It was sobering to think about how we had gone through so much for the sake of love, only to be made fools out of with people we had known much longer than we knew each other.
But neither of us missed an opportunity to express our love through actions beyond the bedroom. I had shown up for several of his games. Most of them were surprises for him. He knew that I hadn’t cared for sports, especially one as violent as hockey, but I loved the opportunity to show up for him. Me showing up for him somehow turned me into a hockey fan, and I was usually the loudest and most vocal fan in the stands.
The last two months had been wonderful because the season had ended, and we had two more months before it started up again. Although he had been here in Cherokee Springs with mefull time for the last two months and would continue to be for the next two months, we didn’t crowd each other’s space.
He spent time with his friends and family, and so did I, but we also spent time with our families and friends together. We made each other a priority, but we were still taking our time getting to know each other. We were comfortable with our pursuit to happiness and love.
The upcoming season was his last season playing hockey, and he would retire. He had been offered a position as a broadcaster at Bolt Media, the largest media company in the nation. He had accepted it on the condition he could remain in Cherokee Springs.
The music cued, and I closed my eyes. The lights dimmed on the other side of the curtains, and I felt the energy flow throughout my body. I knew that I would miss this life, but my time to shine on the runway had passed.
Everyone was here to hear about my magazine. The reporters, fashion designers, editors, buyers, stylists, photographers, hair and makeup artists, journalists, influencers, VIP clients, and my family and friends were here tonight, along with Navy’s friends and family.
The gold bodysuit that I wore had a long pink and gold silk train attached to my hips, and it trailed ten feet behind me. The strapless bodice made of pure lace showed off my nipples and had gauntlet lace sleeves. My diamond studded, gold heels boosted my five-eleven height to six-five. My hair had grown out from its short cut with faded sides, and I wore a sew-in with curls that cascaded from a waterfall ponytail.
I opened my eyes when the beat struck. Looking to my left, I asked, “Are you ready?”
She smiled a beautiful smile. “I’m ready.”
We moved onto the stage with grace and ease. The photographers went wild as everyone stood and applauded. Weworked the stage, giving my audience the show of a lifetime. We returned to the back and did three more changes as other models walked the runway also.
After the last walk, I came out with a microphone in my hand and took a bow.
“Tonight isn’t just aboutCurves &Mocha. I’m excited to introduce my new clothing line tonight, Body Language.”
The applause was ridiculous. My heart swelled with what I had accomplished in my career. When it died down, I spoke again.
“I also want to introduce a new face that you saw tonight. Remember her name, ladies and gentlemen, because she’s going to be fierce. I introduce to you, Josephine!”
The applause, cheers, and whistles grew louder as JoJo took the stage again. After checking myself into therapy, a month later, I had offered to pay for her therapy and to mentor her. I knew she wanted to be in fashion, and I figured if she was bold enough to play games with me, then maybe she was worth taking a risk on.
I had almost lost sight of what mattered and only focused on money for years because JoJo had betrayed my trust and broken my heart. Now that we were in therapy, I could see the beautiful parts of her, but I also kept barriers in place.
I finished my speech, took questions, and then left the stage as the party started.
“Hello, beautiful.” Navy greeted me with a large smile and his arms filled with tons of roses. Two assistants stood behind him with arms filled with roses also.
“Navy, how many roses are here?”
“One hundred.” He handed them off to other assistants.
“Why so many?”
“Baby, I wanted to get you a rose for the number of days we have been together, but Tangie said I was doing too much.”
I laughed. “I love you, Navy.”
He pulled me into a hug. “I know you do,” he stated before he kissed me.
I pulled back from the kiss and professed, “Tonight is made so much sweeter because I have you in my life.”
“I have enjoyed this last six months, Nya. I just want you to know how proud I am of you and your journey.”
“Thank you for being so patient with me, and thank you for taking the time to get to know me, Navy.”
“I’ve got all the time in the world, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Well, I’ve got about thirty minutes before anyone expects to hear from me. How about we put that room we’ve reserved for us tonight to use?” I suggested.
