When destiny is driven by a proposal.

Chapter 5 – The tour guide in motion

“I was so scared to call you.” I forced a smile and hoped he couldn’t hear the tremble in my voice. “Where do you want to go to?” This had to work, everything depended on the results of this tour. I have always been an over thinker and have always strived to exceed in all I do. I spent the whole night researching, trying to find the perfect places to impress him. “I am willing to pay top dollar for the services rendered.” He leaned back in his seat as he was saying this. “There is a coastal town called Swakopmund, about 3 hours away I’m curious about the German architecture that is strongly visible, that I would like to see, if you are up to it.”

I gasped in surprise. Clearly, I did not see this coming. He did his homework as well. However, going out of town was a bit risky and a challenging suggestion. Would I be able to handle it? Swakopmund was a stunning sight, with its fairy-tale buildings painted in bright colors and adorned with pointed roofs and ornate balconies – somewhat out of a fairy tale. Nevertheless, I felt a surge of fear. This was a man I met two days ago, but this was a leap of faith - I needed to explore.

If only this could guarantee a better life for Sharon. She deserved a new pair of shoes and a roof over her head. This was a matter of survival, and I was ready to do whatever it took - within my limits - to provide for her. He had kind-hearted eyes that charmed me, and I have always been a good judge of character; instinct don’t fail me now.

There was an awkward silence for a while as Michael allowed her to process his proposition. “Won’t you be exhausted from driving back and forth?” she finally asked. “Will you be able to find a babysitter for tonight? We can stay over. I’ll book you a hotel room, separate from mine. No funny stuff, this is strictly business." I thought about it. Sharon had a play date today and would sleep over at her friend’s place.

I would be on my own anyway and, I can’t recall the last time I visited the coast. This is a free trip, beneficial to both of us, and evidently, he had cash to pay – why not? "Should I pack an overnight bag then?" She replied. Amazed at her response, he was prepared with a charming come back to try to convince her – not necessary.

“That would be ideal. I can’t stand another minute in Windhoek. How long do you need to pack a few things? I can pick you up.” “No, I’ll take a cab to your hotel, and we can leave from there.” She didn’t want anyone to see her with this white man. People might get the wrong impression.

I need to pack a few things. I bought some clothes with the tip he gave me; they would be ideal for the trip. It was only a one-night stay, so a small bag would suffice. I went to Mama Rose to borrow one of her bags for the trip. My bag was too small. I don’t want to tell her everything; she might get worried. He was a stranger I met two days ago, so the less I say, the better. I will tell her everything on my return home.

Before long, I was outside his hotel lobby and called his cell. He came down to get me, with a step in his walk and a huge grin, he was beaming with excitement, and we got in the car and hit the road. I was not thinking during this time, I didn’t even notice what he had on till we entered the car. All I remember is that he had on white pants that sat loosely around his frame, with white loafers and a loose-fitting shirt. He had the perfect outfit for a day at the beach and in the sun. He looked like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine.

All I can think of is how generous he has been to me in the past two days. Offering me a free outing was the cherry on the cake. I was ecstatic. It might not mean much to him, but I thanked my lucky stars. It seemed like fate choosing my table that night. Adventure awaited.

The first stop was the gas station to fill up the car. He gave me his card and asked me to stock up on snacks for the road. As I entered the shop I was shaking with nerves – I had to compose myself. This man trusted me with his black card. Needed to use this wisely. I reminded myself once more – Live in the moment April. I loaded the cart with some delicacies that we would share, some of my favorites, with the hopes that he would enjoy the assortment I put together. Some biltong, chips, sweets, cooldrinks and water. We were on our way to the coast – where desert and sea meet. I have rent and school fees approaching. I hope that this payment will guarantee that those debts are sorted. I know it will be worth it – April relax and enjoy the drive, stop reasoning about everything at home and savor the moment.

He kept the conversation alive. Kept asking questions, to get me to talk. He was hilarious, as he cracked some jokes. I allowed myself to laugh and have fun, to be free from judgment, and to be honest, chances are this may be the last we see each other - we had nothing to lose. This man was smart, and he was kind. The gps was directing him, so I sat back and took it all in. Driving past the smaller towns, I am reminded of our family vacations to Walvis Bay, the next town from Swakopmund. My aunt used to live there. I have fond memories of those days.

Something bothered me. I had to ask. “Michael, you know you could’ve googled for a tour guide yourself, why me?” Without any hesitation, he replied with a sincere tone in his voice. “I knew, you could use the money. On top of that, you looked exhausted, and I thought I would give you a break. You live such a simple life, but you are happy with everything that you have. I thoroughly enjoyed the chat that we had, you just didn’t ask or expect anything from me, which is different from my world, everyone is constantly wanting a piece of me.” I was utterly speechless by this. He was totally right. As all he said, was spot on.

Did I tell him all of that? Did I complain? The conversation we had was a haze to me and I had to sit down and think about what information I shared with him. A part of me felt sorry for him. I guess the saying is right; money can’t buy you happiness.

“Thank you, Michael, I really did need this for sure.” I was lost for words, that is all I was able to mumble. “Michael, where do you live in New York?”, needed to steer the conversation away from me and from the sadness in his eyes. “I live in a Penthouse, gorgeous apartment.” “Any children?” I wanted to know him. “Never got the chance to find the one to give me a child. I was kept so busy that babies were the last thing on my mind. Maybe one day, if it is not too late,” he told me.

“It’s never too late to get what you want; you probably just have too much on your mind right now – mergers and all.” I added, I asked him what the company does, and he explained it to me. I inquired how long such discussions took place for, and he said that it was months. “So, you might come back for further talks with the companies that you have identified?” I had ulterior motives for this question - obviously, and my gig was up. He picked it up immediately. “Of course, I will be back. I need to see my favorite waitress / tour guide again, right?”. We both giggled.

We have just entered Swakopmund, and the first stop was the beach. This was a tradition whenever we visited the beautiful seaside town in my family. The air was chilly with a cool breeze blowing, the salty scent confirmed we were at the coast. He took out his jacket from the back seat of the car and draped it over my shoulders. Chivalry will get him far, I tell you. His jacket smelled delicious, and the scent came from another one of his varied perfumes.

He had been extremely generous, a true gentleman throughout the whole trip. Who was he? It felt like someone had read my mind and heart and told him everything. I knew this wasn’t my usual life, but I wanted to make the most of it. For as long as we were here, for as long as he pushed me out of my comfort zone, I would embrace it all. I would cherish every second, for two days I wasn’t the girl from the hood. For two days, I was a tour guide, an upgrade from my waitressing gig and planned to enjoy all the benefits that came with it.

They say the sea can heal you when you touch it, it can wash away all the pain and problems that trouble us. I took off my shoes and stood where the waves reached, waiting for the water to cleanse my feet. Then I noticed he stood next to me, barefoot and unexpected. He smiled as if he was confident that this ritual would work for him too. What was he going through? He seemed to have it all. What did he need to wash away?

The wave rose higher than the first one, and I felt anxious. I wanted to step back. But he took my hand, as if to tell me he had me. With his hand in mine, I felt calm. Everything was fine. He smiled and gazed into my eyes, and I heard him say in my mind: All is well, I got you, April.