“I didn’t think it mattered. What we’re doing is about you and me. Jay is in your past, and he has nothing to do with what we’ve got going on. Understood?” he asked, cupping my chin and staring into my eyes.
I pulled away from him and replied, “I understand that, but you still could have told me, Chris. What were you waiting for? Me to run into him at the ball so you could check my attitude toward him?”
“No.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me?”
He sighed and shook his head. “Because I thought it might be triggering. I didn’t want you to back out of going, knowing that you were up for an award tonight. The last thing that I wanted was for you to change your plans because of him. You’ve come so damn far, but I know the control that man had over you. I’m proud of you, baby, and I’m not about to let anyone allow you to go backward. Not a muthafuckin’ soul. You feel me?”
“And you don’t think our love is powerful enough to withstand that? That your love for me could keep me strong enough to withstand whatever is coming my way?”
“I don’t know, Angel. If it is, then why are you questioning me about that man?”
I felt bad because he did have a valid point. “I just would have liked to have been informed, that’s all. It feels like you were keeping a secret from me. How long have you known?”
“Less than two days. I haven’t even spoken to him. I just heard about it from Josh. I’ve been working these last couple of days, and I haven’t had a chance to attend to my social calendar. I’m sorry,” he stated sarcastically.
I placed my hand on his knee and stared at him until he turned to look at me. “I’m sorry, Chris.”
“Let’s just focus on having fun tonight. It’s about you and me, okay?”
“Okay,” I replied softly.
“I’m serious, Angel. Yes, we’ll see him, and he’ll probably be with someone. No matter what he comes up to you and says, or doesn’t say, don’t let that shit ruin your night and get to you.”
“I won’t, baby.”
“Promise me?” he asked, holding my chin between his index finger and thumb.
“I promise.”
He leaned in and kissed me softly and slowly. My heart thudded in my chest. But I wasn’t sure if it was for the passion that Christian elicited in me or anxiety at seeing my ex.
Chapter 15
Angel
“. . . f
or Fashion Influencer of the Year goes to . . . Miss Angel Snow!” the emcee announced.
Cheers and claps went up all around the room. My jaw dropped in astonishment. I had been nominated for Best Homemaker in the Lifestyle and Travel category, and I had expected that. But I didn’t win, and I was only the runner-up. However, I hadn’t been notified that I would be nominated for an award in fashion and beauty as well.
“Baby, that’s you,” Christian whispered.
“Girl, get up there and get your award,” Sawyer hissed.
I jumped up from my chair and headed up to the stage. I hugged the co-hosts, accepted the award, and turned for pictures. “This is a Christina Dorché original,” I announced as the cameras flashed. Everyone clapped as Christina stood in the audience and took a bow.
“I am humbly honored to be standing before you tonight. There are so many influencers deserving of this award, and I’m honestly surprised to have not only been nominated but to have won this award. Many of you know that I have taken a step back over the last couple of years as I have focused on myself and my growing family.
“Through the years, I have been blessed with being able to showcase the designs of many up-and-coming designers as well as many celebrity designers. I have played an integral part in seeing the dreams of others come true in this industry, and it’s not something that I take for granted. I carefully consider the designers who approach me, what their platform looks like, and their impact not only on this industry and community, but on the world at large.
“I want my followers to know what I stand for and that what I stand for goes beyond what I put on my body. I want my sponsors’ missions to align with my life’s vision and mission, and for my life’s work to be impactful in positive ways that leave a lasting legacy.
“However, beauty goes far beyond the clothes that we dress in, the makeup we wear, and the shoes that we wear. It’s amazing to be able to be here, to dress up, and be glamorous. But the most important thing to remember is the beauty within our hearts and our souls. True beauty is reflected from inside and displays itself not only in our attire and makeup but in how we treat others.
“I thank you for awarding me with this amazing award, but I dedicate it to the many people who make a true, beautiful impact on this world, like our first responders, hospital personnel, social workers, educators, and all the others who go unrecognized. So tonight, this award is for you and especially for you, Christian Holly, because you see the real beauty in me.” I blew a kiss to him in the audience.
