Chapter 27-Devon
“What’s wrong?” I asked Kenya when I saw her smile turn dark in a matter of seconds.
I followed her stare to see Rasheeda and her sister’s husband walking into the gala, looking like a real couple.
From looking at him, you would never know that he had a wife and kids at home. It was bold as hell for him to have Rasheeda out in front of his people like it was okay.
I could’ve been biased because Rasheeda was the homie, but at the same time, they both knew what was up, and they were both wrong.
Making a bold move like bringing the sideline out in public, let me know that he had no regard for Kendra’s feelings.
He had to know that it would get back to her eventually.
I was sure that several of his and Kendra’s bougie friends were in attendance and wouldn’t hesitate to get the rumor mill going.
That was the thing about privately tolerating something, it was sure to go public eventually, because what’s done in the dark comes to the light.
“We can leave if his being here makes you uncomfortable,” I said, using my free hand to caress her cheek and turn her attention back to me.
“No, I’m fine. That is not my battle, and the room is large enough for all of us.”
“Are you sure? I won’t feel no type of way if we leave now.”
“Yes, I am sure. Seeing them together just caught me off guard. Come on, there is someone I want you to meet. He is a very knowledgeable marketing specialist and could be instrumental in establishing yourself as an even more prominent business owner,” she spoke while grabbing my hand and pulling me to a tall, nerdy looking guy standing near the bar.
“Theo, how are you doing?” Kenya asked while extending her hand to him.
“Kenya, I’m doing marvelous. How are you? Oh, you look ravishing.”
“Oh, thank you. I have someone I want you to meet. Theo, this is my boyfriend, Devon. Devon, this is my good friend, Theo. Theo, Devon owns several nightclubs in the area. I was raving to him about your stellar marketing skills.”
“Hello, Devon. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said as he reached to shake my hand.
To see how Kenya instantly turned her proper persona switch up a notch, had me ready to come with my A-game.
I knew that my woman was smarter than me, but at the same time, I couldn’t be out here looking stupid.
It was obvious that we came from two different worlds, but she was just what I needed in my life.
“Hello, Theo.” I responded while returning his firm handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
“So, you own a nightclub?”
“Yes, I own and manage Crossroads . I currently have three locations.”
“You are the owner of Crossroads ? Your club is on the lips of people all over our city. Wait! I have an amazing idea,” he dramatically said.
“One of my friends is a blogger with an impressive following, and she is wanting to spotlight black entrepreneurs. How would you feel about being featured on her site?”
“That would be a great opportunity for me,” I replied while doing my best to contain my excitement, but I was already seeing the possibility of dollar signs to come from the opportunity.
“Let me give you my business card,” he said as he reached into his suit pocket. “Call me Monday, and I will get it set up. Kenya, as always, it’s been a pleasure,” he said and waltzed away from us.
Dude had a crazy amount of energy, but it worked for him.
“I told you that this would be an event worth attending.” Kenya smiled.
By the end of the night, Kenya had introduced me to three black mayors from surrounding cities, a graphic designer, and a social media influencer who offered to develop the club’s online presence for free, so that she could build her portfolio.
I even saw her ex’s cappin’ ass, who managed to avoid us all night like we were his bitter baby mama.
The only reason that she told me who he was, was because I peeped him staring at her and asked if she knew him or if he just had a staring problem.
I knew that Kenya would walk out with an expanded network just because of the type of woman that she was.
She commanded respect and attention, but I didn’t expect the same for myself. Thanks to my woman, I could prove myself wrong. I was a movement by myself, but with her on my arm, we were a force to be reckoned with.