Page 44 of Terms of the Flight

“No problem. Enjoy your event, and you’re going to look beautiful,” Anastasia said.

I smiled. “Thank you.”

Myheir reached over and took my garment bag, then held his hand out for mine. I obliged and smiled as we left the shop. His driver was already out front. He must have sent the man a text or something.

“You got one more stop in you?” he asked as we slid into the backseat.

“As long as it’s food, I’ll follow you anywhere.”

He laughed.

“I got you.”

I settled back into the seat. I needed to be careful. I could get used to those three words.

the blackwell brilliance benefit

Tonight was the night.

It seemed like whenever this part of the year came around, I could never tell whether I was coming or going. But I’d do this a million times over for the young kids who desired to study jewelry design, gemology, and metalwork but couldn’t afford the training.

I was blessed to get all the training necessary to be as successful as I am. I’ve been working on one-of-a-kind pieces to auction off. Then, I still have to make time for orders for my custom pieces, and my role at the bank.

It was the main reason my damn phone was always in my hand or on silent. I’d been on my event planner’s back. I needed this gala to be pulled off perfectly. I needed this to work for the kids who were waiting for an opportunity.

I could easily pay for each of these kids to go, but I was around too many people with money. We needed to do better about giving back to our communities, and this was my way of making sure that happened.

I peered down at my watch. The limo I’d arranged to pick Khaleya up should be picking her up soon. So I pulled my phone from my pocket to send her a text.

Me: I’m giving you a pass for tonight to make your way downstairs without me knocking at your door.

I hit send and waited for her to reply. I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed talking to anyone this much. I was watching those three bubbles materialize, then go away, like she was trying to get her response just right. My jaws were hurting because of how hard I was smiling about a response I hadn’t gotten yet.

Doll: Of course. Whatever you like, Big.

I cracked up, catching herComing to Americareference. The surrounding people glanced in my direction with wide eyes.

Me: I can hear your attitude through the phone LOL.

Doll: My King, I’m glad it wasn’t lost in translation.

I shook my head and smirked down at my phone as I replied.

Me: Keep it up, Doll. I just wanted to let you know your ride should be outside within the next five minutes.

Doll: I’m getting in now. All jokes aside, tonight is going to go great.

I stared down at the text for a moment. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that until this very moment.

Me: Thank you. I’ll be outside waiting for you.

I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

“You seem to outdo yourself every year,” Jace said over my shoulder.

I smirked and turned to greet him and his fiancée, Simone. She always reminded me of Whitley Gilbert fromA Different Worldwithout the squeaky voice. I dapped Jace up and turned to Simone to kiss her cheek.

“Thanks, man, and you look beautiful as always, Simone.”