Dada 32

That evening we went for a walk in the city along the wide avenues that led to the waterfront. The men we saw were all beautiful and I asked Mo if he`d noticed that. He said he had and that he understood me but to reflect on my words and the effect they had on others.

For a while, we didn’t speak. I wanted him to stay with me, though, and I told him we could eat together at Jalima’s. He said really wanted to, but he had other things to do.

We were nearly back at my place. I said goodbye to him.

He looked at me: “Don`t you want to know what I have to do?” I did want to know, but I hadn’t thought to ask, which was why he seemed to be reproaching me. Then, when he saw I was getting tied up in knots trying to explain, he laughed again and leaned his head towards mine so I could kiss him. We pulled each other to the shadows. 

‘I have to get ready to move house ‘he said.

I had a fish and noodle soup the speciality at Jalima's. I had already started eating  when a strange little woman in a blue suit came into the café’. She moved to the other side of the room. Jalima asked if she could share my table but I shook my head. She called out and said she knew me and had seen me at Dadas house. She had sharp, jerky gestures and bright eyes in a small round face.

She took off her jacket, sat down and stared busily studying the menu. She called Jalima over and immediately ordered what she wanted in a hurried but very precise tone of voice. While waiting for her first course, she opened her bag and took out a little notebook and a pencil,

‘ I’ve been following you. I knew your Dada. Do you know why I wear blue’ she shouted ?