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proposal.”
    â€œYou know, Kenny, the best way to get over romantic problems is to find a beautiful woman to take your mind off the disappointment.” Richard points at several groups of beauties distributed across the restaurant, throwing the two men hopeful glances.
    At this moment Joy strolls in, wearing what some may call a T-shirt but what to most is recognisable as an eighties-style off-the-shoulder mini, worn with black stockings and red stilettos.
    â€œGod is great!” Richard exclaims.
    Kenneth turns to see what he is talking about and has to agree. “But isn’t that your ex?” he asks Richard, slightly puzzled.
    â€œYes . . . You think it’s possible she forgot what a jerk I was a few years back? Maybe I should go and find out . . . Oh look, she’s coming over here. What luck! Let’s hope she brought a friend and they’ll join us for dinner.”
    Kenneth is not really in the mood, but the thought of a night alone at home keeps him sitting. If nothing else, this should take his mind off his problems. One drink and a meal won’t hurt, he decides.
    Richard gets up as Joy reaches their table. “Joy Phefu . . . It’s been a while, and you’re looking gorgeous!” he declares with a charming smile.
    Joy tilts her head to the side and allows him to kiss her cheek. “Richard . . . Yes, it’s been a while indeed – four years, to be exact. Have you grown much?” She flashes a wicked smile at him.
    â€œOuch! Still as sharp-tongued as ever, just the way I like you – gorgeous, with no holds barred. I think I have in fact grown . . . So, here alone?”
    Joy laughs. “Still a chancer, as always. No, I’m not alone; I’m meeting a friend.”
    â€œA lady, maybe?”
    â€œWhoa,” she says, shaking her head incredulously. “Yes, a lady.”
    â€œThen why don’t you let us buy you and your friend dinner?”
    â€œI’m not sure about that; this was supposed to be a girls’ night out.”
    â€œRichard, let her go,” Kenneth says, sounding irritated. “She’s obviously not interested, and no gentleman forces his company on a lady.”
    Joy notices Kenneth for the first time and immediately likes what she sees. She extends her hand and purrs, “Joy Phefu.”
    â€œKenneth Tumaole.”
    â€œNice to meet you, Kenneth. My friend will be joining me soon. Maybe I’ll take a seat and have a drink with you while I wait?”
    â€œSure, please do,” says Richard, looking pleased. “One can always use the company of a beautiful woman.”
    Joy laughs and Kenneth sits back to watch the sabre-sharp flirtation, wondering why these two can’t see that they are perfect for each other. He doesn’t really pay attention to their conversation but sips his drink, nodding politely every now and again. As he glances around at the patrons in the restaurant, he sees Lesego enter, dressed in a summery halterneck chiffon dress in bright yellow that shows off her curves to perfection. Her hair is pulled away from her face, with a few tendrils to frame it, and her gorgeous eyes are luminous.
    Lesego looks around the place without seeing him. She takes out her phone and then Joy’s phone rings.
    â€œExcuse me, gentlemen,” Joy says, answering her phone and leaving Kenneth and Richard to listen to a one-sided conversation. “Yes, I’m here . . . Oh, there you are. Remember Richard? I’ve just bumped into him . . . No-no-no, I’m not doing it again . . .”
    Joy gives the men a fake little smile. “Just come over and say hello to him, then we can go and find our own table. I’m over here.” She lifts her hand and waves daintily at Lesego.
    Kenneth chokes on his drink and Richard gives him two slaps on the back to help him out. Kenneth gets up to flee just as Lesego arrives at their table. They both freeze and stare at each other; she