Page 63 of The Phyre that Burns
“I haven’t yet, but my mother popped up at my house earlier this week, and I introduced Ginae as my future wife.”
“Was Ginae cool with you doing that?”
“She’s rolled with it and questioned me about it when my mother left. I just introduced her to Mrs. Black as my fiancée, so you know she asked my mother a thousand questions when we walked away.”
“Hell yeah. Oh, just a heads up. Kavia is seated at our table.”
“Fuck!”
I should’ve expected my mother to pull some shit like this. There was no doubt that Kavia would show her ass, and it was unfortunate. I’d do my best not to match her energy, but it would be a challenge. If the event was ruined, it would serve my mother right for creating these fucked up seating arrangements.
A few minutes later, someone got on the mic and asked everyone to go to their seats. We found table twelve, and since Ginae and Sybil seemed to hit it off, we let them sit next to each other, while Lennon and I sat on either side of them at the round table.
Soon after we took our seats, Phoenix and Kevin arrived. I insisted she sit next to me, and, of course, he sat on the other side. The last people to arrive at the table were Kavia and a man I’d never seen. I was hopeful that she’d behave since she had a date.
“Wassup, everyone? I’m Ethan.”
Kavia’s date introduced himself since it didn’t seem as if she would do the honors. Kevin introduced himself, as well as Phoenix, adding that he was Kavia’s brother. Lennon jumped in before I did, intruding himself and Sybil.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ethan. I’m Phyre, Phoenix’s brother, and this is my fiancée, Ginae.”
“Your fiancée?” Kavia questioned, raising her voice a notch.
Her eyes went to Ginae’s left hand, which was only visible because she was holding a glass of water to her lips.
“That’s what I said,” I confirmed, delivering a wink to Ginae.
“Where’s your ring?” she asked Ginae.
“None of your business, bitch. Don’t address me.”
Ginae’s response only took Sybil and Ethan by surprise. The rest of us didn’t necessarily expect it, but we weren’t surprised.
Before Kavia could respond, the program began. For the next hour, people were introduced, speeches were given, and awards were distributed. The whole time, I sat with my arm around Ginae, caressing her shoulder. Every so often, I’d lean down and kiss her exposed skin, or whisper something inappropriate in her ear, making her gasp.
I had no idea what the speakers spoke about, or which awards were given, because I was too wrapped up in my woman. I was only sticking around for the food because, as much as I hated these events, the food was top-tier and would be my reward for showing up.
“I’m gonna go to the bathroom,” Ginae announced before kissing my lips.
“I’ll come with you,” Sybil offered.
“Me too,” Phoenix said.
The ladies stood, and we stood with them, moving their chairs back to give them room to step away from the table. I watched Ginae, with a smile plastered on my face, until she disappeared through a set of double doors.
“She got your nuts in the palm of her hand,” Lennon joked.
I shrugged. “Nuts and everything else. She can get anything she wants from me.”
“So, that’s Ginae, huh? I thought she looked familiar. It’s all starting to make sense,” Kavia said.
The evening was going well, so I chose to ignore her for now.
“How long are y’all staying?” I asked Kevin and Lennon.
“My mother would have a fit if we left too early, but I might use Phoenix and the baby as an excuse,” Kevin said.
“After dinner, I’m gone,” Lennon said.
