Page 35 of Til Death
I blinked slowly and brushed my hand over my tie. “This is my favorite tie.”
She gave me a tired look and reached toward my neck. “Your favorite tie is going to have to sit out tonight.”
“What are you doing?” I complained when she started loosening my tie.
“Trust me, hubby! You’re going to have the spotlight tonight. The last thing you want is to go out there looking basic as hell.”
Lifting my wrist, I checked the time. “We don’t have time for this. The car should be pulling up any second now.”
“Just hold on.”
Removing the tie, Xylina stepped back and squinted. Her head cocked to the side and the tip of her tongue poked out of the corner of her mouth.
“Do you have a bowtie?”
My face went blank. “I hate bowties.”
She rolled her eyes. “Such a complicated man. Humor me tonight, please.” Xylina turned and started for the steps again. When she noticed I wasn’t coming with her, she looked over her shoulder. “Well c’mon, let’s go look in your closet.”
It felt like a switch had been flipped between the past two days and today. Whatever was bothering Xylina must not have been too serious because she was back to her perky, upbeat self.
“Xylina.” I sighed.
“Yosiah.” This time she turned to face me. “I know what I’m talking about, okay? Just trust me.” She turned for the steps again. “Plus, there’s no way I can allow you to leave here with me looking this good and you’re basic as hell.” This time she didn’t give me any room to argue. I watched her walk up the steps. I never noticed the weight her ass had gained over the years. The way the dress hugged her made it easy to see it switch underneath.
Tucking my bottom lip into my mouth, I had to check myself. Xylina was attractive in every way, but that was where the interest in her ended. Dropping my head with a slight shake, I decided to pick my battles wisely tonight. I didn’t have time to sit and argue with her. This was the one time I’d allow her to have her way if it would get us out of this house faster.
In the end, Xylina ended up changing my whole outfit. Instead of the black suit, she put in me a midnight blue suit with blackon the inside that displayed at the top. Underneath was a white button up and a black bow tie to tie it all together and black loafers. She switched out my silver Rolex with the gold to match her too. Although I fought it, even I could admit I looked good and stood out against everyone in attendance.
Visionary Focuswas in attendance and made sure to capture multiple pictures of us along with the whole event. When one of the photographers showed one of the pictures he got of us, even I could admit the change next to her looked great.
Now we were sitting at the table reserved for me along with my parents who sat on the other side.
“Did you ever think you would be here?” Xylina asked, setting her flute of champagne down and facing me. While here, she’d tried to spark conversations with my parents. Mom practically ignored her, but my dad tried to be cordial.
My eyes roamed the crowded room. There were tables scattered on the floor, all filled with people. A stage was at the front of the room with a large screen behind it. The food had been served and our table was nearing the end of our meals. The founder of the foundation gave a speech before the food, explaining their mission statement and what tonight was for.
“No, I didn’t. My only goal was to take my love of tech to the next level.”
“Well, I did,” my mom interjected, a proud smile on her face. “After fourteen hours of labor, I knew there was no way you would put me through all that pain not to be destined for greatness.”
Chuckling, I nodded in her direction. “Thanks, Mama.”
“Well good thing for me I’m able to be at your side to witness the greatness.” Xylina’s smile grew. She wrapped her arm around mine and pushed against me. “You two did a great job raising this one. Who else can start a business and make millions within the first year?”
Xylina batted her long fake lashes up at me.
“It’s about more than the money he made. My son put in a lot of work to get to where he is,” my mom mentioned.
Xylina twisted her neck in my mother’s direction. “Of course, but let’s be real, most businesses fail within the first year, right? For him to not only succeed but be as profitable as he was is unheard of. I’m such a proud wife.”
The look on my mom’s face was unimpressed.
A photographer stepped to the table and asked, “Can I get a picture of the lovely couple?”
“Sure!” Xylina blurted before I could say anything.
She tightened her hold on my arm and faced the camera, cheesing brightly. Having no choice, I played along, plastering a smile on my face.
