Tom held Takuzwa’s hand as they walked towards their table at Twapandula Foods. Takuzwa ordered juice with cake and Tom ordered waffles, baked beans, bacon with coffee.
“What do you mean I am a bad influence?” Takuzwa snapped once the waiter had left.
“Ma sat me down, she was wondering why I’ve been having so many late nights” Tom replied
“And” Takuzwa responded with raised eyebrows
“Long story short, she’s told me I need to stop living like I’ve made it or move out.” Tom said reluctantly
“Sucks for you, but how am I the bad influence?” Takuzwa inquired as the waiter approached with Tom’s Coffee and Takuzwa’s juice and Cake.
“You’re the reason I go out to these things at all” Tom replied over the rim of his coffee.
“Tom you’re grown, how are you going to blame me for what you decide? Is this a joke?” Takuzwa asked putting her fork down
Iyanu’s names popped up on Tom’s phone as it began to ring. Tom sighed in despair
I can’t catch a break, Tom thought to himself wondering what Iyanu wanted from him. Tom found Takuzwa glaring at him with disgust.
“You’re on your phone, this is a date no phones!” Takuzwa snapped, shocking Tom.
“Kuku, its work. Which believe me, I had no plans for this year until I met you and you made me ambitious. See, it’s your fault” Tom smiled
“You’re so sweet Tom, I wish I could pack you in my carry on luggage. But it’s better this way, before I completely lose myself in those big hazelnut eyes of yours.” Takuzwa said holding Tom’s hand
Finesse by Ikko Ace and Muko begun to ring on Tom’s phone as Iyanu appeared on the screen again. “Just pick it up” Takuzwa sighed
“Nah, shes waited these 3 weeks, what’s a couple hours? I’ll call her after I see you off” Tom said placing his phone on mute.
“What did you ever tell her?” Takuzwa asked curiously
“I simply told her I needed time to soak up the environment, get inspiration before we decide what we want to effectively do.” Tom said wearing a bin grin
“You’ve spent it showing me the Zambian lifestyle you have not soaked anything up. Wont you be in trouble?” Takuzwa worried
Tom grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest “You’ve been my environment, none of this happens if you don’t ask me your silly question first time we met.” Tom chuckles
After their date Tom drove Takuzwa to the twins house and escorted the family as they went to the airport. It was an emotional goodbye with Tom sitting in his Audi wiping away the tears as he thought of his time spent with Takuzwa. His phone rang just as he started the ignition
“Iyanu, hi” Tom said sheepishly
“Why have you not returned my calls?” Iyanu snapped angrily
“I told you, I needed time to explore and answering your calls as I finished my exploration would have been premature.”
“Premature?” Iyanu interrupted Tom
“Yes premature, we’ve waited for almost a month. A few more hours wouldn’t hurt. Look I’m driving now I’m coming to the space let’s meet there and hush it all out.” Tom said leaving the airport in his review.
His stopped by the mall, buying food and container of coffee for the long nights ahead. He drove into his parking space at the back of the space.
“Iyanu got some food if you’re interested” Tom shouted upon entry as he turned the kettle on in readiness to brew himself a cup of coffee.
“A peace offering is too late, I don’t think you’re as motivated as I am. How can we work together?” Iyanu asked walking into the kitchen to face Tom
“You have something against food?” Tom asked grabbing himself some chicken wings and pizza on a plate
“I have something against you Tom and your carefree attitude!” Iyanu snapped clearly frustrated
“You want outstanding art to feel this space up, am I right?” Tom asked as he drunk his coffee
“Yes and clearly it can’t be done with you” Iyanu retorted
“Have you picked a theme? Do you know what you want the opening of the space to look like? To say those who will view it? Will you be creating the art or you want me replaced?” Tom asked calmly over the rim of his coffee cup
The two sat in silence as Iyanu digested Tom’s words
“For one I’m going to participate in making the art. Now that the paper work is done” Iyanu said picking herself a chicken wing with a smile on her face.
“I heard rumours about that, something about you being a child protege, fun. What theme are you looking to create?” Tom asked
“Love” Iyanu whispered
“I like that idea” Tom said
Iyanu stared at Tom perplexed she had been expecting opposition. The two sat in the kitchen to their space brainstorming ideas to turn love into an art exhibition. The two had been carried away they had not noticed it get dark outside until it was past twenty hours.
“You’ve done all the paperwork, let me take care of the creative angle. Go home come back tomorrow I’ll have plans laid out that we can build or tear down with you in the morning.” Tom said as he escorted Iyanu to her army green Jeep wrangler.
With no hesitation Iyanu got into her car and drove herself home leaving Tom alone with his ideas.
