Tom couldn’t hide his excitement, replying as quickly as his mind would allow him to move. As he read the delivery message with a smile he noticed the awkward silence coming from the FIFA playing duo.
Chongo and Jack were both looking over their phones at Tom, forgetting to pause the game.
“What?” Tom asked checking his phone for signs.
“Kapya posted your painting of that girl, Takuzwa. It’s getting some massive love and hate online” Jack commented scrolling through his phone.
“That doesn’t matter, peanut brain!” Chongo snapped grabbing the phone from Jack.
“The caption is what’s important. Ah! yes, here, “This is what you do when you want a Queen. Make yourself known like Tom has with my sister, Takuzwa. Tom come get your Queen” Chongo read the comment staring at Tom.
Tom looked at his phone horrified, “Do you think shes in on it?” Tom asked seemingly disappointed.
“What’s wrong guy?” Jack quizzed Tom shocked by his change in demeanor
“Is she hungry for attention, just like all these other girls?” Tom asked as his finger hanged over the “yes” button while he contemplated deleting Takuzwa’s number
“Woah, this post is getting crazy attention, you’re going to be famous man.” Chongo chimed in
“People out here, actually asking how much you charge for painting? You could start a business” Chongo roared with laughed
“Wait, people are interested in paying?” Tom exclaimed lifting his head from his phone.
“Well, not people, just one guy” Chongo crocked his response.
“Inbox him, let’s see if his serious” Tom said feeling hope conjure a plan up for him
“Hope this is not a revenge plot” Jack spoke, as Chongo navigated his way into the the guy’s DM
***
Tom had barely left the garage all week, only thing plaguing his mind as he worked on Iyanu’s sculpture was showing Takuzwa he didn’t need her pity money. Iyanu replied to Chongos message on Facebook and met up with Tom.
Iyanu wanted a painting of Kobe Bryant to give her boyfriend for his birthday but Tom convinced her a sculpture would be a much better gift and set about getting it ready for his birthday the next week.
There was a hoot outside waking Tom from day dream as Chongo walking in moments later.
“Ah you’re right on time sonny” Tom spoke giving Chongo a hug.
“I need you to take pictures of Kobe” Tom said standing aside to show Chongo his finished work. “What do you think?” Tom asked his friend.
“Yoooo! Tom you are really amazing” Chongo said pulling his phone out to take pictures of Kobe immortalised by the hands of Tom.
“Relax Chongo, don’t post anything until I’ve given it to that Iyanu girl and taken some pictures with her” Tom spoke patting Chongo on the back.
***
Tom covered the sculpture as he got out of the car leaving Chongo alone. He walked into corner cafe looking around for Iyanu amongst all the people. Before he could move far he saw Takuzwa sitting with the twins in a the short distance. He quickly threw himself into an empty seat with his back towards the twins.
To Tom’s relief, Iyanu walked through the door, he motioning for her to join him at the table. A waiter soon followed presenting menus but Tom quickly dismissed him.
“I’m sorry if I may come off as brass but I’ve just seen some people I would much rather avoid” Tom said quickly looking back to where he left Takuzwa sitting. He didn’t see her and sighed a sign of relief as he turned back to face Iyanu.
Tom was stunned to find Takuzwa starring right at him
“Iyanu, how do you know with this guy? Takuzwa asked
“I don’t know him, remember he did that painting of yours and I needed a gift for Michael, so here we are” Iyanu said eyeing the covered object before her.
“You are friends, was this a plan?” Tom asked defensively holding the sculpture
“Woah if you two have problems… wait is she the person you were avoiding?” Iyanu remarked starring at them both
“Maybe we should do this another time” Tom begun as he stood to leave
“Takuzwa shoo before you spoil my deal” Iyanu chased her friend as she concluded her business with Tom.
Iyanu paid Tom K3000 a bargain she thought as she walked to her friends table ready to show off Michael’s gift.
