Chapter 2

"For what this place supposedly costs, you'd think they could spring for a shuttle that doesn't involve standing on a curb in the middle of nowhere," Kagiso said as his breath fogged in the air. He had his hands jammed into the pockets of a handsome wool overcoat, trying to keep warm.

"It's part of the mystique, probably," I countered. I was wearing my favourite leather boots over dark jeans and a soft cashmere jersey, but the wind still found its way through. We stood with our suitcases, two chilly bodies against a backdrop of tall trees and an empty mountain road.

Just as I was starting to think Thabo's wedding gift was an elaborate prank, a bus slid into view. It was a luxurious long black coach with heavily tinted windows. The moment it parked in front of us, the door slid open, and a stocky man stepped out. He was older, with a magnificent white beard and a smooth black jacket.

"Kagiso and Lerato?"

We nodded.

"I'm Themba. Welcome!" I was expecting a handshake, but he didn't seem to have the time. Instead, Themba hefted our bags with ease. "Just a warning, it's an open-play bus and the party has already started," he said, gesturing to the open door. "If you aren't comfortable with that, I can easily call you a private car. Otherwise, drinks are by your seats."

Kagiso and I shared a quick look. Curiosity won out, and we braced ourselves before stepping up.

A powerful gust of perfume hit us, followed by a musky scent that reminded me of all the clubs we went to in our earlier years. A thump of upbeat music then vibrated through the soles of my boots, and instantly, I felt a surge of nostalgia. But not without unease, too.