Dedra nodded and Kenya followed her out, grateful for this coworker and friend who cheered her on.
The path to the conference room was not as long as the walkfrom the elevators to her office, but Kenya still felt the strain of the movement. It was barely 9:20 and she felt like she’d done a full day’s work.
“Good morning, everyone,” she said breathlessly, swallowing her annoyance over Vance joining the meeting. She flashed a smile at the two reps from the Nashville-based company who nodded at her from a large screen on the opposite end of the room. One was a middle-aged woman in a sharp tweed blazer who had a neatly trimmed gray bob. The other was a man who looked to be around her age, his serious face framed by a trimmed goatee that gave off Tony Stark vibes.
“Oh, good.” Evelyn clasped her hands together and grinned. “I was hoping you would come in even earlier. I apologize for the last-minute change, but I knew you could handle it. We are good at managing changes, aren’t we?” Evelyn’s wink didn’t put her at ease. “And you are always so quick on your feet.”
“Ha, that’s funny,” Kenya said with a sheepish smile. Her director’s smile dimmed slightly as she followed Vance’s pointed gaze.
She looked back up in concern, but before she could say more, Kenya gave her a thumbs-up.
“Nothing stops me, as you can see. Just a little sprain, but what I have for you today is a big concept idea. I apologize for the scheduling mistake from this past Saturday, and I appreciate your flexibility.”
“We are looking forward to it,” the woman responded. “We’ve heard nothing but great things about this agency and your capable planners. Which is why we decided to continue with this pitch.”
Kenya pressed her palms together in acknowledgment of those words and motioned to Dedra, who had already hooked up the laptop and queued the slides. Kenya picked up the clicker and used that moment to place her hand on the lacquered board table for balance.Lord,steady me,please.
She hobbled backward to keep clear of the display. She tensed her core and willed it to anchor her. At the click of a button, thescreen changed into the agency’s logo. “At Rose-Hued Events Management, our goal is not just to help you plan an event but to invite you and your clients into an experience.” She paused, letting the next image come to her mind before it appeared on the screen. “As the most innovative and experienced tech companies and vendors are gathered from the southeast for your convention, we want them to feel pampered and catered to as well.” The slide shifted to a collage of photos representing picturesque locations in Huntsville. “North Alabama not only offers versatile and stylish presentation space but also relaxation and inspiration for attendees.”
She paused, but instead of a clear image of the picture she’d memorized floating to her mind, her thoughts fuzzed out. “I... uh.” She swallowed down a wave of nausea. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “We want your vendors to arrive at your convention and leave with more than they came for.”Inhale.“More leads, increased bookings, on-site and potential sales.”Gulp.Spots filled her vision. “And, of course, networking and experiences that inspire.”
She placed a hand on the table.
“Are you okay?” Dedra’s words floated somewhere around her, but the only response she could give was a moan. Then with sudden urgency she turned, momentarily ignoring her throbbing ankle as another issue took priority.
“Oh, I think she’s going to—” Vance’s voice was drowned out by the sound of her non-breakfast making its way into the trash can.
7
IT WAS NONEof his business, but even as that thought entered his head, Solomon’s feet rebelled against his common sense. He should be making his way back to his outpatient clinic, not loitering near exam room3 of the emergency department.
But what were the chances that checking in with his former colleagues would coincide with Kenya’s arrival? He’d done a double take when he noticed her name on the whiteboard at the nurses’ station. And then Dr. Grant had invited him to consult on her X-ray as a teaching moment. It had to be a sign, right?
The door had been left ajar and the woman who seemed to haunt his thoughts appeared more frazzled, if that was possible, than when he’d seen her last. He couldn’t pull his eyes away, captivated by the sliver of her visible through the partially opened door. She drew his attention like an accident on the freeway. He smiled as she flailed her hand, clearly in distress. Her prone form pierced his soul with concern. Maybe he was more than an onlooker. Maybe he was the type who couldn’t just stand idly by.
And maybe he had to dosomething, since he’d sort of brought her up to his family in the most ridiculous kind of way.
Another woman pushed open the door from the inside, nearly colliding with him. “Oh, sorry,” she huffed, running a hand through her shoulder-length hair, a couple fingers snagging in her curls.“Oh, wait, are you the doctor?” Her question was loud enough to draw the attention of her friend, the miserable but beautiful woman he’d accidentally portrayed as his having-it-all-together girlfriend. Although she was less made up than she had been at the wedding, the fluorescent lamps highlighted Kenya’s rounded cheeks and button nose. Her shoulder-length black hair was pulled back, a few tendrils floating around her face.
Kenya’s dark-brown eyes flickered in recognition. She probably wanted to smile, but the pained expression on her face only allowed a grimace. Compassion pooled in his heart, loosening his tongue.
“I’m a type of doctor, yes. But not the one that you may need.” Disappointment etched in the bedridden woman’s expression. Was she losing her battle with patience as she waited to be seen, or was there another reason?
“But ... I am making some rounds and thought I’d check in.” It was a semblance of the truth, and enough of it for the ash-blond-headed woman to retrace her steps and for Kenya to sink back against the raised hospital bed with relief.
“I couldn’t help overhearing”—he glanced at the way her foot was positioned—“that you have a nasty sprain. Is this the same foot that you injured before?”
Kenya nodded bleakly. “You could say that...”
The other woman eyed him with suspicion, probably wondering why he had more information than a typical shift doctor should.
“Tell him the whole story, Kenya Stewart.” Solomon didn’t miss the admonition in the friend’s voice or how she held back a snicker when Kenya shot a glare her way.
“Tell him why we are here and not back at our agency, finishing up a coveted event pitch.”
Ah, yes, Kenya the event planner. Her specific job, like her full name, had been so elusive to him until these past few days. A crown of identity to place on her lovely head.
Kenya sighed. “I don’t have to tell you that this is my second time here in, what, three days?”
