Page 62 of The Phyre that Burns

She pulled the sun visor down and looked in the mirror. After dabbing her watery eyes a few times with the back of her hand, she was ready to head inside. I exited my vehicle and met her on the passenger side, where the valet had already helped her out. She tucked her purse under her one arm and looped the other through mine, and we went inside.

We were fashionably late, so the building was already buzzing with activity. I spotted my mother talking to a group of women and headed in her direction. It was best that we greet her now in case I had an emergency, real or fake.

“Let’s speak to my mother before she gets caught up fulfilling her committee duties,” I said to Ginae, whose eyes had been scanning the crowd since we entered.

“This should be interesting.” She gave me a still smile but followed my lead.

“There’s my handsome son. You’re late.”

We embraced, and I placed a kiss on her cheek before stepping back.

“I didn’t realize I was supposed to arrive at a specific time. I’m sure you remember Ginae.”

“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Jordan,” Ginae said before my mother acknowledged her.

“Oh yes . . . Ginae.” She looked her up and down. “At least you clean up well.”

As I was about to respond, one of my mother’s friends spoke.

“Clementine, you didn’t tell me that Phyre was dating again. Who is this pretty lady on your arm?”

“It’s good to know my mother isn’t out here sharing my business, Mrs. Black. This is my fiancée, Ginae. Baby, this is Mrs. Black, Mrs. Warner, and Mrs. Smith.”

I went ahead and introduced Ginae to the other ladies who were present, hoping it would limit the time we spent engaging with them.

“It’s nice to meet you, ladies,” Ginae greeted politely.

“Did you say fiancée?” Mrs. Black questioned.

“I did. Well, I’ll let you ladies get back to your conversation. Ma, what’s our table number?”

“Twelve,” she said dryly.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies,” I said, gently pulling Ginae away.

We took a few steps before she whispered, “That was awkward.”

“Yeah. Mrs. Black is Kavia’s mom.”

Her eyes widened as she nodded in understanding. “Oh, well, that explains the cold feeling I got from her. I expected it from your mother. Those other ladies must be the minions.”

I chuckled. “Pretty much. There’s Lennon and his wife.”

They turned in our direction and smiled when they saw us heading their way.

“Wassup, man?” I greeted.

“Just counting down the hours before this is over.”

“Same. Hey, Sybil, how are you?”

“I’m good, Phyre. It’s been a while. How are you?”

“I’m fine. This is my fiancée, Ginae. Baby, this is Sybil, Lennon’s wife.”

The ladies exchanged greetings and struck up their own conversation.

“Fiancée?” Lennon whispered. “When did you propose?”