“So, are y’all friends or family?” Ashley teased. “I’m just wondering, don’t mind me.”
Najee kept his eyes on Orielle, giving her the floor to answer her question.
Smirking, she said, “We’re friends.”
“Well, friends, it looks like we all had a successful day. Thank God for that. Are you coming to the gala?” Ashley asked Najee.
He nodded without hesitation, not caring that he knew not one detail about the event. If Orielle was going to be there, so was he.
“Yeah. I’ll be there. You mind sending me the info?” His question was for Luke.
“There should be a flyer on the table by the front door. Grab a couple on your way out,” he said.
Najee nodded, planning to do just that.
“Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I have to get back to work, and so does Mr. Morris,” Ashley said, patting his chest. “Orielle, I can’t thank you enough. I know you agreed to sing for free, but if I could pay you, honey, I would.”
Orielle smiled. “You’re more than welcome. Knowing that the women love my music and can heal from it is enough payment for me.”
Approvingly, Luke nodded his head. “Yeah... I like you. Our daughter runs your music into the ground, and now I see why. It’s more than just the music to you.”
She nodded. “Yes, it is. I’m glad you can see and feel that.”
“Absolutely. Let me walk y’all out before I get fussed at.” Luke chuckled.
He guided Ashley in front of him, and Najee did the same with Orielle. When they made it to the front entrance, Ashley and Luke gave their farewells, promising to see them soon. Najee grabbed a few of the flyers from the brown table and held the door open for Orielle to walk through.
“Where you park at?” Najee asked.
She scanned the lot for her car. “Right there.” She pointed to her black Lexus ES. “Why?” The question flew from Orielle’s mouth before her brain could stop it.
Najee chuckled. “So, I can walk you to it like the gentleman I am. Shit, unless you trying to ride with me.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny,” she said sarcastically, laughing.
“I ain’t laughing, though. Let me take you to grab a bite to eat.”
Orielle’s smile fell. “For what, though? It’s not like we have anything to talk about.”
“I can name a few things, but I’ll let you decide what to discuss. Now, what you got a taste for?”
“Najee...” she said his name as if she were fed up, and he smirked.
“RiRi,” he countered. “Quit being difficult and let a nigga feed you. You acting like I’ma kidnap you.”
Orielle’s head fell backward as she laughed. The sound was so pure and soft, it made Najee smile without effort. She thought back to that night in his truck and how he claimed he wanted to kidnap her just so she could sing to him. Back then, she wanted him to do just that, and crazily, she still had the same feeling. Only stronger.
“You might,” she replied.
“And you’d enjoy every minute of it,” Najee said with so much confidence, it made her insides quiver.
She knew she would. That’s why all she could do was roll her eyes, instead of admitting how correct he was. “Whatever. You better not pick anything I won’t like. And I’m following you, so don’t be speeding either.”
“I got you, Pretty Girl. Just make sure you keep up,” Najee said and smirked. “Come on.”
Orielle watched him walk ahead of her to her car, and she lifted her head to the sky. “Lord, what am I doing?”
He may not have given her the answer she wanted right then, but He’d give her exactly what she’d need when it was time.
