Page 50 of Kayla's List

“Kay! You were supposed to leave an hour ago! I knew you were going to be at work!” Emani yells in the phone, and I grimace. I glance at the clock, and it’s almost six.

“Shoot, Mani! Sorry. I’m almost done, but if I quit now, I won’t be able to go tomorrow night,” I say apologetically. I was supposed to meet Emani to shop for an appropriate dress for the fundraiser.

No matter how far I’ve come, my friends still don’t trust my fashion sense. Looking back on what I used to wear, I can’t say that I blame them. But I’m much better now.

“Kayla,” Emani whines because she knows I’m not going to stop working to shop.

“I know, I know. How about you and Shell pick me out something, and I promise not to complain when I wear it.” I’m hoping my words will placate Emani. Because any other time they have chosen my clothes, I have complained for all to hear.

“You better remember you said that, Kayla Diane Jones. Because I don’t want to hear a peep out of you if you don’t like what we pick,” Emani says in an excited tone that has me wishing I can take back my promise already.

However, I know I can’t stop working to go on some frivolous shopping trip for a party that I will only be at for a few hours. I want to look nice so I won’t embarrass myself or Shelby, but in the grand scheme of things, I have to get my work done.

“I’ll remember. I gotta go, Mani,” I grumble into the phone.

“Okay, don’t work too hard, Kay. I’ll bring what we pick by tonight to make sure it fits. See ya later,” Emani says before I hear the dial tone. She was way too excited about getting to pick my outfit without me. I probably should be more worried.

23

Charity Case

ANDERSON

Ihave been a miserable bastard since Kay walked away from me. I couldn’t believe she’d just left me like that. But after I told the guys what happened, they made me see how big of an asshole I was.

I just couldn’t see past my jealousy. Truth be told, it took a few hours for my friends to convince me that I was the one at fault. It took Jason telling me how lucky I was that Kay was such a sweetheart because another woman would have most likely slapped my face.

I’ve been so obsessed with Kay since the day that I met her, so seeing her with another man had me losing my mind. When I heard the conversation, I was slightly relieved that she was telling him they were over. But like I told Kay, she could’ve told him with a call or even a text message. Kay didn’t have to lie to me about wanting to be by herself. If she needed space to take care of her ex, I would’ve given it to her.

Okay, so I probably wouldn’t have, but she still didn’t have to lie. I tried to explain that to the guys, but they insisted that I should’ve let Kay explain what was going on. I didn’t need her to tell me shit. I saw it with my own eyes. And the sight gutted me.

We haven’t known each other long, but I know that I love her. My feelings go beyond the initial obsession that I had with her. The deep connection that we have can’t be faked or duplicated. I miss her, and it’s only been a week. How the hell am I supposed to continue on like this?

“You need to smile, Anderson. If the photographers get a picture of you brooding, it could be bad for business,” Bethany says from beside me.

We are at the annual McNair Fall Ball, and this year it’s not just because of my last name. Our company was officially on the invite list because of our deal with Media Tech Innovation. I even heard that Shelby is the marketing director for this year’s festivities. In business, it’s always about who you know.

When I showed up alone, Bethany has been by my side the entire evening. It hasn’t been a big deal because we have been in a group of A&M employees, but she’s starting to irritate me more as the night continues.

However, I know that Bethany is right, so I fix my face into a less brooding expression, but I still can’t bring myself to smile. I don’t feel like being here, but I know it’s important for both business as well as personal. My grandparents are in attendance tonight, and my presence was requested.

I managed to get through an entire dinner without any in-depth questioning from my grandmother about my personal life. I think she assumed Bethany was my date tonight. I should’ve corrected her assumption, but it was easier just to go along so my prying family would leave me alone at least for a few hours.

“You need to make sure you get photographed with the Grant’s tonight as well. I’ll make sure Brady is in the photo too. This function is great for exposure.” Bethany is droning on, and although I’m annoyed, I can’t be mad because she’s doing her job.

This event has a lot of press here tonight, and there are cameras everywhere. The event is a huge deal for the city of Dallas. The exposure our company will get from donating money to this particular fundraiser is unparalleled.

The McNair Fall Ball raises millions of dollars for children of domestic violence. The foundation gives college scholarships to children and victims of domestic violence who want to further their education.

“Smile,” Bethany whispers again as another photographer passes by and snaps a photo of us. When she leans in, I discreetly move away. I put a friendly distance between us and place my hands above the table. Bethany has been clingy tonight, and as many times as I’ve moved away, she’s moved to my side. I don’t want to give her the wrong impression, so I make sure not to touch or say anything in an unprofessional manner.

When the photographer comes by, I give a small smile, but I’m already over it. Brady is here with some bimbo that I’ve never met before, and Bethany hasn’t said two words to him about our “image” being tarnished.

The girl he’s with looks like she stepped off the pages of some pinup magazine, and not in a good way. Her dress is entirely too short and revealing to be at a fundraiser for domestic violence, and her gum chewing, and constant texting makes her seem like she’s a teenager and not a grown woman, which Brady assured me she was at least twenty-one, but I’m still not convinced. This leads me to ponder justwhyBethany chose to be on my case all night when Brady obviously needs the most help.

“Bethany, you’re not working tonight. I think I can handle smiling for the photographers. This isn’t my first rodeo.” I give her my full attention so she can see that I’m serious.

“I’m always working, Anderson. Or haven’t you noticed?” Bethany snaps, and I frown.