Chapter Twenty-Eight
Channing
Life was funny.
When I first met Rhythm at her office, there was nothing that could have ever prepared me to be in the space we were in now. What I thought would end up as a friend with benefits type of deal, had quickly migrated into a full-blown relationship. Though we’d never officially asked to be each other’s, she was mine, and I was hers—point, blank, period.
A couple of weeks had passed since Rhythm’s parents visited. My baby was sad to see them go, but I promised her I would fly them out whenever they were ready to come back. I could say that I enjoyed the time we spent with her people. Her parents were funny as hell, and her dad was that guy. He didn’t play about his baby, and he said it gave him comfort that I didn’t either.
I was glad he could see I cared for her. I was also glad that he came to me like a man and not some nigga on the street about her. I believed that respect was earned, not given. I wouldn’t give my respect just because somebody felt like they deserved it, no matter who they were.
Over the last couple of weeks, she’d introduced me to a number of her family members via FaceTime. Much like her parents, they were all warm and welcoming. They made her promise to visit soon so we could get a face-to-face introduction. I’d never been down south, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Rhythm assured me that at least with her family, I’d be shown some southern hospitality.
It was Friday night.
Tonight, we were going to a banquet my baby had been invited to. It was a charity event, and all proceeds were being donated to research efforts in Alzheimer’s and dementia. With Grams being so close to my heart, I had to go. I already had a check made out to do my part.
I stood in front of the mirror in my five-piece black-on-black suit with the matching black loafers. My hair was freshly cut, and my beard was freshly lined up. I honestly hated wearing suits, but for special occasions, I’d make an exception.
“Baby! We’re gonna be late!” I yelled into the bathroom.
“I’m coming!”
She’d been in the bathroom for a good forty-five minutes now. I wasn’t sure what she was doing, but when she opened the bathroom door, it all made sense. She stepped out in a strapless black sequin gown that touched the floor and hugged her every curve. Her naturally curly hair was bone straight and hung with a middle part. White-gold diamond jewelry adorned her neck, wrists, and arms. Her face held a light beat of makeup.
She was perfect… flawless.
“Damn,” I mumbled.
She smirked. “I know. I look good, don’t I?”
She did a little twirl for me then struck a pose.
“You look gorgeous. I can already see me giving out a few dirty looks tonight.”
She giggled as she walked over and slid her arms around my waist. “I’m all yours. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m never worried, love.” I pecked her lips. “Come on and get your pictures so we can head out.”
She eagerly went to fetch her phone so she could snap a few pictures. I noticed a while ago that she loved to capture intimate moments.
I rarely saw her post them online, but every so often, she would sit and flip through her photo album and smile at the memories. She told me everything didn’t have to be shared with the world. Some things were fine being meant just for you.
I could understand that. I wasn’t big on social media. While I had it, it was rare that I posted anything that wasn’t business related.
I couldn’t stand people who posted everything online and then complained about everybody being in their business.
After snapping her pictures, we finally headed out of the house, hopped in my truck and made our way to the event venue.
Cars were already lined up, waiting to be valet parked. After about ten minutes, we finally handed over my keys and headed inside.
The space was immaculate and grand. It was clear that the elite of the elite were in the building tonight.
After dropping our checks in the donation box, Rhythm and I headed into the event space.
It was packed, but we had a table with Nique and the baller she met named Anthony Diego.
I liked him for her.
He was a good guy that wasn’t in any trouble.
Anytime I heard anything about him, it was for his avid community service.
His story was well known and one he didn’t mind sharing.
He grew up in the system and worked hard to make good grades so he could get a basketball scholarship to pay for his degree in social work. I had mad respect for him.
“It’s about time you two got here,” Nique said, standing to greet us with hugs.
“Somebody here took almost an hour in the bathroom,” I said.
“Don’t come for my friend! It was worth it because she looks damn good.”
She twirled Rhythm around, who was smiling from ear to ear.
Anthony chuckled. “She took forever, too. I guess birds of a feather flock together.”
Nique scoffed, causing him to laugh and lean over to kiss her cheek.
He then extended his hand to shake mine.
Rhythm and I took our seats, and she moved hers a little closer so she could rest in the cusp of my arm. For a while, we sat talking with Nique and Anthony and people watching.
People began taking their seats so the speeches could begin.
While several people took the stage, dinner was served.
I was pleasantly surprised that the food was actually good. I just knew we’d be leaving here and going to get a burger tonight.
Eva Langford, the president of the organization responsible for tonight’s event, took the stage once more.
Everyone looked confused, like this wasn’t a part of the plans.
The room quieted down as she spoke into the mic.
“I know her,” Rhythm said quietly. “She’s the one that sent me the invite.”
“I know this wasn’t on the program tonight and it was intentional. There is a very special person here tonight that I would like to shine a light on. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful young lady. She’s such a light, and the work she does is filled with so much love and exceptional care. As many of you know, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a year ago. His condition has progressed, and it’s been very hard on him and the family.
“A friend of mine recommended this young lady to me, and I can honestly say that since my father has been in the care of her and her team, it’s made all the difference in the world in how we accommodate him.
She always stresses that he may have the disease, but the disease doesn’t have to have him. Because of what my family has learned from her, my father’s quality of life has improved. I am so grateful to her. I know that the same way she’s touched my family’s life, she’s touched so many others.
“I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with her staff and many families of her clients. They all say such wonderful things about her, and I know them to be true. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s, dementia, or whatever, she always gives one hundred percent of herself. Tonight, I’d like to recognize and present Dr. Rhythm Baker of The Baker Method with the Occupational Therapy Award of Merit.”
Beside me, Rhythm gasped. “Oh my God!”
“Ms. Baker, if you’re here, please come up and accept your award.”
The crowd erupted with applause.
“Congratulations, love,” I said, kissing her cheek.
I stood and helped a shocked Rhythm from her seat. She nervously made her way up to the stage.
“That’s my bestie!” Nique yelled.
My baby was a little teary-eyed as she hugged Eva and accepted her award. I stood with my phone, ensuring that I captured this moment for her to watch later.
“Wow… I um… I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you so much for this honor. I love what I do. I know dealing with a loved one who’s no longer the version you remember can be difficult. I know it can be frustrating, and you may want to give up. It takes hard work and dedication to be a caregiver. At The Baker Method, we strive to alleviate some of that pressure.
“We care about not only your loved ones, but you, too. It’s been an honor to work with so many families to improve their quality of life. We may not have a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, but there is so much we can do to ensure that our loved ones live the rest of their days as happy and healthy as possible. I thank you for this award and the recognition. I promise to continue to do my part in this fight. Thank you.”
Again, she hugged Eva before returning to her seat. Nique, Anthony, and I greeted her with hugs and congrats. She absolutely deserved that award.
“I’m so proud of you, baby,” I said, cupping her face.
“Thank you.”
Eva spoke into the microphone again. “We also have a few people who wanted to sing your praises, Ms. Baker.”
As we took our seats, she motioned to the back, and a screen dropped from the ceiling.
The lights dimmed, and soon, a video began to play.
On screen were testimonials from several families Rhythm had serviced over the years.
She couldn’t contain her tears as each person had nothing but beautiful things to say about her.
When my mother and Grams popped on the screen, she cried harder. I was surprised my mom hadn’t mentioned this to me, but she probably thought I’d ruin the surprise.
By the end of the video, Rhythm’s makeup was beginning to run. She excused herself to the bathroom with Nique to gather herself, leaving Anthony and me alone.
“Did you know about this?” he asked.
“Nah, I didn’t. But she deserves it.”
“I saw the pride in your face when she was up there, man. You look like you’re in love.”
I grinned. “Shit, maybe I am.”
I thought about it.
Maybe it was too soon.
Maybe she didn’t feel the same way, but everything in my heart was telling me that wasn’t the case.
We connected and vibed too well for it not to be something deeper.
I wouldn’t push it.
I wouldn’t force it to be said. When the time was right and the moment was perfect, it would happen.
If I believed in nothing else, I believed in fate. Grams always told me that what was for me would always be for me. She was it. She was mine, and there was no way I was ever letting up off her.