8. Tomorrow #3
The driver opened the door on Kyro’s side. Kyro helped me and his sister out. When we got to the door, security checked our IDs. For their private art showings, it was the gallery’s policy that all cell phones went into lock boxes. They gave you the key to hold.
When we walked into the building, my eyes bucked at the people in attendance. It was celebrities, athletes, artists that I admired, collectors that I was familiar with, and some not. All the women wore black, gold, or silver dresses. Danielle told me that was common for black-tie events.
There was a server near the door with a tray of wine. The bottle was on the tray as well. I smiled at the label. Basil-Sand. Since our first date, I had become obsessed with their wine.
Kyro wrapped his arm around my waist, pulled me into his side, then kissed my neck. “You are so beautiful. Your skin is glowing.”
My cheeks warmed and rose. “Thank you, baby. You are quite handsome tonight.”
Danielle interrupted our naughty conversation. Her finger pointed at us. “I know that look, and I will beat both of y’all asses if you duck off anywhere.” She grabbed my hand. “Come on so I can introduce you to people.”
Kyro and I laughed at her knowing us well. For the next twenty minutes, she introduced me to so many people. Starstruck was not big enough of a word for some of the people that I met.
When I made my way back to my man, he stood next to Rashad, Daylen, and who I recognized as his wife, Simonette. “Simonette, you look stunning. How’s your baby girl?”
She had her baby less than a month ago. I was surprised that she was here. Her smile was bright. “You do as well. My little Daria is so perfect. She’s such a good baby. As long as I keep her fed, dry, and clean, she’s the happiest girl.”
“Awe, I can’t wait to have a little mini me.” My finger went up in Kyro’s face as soon as the ‘e’ of the me left my lips. “After I’m married.”
He chuckled. “Duly noted, trust.” He glanced down at his watch. “They should be starting soon.”
No sooner than he said that, the owner of the gallery came to the center of the floor. There was a large easel that was covered next to him. Jourde Castle was a sophisticated man who was known around Augusta for his elaborate lifestyle. He lived great.
“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. I am Jourde Castle, the owner of Break The Fourth Wall. It is a very special night for a few reasons. Let’s get into the masterpiece that we are unveiling tonight.
This piece was commissioned by an extremely talented artist that got on my radar a little over two years ago.
Once I was introduced to her work, I became obsessed.
I had to see every piece that was available to me.
This woman is beyond her years when it comes to her talent.
“This piece was commissioned over a year ago. Tonight, we unveil it to all of you before we place it in its new home on our walls.” He extended his hand toward an open spot on a wall close to him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a masterpiece by Tomorrow Bennett titled Beyond the Script,” Jourde said as the man that stood next to the painting took the covering off. His eyes connected to mine.
Frozen . . . I stood there frozen. I was confused because this piece was commissioned by a woman named Selene Galloway. Based on what she told me, she was a private collector. At no time did she ever tell me that the piece was for Break The Fourth Wall.
My head slowly turned to the side of me, where Kyro and Danielle stood. The expressions on their faces told me that they knew about this. The audience clapped as they gazed between my painting on the easel and me.
Kyro’s hand clasped mine before he kissed my temple. “Look at your masterpiece, baby. You deserve this.”
Jourde asked for me to come forward. I dabbed the corners of my eyes so that the tears wouldn’t fall. I gathered myself, then walked to the front. Jourde and I embraced. “Thank you so much,” I whispered in his ear.
He pulled back from the hug and grabbed my hand. “No, I want to thank you for blessing my wall with one of your masterpieces. I have watched you over the years grow as an artist. Tomorrow Bennett, it is your time.”
His words were powerful. “That means so much to me. I pray I can live up to everyone’s expectations.”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations of you. That is a daunting task. You live up to the expectations that you set for yourself.”
I nodded, then gave him another hug. When I finally turned to face the crowd, my brows knitted. There were new guests in the gallery. My brother, sister, and all of Kyro’s family were there. Now tears fell freely. My brother and sister were in their formal wear.
“Um, first, I want to thank Jourde for believing in my vision.” My eyes darted around the room until I found who I searched for.
I smiled when I found her. “When Selene Galloway came to me for this piece, she gave me little guidance.
All she said was give me something that is Tomorrow Bennett.
Thank you, Miss Selene, for trusting me.
Thank you to my family for always supporting me.
“August and Tuesday, I love you so much. Thank you for always putting up with my colorful mess around our living space. Kyro, I love you so much for making space for me in your life, home, and heart. You are my muse.”
Kyro smiled before he walked toward me. When he was close, he opened his arms. I walked into them willingly. His arms felt like home. “I love you, Tomorrow. You know that, right?”
We pulled away from our hug. After I nodded, he took a step back. When he dropped to his knee, my hand slapped over my mouth. The crowd erupted into celebration.
Kyro pulled a ring box out of his pocket while everyone cheered.
He waited until the crowd simmered down before he spoke.
“Tomorrow, I love you. The moment I saw you on that stage at the mural reveal, I knew that you were the one for me. Our relationship is not perfect, but in the same breath, it’s effortless.
I want to do this thing called love and life with you forever. Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes!” I jumped up and down as I stuck my hand out. Put that ring on my finger, nigga! My body wouldn’t stop shaking as he slid the ring on.
Once it was on, he stood to his full height, and I jumped in his arms. “I love you so much, Mar. It’s me, you, and our eolin agi (little baby).”
I pulled away from him with a scrunched face. That was a word he hadn’t taught me yet. “What does that mean?”