Chapter 27.
1998.438Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpISzjlCdI
Copper returned some days later and went to see David in his office. “Where have you been? I thought you were going to come back the same day.” David asked surprised to see him standing in front of him.
“Things didn’t work out the way I wanted to.” He replied.
“Sit down bud."
Copper pulled out a chair and sat down in front of David.
"Bare with me a few seconds, I'v got to finish this, then you can have my undivided attention.You know what they say. The job is never done until the paper work is completed." After he had finished he closed the ledger."Okay Copper, what’s the problem then?”
“I couldn’t get the money I need to go over to Paris.”Copper said as his face sagged like a bundle of white washing that's lost all it's starch.
David smiled gently at him."Copper, smile bud, it's not the end of the world you know. You look like the whole world has come down on you. Where did you go? You told me that you're on a fishing trip. What are you actually doing here?"
"David, I'll tell you one day but not today.Okay."
“But Copper, you’re married. You can’t just jet across the world to see somebody you’ve met once.” David said astonished that he would leave his family to run after some blonde he’s spent one night with.
Copper stretched out in the chair, crossed his legs. "I'm not married. I got divorced."
“And when did that happen?”
“Oh, some time ago.”He said shaking his head.
“What will you do if you get there and it doesn’t work out the way you wanted?”Asked David knowing the chances of anything coming out of it is going to to be very small.
“Dave that night I spent with her was unbelievable and if I can only have another night with her like that, it would be worth every penny spent.”
“How much do you need?” He asked.
He did some calculations on a piece of paper. “About American $10.000.00”
“Shit Copper. That must have been an unbelievable fuck if you are willing to pay American $10,000.00 for one night. Why do you need so much?”
“That’s for the flights and accommodation and a bit of entertaining.”
“I’ll lend you the money.” David said knowing that he might need a favor from him one day.
His face lit up light a street lamp. “Will you Dave?” He asked.
“Yes. What are friends for if they can't help one another. Not so?” David answered.
“David I don’t know a single guy on earth that would do that for me.”He stood up. "When can I come and get it?" He asked with a huge grin.
“There is one condition. You come back here and another, I need to know where you are when you get back. Okay.”
“That’s fine with me and if things go well over there, I’ll try to bring her back here.” He replied rubbing his hands.
He walked around the desk and bending down pulled David up and gave him a hug. "Put me down!! You can keep your hugs for when you see her."
"Okay David, I only wanted to thank you."
“Do you need a telephone?” David asked knowing that he would want to phone her.
“Yes please.” He said excitedly.
David didn’t see Copper for two weeks.
Then one Saturday night the pub was crowded with guests and a few game rangers. There was a great atmosphere. People were telling jokes and talking about the game drives they had that day. There was a lot of laughter as the guests socialized. Copper walked in and greeted everybody then came and stood in David's circle as it was now known. It was Andy and Gaile, Simon and Brenda, David and Kim and Ma.
"Hey Bud; howzit." David asked."Make room for my mate, will you."
“Fantastic.” He replied with a little grin.
“And.” Gaile said looking up at him.
“And what!!” He asked.
“And what is happening? What was it like for you over there? Are you bringing her over?” She asked trying to get him to open up to the group.
“Paris was fantastic but I prefer Itezhi Tezhi. I’m crazy in love but like me, she can’t pack in what she has, and come to Africa on the off-chance that I’ll marry her and she’ll be happy ever after.”
“Won’t she even try it for a little while?” Kim asked."Come to think about it. If you asked me I wouldn't come either." The crowd burst out laughing.
"Oh, Is it hey." Copper replied." That's not what you said the other night we were together." There was silence.
"You were not supposed to tell. You big brute." Kim replied which had them laughing again.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. It’s still early times in the relationship and she’s quite conservative. I don’t think that she will jump on the first plane when her contract is finished. Now who is going to buy me a beer? I’ve been standing here for ten minutes and nobody has offered.”
“From what I can remember you still owe for your room and the beer you had when you were last here.” Simon said.
“To be fair to him Simon, I paid for the beer but he still owes for the room.” David said wondering if he’ll end up paying for the room too.
“Heck you guys forget nothing.” He said.
“That’s how we can keep the lodge open, Copper.” David replied.
“Okay, who is having something to drink? I’m paying.” Copper asked.
“WE ALL ARE.” They said in raised voices
“Hey Dave, can you lend me a couple of bob please. Paris is so expensive.”
“In that case I’ll buy you a beer. I don’t have enough money to lend you to buy a round.”
“Who said I want a beer? Since I’ve been in Paris I’ve taken a liking to Hennessy XO Cognac.”
“Can anybody lend this man about town some money? I’m not buying him a cognac. Talk about taking liberties.” Dave said then grinned at Copper.
It was quiet. Nobody said a word. “Okay David.” Copper said. “I’ll take you up on that offer. I’ll have a castle.”
ns 15.158.61.20da2
