Chapter 2
We had to go back home and help mom. If someone would come and ask me who are my role models? I wouldn't hesitate, I will just tell that particular person that, my role models are my parents I look up to them. For the way they treat, look and love each other, you just tell no need to ask them! Do you love each other or you no longer have the connection or you are just staying in this relationship because of the kids. What we are learning every day is that love is between two imperfect couple who are trying hard to understand each other's flaws and feelings! Love can be described in many different ways. That is the love I see each and every day through my parents. Just when we got home, mom welcome dad with a smile, and he kisses her on the chick. And I also kissed mom on the chick.
"Wow my dear what happened to you?" in a surprised manner she asked.
"Nothing mom, I just wanted to show you that I appreciate everything you do for me. And also apologize for my behavior this morning."
"Even if I was mad you surely know how to soften a lady's heart I wonder where you got that from?" she teased.
"Of course this boy takes after me" said pops "after all he's got all my good looks and the charms." He bragged.
I went to my room made a phone call and of course my best friend Trevor.
"Man! What's up?" I greeted him filled with so much energy and joy. He toned down my emotions.
"So you decided to call me now huh?" he said.
"Yes I just want to thank you that's why am calling you?" with a sunk tone. But he was so angry with me.
"Thank me?" he said. I could imagine his attitude just from the background of my ear that he was mad and didn't want to talk to me!
"Yes thank you! Mon… and why are you so upset?" I enquired.
"Whatever is going on in your life now please don't ever involve me!" he said. "All I just want to do right now is to focus on my assignment and sleep!"
"Trevor, please" I bagged. "It was some sort of misunderstanding I know you meant well."
"Sort of misunderstanding you say, do you know that Mercy girl almost ripped my head off after your crush told her that I haven't said anything to you?" he shouted. "It's all thanks to you, if you didn't hang up my calls when I was busy trying to get hold of you none of this could have happened."
"My friend I'm sorry that I brought all that you!"
"Look Joe, I just want to do my work then go to bed. Not all of us have rich dads who'll take us out of class and take us to lunch and never borders to ask how class was!"
"Trevor you are being unfair now!" I said.
"Whatever man" he replied.
It got me thinking, if Mercy could speak any how to my friend disrespecting him publicly. So what was Lindy doing? Was she just watching her friend Mercy disrespect my friend just like that? Maybe I don't know her the way I claim to. I have to find out what exactly happened today.
Dinner came, father's guests arrived, and we hosted them and at the table as we all mingled. It was great until Mr. Meyers had a simple question.
"So Joe!" said Mr. Meyers. "You are currently studying Civil Engineering right?
"Yes sir" I replied.
"You are studding Civil engineering?" Out of surprise expressed his son.
"So you also want to have your own construction company like your father?" Mr. Meyers questioned.
"To answer that question Mr. Meyers is that, I've always loved Building Science ever since I was a little boy. But then I figured out something in me that was hidden… I can't follow the same footsteps as my father! They are so big to fill!" I said.
"What is that?" asked Mr. Meyers. "What is it that you've found that has been hidden?"
"Art is what I Have found, and I'm passionate about it!" I swaggered.
"See Vusi here," He pointed at his son. "Is an artist he can help you get up on your feet and record your first album!" he too swaggered.
"No! No! No! I'm not talking about that kind of art but paintings," I said.
"Oh! So that's what you are talking about painting?" he looked surprised.
"Yes! Paints and pencils, that kind of art,"
"So Vusi do you also D.J at clubs and private parties too?" Musa enquired.
"Wow, how did you come up with that ideal question?" Vusi enquired. Having my younger brother Musa who is smarter than any of us in the room just replied him back without second thoughts.
"There's no need to guess what kind of music you do, because your dress code just represent you? He said.
And everyone laughed at the table.
"So what kind of music do you listen to Joe?" asked Vusi. "For I can tell the way you dress up, that you are a praying kind of a guy and I assume its gospel."
"You got that right I'm a born again Christian saved by the grace of God." I bragged.
"Dude stop you sound like you want to preach to me right now." he jested.
"You don't look like you love church, do you?" I asked.
"Relax man don't feel intimidated by Me." he said.
"See we do go to church every Sundays" said Mr. Meyers "but my son here, does get busy on some Sundays…"
"…Yes that's because, I'm trying to make a living Pap's." said Vusi "I sometimes just can't stand those boring pastors reminding you about the blood of Jesus… it gets all spooky and weird."
Mom and Mrs. Meyer's didn't comment on our topics they just tidied the table.
"That was an excellent dinner there Mrs. Radebe." remarked Mr. Meyers.
"Perhaps next time you should join us for dinner." suggested Mrs. Meyers.
"Joe! Called Vusi "do you mind showing me your paintings?" he asked.
"No not at all, come with me please." I said. And definitely we were all equal! Mrs. Meyers was with Mom at the kitchen, Musa went to fetch the family photo album and showed it to Veronica Mr. Meyers's daughter and the two bulls mingled about their cooperates businesses.
"Wow man you are extremely gifted." he said.
"Thanks man I appreciate that." I expressed.
"You painted all of this?" he asked.
"Yes you looking at the Artist man" said I.
"Tell me man so why do hide your talent here to be wasted? Because you should be out there opening your own studio gallery and cashing in millions?" he said "don't lock your talent man and hid it here!"
"I will man! But someday."
"Look man I see that you are a Christian guy but truly speaking, If you were to spread your wings out just like I did, chicks would be screaming and shouting your name!" he swaggered.
"Girls, Huh,"
"Yes, man girls! Chicks love guys who'll sketch them, have portraits of them hanging… come on man wake up! …And come to think of it, am sure your girl loves you so dearly." he winked.
"No man I don't have a girl." I replied unwillingly.
"What!" he exclaimed. "You are kidding me right?" The way he stared at me it was like his seeing a ghost.
"Jesus man, you are not serious aren't you?" he expressed.
"Of course I am serious!" I exclaimed. "Why would I joke about something so serious like that?"
"I have like, four steady girlfriends! He boasted. "And have like three side-chicks and you don't have even one girl!" He continued "like really now are you even a man?" that angered me for he was being insolent.
"Man, are you sure, you're not gay?" he said.
"For goodness sake man," I exclaimed. "You know I'm a Christian and I know what the bible says about gay people!" I was fuming. This guy was making fun of me and also disrespecting me on my own home.
"I see where your problem is now" he said. "It's all this Christian religion of yours! You guys think you know but you don't, and now you'll die a virgin like Paul of tarsus still waiting from a vision from God to show you which women to marry!" I was so angry that I could punch him on the face; this guy has got no discipline. I had to show him out of my space.
"Look man! You don't know me and I don't know you either, so before I even do something that I'll later regret please leave!" I showed him the door just before he walked out the door he looked at my Physical Science award a grade eleven award that had my name and date of birth.
"Joseph Victor Radebe: Born 14 February 1986! You were born on a lover's day and yet here you are struggling to get a girlfriend". He mocked me.
"Vusi please step out of the door!" I yelled and then I stood by door and told him to leave whilst I lowered my voice.
"You are such a waste man you can't get girl at the age of 25, its 2011 moron, girls are everywhere like taxis you miss one and you'll catch the next one, Tsk! Shame on you!" and he left.
I closed the door and wished I could scream from the bottom of my lungs but then I calmed myself down. All I had to do now was to be on a mission. A pursuit on finding my women if I don't I'll be a joke of the town. Curiosity kept on playing tricks on my mind I wanted to know, how is it possible for a guy to date seven women? Is he trying to be like King Solomon or is some sort of pervert! Or something is he even normal? Maybe he is normal and I'm just a looser and can't get girl, he's a man he can date seven women! Let me stop this whining about other people's private lives and focus on my own boring life. My head was bowed and my hand was on my forehead. All I could think of was to ask for Musa's help! I'm older than him but I needed his advice, I was glad when he came to my room.
"Bro… the Meyers are leaving" he said. "Don't you want to say your goodbyes?" he asked.
"No just tell them I'm on the phone, will meet again on our next dinner!" I said.
"Why don't you want to say goodbye to them?" he asked.
"I'll tell you! Just do as you are told will you?" I yelled softly.
"Don't talk to me like that!" He said. "It's only a matter of time, am down and counting in ten months I'll be turning eighteen". He went to do what I've asked of him and came back.
"Mom and dad are accompanying them to their car, so are you going to tell me what's troubling you?" he said. He looked straight into my eyes.
I pulled out a pack of drawings of Lindy and showed them to Moos. He nick-named himself 'Moos' because of his brains, he reflects fast, his smart and also brave.
"I need you to help me with this girl." I requested.
"Wow she's pretty MH! MH! MH! She's gorgeous! What's her name? She's striking hot!" he admired.
"She might be coming here tomorrow after…" I didn't even get a chance to finish my sentence.
"Wait! Wait! Since when did you have dirty minds bro…?" he inquired.
"Shh... stop it! It's not what you're thinking." I whispered. "I'll be helping her with an assignment!"
"Oh ok I see, you'll be helping her with an assignment here at home? Is that right?" he queried.
"Yes! That's what I said isn't?"
"So why are you freaking out? He asked. "You don't date this girl! Or are you guys dating?" I stared at him and he already knew the answer.
"Oh! Oh you want me to play my part, help you hook up with this girl right?" he enquired.
"Am glad you already knew what I wanted to ask of you!" I said.
"But what do I tell her? What is it that I'll say?" He looked tangled.
"Just be yourself that's all, I ask and try to score a few points for me that's all".
"You love her but you can't tell her?" he said.
"She's all I've prayed for and wished on a woman." I looked at her beauty on the sketch board.
"Just the look in your eyes I see that you love her." he said. "Ok then J.R I'll help where I can." he tapped me at the back and I smiled.
"Thanks buddy I know I can count on you."
I was happy and knew that my mission has started and I can get the girl. The next day, went back to campus, Trevor didn't border to greet me like always.
"Hey Mon…What up,"
"Hi Joe… and by…"
He gave me a cold shoulder. It got to me, what was it that I did that offended my best friend? I'm that kind of a guy who expresses regret when he's done wrong.
"Trevor, please wait," He continued walking. I had to shout louder for him to wait. "Trevor, Mon… I don't know why you are being like this." tensely.
"Oh so you don't know now huh?" he came closer to my face.
"No I don't." I stopped him with my right hand because he wanted to leave.
"Get your hands of me!" he said. "If you know what's good for you, you'll get out of my face!"
"Mon… I don't know why you are so angry with me, but then it's cool, have a great life!" I expressed myself and then took my leave.
"I so hate it when a girl humiliates me. I'm a man!" he shouted! "I won't tolerate to be disrespected, by you or anybody else."
"I'm sorry for the things I've done and of those that I haven't occurred yet." I apologized and
I turned away, and left him standing on the runway, before our lecturers he came to me.
"Hey man…I'm sorry for the way I treated you". He said "It was uncalled for please forgive me!" he looked sincerely.
"Whatever man…"
"Look man I said i was sorry!" he carried on.
"It's ok" I said.
"Really man, you cool?" he looked amassed.
"Yeah I am. Just tell me what made you to be like you were earlier!" His facial changed.
"See I hate that Mercy chick, she made me look like a total lunatic yesterday, but I put that blame on you!" He pointed.
"On me man….how come," it freaked me out.
"It's your entire fault, if you had not rejected my calls yesterday. I wouldn't have slept feeling lesser of man." He was tense and looked down.
"What really happened yesterday?" I enquired.
"I told your so called 'crush' that you could help her with her assignment because she's doing another part time course in Arts, then I gave her your numbers, I did this on purpose I know that this would be your chance to ask her out on a date, but then when I tried calling you Mon… you kept on rejecting my calls that! That made me a total idiot she almost chopped my head off! Because I was trying to help you!" he was so fuming in a cool manner though.
"Am sorry Mon…" I had to be sincere.
"Wait! Mon… let me say my peace then you'll apologize, thank me or do both when am done," he said. "Lindy did call you I suppose,"
"Yes she did," I replied.
"Ok. I don't know what you said because she told her crazy friend and that crazy friend of hers came to me so bad, she disrespected me Mon…" he exclaimed. "She undressed me with her words, I was so… irritated Mon!" he spoke breathlessly I could see the anger in his eyes; It has been a while since I last saw Trevor angry as he was.
"Don't worry Mon, I'll deal with her, just live her to me," I consolidated.
"Don't be to hush on her because you might ruin your chances with Lindy," he said.
"Don't worry Mon I'll deal with it in a respectful way," I enhanced.
"Look here they come," he pointed with his head. As they came close approaching us, imagination took over my mind, when I saw her coming I could see her coming to kiss and hug me.
"Hello my love" she said. "How are you doing today?"
"Am all good babes" I said. "And I'm so glad to see you"
"Mon… Mon, Tsk Joe!" Trevor cried out.
"Sorry Mon, just that sometimes…" I said.
"… His totally weird" Mercy said.
"You think?" asked Lindy.
"Yeah his doing the same thing he did during lectures." she whispered. "Are you sure he'll help you out?" she enquired.
"Hello Joe," Lindy greeted with a nice, sweet voice. "Trevor I just want to apologize about yesterday's scenario." she looked at him and I had to say something before Trevor drags out the worst of himself.
"Look ladies you seem to know a lot and you can disrespect, anybody and anyhow as long as it suites you perfectly" I spoke calmly.
"I did apologize a few seconds ago…" said Lindy. "I just did and all am asking from you is that you help me with my assignment that's all I wish from you," she said.
"So?" I looked into her eyes. "…Why isn't your friend here 'Lara Croft' not apologizing..." I questioned. "And perhaps she's preparing something." we both smiled.
"Whoa! Who did you just call Lara Croft?" she spoke with a strange attitude.
"Stand back Mon! She mind add you on her collections of tombs." said Trevor.
"She might stretch out her claws and scratch me Mon, am scared." I jested.
"Guys please stop! Stop it, look am sorry that I told Mercy about Trevor's actions yesterday." apologized Lindy.
"Maybe this will teach you not to run to Lara here…" said Trevor.
"Maybe what," Lindy probed.
"When you guys where coming from a distance we were discussing about you," he said. I did not know what was on Trevor's mind, he continued speaking.
"Joe is no longer interested in helping you maybe you should look for another artist!" he said. "Joe doesn't like girls who disrespects men!" they stood still and listened to him speak. "What kind of a wife would you be towards your husband? Let's say in five (5) years' time." he concluded. Lindy's eyes began to be teary and Trevor knew that that assignment was important to her and he joked around with her feelings.
"Um… Joe is this true? That…"she looked at me with teary eyes, I don't want to see her cry and now am seeing her in a bad state, it made me feel uncomfortable and I had to play along too.
"…I'm sorry but I've a lot of things to do," I spoke in polite way. "Please forgive me," we then walked away from them.
"Don't worry dear; we'll get someone to help you out." Mercy consoled.
"Time is running out Mercy! Where will I find someone to help me?" she inquired her, as we were far from a distance away, from them I for told Trevor.
"Don't ever put me on a tight situation like that ever again."
"Am sorry Mon I know that what I just did have hurt your feelings." he said. "I had to do it! And hurting her has made me to hurt you." He concluded.
"Men were created to provide for their women; they were made to put a smile on their faces, not to let them shed even a single tear," I opinionated.
"Mon, she's not your woman" he said. "You are not in a relationship with this chick, you just have a crush on her that's all," he declared.
"Yeah Mon you are right! How am I going to get a chance to pour my heart out? Chances are limited for her to take me seriously after the stunt you pulled." I outspoken.
"Dude you said, you were going to deal with her!" he said. "And you are blaming me for that? I was the one who got humiliated after trying to hook you up with her!" he exclaimed.
"I'm grateful for all your effort of trying to hook me up with her, I really am but…"
"… But you are not expressing your gratefulness, I played my part and you didn't! That girl didn't even apologize". He voiced out.
"Look man… Mercy will come and apologize believe me, look at them they seem not to see eye to eye right now!" I consoled.
"They are quarrelling aren't they?" he asked.
"Their conversation wasn't promising, girls will always be girls, and they would fight for something that is not even worth fighting for."
"Mercy, you really need to apologize to Trevor." she said.
"Am not going to do that girl, am sorry." she said.
Lindy sighs "Do you really know how important this assignment is to me?" She probed.
"Of course I do girl…"she said.
"…Well then if you know you will have to put your pride aside and apologize to Trevor, so that Joe can help me!" Lindy insisted.
"But I won't apologize to him uh, uh!" She shook her head. And as they were still arguing, a handsome well-presented man came towards them. I got jealous, why is that old man approaching young girls? And little did I not know that man was looking for me! Strange huh!
"Hello girls." he greeted.
"Morning sir, how can we be off help?" Mercy queried.
"I am looking for a young man called JOSEPH VICTOR RADEBE" he said. "Do you by any chance know where I could find him?" he enquired.
"What do you want with him if I may ask." said Lindy.
"Oh! Ok I'll take that as an answer, you girls do know where I can find this young man!" he said. "So I'll take it you'll direct me to him once I have told you what business I want with him huh?" he inquired.
"Yes sir" they both replied. "I'll definitely lead you to him," said Lindy. He then plucked out his phone and on my mind I kept questioning myself, why did he take out his phone from his pockets? Is he saving the girls phone numbers?
"Look! This guy am looking for Joseph uploads wonderful art work on his every page on all his social networks, he always writes 'A PENCILS MIND AND PAINT, ON A PAPER' he always gets over five thousands likes," He said.
"Did you just say over a five thousand?" asked Mercy.
"Yes! Five thousand that's what I said." he bragged.
"Wow! He is totally gifted, that's a work of art!" admired Lindy.
"I want to offer this guy an opportunity of a life time," said he. "So do you mind showing me this young man?" he asked.
"And, and what is that you want to offer him if I may ask" Lindy asked.
"Well my dear that's for me to know and for you to find out!" he said. "So are you going to show me this young man?" he enquired.
"Yes! Yes his over there, dressed on with a black jean and a yellow body tight t-shirt." Lindy pointed.
"Ok thank you my dear I see him very clear, that young man has a body of a wrestler, his well-built. Am sure girls are throwing themselves at him. Anyways thank you again for your kindness ladies." he acknowledged.
As this mystery man came towards our direction, I wondered why were those girls pointing at us for we did them no harm.
"Do you know who that man is?" asked Lindy.
"No I don't!" replied Mercy.
"That's Michael Ngozi! His Willie Adams assistant, one of S.A's ambitious artists and…"
"…and if he's aspiring what does he want with that nerd called 'Joe' tsk". Mercy said.
"You need to apologize to Trevor, I mean it Mercy you have to!" she ordered her.
"So you now have the guts to order me!" she asked.
"Yes I have to if it got what it takes for my assignment." she yelled.
"Oh! Ok your Assignment is more important than me now oh wait! Than our friendship is that what you are saying right now?" she was hysterical, she then calmed herself. "I will apologize to that good for nothing guy, but note this, when am done you are on your own, you'll have to find yourself a new friend." she concluded, and left Lindy standing all by herself.
"What? You are being unfair now." she cried. And Mercy did not bother to turn around she just waved her hand continued walking. The man came and stretched out his hand to me.
"Michael Ngozi is my name and you must be Joseph V. Radebe." he said.
"Yes I am but am not sure if you and I have met before." I stared at him.
"No this is our first time meeting." he said.
"Mon… Lectures are starting in seven minutes; you'll find me in class." Trevor said.
"Cool, cool Mon!" I replied Trevor. "Am sorry sir you said you are?" I asked.
"Michael Ngozi" he said.
"Oh Ok Mr. Ngozi what can I do for you this morning?" I enquired. I did not know this man but yet he knew I and he came here at campus looking for me and he does not tell what his reason is.
"I'm Willie Adams assistant! He sent me to meet with you!" he said.
"Um… sir did you just say Willie Adams?" I queried.
"Yes! Willie Adams do you know him?" he asked.
"Wait, Thee Willie Adams? The one who has sold 88 paintings in his name," I asked eagerly.
"Yes the one and only, am here representing him" he said. "As you know his all grown up now and cannot walk around looking for young talented painters like you!" as he was admiring my work and mentioned that I'm a young 'talented artist' Lindy heard that line. And with the look from her face I could see that she is sad and it pained me to see the women I love so hurting.
"Mr. Adams wants to meet with you personally he loves your work…"
"…Wow he does?" excitedly.
"…It's not every day that he looks for young aspiring artist like you oil painters!" he kept on admiring my work.
"Yes you are right sir! Um… with all due respect… my lectures are starting in three minutes". I reached out to shake hands with him.
"I would love to stay and chat but I also have to learn, I have to go".
"Wait!" he shouted. "Before you leave please take my business Card." he suggested.
"Ok sir thanks." I rushed off to class.
"Call me and let me know when you are available to have a meeting with Mr. Adams!" he shouted.
"Yes! I will" when I got to class Trevor was waiting to question me about Mr. Ngozi, the look on his face displayed that he had something on his mind.
"Mon… are you going tell me or you'll wait for classes to be over?" he asked.
"Its good news Mon… things are going just fine for me." I smiled.
"That's great Mon am happy for… what do you want?" his facial changed just when she probed Mercy. For Mercy stood in front of him like the statue of Liberty.
"Look I don't want any trouble." she whispered.
"I don't like you and surely I won't go out with you on a date you'll poison me!" he screamed. The whole class stared at Mercy, she felt so regretful. What amused me was that she also played along; it seems like whenever Trevor created a mind game anyone could get along play and follows his ideas.
"No need to be rude!" she also shouted. "I was trying to make up for yesterday and maybe buy you a soda because you look like you need it!"
"Am not your boyfriend my dear" he too screamed again. "You don't have to make up to me! Unless you are charmed by my good looks" he whispered to her ear. "And even so I wouldn't ask you out on a date!" She left him standing all by himself, Trevor can be so rude and humble when he wants to but! What he did today totally shocked me, I never knew that he could act so cold towards a lady. I felt so sorry for Mercy; I glanced at Lindy and saw that she had compassion for her friend. Now Trevor went closer to Mercy.
"How does it feel like? To taste the bitterness of your own medicine?" he whispered as he looked straight into her eyes. She was teary, she did want to cry but she pulled herself together.
"Now I know how you felt yesterday. I'm sorry" she said. "It was uncalled for, what I did yesterday am really sorry" a tear dripped from her eye, she couldn't help it but wiped it and stormed out of class running, she bumped onto Mr. Noah at the door.
"Jesus! What's wrong with this class?" she ran along the hallway.
"Mon…was that necessary?" I whispered.
"She started it! And that serves her well." He whispered back. And Lindy was looking at us.
"She's a girl, a women you should respect her!" I spoke out of anger.
"I just gave her a droplet of her own medicine." he too spoke out of anger.
"Tsk! You should apologize." I suggested.
"Now you starting to sound crazy" He said "And stop it I'm trying to focus".
See the way Trevor and Mercy clashed? Perhaps they have a thing for each other and they are both hiding it! Who knows, but there's someone I know who has the possible answer, which is our creator. And I can't ask him even though I would, I wouldn't get the answer right away. Moments later, after classes I was just sitting under a tree. She came towards me. I swigged my juice and admired her beauty as she came towards me, from toes to head and from head to toe.
"Hi would you mind if I joined you?" She asked with that cute, nice and sweet voice of hers.
"Sure go ahead."
"I know am not on the list of your favorite people right now but please hear me out!" She pleaded.
"Look before you could..." I wanted to speak but she chose to speak quicker than I, I had to let her speak.
"Please allow me to say my peace and I'll leave you to your lunch." She continued.
"…But I want to…"
"…I'm sorry for my behavior I know it's uncalled for. I shouldn't have said a single word, why I suspected Trevor lying about calling you, I really need your help if I don't submit my assignment in time I'll have to kiss my dream of being an artist goodbye, so please Joe I bag of you please help me out and accept my sincere apology. I didn't mean to start trouble or make your friend feel the way he did. I know he was to help me, and I overreacted. She requested.
"Are you done speaking?" I asked.
"I…um… did I say too much?" She asked.
"Yes you've said way too much and I actually forget what you were trying to tell me!"
"Oh! I'm sorry… I…"
"I'm joking" I said. "What would you like to drink, Juice or Soda?" I looked into her eyes. She felt ashamed.
"I'd like to drink what you are having." she spoke with her voice toned down.
"Ok just give me two minutes I'll be right back!" I rushed to our Campus's Minnie market; just when I paid up! Trevor grabbed the Juice and gulped it.
"Mon... what are you doing?" Out of surprise, I thought it was somebody else trying to provoke me.
"Am drinking, what does it look like am doing?" he spoke out of breath you could see that he was also thirsty.
"I bought that juice for your future sister in law!" I said.
"Nah Mon…, tell me you are joking?" he jested. "Mon you should be a stand-up comedian! Hold the phone! Are you serious?" he paused and wiggled his head.
"Look man I'm not joking!" I requested for another bottle of juice and paid for it.
"But how come, you are scared to even say hello!" he teased. This was true I was scared to greet her, saying hello was the hardest part, but now as am buying her a drink it is a first step to her heart.