Page 59 of Caught off Guard

With a serious face, Cairo nodded toward his middle-aged PR rep, who waved two fingers to the sound tech to test our mics. When the levels were acceptable, the rep signaled for the media to begin their video and audio recordings.

After taking a big breath, Cairo and I looked directly into the camera and smiled. I spoke first, slowly and deliberately, glancing over the bulleted talking points on the lined white paper before me. The PR reps thanked everyone for coming and cued us to speak.

“The situation at Liberation is a misunderstanding—unexpected as very hot sparks flew between Cairo and me.” I tilted my head and gazed at Cairo, giving a pregnant pause as my words filled the room.

Cairo must have picked up on my intentional reference to hot sparks as it related to his membership on the Atlanta Torch. He bestowed on me a million-dollar smile that gave me the courage to continue. I faced the cameras again as a loud shutter snapped, drawing my attention to the back of the room where its owner stood.

“Since attraction is unpredictable and often shows up when you least expect it, I focused more on the newness of my relationship than sharing updates about my love life with the Liberation University board. I wholeheartedly believe in the students, mission, and vision of our university. That’s why I want to come forward with my partner, Cairo Kinney, to disclose our relationship. Our attorneys are working closely with human resources and other representatives at Liberation University to explore what a modern public decorum agreement looks like for not only me but future presidents who may not fit the stereotype of how a leader should live her life as a single woman.”

Cairo squeezed my hand. I felt as if I had word vomited, but the attorneys advised me to stay ahead of the heat by laying everything out first.

“I had no idea Zora would be reprimanded for wearing clothes I bought her. As you can see, she’s stunning.” He paused and gestured toward me with his hand, pointing at a photographer, then at me, signaling for him to take a quick photo of me as Cairo gave me a chaste peck on the cheek, which he held for several seconds.

I touched the spot that he kissed with my fingers and blushed.

Cairo continued. “Beauty like this should not be hidden behind a style that doesn’t reflect who Dr. Zora Langston is—a kind, smart, and modern leader who uses wisdom to represent herself authentically in a world that doesn’t always celebrate and respect strong Black women.”

Although we had rehearsed a general version of Cairo’s speech in his sunroom before our guests arrived, Cairo was going off script. I didn’t expect him to lay on his compliments so thick. I touched my mask necklace with my fingertips and gave Cairo a slight nod and smile, genuinely flattered by his public adoration of my beauty but anxious about how I would follow such flowery words.

I had nothing to worry about, though, since for the next ten minutes, Cairo and I flowed seamlessly, answering impromptu questions with off the cuff answers that were flirty and witty. I didn’t flinch when a reporter asked me to share what I liked about him. As I listed a long list of attributes, Cairo lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it, almost distracting me from responding thoroughly to the stated question. Even my family appeared pleased by our performance.

“A final question…” The reporter from theAtlanta Starraised his hand.

Cairo signaled for him to proceed.

“Mr. Kinney, the world has been following your journey since the passing of your wife. You have never connected to anyonepublicly. Why Dr. Langston? Why now? Are there wedding bells in your future?”

I clutched my necklace like pearls, trying to keep my face neutral as Cairo reached for my hand under the table and rubbed my palm with his thumb.

“Although I didn’t expect to be so open with my feelings for Zora so soon, I have a public confession.”

My eyes widened as my heart rate increased. This wasn’t in the script. Every time Cairo and I made confessions to each other, they were intimate, heartfelt, and very private. What was he going to say in front of these strangers? I cocked my head to the side and stared at Cairo with wide eyes.

“I never thought I would find another woman to bring me joy and be with me at this phase of my life. I was content being a bachelor for the rest of my life. Zora Langston shows me the possibilities of what could be. Stay tuned, because I predict this is the beginning of a wonderful love story the world has been waiting for.”

With that, Cairo Kinney released my hand and raised his hands to the back of my neck, pulling me to him with a gentle tug. I was too shocked to peer into the crowd, so I focused my eyes on Cairo’s lips again. He pressed them against mine so fast that I didn’t have time to prepare myself for their warmth. I closed my eyes and allowed the wave of peace and comfort of his touch to wash over me.

Although Cairo and I had kissed several times, none were like this. In this moment, I felt Cairo’s heart and the public risk he took sharing an intimate moment with someone who wasn’t Cece. Appreciation of how much time he invested in my comfort washed over me. He hadn’t given up on me.

When I opened my eyes, I saw stars. What we were doing was no longer for show.

“Thank you, Cairo.” I held Cairo’s forearm with my hand and kissed him again.

He matched my intensity with one of his own. As his tongue found mine and explored with need, fireworks went off over my body. A small voice spoke directly to my soul.

This is your husband.

“Yes, I will.” I whispered into his lips as applause broke out around us.

He searched my eyes and paused, holding my head in place and speaking directly into my ear as if he knew how to respond to the unexpected words that entered my spirit.

“I haven’t asked you yet.”

Were we talking about the same thing? By faith, I believed we were and took a risk with my response.

“But you will. And my answer will be yes.” I preemptively declared I would be Cairo’s wife.

What the devil meant for bad turned into me finding the love of my life. I couldn’t explain what had happened and when, but the constant explosion of my body and soul confirmed Cairo was the one with every fiber of my being. He was my safe place.

---