Free Mr Not Quite Good Enough by Lauri Kubuitsile

the job . . . None of that’s important.”
    â€œI’m not talking about the stuff, or at least not only about the stuff. It’s about making a difference, having an impact.”
    Gorata looked across her garden. Mmandu was in her element. People were certainly having fun: dancing, drinking, talking. And it was a gorgeous Soweto evening. After the warmth of the day, a cool breeze was gently wafting about the scent of spring flowers.
    â€œHey, ma-boy Ozee!” Ozee’s annoying kombi-driving friend burst through the crowd. He’d obviously been drinking more than his share of Mmandu’s beer. Gorata was not pleased to see him. “Oh, and little Miss Stuck-on-Herself. How you doin’, baby?”
    â€œListen, I need to get a drink. I’ll be right back.” Ozee stood up. “Stunki, take care of her.”
    Gorata looked away from them both. She didn’t need someone taking care of her.
    â€œNo problem, boss.” Stunki sat down in Ozee’s place. “There goes a good man,” he said. “A good, good man.”
    â€œIs that so? In what way?” Gorata asked – not that she thought Stunki was a reliable judge of who was good and who was bad, but his unexpected earnestness made her curious.
    Stunki’s head fell back on the step behind him. He lay still for some time, looking up at the stars, and then said, “You don’t even know him. You don’t know nothing about him.”
    â€œYeah, you’re right, that’s why I’m asking,” Gorata replied.
    Stunki sat up suddenly and spoke with urgency. “I’d do anything for Ozee. He’s that kind of guy. Loyal . . . I love that guy, seriously. He’s wise like an old man and he’s gonna be great one day.” He turned to Gorata. “Don’t judge him. People aren’t what you see. You got a good life going here, but that don’t mean nothing – it’s all about this.” He pounded his heart. “And Ozee . . . He’s got the biggest one around. And you better watch out, because it looks like he’s deciding to give it to you.”
    Gorata knew Stunki was drunk and probably talking crazy, but she saw tears in his eyes and that surprised her. Men like him didn’t get choked up about things.
    Ozee came back and Stunki wiped his eyes quickly, jumping to his feet to give Ozee his seat back.
    â€œOkay, I gotta go. Got a nice sweetie waiting for me out front. Later, Ozee,” Stunki said. Then he turned to Gorata. “You take care of my boy, you hear?”
    They watched Stunki push through the crowd. “What was that about?” Ozee asked.
    â€œYou’ve certainly got that guy on your side if push ever comes to a serious shove,” Gorata said.
    â€œYeah, well, we’ve been friends since we were kids, like you and Kelebogile. That kind of history means something. We’ve been there for each other.”
    Gorata wondered how Ozee knew about Kelebogile. There had apparently been conversations between the two of them when she was not around. She reminded herself to quiz her friend later.
    â€œSo what are you about anyway?” Ozee asked, turning towards her and looking her in the eyes.
    Gorata wanted to look away but knew it would be cowardly, and she didn’t want him to think she was a coward. She wanted him to respect her. But the bare honesty she saw in his eyes scared her.
    Who was brave enough to show the world everything? Was this man?
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Gorata said, trying to buy time.
    â€œI mean, you move around with all of these big men but you don’t love them – anyone can see that. What’s that about? What are you doing?”
    Gorata gave in. If he wanted the truth, he was going to get it. “I’m stumbling around and making mistakes, you’re right. But I’m just trying to find the right man for me. I know there are women who don’t care about that, but