“Oh my goodness, what are those cute little balls?” she whispered to Solomon. “Those golden-brown ones.”
He looked in the direction she pointed. “If my eyes tell me correctly, that is chin-chin. I think you’ll like them. They’re crispy little pastries that are usually served on special occasions as appetizers or as an after-school snack, if your parents are feeling generous.”
Kenya’s gaze roamed around the room, the tapestries and decor flowing with rich color and texture. Crystal chandeliers hung in various corners of the hall. Solomon gently tugged her forward. “Let’s go ahead and find our table so you can rest your ankle for now.”
He lifted his hand in greeting to a few guests as they passed by, and as they drew closer to the center, she could sense him brace himself.
And she could see why. They approached a large, richly dressed group, clothed in luxurious fabrics with flashy hues of deep green and rich navy. Many of the women’s heads were draped in beautiful scarves that seemed to have a life of their own, like extended crowns of vibrant color that added to their regality.
The men wore either similar caps as Solomon’s or fedoras, along with their traditional clothing. Solomon’s attire matched the ones in green. Although the cuts were different, they all had the same fabric. Kenya looked down at her skirt and top. She’d beenexcited to see that her coral fabric complemented Solomon’s, but she didn’t fit together like they did.
Instead, among this group, she stood out. Almost belonging but dressed differently enough to make it clear that she didn’t.
The noise level increased the closer they got to the laughing and hugging crowd. Kenya shook off her insecurity and chose to focus on the privilege of being here. She recognized Solomon’s mom, probably the best-dressed of them all. She greeted everyone like a queen, extending her hand, bestowing her favor. Kenya wondered how she had survived one-on-one with her.
Kenya squeezed Solomon’s arm. “I still can’t believe I’m here. I’ve heard this venue sometimes takes years to book.”
“It’s all about who you know,” he said, “and I know that you need to stop worrying about all that and enjoy yourself.”
Kenya kept her head on a swivel. “I’m just so distracted by everything. This has already been worth it.”
“Really?” Solomon looked down at her, pausing before entering the storm of relatives that were starting to glance their way. “Are you sure you’re not saying that too early?”
She shook her head. “Nope. It was all worth it to getusto this point.”
He leaned in close. “Are you nervous?”
Kenya bit her bottom lip, drumming her fingers on his arm. “Not at all.”
“Don’t worry, my family won’t eat you.” He smiled, and then silently mouthed the wordsReady,set...
“Go,” she answered, and they stepped bravely into the group, who were ready to greet their native son and the woman on his arm.
SOLOMON WASgrateful when the DJ shifted the music and announced the arrival of the bride and groom. His cousin had optedfor a private traditional ceremony at her fiancé’s home. Solomon had attended that before picking up Kenya. He leaned against his brother. “What happened to the hired MC?” He kept his eyes trained on the door.
“Apparently, she got food poisoning this afternoon and had to back out. Mother enlisted the DJ to help with some of the announcements, but I don’t think he can handle the reading of the blessings.”
Solomon sat back. That was unfortunate. He glanced at Kenya, who sat across the table next to his mother. He would have preferred her right next to him, but when he saw where Robert Bluestone was seated at the next table, he persuaded his brother to switch.
“I think I have a solution. Where are the MC’s cards?” Solomon asked his brother.
Simon reached for a gilded box next to his plate. “They are right here. If you can take care of it, I’ll owe you.”
Before he could say more, two attendants pulled open the double doors, and the bride and groom entered, flanked by the bridal party, which included his sister, Nneka.
“Oh goodness.” Kenya’s awe reached him from across the table. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were dressed in similar colors as the families but more adorned. Instead of entering separately, the bride and groom stepped dramatically into the middle of the room, where they were surrounded by the tables of guests.
Solomon turned to look at Kenya, anticipating her response to what came next.
Suddenly the music changed, and the bridal party began a highly detailed dance routine. Kenya gasped, her eyes dancing along. She glanced at him, her mouth wide with joy, stunning in her simple head wrap and matching gown. She was more mesmerizing in this moment than the dance. Her every sway, clap, and laugh pulsing with unbridled delight.
That same joy that had pulsed through him when she tuggedhim to herself at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, her words “It’s about time” echoing in his thoughts to the beat of the music.
It was about time, wasn’t it?
He’d made this about a fake relationship, but that had been a cop-out for what he’d been too afraid to admit. Kenya Stewart was not easily forgotten and was becoming really easy to love.
27
