Page 42 of Kayla's List
The gallery at the West End is funky and new age. It is everything I expected for a show like this. Yohan Hobbs started his career as a photographer, but he’s been incorporating technology into his pieces over the last few years.
“Wow, I am so impressed by Mr. Hobbs’ work. It’s spectacular,” I say to Anderson as we stop at one particular breathtaking photograph. Even I can hear the awe in my voice.
“You can call me Yohan,” a seductive voice says from behind me, and I look over my shoulder at the gorgeous man.
Yohan Hobbs has long blonde locs that he has tied back in a ponytail. His clear eyes twinkle, and his smile is bright. For a second, I awkwardly stare at the man. He looks nothing like I thought he would, but I guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
“Yohan, your work is breathtaking!” I gush. I wasn’t expecting to be able to meet or talk to the man. There are a lot of important people here, and I myself am not one of them.
“Thank you…” Yohan trails off, holding out his hand.
“Kayla. Kayla Jones,” I supply, shaking his proffered hand.
“Stop being an asshole. Flirting with my girlfriend will get your ass kicked.” Anderson’s deep voice comes from behind me, and I turn to him with a sharp gasp.
“Oh, my God! Anderson that was completely unnecessary.” I am both mad and embarrassed, but before I can tear into who I guess is officially now myboyfriend, I hear a deep laugh.
“Andy, stop being so jealous. I was merely making conversation.” Yohan chuckles, and it dawns on me that they know each other.
“Whatever, with that Andy shit, you were using your Barry White voice. And I don’t appreciate that shit.” Anderson scowls, but then they both break out in laughter, giving each other a one arm man hug.
“Man, thanks for coming out,” Yohan says after they break apart.
“You know I wouldn’t miss this, especially since Kay has been wanting to come,” Anderson responds.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you knew him. What the heck!” I slap Anderson’s chest playfully. I have been going on and on about Yohan for the past two weeks. If I would’ve known he and Anderson were friends, I might’ve toned down my admiration a few notches.
“I wanted to surprise you, baby. A personal meet and greet with the man of the hour. It’s sure to score me some boyfriend points.” Anderson wiggles his eyebrows, and I shake my head at his silliness. He’s right, of course. Meeting Yohan Hobbs just scored him a lot of points.
We talk and laugh for a few more minutes before Yohan has to mingle with the other guests. It turns out that Anderson and Yohan know each other from college.
As we continue to browse the art and chat with a few people here and there, I notice that I am not at all uncomfortable. For the first time, I am comfortable just being myself. I don’t feel the need to hide or shrink myself because I’m in a room full of people. I had no idea when that happened, but I’m thankful for the discovery.
Anderson and I are laughing and holding hands when I feel the air in the room still. I instantly recognize the tension, and I fear turning around.
“Kayla?”
I sigh in defeat.
Dang, this night was going so well.
* * *
ANDERSON
My hackles rise as soonas Kayla tenses beside me. I already know who the man is by her reaction.
“Warren,” Kayla says in the driest tone I’ve ever heard from her.
I smirk.
“Who is this?” Warren questions, not taking his eyes offmywoman.
My interest is definitely piqued. From the look on his face and how his eyes are eating up Kayla, I can’t help but wonder if Kayla is mistaken about her ex’s sexuality. Warren may not have been straight, but by the way he’s looking at Kayla, I doubt if he’s just into men.
“This is my boyfriend, Anderson,” Kayla responds, and I watch as Warren’s eyes go wide.
“Your what? You have a boyfriend already? We just broke up a few months ago!” Warren’s voice is low but not in a menacing way. I’m pretty sure the man is in a state of shock.