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“And we couldn’t,” Chloe says.
“No, all we could do was enhance it,” I add.
“You ladies have excellent vision,” Nicole says as Greyson nods.
“Would you happen to have a business card on you, or could we exchange information?” Nicole asks Chloe.
“I actually do have a card on me,” Chloe says, opening her tiny evening bag.
I chuckle. “She isalwaysprepared,” I say.
“That’s the mark of a great businesswoman,” my husband says, and I wonder if he’s trying to earn brownie points with Chloe since she hasn’t said much to him tonight.
“Thank you, Nicky,” she says, smiling briefly at him as she passes her card to Nicole.
I can feel the excitement bubbling off Chloe.
“Looks as if you have a wonderful turnout tonight,” Greyson observes.
I look around the room and sip my champagne. “Definitely more than I could have expected. I would have to give all honor to my mother for making this part happen. She has a way with people,” I say,and their pockets,I think, but fail to say.
We make small talk for a bit longer as I look around the room to see whom I need to greet next when I choke on my champagne.
“Are you okay?” Chloe asks, patting my back.
I feel I can barely breathe, let alone answer the question. In one move, the oxygen has been sucked from the room.
“Yaya,” Chloe presses, grabbing my arm.
“Um, yeah. I’m fine. I think that I’ve drunk too much champagne tonight without enough food on my stomach. That’s all,” I lie.
“Do you need to sit down?” Nicole asks.
“Um, no. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s been a pleasure speaking with you,” Greyson says. “I’m about to grab some champagne.”
“And food,” Nicole says wisely, sharing a compassionate smile.
She opens her arms, and I hug her.
“Thank you so much for coming out and supporting us and again for lending us this fabulous space,” I say.
“Any time,” she says before she and Greyson disappears.
“Sweet girl, is everything okay? Do you need me to grab you some water?” Nicky asks.
“Yes, please.”
As soon as he’s out of earshot, I turn to Chloe.
“I need some fresh air.”
“Want me to come with you?”
“No. Would you please stay here and stall my mother or Nicky from coming to look for me?”
“Sure, but are you sure you’ll be okay, Yaya? You need me to go with you?”
