Chapter 12: Banquet

Saturday came faster than I had liked. I spent most of the day with my daughter then around 3 I came home to start preparing for later. Today is the day of my family's annual banquet. At first I dreaded coming today but then all or most of the higher up staff members from all our companies come and Omar White is one of those staff members.

And guess what, staff members families are invited, the immediate family that is. Anyway Omar is Ashanti's dad and I heard from David and my mother that our new neighbours are coming.

I can't wait to see her again. Which is weird cause I saw her yesterday. I am really attracted to her and I want to get to know her, no harm in that. After all I ain't with Zoey yet or I don't even know how that talk is gonna turn out.

"Family meeting in the living area" Dustin knocks at my door.

"I'll be there in a sec" I replied saying

I finished putting on my grey vest and walked out of my room with my jacket in hand. I headed to the living room where I was met with My family members.

"Don't you all look rather dashing" says my grandfather.

We were all wearing grey and black this year. It's a thing we do color coordinate. All the men were in black suits and grey vests or vice versa while the ladies were in black dress grey heels or vice versa. We do look rather fine, especially me.

"Okay so this meeting is just to secure all our methods of transportation and to ensure we are all ready and on time. Glad to see you guys have done better" says grandpa

Okay so last year the banquet started at 8, Some of the adults reach a quarter later while my cousins and I decided that we were gonna go after this sick ass house party that was keeping the same day. We reached around midnight half wasted.

"With that being said, three limousine, one for Elizabeth and I, then the parents and then you children in the third. Now they are already outside. Ten minutes to do last minute things and then we'll all meet at the entrance of the house." Grandpa finishes and then we all left.

I returned to my room to do my finishing touches. My cologne. One being each ear, one to the left wrist rub with right wrist, two sprays infront and walk into it.

"You're an idiot" My sister Jaime says to me leaning on my door frame.

"And you're this idiot's sister" I retort

We both smiled and headed to the entrance of our home. We met the rest of the family there. We all examined the other just last minute reassurance then ensure we have all our needed items. Phones, house keys and wallets/purses.

"Alright see you all there. We enter together" Says grandpa. We responded with nods, headed to our designated cars and then left to the Hotel reserved for this occasion.

"Let us take a few shots" says David and we all agreed. Pure vodka. Three shots each. Big mistake. We don't drink regularly especially something this strong, so let's just say we were all extra happy right now.

3 shots of pure vodka, 1 beer and a bottle water later we arrived at the hotel. Madison Beach Hotel.

"Every year its a different one, I like that. Keeps it interesting." says Dustin

"Not really, you're just glad for the chicks that come fauning over you that works at these hotels or those living close to the hotel" Jaime says while rolling her eyes

We all then met with the rest of our family and was announced just before we enter the main room where the event is being held.

"Dad your secretary never fails to wow me" says Angel as she eyes around the room. Theme is black and silver. Table cloths silver with black chairs, grey and black carpets, silver lining and its really a wow.

"I pay her good. Treat your employees right and they never disappoint" my dad replies gloating.

"Yeah right, whatever" my mom walks away while dragging my dad along. We all begin to separate and mingle with our guests.

I had my eyes set for a certain employees daughter and I already feel anxious to see her. While I was conversing, a certain lady caught my eye entering the room with her family in tow. She was wearing off the shoulder silver dress, with a cut in the dress at the right leg that ran up to her thigh. Good Lord.

I made my way to her but just before I can get her I was my path was blocked by...

"James?"

(pronounce ha-mez in spanish)

"Oh, you. Sí" he replied

See James is Zoey's cousin from Mexico, he's in the army real ass if you ask me but whatever. He is also her best friend. He doesn't like me, why you may ask, well I don't know.

"Never knew you were coming. How are you?" I attempt at holding a conversation with him

" Ah well, Zoey was coming and I came to spend time with her so I thought I'd come along. Zoey said her abuela spoke with your abuelo and he said sí I can come." He replied then its like he found who or what he was looking for and just left.

Zoey is here, who's watching our baby, she's still very young I don't want her to be babysitted yet. If she had told me she wanted or was coming I would've stayed. Then again Zoey shouldn't have came I don't want my baby taking bottle, atleast not so young. I want Zoey to breast feed for as long as possible keep that mother daughter bond strong, like my ma and sisters and aunts and cousins or my grandma and my aunts. Well my family are close we work our problems with family therapy. We act as a therapists when needed. I hope Zavia will be like that with her siblings. Oh, more kids, I'd like that. With Zoey no problem, with Ashanti hell yeah. Mhm kids with Ash....

"Hey"

"Hi" I was instantly brought back from my thoughts by the same lady that was about to intrude such thoughts.

"You look astonishing, You don't seem to stop doing an Mj on me" I said with a nervous chuckle.

"Mj?" she said looking rather confused

"Yeah, Mj, Michael Jackson, speechless" I said

"Ohhhhh. Oh My, my brain sometimes take a while" she said after she understood what I was saying.

"thank you, you look rather dashing" she replies

"T-thank you" I stuttered

"That's cute, would you like to dance with me" she asks

"I was gonna ask, maybe not right now, maybe wh.." I was saying when she cut me off by dragging me to the center of the dance floor.

We dance James Arthur's Naked acoustic version.

I started singing the lyrics and she looked into my eyes and I don't know maybe I imagined it but she started leaning in so I did too. The moment my mouth meet hers..

"Hey, Jacob"

So close, I whispered then turned to see Zoey staring at me with a look I can't decipher.

Shit! I didn't even get to kiss her