Page 71 of When Love Takes Over
“A grand?—”
“Ma, I heard you, and I’m not interested.”
“Why not?”
My mother actually pouted and folded her arms across her chest.
“Because that’s not what we want.”
“But it’s the perfect way to celebrate your birthday, introduce everyone to your new bride, and announce your new role as CEO. Don’t you agree, Malyah?”
She’d been hyper-focused on her plate, so when she heard her name, she was mid-bite and not prepared to be pulled into the conversation.
“Umm, sure,” she answered uneasily.
“I knew you’d agree. We can start planning tomorrow because we’re months behind. July 9th will be here before we know it.”
“Wait! What? Planning?”
“I have a meeting scheduled for Wednesday to view a possible location. I shared my vision with a decorator this morning, but if you two have other ideas?—”
“Ma, hold up. You started planning before talking to us.”
“I didn’t think it’d be a problem. Malyah, what’s your availability for tomorrow? I can probably schedule a few meetings with event planners.”
“I usually leave work at around two thirty.”
“I’m sure Kenny wouldn’t mind if you took some time off to plan your celebration, right, Son?”
“My bad,baby. I had no idea my mother would bum-rush you like that. You could’ve said no.”
We’d finished dinner, returned to his apartment, and were in the bedroom discussing what had just transpired with his mother.
“It’s fine, Kenzo. She’s trying to feel me out, and I don’t know if she’s looking for a reason to like me or dislike me, but I’ll give her every opportunity to do one or the other.”
“Planning an event of this magnitude in such a short time will be tough, especially with my mother. Event planning and hosting are two of her favorite things, so expect her to be over the top. I trust that whatever she throws your way, you’ll handleit with grace. She may challenge you a few times, but stand your ground, and don’t let her push you around.”
“I can handle myself and your mother. Don’t worry about me.”
“You got it.”
“I have a question, though.”
“What’s that?”
“Should I give you my letter of resignation?”
“Word?”
I nodded. “Are you surprised?”
“Not totally, but I didn’t think you’d decide so quickly. What day will be your last day?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Word?” he repeated, sounding even more surprised than the first time.
“I wanted to finish out the week, but since your mother wants my help with this party, I figured the sooner the better. I can split my time between her and Gramps until the party. After that, Gramps can have all my time.”
