Page 16 of Choosing the Chief

When we arrive at the palace I am sated and flushed. I straighten my dress as Adom puts my hair back in place. After a brief kiss to the forehead, he taps on the partition and the driver steps out of the car. He opens the passenger door and Adom steps out. He reaches back to offer me his hand. We somehow manage to get me and my ball gown out of the car unscathed.

The cameras flash as we walk the red carpet. Adom keeps a brisk pace, but every few steps he stops and pulls me close for a picture. He’s clearly enjoying the moment and stops to yell, “Dr. Maya Taylor” to the photographers. I take my cue and turn Maya the model on. I pose and smile as the cameras flash. Every anxiety leaves my body. My prince and I power walk through the doors. My favorite person greets me as I walk inside.

“I saw you, girl,” Ella shrieks while snatching me into a very tight hug. “You look amazing! I can tell you are feeling yourself! You gave the paps a show outside! You will be on the cover of every Africana and British society page tomorrow! Especially once they figure out it’s Maya Taylor.”

Adom steps in and kisses our pregnant friend on the cheek. “Oh! If they didn’t know, they know now because I told them.”

I nod. “Yes girl, this man had the nerve to step aside and announce me to the crowd.” I grab my ball gown and strike a fierce pose. “So, you know I had to give the people what they want, girl!” We crash into each other laughing before I notice a very tall and handsome man watching over Ella like he is ready to take a bullet for her at any moment. I walk over to him and look up at him. “You must be Kofi; I am extremely pleased to meet you.”

Kofi breaks into a beautiful smile and grabs me into a bear hug. “I am very happy to meet you, Maya. I was sorry I could not meet you in Atlanta and that you could not come here for our wedding. I’m glad you are healing well.”

I look over at Ella as she admires the king who stole her heart, and I tear up. I hated missing her wedding. When Kofi came to Atlanta to get her, I did not want our first introduction to be while I was confined to a bed. This moment now is perfect. It’s a beautiful night and we are all gorgeous, Black, and proud. What more can I ask for? Kofi breaks my thoughts. “I need to borrow your prince for a minute. I know you and Ella have much to catch up on.”

Adom rolls his eyes. “I am not a prince.” He takes my hand and pushes some hair out of my face. I spy Ella watching him in awe. “Duty calls…I won’t be long.”

Something about the way he drops his voice suggests my next spontaneous moment of pleasure is around the corner. Ella interjects. “She can live a few moments without you fawning over her, Adom. She takes my hand and pulls me away. She turns to blow a kiss at Kofi, and we walk hand in hand past security to the section of the ballroom designated for the royal family and their guests. I glance at Adom as we walk away and recognize the frown that has overtaken his face.Ella interrupted him.I laugh to myself knowing it’s driving him crazy.

When Ella and I reach a small booth, we sit and start talking immediately, like no time has passed between us.

“Ella. I miss you so much! Can’t you move back to Atlanta? The way Kofi looks at you, I’m sure he will follow you wherever you go.”

Before she can answer, we are approached by a very tall and very beautiful dark-skinned woman with a British accent. She is dressed in a stunning black lace gown with a bold red lip. She is fierce.

“Queen Ella, how wonderful it is to see you again. I hope you and Kofi are well.” I watch Ella’s reaction. It is without a doubt one of mild disgust. I don’t play that—if Ella doesn’t like you, you are most definitely a bitch. Ella remains pleasant.

“Abena, how surprising it is to see you! We are well. How is your family?”

Abena?Oh! This is the chick that was betrothed to Kofi. Ella told me about her. I hope she did not come over here to start shit. Because I still fight. I will snatch that dumb-ass ponytail right off her head over Ella and my unborn god baby.

“My family is well. I am actually here with my brother and father tonight.” She looks over at me with a smile that feels genuine. She does not come across as the conniving trick that tried to steal Ella’s man. Ella catches her looking at me.

“How rude of me.” Ella stands. “Let me introduce you two. Abena Owusu, this is my dearest friend, Dr. Maya Taylor. Maya, this is one of our most esteemed chief’s daughter, Abena Owusu.”

Abena takes my hand. “I know of your past work very well, Dr. Taylor. I am a royal photographer in London, and I often covered the fashion shows. You were one of the only Black women gracing the catwalk, and your performances were unforgettable.”

I smile thinking of those days. I laugh. “That was a long time ago.”

“Well,” she says with a wink. “It looks like you’ve still got it.”

She turns back to Ella. “Ella, I was actually looking for Senya. Have you seen him?”

Ella looks bewildered. “Ummm…no, but I’m sure he’s around here somewhere. I didn’t realize you two were acquainted?”

Abena nods. “Yes, I grew up with all three of the boys, your husband, Adom, and Senya. Senya and I are currently working on a project together. You and I should connect soon to talk about it. For now, I will leave you two back to your evening.”

With that, Abena Owusu walks away without another word. Ella speaks first. “Well that was odd.”

“Yeah, it was. She seemed genuinely glad to see you, though. When you described her to me last year, I pictured someone different.”

Ella laughs. “Well she was different, then! And what is all this talk about her and Senya and a project? I will have to speak with Kofi about that. We do not fuck with the Owusus. I can tell she’s up to something. She came over here, just to ensure I saw her.” Ella takes her seat again. “Anyway, that’s enough about her. Let’s talk about you…and Adom. Give me all the dish!”

I laugh and try to deflect the conversation. “No, I want to catch up on you, marriage and pregnancy. That is way more interesting than my life. Tell me Queen Ella, how is royal life?”

She smirks and wags her finger in my face. “No, ma’am, we are not talking about me at all. I need to know what the hell is going on with you and Adom!”

I release a loud breath and smile. “Girl, I don’t know. He heals me. Like, you remember all the kinky stuff we used to hear about Adom around town? How he’s into submission and all that? Well it’s true, but it’s not how you think. It’s amazing!”

Ella clasps her hand over her mouth, before placing it on her growing belly. “Wait, wait, wait…so you mean you two have…you know…done it?”

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