She gave him a look that said he knew very well that she didn't have a boyfriend.
"It's comfortable. I sleep in it and don't worry, it's clean."
"Are you sure?" He teased. She didn't bother with an answer but sat down on the floor and began eating. Tebogo joined her. He was taller than her and looked ridiculous sitting on the floor but he didn't feel right sitting on the couch while she sat on the floor though he had no idea why she would choose the carpet instead of a couch. He didn't ask her, certain that her answer would be the same answer she gave him about the shirt. She was comfortable on the floor.
"How come you don't have a boyfriend?" He asked digging in. He wasn't much a fan of spaghetti or any kind of Italian food. He loved his traditional food, something even New York hadn't been able to change. Give him pap, steak and chakalala any day and he was a happy champ.
"I don't see how that is any of your business." She responded curtly making it clear that she wasn't in the mood to make small talk.
"You don't seem like the alone type of girl." He told her unbothered by her brisk attitude. He was getting used to it.
"Really?" She said looking at him. "That is funny since I've been alone most of my life."
"But you are not alone any more. You have your sisters."
Her fork paused on its way to her mouth and she dropped it back to her plate. "Yes I have my sisters now and you should know that I won't let anyone mess with them."
It was a warning and he took it as such, though it didn't stop him from saying, "And you think any boyfriend you have will mess with your sisters?"
"Not if he knows what is good for him."
"What if he doesn't know what is good for him?" He pushed on.
"Then he is not worth my time." She said simply and resumed eating.
"Do you like traditional food?" Mandisa sighed in frustration. He smiled innocently. "Don't you like talking while eating?"
"Why?"
"Excuse me?"
"We are not friends. I don't like you and you don't like me so can we not pretend as if we are old friends sharing a meal."
"No we are not friends. We are family and who said I don't like you?"