Page 18 of Forever Mine
Chapter 7
“And we’d like to thank our sponsor, OMG Corporation, for their vision and innovation…”
The ballroom used to host the seminar was transformed and all the attendees sat around us. Scott happened to be at the same table where I was seated. I’d chuckled earlier when he switched the name cards and took the seat next to me.
He looked different tonight in a navy suit that intensified the color of his eyes. His hair was captured in a ponytail and his beard trimmed way back. He’d gone to the barber earlier in the day.
We’d had one session today, which ended at lunch time. Scott insisted on eating with me and I enjoyed our conversation which ran from work, to entertainment, and American politics.
I realized that despite his casual appearance, Scott had a brilliant mind. He was knowledgeable about things I didn’t understand in information technology and graphic design, but didn’t make me feel as if I was a dunce in comparison.
Now, he leaned closer. “You look lovely. Black suits you.”
“Thanks. You look good too.”
He nodded in acknowledgment. “That’s a major compliment coming from you. Thank you.”
The emcee thanked the persons instrumental in planning the workshop. When she mentioned the presenters, her gaze went back and forth while she tried to locate Scott.
He lifted a hand and smiled at the polite applause before asking, “What time is your flight tomorrow?”
“Around noon.”
“Good,” he smiled and sent warmth spiraling through my tummy. “That means I’ll see you before you go.”
“We can firm up the arrangements for when you come to Jamaica.”
I was flattered he was thinking about anything personal beyond tonight. Although from the way he looked at me, I had a feeling ...
“Yeah, there is that. Have breakfast with me?”
I nodded and turned my attention to the stage, where they were about to distribute the certificates of participation.
Diana asked Scott to hand out several special awards and while he did, I took notes. He was pleasant and made all the persons he interacted with come away with a smile. I liked that about him; his ability to put people at ease.
With the official part of the evening over, the piped music went up by a few notches and dinner was served. The salmon and herb-roasted potato were delicious and while I ate, I chatted with the other persons at the table. Most of them were from America and aside from me, only one other person was from the Caribbean.
During dessert, which consisted of Red Velvet cake and ice cream, Scott whispered in my ear. “How about we steal away and do our own thing?”
Most people conversed over dessert and the buzz of chatter was loud.
“It depends on what you have in mind,” I said, then spooned ice cream into my mouth. “What d’you want to do?”
“Your question sounds intriguing and nasty all at the same time,” he said, chuckling.
I rolled my eyes. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Right.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “So, I was thinking I’d take you to the nightclub on the second floor. You game?”
After thinking about it for a few seconds, I said, “Sounds good. Can you dance?”
Scott pulled his head back as though I’d insulted him. “What kind of question is that?”
A grin escaped from me and I said, “Well, you’re white and most of you—”
He put up both hands. “Don’t say it. I’m insulted.”
Since his lips were twitching, I continued teasing him. “Whatever. Just know that if it turns out you have two left feet, I’m gonna fall on my butt laughing.”