5. Another Broken Promise

I came home from shopping for the party all alone. If you paid Copeland Morton Junior to do so, the man couldn't keep a promise to me. I had only an hour to get dressed and head out the door. When I finally looked in the mirror one last time. I was proud of how everything came together. I must admit. I look pretty good. I knew I didn't have the traditional look of many cute girls. I have one of those faces that look mature but very pretty. 

 

My figure looked terrific in this gown. The sales lady helped me pick the perfect evening gown to accent my body type. Since I had curves, the dress fell in just the right places on my slender frame. I like that I wasn't too tall but not too short either. Nothing was out of place on me tonight. From my hair, makeup, nails, and the beautiful gown I had chosen to wear tonight, it all was perfect! 

I left the bedroom, picked up my clutch, and walked to the living room. By the time I reached the sofa, I had started feeling overwhelmed. I guess Copeland isn't coming to pick me up. I think I better call a taxi.

~~~~

When I arrived at this astonishing Morton International Hotel and stepped onto the sidewalk, I looked up and exclaimed.

"Wow! It is magnificent!"

When I entered the luxurious hotel, my heart began to race. The place was beautiful, but I couldn't enjoy gazing at it for fear that my heart would swell and burst. My eyes became watery. The elevator door opens. You could hear the music playing in the main hall and the guest's laughter.

I tried to get myself together. It had been another day of unexpected events when it came to Copeland. He was a no-show today. When I entered the ballroom, it appeared that I would be outnumbered. It was going to be very stressful, meeting all these different people of different cultures. The Morton's Restaurant and Hotel business is international but primarily based in Europe. Rarely do you see people of other nationalities at these events? My skin tone, of course, will undoubtedly stand out. I stood out at my wedding mainly for that reason. 

Being in this situation made certain feelings come up.

In a soothing voice, Joel says, "I know this must be overwhelming for you. Copeland told me all about you coming to town."

"Joel! It's so good to see you! It's been so long!" I said, giving him a big hug. Joel, Copeland, and I grew up together. 

"Now, I don't feel all alone," I tell him, smiling. 

 "How do you do it? I don't know if I would be able to do it. But you're going to do fine, don't cry. "He said, laughing.

I laughed as I tried to hold it together. "I'm just nervous. I'll be alright in a minute. 

 "Are you okay now?" Joel asked me, smiling so admiringly at me.

Everything is fine.

Especially now that Joel is here, he was my friend and knew many of these people. 

Joel always had charm. Even as a teenager, he had a class about himself. Joel went and got me a drink. But all I could do was wait and die from the anticipation of what would happen tonight. Would Lizzy show up on Copeland's arm? 

“Tameka, Tameka!” I saw momma Olivia and Gigi.

I waved and got up to greet them. 

"Oh my, you look lovely. You and Copeland picked out a wonderful dress for tonight. His eyes will fall from his head when he sees you in it. He hasn't seen you in your dress yet, has he?" 

"No, he hasn't seen me," I said, wanting to tell them he hadn't seen me since last night. But I couldn't break their hearts on such a happy occasion.

The camera's started flashing all over, taking pictures as the guest came in. 

The honored guest Copeland Morton came through the doors. Everyone clapped, acknowledging him as the new CEO. Once everyone settled around him. His eyes shifted around the room, looking. I was talking to Joel about his business as a local nightclub owner. 

"I can't believe you went from being a DJ to an owner of a famous nightclub here in our city." 

"You got to come and hang out with me sometimes. Are you going back to Paris?" 

"Yes, I think I will, but I'll stop by before I leave. I got to see your fabulous club!"

"Fabulous it is!" He said as we both laughed. 

Of course, many came up to Joel's table to greet me, It was like I was an eye-catcher, and many were curious about me. They wanted to know who I was. Where do I live? And who was I connected to at this party? So every chance Joel got, he took notice of me while he helped me mingle and greet his guest.

When Copeland's eyes found Joel's table, he didn't see Joel even though he was sitting there. 

He saw no one at that table except this young woman who looked familiar to him. Copeland's dark eyebrows gathered slightly in the center as he peered. 

His eyes stayed searching. "That has to be Tameka sitting there. Is that Joel she's sitting with?" Copeland felt his heart begin to respond with rapid throttles in his chest. For a second, he tried not to look at her. But who was he kidding? She was drop-dead gorgeous! She had silky, smooth skin that looked like warm caramel.

When my eyes caught him looking at us, it stopped my breathing. It felt like for a second before I could breathe again. It seemed like time stood still. Everything and everyone in the room stood still. 

"Hey, would you like to dance?" Joel asked me, distracting me from looking in Copeland's direction.

"Sure. I don't mind."

I could feel the heat of a blush crawl over my skin. Then, with only a moment's hesitation, I wrapped my arms around Joel's lean waist and cuddled into him just like we used to when we were young—I breathed in the incredible smell of spicy cologne and Joel's warm scent. 

When Copeland turned and saw the two of them on the dance floor. His blood begins to boil over! Even though Joel was his best friend, he still knew how Joel felt about Tameka, and he could stand it! After she was still his wife! Even if it was in name only! She was his wife! Not Joel's!

"What are you doing?" 

"What does it look like we are doing?" Joel said, stepping in between him and Tameka. 

"Joel, I'm only going to ask you nice one last time. Move out of my way, and let me deal with my wife!" 

"It's okay, Joel. I'm going to be all right. Thank you, and I'll chat with you later." 

"Are you sure you are going to be okay, Tameka?" 

"Yes," I said, reassuring him with a smile. Then, Joel left, and I picked up a glass of champagne from one of the floating servers.

"What are you doing?"

I sipped my champagne before responding. "Honestly, I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation. But, if you don't know what I was doing, you best ask somebody."

I rolled my eyes and continued toward the door. 

When I got outside, I let the smoke escape my ears. I was hot with anger and sorrow! It was time to go. I went back inside and gathered my things from the table me and Joel had been sitting at for the evening. 

"Look, I think I'll be going, and it was a great evening. Thanks for everything, Joel. You are a good friend." I said and turned to walk away.

"Wait! Wait a minute, Tameka!" Joel says.

"I should leave, and I don't want to bring into something you shouldn't be a part of anyway. Take care." 

While moving through the crowd, I heard Copeland say, "Tameka, wait, I need to speak to you!" 

He yells about the noise of those on the dance floor, trying to get through the crowd to catch me. But I was moving so fast he couldn't stop me. My eyes turned red from being upset as I walked through the crowd and turned the corner to head out of the hall to the lobby. Some way, I ran smack into a solid brick wall. Or the chest of a tall man with drinks.

The champagne flew out of the expensive-looking flutes and all over me, splashing down the front of my gown. Others who saw the collision gasped. Copeland gestured to a waiter for assistance, but I backed away from him. 

I didn't need or want any assistance. I needed a lobotomy to think I could come here and even partially fit in. I nodded to Copeland, who I could've happily looked at forever but hoped never to see again. I moved away, more carefully, this time as I searched for a direct escape route.

The cold champagne on my bare chest made breathing difficult. Or maybe that was just humiliation choking me. I headed out the front belvedere glass doors. Two women glanced at me, then at each other, exchanging looks. It didn't matter what they thought, 'they looked like clones dressed alike anyway.

' Finally, I could breathe. It was so chilly. 

Then I felt a warm jacket being wrapped around my shoulders. I turned around and saw it was Copeland. 

"I'm going back to Paris! When can I sign the divorce papers?" 

"What?" 

"Isn't this what you called me back home to do? So when can I sign them?"

"Meeka, you were the one dancing with another man tonight. Don't I have the right to say something about my wife in the arms of another man!" 

"Don't change the subject. Joel is both of our friends, and you know that! But Lizzy! What is Lizzy to me? No, I should be asking, what is Lizzy to you?! She's only your friend or lover or whatever she is! When do I sign the dog on papers, Copeland?" I shouted.

"Get out of my way, Copeland! Some nerve you got!" I yelled and took off, walking again as fast as my high heels would allow me.