Woman on Top by Brenda L. Thomas

Author:Brenda L. Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brown Girls Publishing

Chapter 14

The Ribbon Cutting June

I’d been checking the weather for two weeks prior to the gala and today’s BBWC ribbon cutting ceremony, and it was projected to be warm and sunny. In addition to a gorgeous day, the media had been filled with rave reviews and photos from the gala on Saturday. But for every positive write-up, there was a mention of Malik and Wesley’s confrontation. No one had been able to get close enough to hear it, but from the photos that had been snapped, it was clear that they’d been tussling.

Also overshadowing my day was the affair Malik was having with Cyndi. When he came home on Sunday night with Nylah, I ignored him by giving my attention to our daughter, reading her a story, and putting her to bed. Then, I stayed downstairs until I knew he was asleep. I wasn’t ready to discuss his affair simply because I didn’t know how to handle it and I couldn’t afford to come unglued before tomorrow’s ceremony. In the meantime, I’d wait to see what Haney was able to uncover.

For the ribbon cutting, I’d dressed in one of my new purchases, a mint green Zac Posen skirt suit, with a white orchid on my lapel. For any insecurities I might have been feeling (that I wasn’t trashy enough for my husband, nor an Asian seductress, which seemed to be Haney’s preference) my confidence was restored when Phinn picked me up, complimenting me several times, even glancing back at me in the rearview mirror.

The ceremony was due to start at eleven a.m., and when we arrived, there were about 100 people crowded into the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Pink and blue balloons were tied around the perimeter with ribbon roped between two stanchions in the front of the building. A podium was set up where the other board members and I would stand for the short ceremony.

While the friendly center staff was distributing brochures, I stopped to speak to ward leaders, city council members, and parents who’d already benefited from our services. I noticed the board members were all present and there were more media crews and police than I would’ve expected. I’m sure it was partially because my husband was due to arrive at 11:20 before heading to Splash Down, the official opening of the city pools at one p.m.

My eyes, though, sought out the most important guest of all, Tej, who’d been the catalyst to the start of BBWC. He and his mother were sitting on a bench in the children’s garden.

“Ana, hello.”

“Mrs. Skinner, oh my gosh. There’re so many people,” she exclaimed, standing up to give me a hug.

“You’ll be okay. Hi, Tej,” I said, bending down to kiss the handsome five-year-old who, once born to crack-cocaine, was now a physically and emotionally healthy little boy.

“Godmom, is this my party?” he asked, jumping off the bench into my arms.

“Yes Tej, all of this is because of you, so c’mon it’s time to get started,” I told him when I saw Craig and Michael ushering everyone to the front of the building.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.