’

‘It’s Nelson.’

He shakes his head

‘Vaughn’s husband.’

He looks at me, his face void of any emotions.

‘Yeah.’ I say

The waiter chooses the very moment to bring our food, I might have been going through a moment but the smell of the food has me excited.

I wash my hands not bothering with cutlery and dig right in, the food actually hits all the right places.

I pour myself a glass of wine when I finish eating, I honestly enjoyed the food and I am glad VK didn’t bother bringing up the issue of Nelson and his daughter because I was going to lose my appetite.

We are lost in the moment talking about everything away from work and personal lives when I catch him staring at me, it makes me a little uncomfortable or maybe I have just had a little too much to drink so I decide to call it a night.

‘I will escort you to your room.’

‘Sure.’ I respond standing up

I look at the water and smile with a huge grin on my face.

‘Don’t.’ He begs, I don’t listen. I take off my dress and jump into the pool in my underwear and bra, the wine must have hit me really hard because this is definitely not me.

..

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Winnie

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