Page 100 of Business Casual

“Stop that,” she admonished him. “You can’t deny it. She’s beautiful, Alex.”

Tre’s eyes locked with mine. “Yes, she is.”

My heart thumped in my chest.

“So tell her about your cousin, Daniel,” Mrs. Franklin insisted.

Tre looked exasperated. “Mom, no—”

“It’s okay, Mrs. Franklin,” I assured her. “I actually”—I discretely glanced at Tre— “have feelings for someone and I’m hoping something will come of it.”

She lifted her hands. “Okay, okay.” She held up her hands in surrender as she allowed Tre to guide her away. “See you back at the table, Imani!”

I fluttered my fingers. “Bye, Mrs. Franklin,” I giggled.

Tre looked over his shoulder as he walked into the crowd with his mother.

I inhaled sharply and the chill ran down my spine.

I mixed and mingled, handing out my business card at every opportunity. There was a bright smile on my face, but I spent the entire time stressed. I even considered leaving the gala without telling Mr. Franklin goodnight. But I couldn’t do it.

“Hey,” I greeted the table.

Only Mr. Franklin, Mrs. Franklin, and Josephine were seated.

“Hello there, Imani! Have a seat,” Mr. Franklin said, gesturing to the seat next to him. “How is networking going?”

“Networking has gone really well. I’ve passed my cards out to a lot of people and collected a few cards in return,” I answered honestly, taking a seat in the empty chair.

“Sounds like you’ve been busy,” Josephine commented.

There was a hint of something in her tone that struck a chord with me. “Yes, I’ve been busy.” I noticed the dessert plates and empty glasses around the table. “So busy that I missed dessert, I see.”

“It was a delicious lemon crème cake,” she informed me. “I’m sure a waiter will bring you some if you ask.”

“Oh no.” I patted my stomach. “I’m full and I probably shouldn’t have another bite.”

“We all indulge in things we shouldn’t from time to time.”

“Mm hm,” I intoned before looking back at Mr. Franklin. “It’s getting late so I’m going to get on the road soon.”

Clearly flabbergasted, Mrs. Franklin put her hand to her chest. “You don’t have a room here?”

I smiled. “No ma’am.”

At seven hundred dollars a night? Hell no!

“Oh no! And it’s so late,” Mrs. Franklin continued, clearly a little intoxicated.

I waved it off. “No, no, it’s fine. It’s only ten o’clock. I’ll be home before eleven.”

“Are you sure?” she wondered.

“Yes, I’m sure. But it was such a pleasure meeting you.”

“Well at least give me a chance to tell you about Daniel,” she pleaded. “You two might really hit it off.”

“Daniel?” Mr. Franklin moved his chair so he could take a better look at her. “Sweetheart, are you trying to play matchmaker with Imani?”

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