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My mother had lunch with her and reviewed every suggestion and idea that Chloe had, perusing each choice carefully before giving her approval. So, although I was in charge of planning and hosting this event this year, I had little say. The only thing that I did was choose the coordinator. Other than that, the recommendations for the caterer and the band were all my mother’s ideas.
As much as I wanted to fly solo and prove myself, I toed the line carefully, vowing to do my own thing next year after I’ve proven myself.
“Make sure that you’re not just holding up the wall. Get out there and mingle with your guests, get to know some of them and greet every one of them. That’s where your donations will come from...not from those you already know,” Graham says.
The insinuation that I was spending too much time at Chloe’s side was crystal clear. Even a blind man could see it. It’s no secret that Graham is a racist pig, but he’s selective about his racism. He doesn’t like blacks, Asians, and most Hispanic people. I think he likes and dotes on Mom because of her money.
His racism is why he doesn’t care for me because I’m half black, and he doesn’t like Chloe, who’s fully black and proud of her heritage.
“Dear, did you hear Graham? He’s an old pro at these types of things,” Mom says after I don’t respond to Graham.
“Yes, Mom,” I reply, still refusing to acknowledge him.
She leans closer to me and whispers, “This is your chance to prove yourself.”
I inhale deeply and hold my breath until she turns to leave.
“Graham,” she says, extending her arm for him to take.
They step away, and he glances at me one last time.
Chloe blows out a loud breath beside me, tossing down the remnants of her wine.
“I have no idea how you put up with the BS. Just grab a knife and stick it where his heart’s supposed to be.”
“Nicky, would you care to join me with our guests?” I ask.
“Sure, darling. I just saw Nicole and Greyson Black arrive,” he says.
My eyes light up, turning in their direction. I need to speak with them and thank them for offering their hotel for our benefit tonight.
“Let’s mix and mingle,” I say, taking Nicky’s arm on one side while Chloe takes his arm on the other, faking a smile.
He never knew Chloe didn’t care for him because she always minded her manners. On the other hand, I wouldn’t tell him that because...well, she’s my best friend, and he’s my husband. I never wanted bad vibes between them, and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
“Mr. and Mrs. Black,” I greet as we approach the newly arrived couple.
She’s wearing a gorgeous black silk cocktail dress with diamond buttons down the back. Her hair is swept up into a high ponytail with a diamond-encrusted band holding the ponytail in place.
Her gorgeous chocolate skin seemingly shimmers under the chandeliers. Her husband, Greyson Black, is one of the finest men I’ve ever seen and stands out in this room.
His dark hair is swept away from his forehead, and those grey eyes sparkle with mischief as he looks from his wife to the three of us. The air sparkles with the electricity between them.
“Hello, Mrs. Carver-Tidwell and Mr. Tidwell,” they greet.
“This is my best friend, Chloe Adams, the event coordinator for tonight.”
They shake her hand.
“You’ve done a fabulous job with decorations. Turning this ballroom into something so glamorous,” Nicole Black says.
“You all provided me with a beautiful landscape to make it happen. The herringbone pattern in the French oak floors, high sweeping arches and ceiling, and the beautiful diamond pattern sconces take this room to another level,” Chloe breathes. “It was an honor to decorate such a space.”
“Thank you,” Nicole beams widely at her husband.
“Nicole and I met when I hired her to design one of my boutique hotels in Savannah. I’ve included her in all projects since then. This room is her baby,” Greyson shares.
“Well, I can see why he fell in love with you and your work,” I speak up. “It’s simply gorgeous. When I first saw the space, I was overwhelmed, wondering how we could improve it,” I say.
