Page 20 of Mr. Right Now
“Hey, baby.”
Jayana spun around and almost dropped her wing. “Dante. You scared the crap out of me.”
“Sorry.” Dante kissed her.
“I want you to meet my best friend and partner in crime, Karina Hall. Rina, this is Dante Powell.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Dante,” Karina said. “I would shake your hand, but chicken grease on the first introduction ain’t a good look.”
He laughed. “Nice meeting you, too. I see why you two are friends, and I can imagine all the trouble you cause.”
Jayana bumped him playfully. “Whatever. This turned out so good,” she said, waving her hand around. “You should be proud. And the Black history booth has been crowded since I got here.” Dante had created a mini museum-like area that had information on LA’s Black history and the significance of Juneteenth.
He glanced around. “I’m glad everyone seems to be having a good time.”
“I agree. Oh, and thanks for the invite to the Journey Forward Gala tomorrow night,” Karina said. “You wouldn’t happen to have any single friends who’re looking for a date? And only the ones who aren’t crazy.”
“None that come to mind,” Dante said with a laugh. “Do you mind if I steal Jayana away for a few minutes?”
“Not at all. Just don’t sneak off to find a place to make out.” She laughed when Jayana skewered her with a look. “I’m just sayin’.”
Jayana’s mouth fell open. “You know I can’t stand you right now. Go eat your chicken, crazy woman. I’ll be back.” As she and Dante walked away, she said, “Can’t take her nowhere.” After finishing her wing, she wiped her hands on the wet napkin she’d been given and tossed both into a trashcan they passed. She took a few sips from the bottle of water in her tote, then popped a mint into her mouth. “Where are we going?”
“There’s someone I want you to meet.” She started to ask who, but figured he’d give her the sameyou’ll seeanswer he always did when he wanted to surprise her, so she stifled the urge.
“Yo, Mr. Powell.” They turned to see Travis waving at them. “I see you, and Ms. Cole.” He flashed a wide grin and gave them the thumbs up.
She and Dante looked at each other and burst out laughing. Jayana said, “Gotta love these kids.” Dante led her to a building in a restricted area. Obviously, the security guard recognized Dante because he let them in without a word. The suspense was killing her. They rounded a corner and stopped at a closed door. He knocked a couple of times and the door was opened by a man who looked vaguely familiar. Recognition dawned and her hands went to her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. You’re Donovan Wright. Monte’s manager,” she squealed.
Donovan chuckled. “I am. You must be Jayana. Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” She heard soft laughter, forgot all her home training, and went straight into fangirl mode. “Zena!”
Smiling, Zena Fuller spread her arms. “Yep, it’s me.”
Jayana launched herself at Dante, almost knocking him over. “Thank you, thank you! Oh, I need to get a picture. Iloveyour music, and I’m from Atlanta, too.”Calm down, girl. You’re a professional.She took a deep breath and tried to get herself in control. She whipped out her phone. “Dante, can you take our picture? Oh, wait.” She waved her hands around. “I’m so sorry. Let me get myself together and act like I have some sense. Um, Zena, would it be okay if we took a picture together?”
“Hey, anything for a fellow sister from the ATL.”
She handed her phone to Dante and went to stand next to Zena. He took a few shots, then had her check them to see if they were to her liking. “These are great. Thanks, baby.” Facing Zena, she said, “Thank you so much for your graciousness. I’ve been a fan of yours since you hit the scene and I amsohappy to see you finally getting the notoriety you deserve.”
“Thank you so much for saying that, and for supporting me all these years. And I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. My incredible husband hooked me up with the best manager and record company and the ride has been nothing short of amazing.”
They shared one last hug, then Jayana and Dante left her to get ready. The show would start in fifteen minutes. “That was the best surpriseever. Thank you,” she said to Dante as they headed back down the hallway. He stopped abruptly and pulled her into another empty room. “What are you doing?” she asked, laughing. Karina’s last statement flashed in her mind.
“We need to talk.” He closed the door behind them and gestured for her to sit.
Her smile faded. “Oh.” Was he planning to break things off?
Dante took the chair next to her and bowed his head, but didn’t speak for several seconds.
Jayana’s heart rate sped up. When he lifted his head, misery was reflected in his eyes. “Dante?”
He grasped her hand. “I owe you an apology, Jayana. I know I haven’t been present in this relationship like I should have.”
“If this is about me saying I love you—”
He cut her off with a kiss. “It is and it isn’t.” Blowing out a long breath, he stroked his beard.
