Page 93 of Business Casual

“Are you okay?” Sydney asked him, patting him on his back.

He took a sip of water. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“This is a testament to the type of decision maker you are, Alex,” Mrs. Franklin commented. “You choose partners well.”

The piece of chicken I was swallowing got lodged in my throat for a second and I started coughing.

“Mom,” Tre uttered gently.

“Well, you picked both of them to be part of your life,” she pointed out. “We raised a man who chooses well in his personal and professional life and we’re proud of that.”

I think I sprained a muscle in my face trying not to react.

Before anyone could say anything, an announcement for the silent auction echoed through the ballroom.

Mr. Franklin turned to me. “Did you bring your business cards?”

I nodded. “Yes sir.”

He smiled. “Good.” Pushing his chair from the table, he stood. “There’s someone”—he looked around and then pointed— “I want you to meet, and she notoriously leaves these things early.”

This is why I came,I reminded myself as I stood.

Mr. Franklin introduced me to the CEO of another investment firm and the founder of a tech firm. He left to go get his wife and I finished the conversation with them. Once I’d secured what felt like guaranteed contracts with those two, I excused myself to go to the restroom.

I thought I heard my name being called but I kept moving forward and turned down the hallway anyway. As I crossed a small lobby, the number of people decreased. I could tell I was being followed so I dipped down another hallway when I saw a powder room sign.

Great.

I grimaced as I realized I was no longer in the ballroom area. The paintings on the wall and other décor indicated that I’d found myself somewhere in the main hotel. But I saw a small sign for powder room and proceeded anyway.

“Imani?” the voice called out to me again.

*****

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