Page 44 of Differences

Everyone cheered.

“I just want to thank you all for coming out supporting TRU tonight. We have sacrificed a lot to get here. I would let you all know I would do it all again in a heartbeat with the same people I see out in front of me. I appreciate you all, and this is just the beginning.”

The crowd clapped and cheered.

“Thank you,” he expressed. “Even though we have made some groundbreaking moves this year by everyone, we are going to take the time out tonight to honor a few people.”

Suddenly, the crowd whispered, and a sudden commotion began. I looked toward what everyone was staring at. Most of the people were staring at the entrance. I had to stand to see past everyone. Once I laid eyes on what the commotion was, my soul left my body. There stood Weston in a black fitted tux. His hair was cut to perfection, his skin looked as if he was younger, and the small smile on his face warmed my heart. To the left of him was Rae. She looked beautiful. She wore a baby blue sparkly gown that showed her beautiful curves. Instead of her locs, she had on a wig that was curled in layers, and it flowed down her back. My heart smiled at seeing them together. He walked further into the room and grabbed a seat at a table. He pulled the chair out for her, helping her into her seat.

Allison leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Girl, who is that woman on Weston’s arm? I know these hos in here mad as hell.”

I smiled and focused my attention back on the CEO, who was watching the interaction. He had a big smile on his face. He nodded his head at Weston and began speaking back into the microphone.

“We are going to get started honoring our first employee.” He looked over at Weston. “This gentleman has saved and grown this company in many ways. You know, some people might say he holds a tight fist around the pocketbook strings, but that’s what makes a company successful. He has done everything he could to make sure that this company has stayed afloat even during hard times. Therefore, we honor him. Can I have a round of applause for Mr. Weston Jones?”

The room filled with applause as Weston stood from his seat. He made his way on stage but not before shaking hands with a few people. Once he was on stage, he and the CEO shared a brotherly hug, and the CEO’s wife passed Weston a crystal award. Weston looked at it and smiled. The crowd went quiet as he approached the mic. He stared out into the crowd. He didn’t look as if he had just taken the biggest loss of his life. He looked as if he had it all together.

My eyes stayed on him. I didn’t want to miss anything. I missed him, and my body missed him. If his being a few feet away from me helped my longing, I would take it. He dropped his head and cleared his throat. When he looked up, he locked eyes with me. Chills shot throughout my body. He kept his eyes on me for what felt like forever.

“Girl, why is he looking at you like that?” Allison whispered. “Do you know something that I don’t know?”

I shook my head. Weston continued to stare at me. If Allison noticed it, I’m sure everyone else did, so I broke eye contact. Weston cleared his throat again and spoke.

“Thank you. It is truly an honor to be receiving this award. Um...when I took on the role of CFO, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, especially since it was a makeup company. I remember going home and telling my mama and sister about my job. They both looked at me confused, proud, but confused.” He chuckled. “That’s all I wanted to do, was make them proud.” His voice cracked, and my heart stung.

“About a month ago, I lost my mama.” The crowd gasped. “Um...it’s probably one of the hardest things I ever experienced. Grief is a tricky asshole. A lot of regret, guilt, anger, pain, confusion, and sadness. That is what I have battled with over the past month. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still grieving and will probably grieve for the rest of my life. Yet I’m learning to accept it’s okay. However, what I know is that it’s best to live your life to the fullest. Never take those that are important to you for granted. Love on them, laugh with them, hug them, and apologize to them without letting an hour or day go by.”

He paused, clearing his throat and looking at me.

“Allow the stubborn wall to fall and let the person you love know how thankful you are for them and that you cannot imagine life without them. I was never a person who believed in love at first sight, especially between two people on two different ends of the spectrum. But I’m a walking testimony. It is real...”

He kept staring at me as he let his words trail off.

“To my sister, Raven.” He looked over in her direction. “Stand up, sis.”

Rae hesitantly stood up, and the crowd clapped.

“Thank you for being you. You are an amazing big sister, and we are all that we’ve got. I love you, Rae. Thanks for never giving up on me. I would also like to thank someone special. Thank you for also not giving up on me. From that night of us sharing a medium fry to you holding me while I cried over my mother, I appreciate you more than you will know. I’ve loved you since I spotted you in the club, and I will never stop. If anything, I love you more now, after everything,” Weston professed.

My heart raced, and I could feel the tears preparing to fall.

“Last but not least, to my mama.” His voice softened, and he wiped at his eye. “Mama, I’m sorry that you are not here to physically see this. I know if you had been here, you would have made everybody in here look bad. You would’ve stolen the show.” He smiled, and the crowd laughed. “But I’m thankful to know that you are now with me every step of the way from now on.” He reached into his shirt and pulled out a gold necklace. It had a heart locket. He tapped it with his hand. “Thank you, Mama. This one and everything else after this is for you. Thank you, TRU, I appreciate y’all. It’s only more to come!”

The crowd stood on their feet and clapped loudly. My eyes became wet, and I knew if I had stayed there any longer, people would’ve noticed the tears. Allison called for me, but I was on a one-way mission out of the room.

Finally, I made it to the restroom, ran into a stall, and let the tears fall. I knew the all-day makeup was going to be ruined, but I didn’t care. It was a sigh of relief seeing Weston stand on stage. I didn’t realize how heavy I felt about not seeing him or speaking for him. Then, to hear him mention me made the heaviness creep away. I was satisfied knowing he was going to be okay.

I opened the stall door and damn near jumped out of my dress.

“Shit, Weston, you scared the shit out of me.”

Weston rested against the sink with his arms folded across his chest and his ankles crossed. He didn’t seem the least bit fazed, startling me.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yeah. I’m okay.”

I wanted to fall into his arms. I wanted him to kiss all over me, sweep me off my feet, and love all over each other, yet I knew at this current time he didn’t need that.

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