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The ballroom was beautiful, full of Black people dressed in the best.
Within twenty minutes, I’d forgotten to be nervous. People stopped me, congratulated me, and even asked about projects. A developer I’d wanted to work with for a while gave me his card. An architect from Stonehaven asked if I’d consider collaborating on a boutique hotel. I was floating.
“This is your room.”
Klair leaned toward me.
“What?”
“This.”
She motioned around us. “This is your shit.”
I smiled. “I know.”
“Then act like it.”
I bumped her shoulder. “Love you.”
“Obviously.”
Janelle appeared beside us looking gorgeous and slightly drunk already.
“Bitches!”
I laughed. “Where’s your date?”
“Getting drinks.”
Klair looked around. And then, the room changed… because we saw them. Caleb and Ravenna walked through the entrance hand. in. fucking. hand.
My smile disappeared and Klair finished her glass of champagne. “Oh.”
Ravenna looked beautiful. She didn’t look sick or fragile. She wore a blue gown with her hair pulled from her face. Her diamond earrings were shining right along with her wedding ring. Caleb stood beside her in a black tux with his hand wrapped around hers.
People immediately approached them with hugs, smiles, and handshakes. A woman kissed Ravenna’s cheek. A man slapped Caleb on the shoulder. Then someone said something that made both of them laugh.
My stomach dropped.
“Blair.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re squeezing the glass.”
I loosened my hand. “I said I’m fine.”
Across the room, Caleb’s eyes found mine for half a second. That was all I got... half a second.
Klair sipped a new glass of champagne. I could tell that her blood was boiling, but she stayed beside me on her best behavior.
When they called my name, I almost didn’t hear it.
“Interior Designer of the Year… Blair!”
The table erupted, and Janelle screamed so loud. Klair jumped up and I covered my mouth.
For one beautiful second, nothing else existed. I fucking won. I walked onto that stage with tears already burning my eyes and accepted my award. My voice shook during my speech. I thanked my team, clients, Janelle, and my family.
