WATCHING KENYAtake in all the before-dinner festivities was worth his attendance. He saw why she enjoyed taking part in events. Her eyes roamed almost feverishly around the room, soaking up the celebration with wonder. He couldn’t wait for her to see the money dance taking place toward the end. The bride and groom would move to the center of the dance floor and be showered with cash from generous attendees as they danced.
The servers arrived with covered dinner plates, and Kenya’s grin grew as the meal was set down and the covers removed with a flourish.
She glanced down at the plate in front of her, piled with jollof rice, visibly seasoned vegetables, chunks of beef and goat meat, a sliver of pan-fried fish, and moi-moi. Several thick slices of sweet fried plantain served as a garnish that made his own stomach flip with anticipation.
After the pastor shared a lengthy blessing of the food, Solomon grinned as she picked up a fork and dug into her rice with enthusiasm.
“I hear you are, what, an event planner? What is that exactly?”Solomon’s father set his attention on Kenya. “What kind of degree do you need for that?”
Here we go.Of course one of them would ask that.
Kenya glanced up at the question and instinctively turned her eyes to him, her mouth full of rice. He couldn’t help but smile at the cuteness of her expression. Like a deer in headlights.
“It, um—” Before answering, Kenya grabbed her glass.
Solomon spoke up to help her out. “Kenya is a creative genius. She plans events for various clients and even celebrities. She is working on one now that has the potential to bring millions into the city.”
Since when did he gush? But he had to admit how proud he was of her and how much good came out of what she did for others.
“I, uh—”
“Apparently things are going well if you are able to get box seats at a soccer game Messi is in.” Kenya’s response had been cut short by his brother.
“Eh-heh?” His father nodded his head as if that was enough to solidify her status.
“That is not all the time though,” Kenya piped up. “Just special occasions.”
Solomon beamed as she blushed. This was going to be okay. Everything was working out better than he thought.
“I didn’t know we had such a person in our midst.” His mom joined in. “But where did you go to school?”
“Mom.” His brother leaned back, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. “It’s not all about that. School is not everything.”
Solomon shot his brother a grateful look. Despite their tension, Simon was attempting to be supportive. Especially since Simon probably still thought of the girlfriend he left behind in Los Angeles who had forgone college to pursue her passion.
“Who—who said?” His mother clicked her tongue, cutting eyes at her younger son.
Simon pressed his lips together, choosing to take a drink insteadof responding to his mother. He knew how to play this game, but Kenya did not.
Solomon looked over to reassure her and wished he was sitting next to her to squeeze her hand.
“Mm-hmm.” His mother sat back. “With all the opportunities available, why would someone not want to go to university?”
“I didn’t.” Kenya’s voice came out soft, shakier than she probably intended.
Solomon’s breath hitched. He knew that, didn’t he? But had he ever asked her?
She squared her shoulders, determination setting her features. “I worked my way up in my career. Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
“Is that so?” His mother offered a tight smile, taking a sip of her spiced malt.
“Experiencecanbe a good teacher, young lady.” His father spoke up. Solomon looked at him in gratitude. His father smiled. He had to remember what it meant to want to impress and protect your date. Because there was no more faking here. He’d made it his excuse, but he knew the truth was that he’d been wanting a reason to make it all right again. To bring Kenya Stewart back into his life somehow. And he wouldn’t let his family change that.
“Look at Solomon.” His father waved his hand toward him. “He has allowed experience to teach him valuable lessons over the past several years.”
Solomon nodded, not sure where this was going.
Kenya smiled. “Lots of school, study, and experience.” Her eyes were full of pride and gratitude.
