“Kenya, I am excited for you. Robert will love you, and I think you’re really gonna hit it off. There’s no doubt in my mind that Blue Horizon is going to want to be a sponsor and vendor for your clients after tonight.”
“Solomon, you’re making this more about me than about the wedding of your cousin. And yes, I know that’s part of our deal.” She held on to his arm and leaned close. No more blurry lines, just a straight and spacious path that led to him. “Honestly, I’m just happy to be here. And I know it’s all gonna work out.”
Did he notice the stars in her eyes? Because she sure did see the sparkle in his. It was so hard to focus on what she was really here for when the one she was here with was overwhelming her to the point of distraction.
But she had to keep her eyes on the current prize. Making the contact with Robert Bluestone of Blue Horizon and at least getting a verbal confirmation from him would be enough to redeem herself with Evelyn and the agency.
They made several turns, and when they passed by an alcove on their way into the main hall, she grabbed Solomon’s hand and pulled him to the side. They were hidden by a tall potted plant, in a very ornate and expensive-looking vase, she might add. Theintricate designs etched into the side planted themselves in her mind, a golden filigree filter, as she looked up at the man who had brought her into all of this, bending and breaking and outdoing her expectations for what this supposed deal would look like.
“Solomon, thank you for...” His look of surprise turned into something much deeper, warmth filling his eyes like melting wax, melding them closer together. He lowered his face toward hers.
“Wait, are we allowed to do this here?” she whispered, feeling like a hypocrite.
“It’s already been done.” The corner of his mouth tipped up, and before he brushed his lips against hers, he inhaled. “But let’s stay focused. I want this to work out for you.”
She nodded, thankful that even in this he seemed to care more about her career trajectory than she did. There he was again, being this protector that she didn’t know she needed. He set his forehead against hers, inhaling and exhaling again as if to breathe her in, and then with a quick step, he led her back out into the open and on their way.
She almost tripped trying to keep up with his long strides in her ornate ballet slippers. He slowed his pace.
“Can you tell me again how we’re going to work this out?” she asked, holding the skirt carefully at her side. She rubbed her fingers against the textures of the fabric. The act soothing her frenzied thoughts.
“Don’t worry, Kenya, these weddings are highly organized but can also be very spontaneous. You’ll know the moment when it comes. If you are up for the challenge.”
Kenya chuckled. “Always. But should I be nervous?”
“Of course not. If you just give them a sliver of who you are, they will be overly impressed. And I happen to know that Blue Horizon is looking for ways to engage more in the community in the upcoming year. They are looking for fresh ideas, so I know he will be interested in what you have to say.”
Kenya exhaled. “I think I’m ready.”
She didn’t always work well with rehearsed scripts and laid-out details anyway. Her sweet spot was interactions that happened in the moment.Help me tobe me,Lord. She breathed.And please help me notto mess this up.
As soon as they hit the double-door entrance of the opulent room, Kenya was taken aback by the swirls of sights and smells that infiltrated her senses. The dresses and skirts of the wedding guests flared out in a kaleidoscope of colors that would’ve made the average person dizzy. Kenya kept turning, thankful for the strengthening of her ankle.
The tables were dressed in linen and tulle, brass chairs surrounding each one. Floral centerpieces of varying heights topped the tables, gold accents flowing through the name cards, candles, and napkin holders. She looked up to take in additional floral garland that draped between the chandeliers like a hanging garden, leading the guests’ eyes to the stage against the far wall. More gold-hued tulle bannered a cream-tufted couch, where she assumed the bride and groom would recline after they arrived.
Kenya didn’t dare peel her eyes away from the array, even to look into the face of the man standing next to her.
“What do you think?” She heard the grin in his voice.
She looked his way. “How come no one has ever invited me to one of these before?”
He shrugged. “It’s just a wedding.”
She pivoted to face him. “Just a wedding? No wonder they used a New York planner for this. Do you see the textures? Do you see the materials, the colors? Do you see what I know must be highly organized chaos? Because I also see the no-nonsense faces of the event staff, dressed in black, but this is glorious.”
Solomon’s eyebrow lifted. “You haven’t seen any of this online?”
“I study trends, but the events I’ve put on have not been anything like this, so I haven’t necessarily been digging up research about West African weddings. But who needs areelwhen you can step into a display of therealthing?”
Solomon laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this excited.”
Kenya hardly registered his words. “What is that smell? I bet the menu will have the most incredible foods I’ve ever tasted.”
Solomon dug his right hand into his pocket, offering her the elbow of his other arm. “Of course.”
She giggled at his inflection that produced a Nigerian accent.
“If you thought the outfits were colorful, wait until you taste and see what the spread is.” Spices from the main dishes wafted through the swinging doors while white-clad servers carried out dishes laden with appetizers.
