Page 38 of Divine

“How do you know that I don’t have somebody already?”

“If you do, you’ve never mentioned her to your bestie,” she said, nudging me with her shoulder. “No secrets, remember?”

“That was for you. I keep my work life and my sex life separate.”

“Oh, so youareholding out on me? Good to know.”

I chuckled. “I didn’t say all that.”

“Nah, too late.” She shook her head.

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“Uh, yeah. Let me just grab my clutch.”

I was ready to get this thing over with. I didn’t care for formal events, but I had already accepted that I would do anything for Divine. It was my day off, and I was about to show up to her cousin’s engagement party on her arm. It was only right. I didn’t trust anyone else to do the job.

Liamand I looked good enough to eat as we waltzed into the conference center like we owned the place. A smooth Jazz version of “If This World Were Mine” floated through the air courtesy of a live band. The atmosphere was littered with black elegance thanks to my mom and Bishop’s acquaintances filling the room.

There were a few people scattered out on the dance floor slow dancing to the music and even more sitting in their respective seats. Even though it was a stuffy event, I was feeling good thanks to the glass of wine I’d had before leaving the house. I hated these snooty parties but loved the food and music.

As long as no one tried to have a conversation with me to give me advice about how to get a good man or asking for a donation to some kind of foundation for the at-risk youth, I would be OK. To make sure that was not a problem, I planned to drink plenty of wine. It was a good thing Liam was my designated driver tonight because I planned to get wasted.

“Let’s grab something to drink,” I suggested.

“I’m not drinking tonight, Cookie. I’m responsible for making sure you make it home safe.”

“One drink is not going to hurt you.”

“I’m not about to let you get me drunk and take advantage of me,” he joked.

“You must have read my mind. A few Hennessy margs and you’ll be putty in my hands,” I teased him.

“Wow, so you just go straight to date rape, Divine. I can’t believe you would try to rape me. Trust me. If I ever get that pussy, I want to have all my faculties intact. I need to remember everything that happens just in case you never let me in that thang again.”

“Shut up.” I laughed.

My mind shifted from Liam’s constant foolishness to the sight of my mom in a black satin gown that accentuated her shape. My mom was beautiful on any given day, but tonight, she was regal. A magnetic force lugged me across the room in her direction. Liam was hot on my heels as I made my way to my favorite person in the world.

“Mommy!” I sang as I sank into my mother’s outstretched arms.

Every hug from her soothed whatever ailed me in the moment. I had something that I wanted to discuss with my mom, but right then, I just needed to enjoy the warmth of her embrace.

“You are beautiful, baby girl,” my mom complimented me with a smile.

“I was just about to tell you the same thing, old lady.”

“You know how I am about flattery.” She winked. “Liam, you’re looking rather dapper tonight.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gold. You’re as radiant as ever.”

“Listen, you two are not doing as good of a job of hiding that little lingering thing between you two. If you plan on making Syre think you hate his guts, you’re going to have to be mindful of the way you look at each other. Three people have already asked me if I’m going to be planning another engagement party soon, and you two just walked in the door.”

“What thing?” I frowned, oblivious to what my mom was referring to.

Liam chuckled but looked away.

“At least he doesn’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. Ain’t nothing slick to a can of oil, baby girl. I gave birth to you. I know you.”

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