It had been a long time since I had a woman on my arm, and I felt blessed that it was Halo. The more I learned about her little firecracker ass, the more intrigued I became. I had never been this smitten with somebody in my life, but here I was, ready to show her off to everybody, shower her with gifts, love, and anything else she wanted.
The Rolls pulled up to the entrance of the Kelton Estate, and even from inside the car, I could see the warm glow from the windows. This wasn’t one of those Hollywood galas with red carpets and screaming fans. It was intimate, maybe a hundred guests max, all people I had personally invited or vouched for. No phones allowed. No social media. Just good people, good food, and a night dedicated to giving back.
The valet opened my door first, and I stepped out, buttoning my jacket. Then I turned and held my hand out to Halo. She took it, and when she stepped out of that car in that black dress, sunflower chains catching every bit of light, I had to take a breath.
Damn. Every time I thought I had a handle on how fine she was, she’d do something simple—step out of a car, tilt her head, exist—and I’d have to start over.
I squeezed her hand. Her eyes were taking everything in. The stone front of the estate, the string quartet by the door, people in designer everything heading inside. “Stay close.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She looked up at me, trust written all over her eyes. It threw me off in the best way.
We walked through the entrance together, and I immediately felt eyes on us. Not judgmental, just curious. People knew I never brought dates to this—ever. The last woman I brought to an event like this was Devyn, and that was years ago. So, walking in with Halo on my arm, was raising eyebrows and sparking whispers. Good. Let them look. Let them talk. She was with me, and I wasn't hiding it.
The ballroom opened up in front of us: high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, round tables in cream and gold. A live band played soft jazz, and couples were already out there two-stepping and swaying. Everything looked exactly how I planned it, right down to the sunflower centerpieces on every table.
“DaVinci!”
I turned and saw Omni coming through the crowd in a burgundy gown, hair up, jewelry catching the light. She was grinning more at Halo than at me. I stepped back, knowing my sister was a hugger.
“Omni!” Halo’s whole face lit up, and they hugged like they had known each other for years and not weeks.
“Girl, look at you!” Omni pulled back and took in the dress. “That dress is everything.”
“I fell in love with it the second I saw it,” Halo said, and I could see her getting a little in her feelings behind it.
“It’s fire, and the personal touches. Good job, brother,” Omni said, looking at me with a smile.
Before I could answer, I saw my parents walking over. Ma was in a gold gown that made her look like royalty, and Pops was sharp in his tux, looking like the man who built an empire from nothing, because he was.
“There’s my baby,” Ma said, hugging me first, then turning to Halo. “And you must be Halima. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Halo looked at me, then back at my mom. “All good things, I hope. And please call me Halo.”
“All true things,” Ma said with a warm smile. “I’m Stacia. This is my husband, Stetson.”
“It’s an honor to meet you both,” Halo said, shaking Stetson’s hand. “I’m a huge fan of your work, Mr. Bryns. Your financial literacy programs have helped so many people in our community.”
Stetson smiled, pleased. “Thank you. And please, call me Stetson. Any woman who can put up with my son deserves first-name privileges.”
“Pops, chill,” I said, still smiling.
“I’m just saying.” He looked Halo over with that father look, checking her energy. “You look lovely tonight. And thank you for coming. I know DaVinci can be… persistent.”
“That’s one word for it,” Halo said, and everybody laughed. “But I wouldn’t be here with you all tonight without it.”
Ma took Halo’s hand, her expression soft. “I want you to know something. My son does not bring women around us. Hasn’t in years. So the fact that you’re here, meeting us, is truly a pleasure.” She squeezed Halo’s hand.
I saw Halo’s eyes get a little shiny, so I slid my arm around her waist.
“Ma,” I said, looking at Halo. “I told y’all not to be weird when y’all met her. And look at you. Being weird.”
“Whatever, boy. Omni, we need to go check on the dinner plating. We’re twenty minutes out.”
“Well, we’re glad to meet you finally,” Stetson said. “DaVinci talks about you constantly. ‘Halo this, Halo that.’ All day.”
“Pops, I’m about to stop talking to you. Both of y’all are hard-headed.”
“No, you won’t.” He clapped my shoulder. “Now go dance with your woman. Show her off a little. That is what these things are for.”
