Chapter 21 #2
Kenya coughed. She grabbed the glass of water already on the table and took a drink, forcing her windpipe to clear. What kind of question was that?
“I don’t know what you mean.” Of course she did.
If there was one thing Kenya did not have, it was a poker face.
From childhood, every emotion and feeling had been on display for all the world to see, pouring out of her lungs and mouth and pumping through her veins into every activity she could be involved in.
Why would it be any different now? It probably wasn’t even a secret to Solomon, or his mother, that she felt some sort of way toward him, despite their deal to keep this all pretend.
“I mean, is this some kind of fling you two are having, or are you serious and prepared for the future?”
This was not the direction she expected the conversation to take. Rarely did she meet people like her, who said exactly what was on their mind. By the look on Favour Anruchi’s face, an admission of weakness could be detrimental. But what was the strongest answer?
Keep things open or commit to the long-haul when it wasn’t supposed to be real anyway?
“We’ve had a good time getting to know each other more.
He is a wonderful man, and I am thankful to have him in my life right now.
He’s also been assisting with my recovery, as I think you know, and because I am an event planner, I have been helping him with plans for your vow renewal.
Which is much of the reason why I wanted us to meet. ”
“Yes, dear, we will get to all those details, but do you have no other reason to meet with me?”
Kenya needed to tread carefully here. If she said there was nothing more, would his mother get upset at her not wanting to pursue anything with her son? But then if she admitted something different, would his mother even approve?
Kenya wasn’t sure, but she erred on the side of deflection. “According to Solomon, you wanted to meet with me as well, didn’t you?”
His mother pursed her lips and crossed her arms. Aha, her diversion had worked.
“I was curious about this woman who my son was spending so much time with.” She turned back to Kenya.
“As you know, he does not have much of it. And as he steps into more in the future, he must remain undistracted to succeed at what he is being tasked to do.”
She loved how they made his role sound even more purposeful and significant. She’d never thought about physical therapy that way, but now that she’d been the one to benefit, she definitely appreciated all the work that went into her becoming mobile again.
“I understand that, believe me. I know how much it takes to be where he is.” And unfortunately, she never had what it took to get to that level. Ha, not even close.
“Are you prepared for what his work will cost, then?”
Those words felt like a punch. Solomon’s mother didn’t approve of her. Maybe that’s why he was so nervous about them meeting.
She had sensed it, but to hear the words bothered her more than she wanted to admit. Maybe that’s why Solomon seemed to sometimes put a wall between them. But if that was the case . . .
Suddenly hope bloomed in her heart. If Solomon had to intentionally put walls up, then that meant he actually felt something that he needed to protect his heart against. And if the scrutiny of his mother was any indication, she too sensed that Solomon cared about Kenya more than he dared to admit to anyone, maybe even himself.
“Do you understand what I am saying, Kenya?”
“Yes, yes, of course!” She responded a little too exuberantly, her cheeks bunching up.
“Then why are you smiling?”
“Because it is such a pleasure to meet you and talk with you.”
Confusion flitted across the older woman’s face and then something else, something akin to amusement.
“You are a funny woman.” She paused, settling back in her seat to get a good look at Kenya.
Finally she said, “Well, I am glad to hear we are on the same page. I would not want Solomon to be distracted from what he is doing.”
“Never.”
Favour nodded. Maybe not all the way convinced about Kenya but at least momentarily satisfied.
“Now, have you ever been to a Nigerian wedding before?”
Kenya shook her head. “I haven’t, but I’ve always wanted to. As an event planner, it looks like such an amazing experience.”
“Experience.” His mother repeated the word. Chuckled to herself. “Well, my dear, I want to make this offer to you as we prepare for the wedding of my dear niece—the experience, as you say.”
“Yes, I am all ears.”
Favour pursed her lips. “What an interesting way to say that. But I will be making you a custom outfit for the wedding.”
“Oh no, no, you don’t have to do that. I was actually scrolling online, and I saw this amazing dress on I thought would be perfect.”
Favour’s eyes widened. “Oh no, no, my dear. You misunderstand me. I will be making you a gown. I have one already in process.”
Kenya bit her bottom lip. Oh, this is not an option, is it? “Oh, okay. Well, that sounds amazing.” She pasted on her most charming smile. “Why would I go elsewhere when I can get one made by you? What an honor that you were thinking of me that way.”
Favour waved her hands. “Yes, well, I need you to meet me at a local tailor tomorrow. I will have Solomon send you the address. We will have your measurements taken and finish the dress. Time is already of the essence.” She clasped her hands in front of her.
“Now, tell me about the fabulous party you are planning for us.”
An hour later, after they had discussed some of her ideas for the vow renewal and Mrs. Anruchi and other customers had come and gone, Kenya sat at the table, thankful that the restaurant began to fill.
She breathed easier in the bustle than in the open air with Solomon’s mother.
Her skin itched, the familiar pressure of boxes closing in.
She’d dealt with worse. Busted through limiting expectations many times before.
One of the servers stepped behind the table near her and rolled up the window shade. The sun was high enough to cast less direct light across her table.
She grinned, the box walls retreating as her breath evened out.
Mrs. Anruchi didn’t know who she had in Kenya Stewart.
Not only was she the best event planner, soon to be creative director, but she and Solomon could be more than the fluke she thought they were.
They could have something deeper than this fake relationship they tried to be in.
And she’d make sure no sliver of a doubt remained.