Page 89 of Business Casual

Chapter 15

After showing my invitation and my ID to a woman in the lobby, I followed the classical music into the ballroom. There were people and tables everywhere. But in a sea of faces, a familiar one stood out in the crowd. I smiled, watching Tre engage the people he was speaking with. And it was in that moment it was confirmed, and I knew what I felt for him was real.

I felt a presence behind me before I heard the voice. “What are you doing here?” the woman grumbled.

Turning quickly to see what was going on, my eyes narrowed. “Katrina.”

“If you’re here to try to get Avery back, it won’t happen. You’re pathetic for throwing yourself at him like this. He doesn’t want you.”

Was I in the twilight zone?

I looked around, making sure no one was close enough to overhear. “Bitch, I don’t want him. But let me tell you this—I can’t prove what you did but know that if you touch anything that belongs to me again, I will ruin your life.”

She made a face. “What’s fair is fair. You touch what I love so I touch what you love.”

I took a step forward. “Don’t fuck with me, Katrina. I’m not the one.”

“We’ll see—”

“Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey,” Avery interrupted, looking between us. “What’s going on here?”

“I was just saying hello to yourex,” Katrina answered, grabbing his arm and batting her eyelashes at him.

Avery looked at me with uncertainty. “I got your voicemail and I swear I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, ignoring everything Katrina said.

“Why is she still calling you?” Katrina whined loudly. Stomping her glittery heeled foot like a toddler, she looked like she was going to throw a full-blown tantrum.

“Kat, my boss is here,” he admonished her through clenched teeth. “Calm down.”

I rolled my eyes. “Avery, keep her away from me. Matter of fact, both of you stay away from me,” I snapped before spinning on my heel.

“Imani,” Avery called as I made my way through the crowd. “Imani!”

Ignoring him, I walked in the direction that I saw Tre. When I didn’t find him, I searched for table fifteen. I slowed as I approached the table. The nerves I thought I’d left in my car were back with a vengeance.

“Hello,” I greeted the Franklin Financial team.

Looking debonair, even with his bandaged wrist and forearm, Mr. Franklin gave me a huge smile. “There you are! Everyone was wondering who would be the mystery employee who earned an invitation this year and I am pleased to announce that it is Imani Jones!”

“Hi,” I said again with an awkward wave.

He gestured to the regal woman with light brown eyes and a splattering of small moles on her cheeks. “This is my wife, Barbara Franklin. Barbara, this is Imani Jones, the contractor we hired to do the marketing for Alex’s project.”

“Hello, darling,” the lovely older woman welcomed me. “It is very nice to meet you. I’ve heard nothing but good things.”

I wonder if she means she’s heard of my work or she’s heard of me from Tre.

But deep down I knew it wasn’t from Tre. Just like I couldn’t risk my job, he couldn’t risk his. The only people who knew about us were our best friends. And we had to keep it that way.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Franklin,” I responded with a smile.

I was introduced to Chase’s fiancée and Theresa’s husband and then Josephine took her seat next to me.

“Ms. Jones, you look lovely,” Josephine complimented.

“As do you,” I returned.

I’d never seen her look better. The woman had on a sleek black dress with flashy black heels. Her red lipstick was vibrant. And maybe it was because her smile reached her eyes, but she looked friendlier and happier to see me.

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