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“Shut up,” I joked.
She hugged me before pulling back and taking in my dress.
“Okay, bitch,” Jaharee said.
“You like it?” I spun around.
“You did that. I should’ve known you were going to step out tonight with something never seen before.”
I smiled and ran my hands over the fitted black gown. It was simple from the front, but the back was dipped low and laced with diamonds. My hair fell in loose waves down my back, and the diamond earrings Rah bought me for our fifth anniversary were the only jewelry I wore besides my wedding ring.
“You look good, too.”
“Oh, bitch, I know.” Jaharee stuck her tongue out.
“I hate complimenting your ass.” I laughed before looping her arm into mine.
“Come on. Mama already asking where you at.”
“I just got here.”
“She don’t care. You know Lorraine runs events like a drill sergeant.”
“She’s literally been calling me since noon, Jaharee.”
“Oh, I believe you. She’s been doing the same with me and we live in the same house.”
We walked farther into the ballroom, and for a few minutes I forgot about the program in my hand. The room was beautiful. The tables were covered in black silk tablecloths, with gold centerpieces with white roses. The screens on the wall played old photographs from foundation events over the years.
“You good?”
“I’m fine.”
“Let’s get a drink before Mama finds us and puts us to work.”
“That’s the best thing you’ve said all day.”
By the time we made it to the bar, I had been stopped at least six times. Everybody wanted to hug me, compliment my continued success at Royal Flush, or give me the damn sympathetic look people still hadn't learned I hated. I smiled anyway. That was part of tonight. The foundation wasn’t about grief. I had already taken down one glass of champagne and was ready for another one.
“Champagne?”
I turned at the sound of Lloyd’s voice. He stood beside me in a black tuxedo holding two glasses.
“Thank you,” I said.
Jaharee looked between us and smiled.
“Okay, I can see I’m not needed anymore,” she said.
“Jaharee, don’t start,” I told her.
“I’m going to find mama before she sends a search party,” she said, kissing my cheek.
She disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing with Lloyd. He nodded towards the program.
“They did good on the programs,” he said.
“Yeah,” I said, folding it and putting it in my clutch.
