Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Seven O'Clock

"Oh my God. You're nervous," Naledi laughs.

My head snaps around, brows furrowed, as I scoff at the WhatsApp video call propped up on my kitchen island. "I am not nervous."

"You're sweating, man." Sibisi's ugly mug cuts into the phone's frame.

"Well, I'm not _not_ nervous either."

"Zee-baby has a date," he teases.

"It's not a date," I correct, brushing my hands down my chest and smoothing my suit. "Vuyi specifically said it wasn't a date. Like multiple times."

Sibisi squints through the phone screen. "Hhayi, wena. So your table being set with candles and flowers is because this isn't a date?"

Turning back to my dining table, set with brand-new plates, linen and cutlery, all of it bought this morning, I realise my guy might be right. Not to mention the candles waiting to be lit, or the vase of roses in the middle that is roughly the size of a child.

"Is it too obvious?"

Both Naledi and Sibisi burst out laughing through the phone. "Zee, you have a private chef coming, for Christ's sake."

"Fuck. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I've never done this before."

"Just be yourself," Naledi soothes. "That's what tonight is about."

"What if she doesn't like the real me?" Leaning my forearms on the counter, I keep my focus on my two best friends through the screen, needing a bit of encouragement.

"Then she doesn't know what she's missing," Sibisi adds. "But I've been around the two of you for months, mfowethu. She likes you. She just doesn't like the act you put on, so cut that shit out with her."

"Zee," Naledi interrupts. "Yoh. Tell her everything."

"I will."

Looking back at the table set to perfection, realisation hits me. This isn't Vuyi.