Read Love's Courage for Free Online

doll!” Lesley pleads, all in one breath.
    â€œSure, it’s my job after all,” Lesego replies. “I’ll call a meeting to brainstorm some ideas.”
    â€œGreat,” Lesley says as she rushes away, relieved to have some of the pressure off her shoulders. “I’ll leave you to it.”
    * * *
    That evening Kenneth is having dinner with his friend Richard, who wants to coax him into becoming a financier of his independent film. He hopes he won’t have to say no, because Richard has a tendency to overreact and take things personally. The problem is, his taste is often over the top and not really commercial. As a venture capitalist Kenneth needs to be sure there is a possibility of profit, and as it is, film is a risky business to invest in.
    After the disappointment of the day, he was feeling a bit low and tried to get out of the dinner, but Richard impressed on him the importance of securing financing as soon as possible. So now Kenneth is sitting at the restaurant, waiting and scrolling through Lesego’s messages, wishing he could SMS her. He has in fact typed a few messages, but then deleted them again.
    In her small house Lesego is thinking of him as well. She is waiting for a message tone to show that it wasn’t all a dream, that the last few days meant something and that their kiss was almost the start of something wonderful.
    But after a while she decides to call Joy. “I have to get out. I can’t stay alone in this house another moment. I need company and some good restaurant food. It’s your duty as my friend to oblige me. Someday I’ll return the favour.”
    â€œWhoa, what bee crawled up your bonnet? As it happens, I was thinking of going to that new grill in Parktown; I’ve been craving a large steak. Shall I pick you up?” Joy asks.
    â€œI don’t know. You’re very impulsive and you have a tendency not to go home, or to go home with an unsuitable ex or a new beau . . . I’m not sure,” Lesego says hesitantly.
    Joy sighs. “Come on, I’m not that bad . . . Okay, maybe there’s an element of truth in what you said, but I can’t believe that you don’t trust me. Now tell me, do you have petrol?”
    â€œThat’s one thing I do have,” Lesego answers gratefully. “And money for a tip. So, can we meet at the place?”
    â€œSure. You know where it is?” Joy asks.
    â€œYes, see you there.”
    They ring off. Lesego decides to make sure that she looks hot. Tonight she desperately needs some admiring glances from men to boost her ego.
    When Richard arrives at the restaurant, he takes one look at Kenneth’s face and exclaims, “Monna! What’s up with you? You look like someone’s stolen your sunshine. Should I even pitch to you in this state?”
    Kenneth sighs. “I’m fine . . . I’ll try and be objective, but I’m not staying for long.”
    â€œYou have to, man! You obviously need a friend. What happened?”
    â€œThis weekend I met a girl who could’ve been the woman of my dreams, and today she came and pitched to a panel I was on.”
    â€œOkay . . . I’m not going to touch that one until after I’ve pitched my project to you. Then we can discuss that, or drink it away, deal?”
    â€œDeal,” Kenneth nods.
    Richard starts rattling off the pitch. “This movie is a science fiction story based on African spirituality. It’s about a tribe of supernatural beings who’re in a battle for owning the land. It has international as well as local appeal. The film’s going to cost fifteen million and I’ve secured twelve. I need the rest from you, so here’s the finance plan for your perusal, as well as a breakdown of what rights are still left and your possible return.”
    â€œWow, you’ve actually thought it through this time. It sounds interesting; I’ll take a look at your