Page 45 of Not About That Life
“Big smiles, everyone!” The photographer instructs.
I feel one arm snake around my waist and then another arm. Both men are holding me. This. Is. Awkward. “Smile!” The photographer says. We all smile and he takes several photos. “Great shot, everyone! Thank you so much!”
Kwesi turns to me. I feel his brown eyes bore into me and I have to remember to breathe. “I hope to see you later.” He rejoins his mother and other family members.
My eyes don’t leave him as he walks away. He has the same quiet masculinity about him that Ian does; the type that lets a room know he could command it and his only crime was just stepping foot inside it.
“I see you have an admirer.” Ian whispers in my ear. I blink twice and turn to him. He has a humorous look on his face but I’m not entirely sure if he really finds it funny or if he’s just biding his time before he reacts in another way when we’re not in public.
Ian removes the gaudy cocktail ring from my left ring finger and replaces it with the engagement ring that occupied the right one. “There. Much better.”
~~~~~~
“I don't do this for the fame and recognition. I didn’t set out to be famous; I set out to be successful. This generation is so occupied for doing things for the likes, the retweets, the follows, but they’re not doing anything to build a legacy. Everyone keeps saying, ‘Oh, I have time, I’ve got time, oh, there’s plenty of time for that.’” Queen Esi shakes her head, “no, there isn’t. You can have everything one day and it’ll be taken from you in a heartbeat. My family has survived numerous wars, plots from our enemies on our lives, and I’ve buried more family members than I want to admit. You only have today to get it right. Your impact doesn’t have to be great. It can be as small as complimenting someone on their shoes, their hairstyle, or even the color they’re wearing. Even that will make a significant impact. Don’t think because you don’t have tons of money to give, you cannot impact someone’s life. Being nice is always free. Thank you and God bless.”
Everyone stood up and cheered for the queen once her speech was over. She talked to many people and posed for pictures. I wanted to speak with her again, but I didn’t think I would be able to get a word in with her.
I would just have to look at her from afar and just be in awe.
As Ian and the rest of the Ferguson clan met with other people, I had a quiet moment to myself at the table. The queen was right – I needed to take more action today and not delay anything any longer. I needed to get my life together, plan my own legacy separate from the Fergusons, and purchase more property I can pass down to future generations like what my mother did with the artwork.
A light bulb went off in my head – I need to talk to Gerald about how much the artwork is really worth.
“You shouldn’t be alone,” a voice said from behind.
I turn around and see Kwesi grinning down at me. I quickly stand up to greet him. “I was lost in my thoughts.”
“Were they good ones?”
I slowly nod. “I say so, myself. I’m planning.”
“Well, that’s always a good thing.” He replies. “Wedding plans?”
“Estate plans,” I correct him and he seems surprised by that, “what? I’m not allowed to think for myself?”
“No, you’re definitely allowed to.” He turns his focus back to Ian. “I just didn’t think you were able to.”
“He’s always supported my dreams and anything I want, he’ll get it for me.”
Kwesi nods. “That’s good. You deserve to be spoiled like the princess you are.”
It’s the second time a member of the Agbo dynasty has called me a princess and it’s not going unnoticed. What’s even more disturbing is I like it. Princess Dominique does have nice ring to it.
A jarring memory pops into my head. Princess isn’t the first time I’ve heard that compliment.
“Ian’s here. He’s ready for his princess!” He smiled.
Ian’s princess, huh? I love the sound of that.
What in the fuck am I doing entertaining another man and his bullshit?
“Are you okay?” Kwesi’s voice interrupts my train of thought.
I shake my head to relieve the memory and smile at him. “I’m great.” I briefly touch my cheek. “I need to go join my fiancée.”
Kwesi’s eyes head straight to my engagement ring and he smiles. “I see someone had a talk with you.”
“I don’t think it was a talk to me,” I reply, “but it was a message to you.”
“Oh?” Kwesi’s eyes lock with mine. “What message is that?”
I beckon him to lean closer to me and I brush my lips against his earlobe. “Unavailable.” I pull back and walk to Ian, who wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my temple.
