Page 9 of Big Nick Energy

She frowned slightly and nodded in acknowledgement. “You’re right. But it took you two seconds to do your hair.”

Smiling, I turned to look at my reflection. “It took me two seconds to do my hair, and an hour to do my makeup.”

I stepped back, inspecting myself from head to toe. My waist length boho knotless braids with shiny, voluminous human hair curls was pulled into a high ponytail. My makeup looked flawlessly natural except for the thick, lush lashes. The off the shoulder plum bodysuit with the matching wrap skirt hugged my thick body and accentuated my curves. The gold heels made my round ass sit pretty and matched my bag, my jewelry and the charms in my hair.

I looked good.

“You look good,” Paris commented.

Looping my arm with hers, I grinned. “Welook good.”

A slow smile stretched across her pretty face. “We do.”

It didn’t take long for us to get to Hamilton University. We got a decent parking spot, so we were a little surprised by how packed it was in the library’s auditorium.

“This place is huge. There’s two seats over there,” Paris pointed out.

I peered toward the stage. “I was hoping to be in the front.”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen.” She gestured with her head. “It looks like you weren’t the only one with that idea.”

I realized how many women were in the front row, specifically gathered toward the end of the stage where two handsome men were standing.

“As long as they aren’t focused on my man, we’re good,” I whispered as we made our way to the available seats.

She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Asha, please.”

Giggling our way to the left side of the auditorium, we scanned the crowd. Unfamiliar, very familiar and vaguely familiar faces were all around us. Smiles and positive energy pulsed through the room, and I knew we were in for a great weekend.

“What’s up, Hamilton University?!” a sultry voice called out from backstage. Seconds later, a beautiful woman with a silk press eased onto the stage and the applause thundered. “I’m Zola Patterson and I’ll be your moderator this evening.”

I didn’t recognize her on sight, but as soon as she said her name, I knew exactly who she was. The thick beauty was a dating and relationship expert best known for her dating blog The Single Life with Zola Patterson, her advice column, TSL with Zola Patterson, and her best-selling booksGetting ItandZola Patterson’s Guide to a Year of Hot Hookups. Wearing a lowcut white top and leather pants, the Richland legend waved, basking in her applause before she continued.

“Welcome to the What Success Looks Like panel! HU’s homecoming theme is ‘All I Do Is Win’ and we are kicking offthis weekend with some winners. From different fields, titans of different industries, and coming from different paths, I’d like to introduce you to today’s panelists.”

She walked from centerstage and stood in front of the first chair. “I’d like to first welcome Hamilton University alum and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin Financial, Alexander Franklin III!”

Loud cheers seemed to get even louder as soon as the good-looking man in the navy-blue pants and sky-blue button up strolled out. I didn’t know him, but he looked like money. I noted the wedding ring he wore as he lifted his hand to the crowd.

I could see the woman behind Paris lean forward. “That’s the investment firm where I’m trying to get an internship,” she hissed.

Zola continued her introduction with the next panelist. “Next, we have one of the reasons for this new and improved library. Hamilton University alum, member of Sigma Omicron Nu, and talented architect, Kwame Mitchell!”

Applause followed as the tall, handsome, dark-skinned man walked out in a deep burgundy suit. The catcalls seemed to disregard the gold wedding band that graced his left ring finger.

“You know he’s married to Aisha Young, right?” the woman behind me told her friend. “He graduated with my older brother, and he went to their wedding in Chicago.”

I had no clue who any of those people were, but I had noticed the new huge library renovation.

Zola grinned and I just knew she was about to announce my crush.

“Next, I’d like for you to give a warm welcome to Hamilton University alum, international culinary artist and the Sous Chef at Cloverleaf, Tiana Mason-Ward.”

“Chef Tiana has taste,” I commented as the beautiful, full-figured woman walked out in one of the dresses that I’d packed for the weekend.

“And she’s working it,” Paris agreed, replying a little louder to be heard over the cheering of the crowd. “Those shoes are fire.”

I nodded. “I’m making a mental note to find some similar ones before I try to wear the dress out.”

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