THE BOARDROOM
“Here ye, here ye, the Carter Market Monthly Business meeting will now commence. I will note for the record all board members are in attendance. Calvin Carter, Louise Carter, Jamison Carter, Chelsea Carter and Kingston Carter,” the brunette haired, blue eyed woman said as she took her seat with her note pad in hand.
The conference room was lavished with a long mahogany table. Surrounding it were leather chairs that had high backs to make the long meetings comfortable for everyone. Placed in the center of the table were fresh flowers straight from Louise’s garden. She believed every table should have a nice inviting center piece to make people smile .
“This meeting is to follow up on our opening a new store.” Calvin said as he sat at the head of the table in his normal chair. With his wife Louise right beside; him, he continued.
His children began applauding as his secretary Selma wrote down the notes of the meeting.
“This is a huge step for us because it means we can bring more to the community. It means that Carter Market will soon become a household name like the other food store chains.” Calvin proudly said as he took a sip of his green tea. “So where are we are far as finding a location and the finances? Jamison, tell me what you got?”
“Well,” Jamison replied pulling out a map. “I thought if we focus our attention in locating a building near or around the Metro system we can profit more because of the public transportation. But on the negative side the cost of that would be much higher.”
“I totally agree with you there, son. Financially speaking we would have to determine whether investing a ton of money to be near the Metro is more feasible than investing less money but not be accessible to public transportation,” Louise added in.
“What if we built a smaller store but made it a specialty store?” Chelsea piped in as she began using her hands and gesturing as she was known for doing. “Like where you can get three or four different kinds of Fig Newton’s so that son of yours can get his jollies on and we can stop ordering the low selling items,” Chelsea joked.
“Hey now,” Kingston pointed across to his sister sitting opposite from him. “Leave my Fig Newton’s out of this. We are looking for a location, not to go insanely mad. Please leave my Newton’s alone.” Kingston said as he opened the package Fig Newton’s that sat right in front of him.
It was a well-known fact that Kingston had to have his Fig Newton’s all the time and everywhere. Since he was a child he always he had to have them. His parents actually brought him home a box every week from their store. At every board meeting there was Fig Newton’s for him while everyone else snacked on various pastries and fruit that sat on the table.
“I happen to think that is a great idea,” Calvin put in while sipping on his tea. “A smaller version of our store but selling only specialty items. Hmm.” Calvin was starting to like that idea.
“I think it’s a great idea as well. But there is a problem,” Kingston said while looking at the huge map lying on the table in front of Jamison.
“What is the problem?” Chelsea asked while trying to steal a Newton from Kingston but he slapped her hand back before she could touch any of his precious cookies.
“The problem is,” Kingston continued and stood to his feet while his suspenders lay at the way side of his navy-colored slacks. “I really do like the idea of the specialty store but, I see a problem. With us being in College Point now wouldn’t it be a disservice to have our customers travel to maybe DuPont Circle or U Street for one or two items?” Kingston pointed out on the map.
“Kingston, you do a have point there but how can we rectify that?” Jamison asked drinking from his coffee cup.
“I suggest we add a few specialty aisles to our store now and see how that works? If that works then maybe the store just might work, but if it doesn’t then we have to try another plan. It breaks down to us losing money rather than profiting if we go with a smaller version of our store.” Kingston pointed out to his family as he offered a Newton to his smiling sister. “I know someone in real estate so I’m going to try and reach out to him to see about a location.”
“Okay, here’s the thing.” Calvin said after hearing everyone’s input. “Everyone has good ideas as far as the new store is concerned. I am a little reluctant in building a new store only because DC is such a small area. Although well-populated it’s still a small area.” Calvin said while adjusting his tie.
“That’s true, it is a small area,” Louise agreed as she sipped on her tea.
“And let’s not forget the tight restrictions on building any structure in DC now that could really pose a problem. I would consider a current structure where we can expand the size of the building to accommodate our needs. That way the community doesn’t feel like we are tearing down their history. The community is our customers and if we focus on that point I am more than sure we can come up with something to work. And with that said this meeting is adjourned.” Calvin said as he pretended to bang a gavel on the table.
“Everyone is excused with the exception of Kingston. Kingston, I need to talk to you in my office,” Calvin said as he and Kingston began walking out the conference room together.
“Yes, Pop what’s up?” Kingston asked as he plopped down in the leather chair adjacent to his father’s handcrafted Maplewood desk.
“I told you so.” Calvin said while retrieving a soda from his refrigerator and pouring it into his empty tea cup.
“Mom is going to kill you if she finds out you were drinking soda.” Kingston said looking at his father suspiciously.
Taking a gulp of the soda, Calvin continued. “It’s not about me, it’s about you. Now didn’t I tell you she would come to you?” Calvin quickly changed the subject.
Kingston crossed his legs and held his head back thinking about his date with Sinclair. He was still awe struck at not only her beauty, but her spirit.
“Yes, you did Pop. You surely did. I thought it was a done deal but when she showed up at the church I almost fell over in disbelief.” Kingston was smiling like a kid in the candy store when he saw Sinclair at the church.
“So how was your first date with her?” Calvin was very interested in knowing.
“We had a five hour long date and I didn’t want that to end. She is an amazing, beautiful and talented woman.” Kingston could barely get the words out just thinking about Sinclair.
Calvin could tell by the look on his son’s face that he did have a good time. “So what does she do for a living?”
“She is the owner and director of a non-profit agency. She helps former foster kids now turned adults transition to independent living,” Kingston explained while adjusting his blue and white tie.
With a confused look on his face Kingston knew he had to further explain what Sinclair did.
“Here is how she explained it to me.” Kingston started using his hands like Chelsea to speak. “When you turn eighteen you age out of the system because you are now an adult. As an adult you are expected to care for yourself, so you no longer qualify for those services.”
“So what happens to them if they don’t have anything?” Louise asked coming into the office and replacing Calvin’s soda disguised as tea with a bottle of water while not missing a beat. “Soda in a tea cup? Nice try Honey.” She said to Calvin’s and Kingston’s surprise.
“Most of them end up homeless. For some it leads them to a life of crime just trying to survive. And trying to get any government help is almost impossible if you don’t have an address. Sinclair provides her clients with information on where to get food and shelter from. She also gives them a book bag filled with everything from clean socks and underwear to personal hygiene products. She does whatever she can to help them, including going to court and speaking on their behalf.”
“Oh my God I never knew that.” Louise said while reaching for her water on the table next to her husband’s desk. “Who does Sinclair work for? Maybe we can help out?”
“Mom, Sinclair owns the non-profit agency and I am more than sure if we donate anything she will be very appreciative.” Watching the faces of his parents light up as he spoke about Sinclair he knew they approved of her even though they hadn’t formally met her yet.
“Her parents must be so proud of her taking on a huge task like that,” Calvin said as Louise nodded in agreement.
Kingston took a deep breath before he replied. “She doesn’t have any parents. She was a foster child herself.”
Louise rose from her chair and walked over to Kingston. “Of all the women that you have dated none, and I do mean none of them have what Sinclair has. And what she has is a pure selfless heart. Sinclair had nothing and rose up past her obstacles to turn back around to help others. Only a truly special person could do something like that. God put her in your life for a reason so you better treat her like that queen she is because there is always someone waiting to take your place.”
Kingston’s mother’s words rang in his head as he drove home later that night. He didn’t know where the thing with him and Sinclair was going, but he intended for it to be a nice journey for them both.
********************
It had been raining since the night before and thankfully it had finally stopped even though it was still a bit cloudy. The pavement was still slick, but Sinclair had no problem speeding across the highway. For an early Sunday morning there was very little traffic on the interstate which made it perfect. She could easily get to her destination without getting tied up in traffic.
“NO!!!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs as her car made a loud sound and a heavy jerking motion. Her car started to slow down even though she still had her foot on the gas.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said out loud while trying to coast her car to the shoulder of the highway.
Sinclair could not believe it; her car was having problems yet again. She got out of her car and opened the hood to see smoke billowing from it. This was not the time for her to be having car troubles. She cursed as she tried to figure out what she would do.
She would have called Robyn, but she was away with Desmond for the weekend. She couldn’t even call Kingston because he was at church. Wearing a blue and black skirt suit, she intended to fix her car in her three inch heels.
Just as she was about to lean in to the car, her cell phone started ringing.
“Step away from that car right now.” Kingston demanded of Sinclair.
“What? How did you know?” A confused Sinclair asked as she backed away from the car as she was told. She looked around trying to figure out how Kingston knew what she was doing.
“I just passed you on the highway and I know those attractive legs anywhere. I’m swinging back to get you, I’ll be right back.” Kingston replied as he headed for the next exit ramp to get off.
Just as the smoke started to disappear from Sinclair’s car Kingston pulled up.
“Are you all right?” Kingston asked Sinclair as he stepped out his black Lincoln Navigator. “I know you were not about to try and do anything to a smoking car? That’s dangerous.” Kingston asked, looking into Sinclair’s gorgeous eyes as he folded his hands in front of him.
“Look, it wasn’t that bad,” Sinclair went on. “Besides, I’ve done it before.” She answered as they waited for the remainder of the smoke to go away.
“You’ve done it before?” Kingston asked strangely. Sinclair had many traits about her that he did indeed like, but this stubborn do everything by herself thing definitely had to stop. “So now you are a mechanic too among the other hats you wear? From now on you are not to try and repair your car yourself. Got it?” Kingston told her as they went over to the car which had finally stopped smoking.
“I got it.” Sinclair simply replied. She knew she would have been able to fix her car herself or at least do a patchwork job until she got to the mechanic. Just having Kingston there banning her from doing it brought a small smile to her face. She could get used to this treatment.
“Now what seems to be the problem here?” Kingston asked looking into the hood of her car.
“I don’t know, but I think it needs water. My car started making a weird sound and then it just stopped and smoke came out of the hood when I opened it. Kingston, I’m in a bind right now. I have a client who has a job interview in less than two hours and I have to get her these clothes. I need to get to Somerset like now or she will not make her two-thirty interview. What am I going to do?” Sinclair rambled on since she was so upset.
“Sinclair, relax, everything is going to be fine.” Kingston took Sinclair’s hand into his and looked into her distressed eyes. “This is going to work out.” Kingston replied, trying to calm Sinclair’s rattled nerves while he rubbed her arm.
“I’m sorry. This is just a bit much right now so forgive me. This girl has been through so much. Getting this job would mean she can afford to rent a room and not have to stay at the shelter anymore.” Sinclair said to Kingston, who was still looking inside the engine.
“It’s no problem, I totally understand. Now here is what we can do. We can call AAA and tell them we will leave the car on the side of the road. They can take it to your mechanic while I drive you in my truck to deliver the clothes. We will even drop her off at the interview and wait until she is done. Now grab your stuff and let’s go,” Kingston instructed Sinclair as she grabbed what she needed and jumped into Kingston’s Navigator.
“I still cannot understand how in the world you got us all the way to Somerset in less than thirty minutes,” Sinclair said in pure shock.
“My best friend Simon owns a limo company and a lot of his clients are high profile politicians. He has to be able to drive quickly and safely to be able to get away from any harm at any time. He basically showed me how to get there fast and safe. My parents don’t like when I drive like that because it scares them.” Kingston said with a chuckle.
“I am not condoning speeding, but it did come in handy today. And your driving didn’t scare me at all. What scared me was the thought of not being able to deliver the clothes on time. That’s what really scared me the most. I really, really appreciate everything you did for me today. If it was not for you, Samantha would never have gotten the job. So thank you.” Sinclair said from the bottom of her heart.
“You’re very welcome. Now I have a question for you. Do you always do business on Sundays? I thought Sundays was a rest day for you.” Kingston quizzed Sinclair while they drove to a gas station to fill his tank.
“Actually I wasn’t going to rest until later.” Perfect timing Sinclair thought. “I was going to surprise you and come and hear you preach this morning.”
Seeing the large smile on Sinclair’s Kingston knew he had heard her correctly. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I don’t know what it was that made me get up and say I’m going to church today but I got ready. I had such an amazing time at your church last time that I was going to surprise you.”
“Well I am glad you enjoyed yourself. It was nothing but God that made you one, get up and two, think to come to my church of all churches.” Kingston could not help but smile. He sat across from the beautiful Sinclair Madison the woman that he was falling for as each and every day passed. God was surely sitting in his corner.
“I was almost to your church when Samantha called and said she got the only interview available this week and it just so happened to be today. All the stores were still closed, so I drove back to my apartment and got her something to wear from my closet. It’s not uncommon for me to toss my plans aside for a client, it’s what I do.” On many occasions she had put her plans on the back burner to accommodate her clients while neglecting her own self.
“That was very of nice of you especially, on your day off.” Kingston praised Sinclair for a very nice gesture. “I would have loved to have seen you in church today, but nonetheless I’m glad to see you.”
“Same here, but listen I can’t begin to…” A grumbling sound interrupted her as she was speaking to Kingston.
Sinclair became flustered, but continued as if nothing ever happened. “I can’t begin to thank you enough for all your help.”
“Well you are very welcome and you can thank me by having Sunday dinner with me. By the sound of your stomach growling, it sounds like you really need to eat something. Kingston replied as he rubbed Sinclair’s stomach.
“Hey, watch the hand, you might just lose it since I am so hungry,” Sinclair joked.
“I’m so sorry.” Kingston withdrew his hand in fear of losing it. “But really I would love for you to come and have dinner with me; I have more than enough food.” Kingston suggested as the sun started to peak from under the clouds in midafternoon.
Before Sinclair could respond her stomach let out another even louder growl, which caused them both to start laughing.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Kingston assumed as he headed toward his house.
Sinclair was laughing so hard all she could do was shake her head in agreement.
Soon after, Kingston pulled into the driveway of his two story brick house, which had green plantation shutters lining the huge bay windows. The plush green lawn looked like it had just been freshly cut.
“This is such a beautiful home,” Sinclair complimented as Kingston opened the door to help her out of the truck. Sinclair marveled at the gorgeous exterior before following Kingston into the house.
Upon entering his home, they were greeted at the door with a black bench accented with two blue pillows that sat at the base spiral staircase leading upstairs. Further into the house was the living room which had a bold red sofa and love seat ensemble. Standing out the most in the dramatic room was the black baby grand piano which over-looked the huge bay window. The end tables and coffee tables were also black to match the piano and there were pictures of his family hanging on the walls. The kitchen had a wrap-around counter with two bar stools in front of it and plenty of space for cooking and entertaining. The cabinets were a rich cherry wood that complimented the ivory colored walls. In the corner to the right of the back door sat a small table which had a bowl of fruit in the center of it. Attached to the kitchen was the family room, which had a large black leather sectional pointing directly at the fireplace and TV above it. The two windows on either side of the fireplace gave nice views of the backyard.
“Remember the singer who sang A House Is Not a Home?” Kingston asked while walking through his house.
“Yes, I remember that song.” Sinclair recalled the smooth melodious singer.
“Well this is just a house that gives me shelter that I need.” Kingston replied while offering a seat to Sinclair at his counter with bar stools surrounding it. He placed his jacket around another seat and washed his hands at the sink.
“Well, it’s a nice house that you have here.” Sinclair went on while surveying the massive kitchen and attached family room.
“Well thank you kindly Miss Madison.” Kingston said as he leaned over on the other side of the sit down counter. “Would you like something to drink while I get our dinner ready?”
“Sure, what do you have?” Sinclair asked the handsome Kingston.
“Cranberry juice or a Virgin Mojito. The Virgin Mojito is made with lemon lime soda, lemon and fresh mint.” Kingston asked before retrieving two glasses from the cabinet.
“The Virgin Mojito sounds tasty; I think I’ll try that.” Sinclair answered him taking in every inch of the handsome man before her.
For the life of her she couldn’t understand why she felt so comfortable with Kingston when they had only gone out on several dates. She had never felt so comfortable with any man, that is, until she met Kingston.
Sinclair did everything possible not to drool over him when he saw him. He stepped out his Lincoln Navigator wearing a black two piece suit and red tie. Sasha had mentioned how sexy he was but now she really saw it for herself. He had caught her attention on more than one occasion but today was different. Different in a way she couldn’t understand but nonetheless it was a very good different. She didn’t know if it was the way he wore the suit or not, because he was most certainly wearing that suit. Whatever difference it was, Sinclair definitely liked it.
“Good choice,” Kingston said while he poured her a glass of the Virgin Mojito.
Not long after they sat enjoying their meal together while having a leisurely conversation.
“This is delicious what did you do you to this chicken? It’s so mouth-watering.” Sinclair asked wondering what recipe he used.
“It’s like The General’s Chicken, a secret recipe.” Kingston joked. “But really it’s a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations in my family. If I told you, I have to either kill you or marry you so will not give out the secret.” Kingston said with a laugh. Killing Sinclair was the last thing in his mind, and he honestly wanted the latter.
“Whatever Pastor Carter. But you can tell your parents I said, they taught their son well. You can truly get down in the kitchen.” Sinclair knew she heard Kingston say marry, her but she ignored it. She continued her nice dinner but kept the comment in the back of her mind.
“I’ll be sure to tell them.” Kingston said while sipping from his glass.
“Why do you cook Sunday dinner when it’s, just you?” Sinclair was really enjoying her meal with Kingston and could see herself having more meals with him.
“My parents have always told me to make Sunday dinner because you never know who might stop in.” Kingston went on while looking directly into Sinclair’s pretty eyes. “I mean who knew I would run into you in my neck of the woods?”
“And I thank you for inviting me because I would have had a frozen meal or take out for dinner. My cooking skills are very basic. I can make scrambled eggs, and steamed vegetables and my rice comes out either too hard or too soft. And as far as meats go, that’s a whole different story. No matter what I try, it always burns or undercooks,” Sinclair confessed and laughed at her own self.
“One day I will show you how to make a meal similar to this. It’s not that hard.” Kingston offered as he finished eating the last bit of his baked macaroni and cheese.
Sinclair looked at him with her eyes slanted. “You sure about that? You do know that I am on a first name basis with my neighborhood firemen?”
Kingston did not blink an eye but rather smiled. “Yes, I am sure and we won’t need the firemen.”
“Okay if you say so.” Sinclair responded with uncertainty.
“Trust me, I will not let you burn down your house or mine. Now if you are done with your food we can have dessert in my backyard,” he said while gathering their empty plates. “You can go outside and I’ll be out in a minute.”
“I’ll wash the dishes,” Sinclair took the plates from Kingston’s hand and headed for the sink.
“You know you don’t have to do that? I can do it.” Kingston protested as he followed Sinclair to the sink.
Sinclair put the dishes in the sink and turned to see Kingston’s gray eyes staring back at her.
“You came to my rescue today in more ways than one, it’s the least I can do. Not only that but we could have easily eaten out somewhere.” Sinclair started feeling butterflies in her stomach and could not figure out why.
Kingston took a step closer to Sinclair, closing the large gap between them. “I didn’t mind rescuing you today and I certainly love having you over for dinner. I prefer home cooked meals compared to eating out anyway and I will put a smile on your beautiful face because I love your smile.”
Yes Kingston thought, he said it. He loved her smile. He really loved her smile. He had finally made it known he was falling for her. There was nothing left to doubt that he was truly falling for her. He had never have been able to say that to a woman but there was no woman like Sinclair.
Kingston did not know what came over him. He knew from the moment he saw Sinclair that she would be his wife someday. She had everything he ever wanted in a woman. She had class, style and grace. And although she was a little rough around the edges he saw that as a bonus to her personality. She smiled even when she didn’t know it simply with her beautiful eyes and her dimples. He didn’t know whether he was in love or lust. But he did know one thing and that is he could visually see them making his house a home together one day.
“May I?” Kingston asked Sinclair softly.
“Yes you may.” Sinclair replied seeing the desire in Kingston’s eyes. Kingston leaned down as they shared an intimate kiss.
Sinclair’s butterflies started going full blast in her stomach and she enjoyed every minute of it. “Nice.”
“Very nice,” Kingston countered her after releasing her from their kiss. “Especially since I didn’t have to bend down that far with you wearing those stilettoes. You’re almost my height now.” Kingston joked.
“Hey.” Sinclair swatted his arm. “I knew I left something in the car that I needed.” Sinclair looked down and saw she was still wearing her three inch heels she had on for over four hours now. If she didn’t get those shoes off soon her feet would began to hurt.
“Flats.” They both said at the same time.
“All women who wear high heels always have their flats with them at all times. Trust me, I know my sister and mom does the same thing. I can get you a pair of my slippers if you like?” Kingston offered Sinclair who was still in his arms.
“That would be great, I would really appreciate it.” Sinclair said as she stepped out of Kingston’s arms and took her seat back at the table.
Kingston excused himself to retrieve the slippers while Sinclair started to unbuckle the straps of her shoes. She was having trouble getting off the last shoe when Kingston came back with the slippers for her.
“Here, let me,” Kingston said unbuckling Sinclair’s shoe and slipping the shoe off her foot. “Better?”
“Much better, thank you.” Sinclair couldn’t believe she had left her flats in her car and now she was wearing Kingston’s oversized slippers.
“Now would you please leave the dishes so I can get our dessert? The sun is finally out so we can enjoy it outside.” Kingston had to get Sinclair away from him or the stove would not be the only thing on fire in the kitchen.
“No problem,” Sinclair simply responded, needing some air anyway.
Sinclair stepped out into the backyard to be welcomed by a well maintained yard. A barbeque grill sat across from bistro table and chair set. Around the backyard’s perimeter were tall shaded plants and trees. In the center of the backyard was a dark wicker patio set with blue seat cushions. To the far right of yard was an extra wide and extra-long hammock hanging between two shaded trees.
After the kiss she and Kingston shared she needed some air. She took a seat at the small bistro table on the deck and stared out at the beautifully landscaped backyard. She could see herself hosting many barbeques there with Kingston.
Sinclair jumped to her feet. She had to get that notion out of her head. What was she thinking? She couldn’t possibly be falling in love with Kingston, for Pastor Carter of all people. Maybe she needed some water or something to get her back to her senses. She couldn’t be the pastor’s wife; she didn’t even know what that meant. Wife! Sinclair screamed in her mind. She had just met the man and already he had said marry her in the same phrase. This just had to be wrong. She should have had her morning coffee because things would have made better sense.
Kingston stood in his kitchen replaying the kiss over and over in his head. He could have sworn it was the fourth of July because he definitely felt sparks between them. He looked at the calendar and it was only June tenth. He knew if he didn’t separate himself from her for a few minutes he would lose his religion. He opened the freezer and stood there a moment, blankly staring at the contents. This was to cool him off because holding and kissing Sinclair had his loins about to burst. He had never been with a woman who made him feel the way Sinclair did. After their kiss he knew exactly what he was feeling for Sinclair, he was falling for her.
Kingston got himself together and went to Sinclair in the backyard. “If you thought dinner was great wait till you taste this.” Kingston announced as he came out with two small plates in his hands.
“I hope you like Banana Pudding.” Kingston said to a smiling Sinclair.
“Do I ever? It’s one of my favorite desserts, you look like a keeper. I think I am going to keep you around for a while because you’re spoiling me Kingston.” Sinclair added as she dug into her banana pudding.
“Everyone deserves to be spoiled every now and then. I remembered on our first date you really didn’t have anything to eat but you had white chocolate ice cream. I figured you for a dessert type of person being that you can’t cook.” Kingston remembered that day well, it was the first time he had met a woman that didn’t know how to cook.
“Well you figured right because I am addicted to white chocolate. Banana pudding is a second on my list of favorite desserts,” she admitted. “My addictions have helped me put on these pounds and that’s why I’m a size sixteen now.” She added as she patted her thighs.
Kingston put his spoon in his bowl. “I love the way you are. There is nothing wrong with being a thick woman; I just need you to be healthy. And did you ever hear me once complain about the way you look? The only complaint that I have is of you juggling a thousand things. It seems you do everything for everyone but never anything for yourself. Can you tell me why?”
“I don’t do everything myself.” Sinclair lied through her teeth; she hoped God didn’t strike her down for lying to a man of God.
“I beg to differ Miss Madison. Correct me if I’m wrong as I go through this.” Kingston said as he undid his tie.
“What?” A confused Sinclair asked.
“You run a non-profit business that helps people get the basic necessities that they need. You get donations from all over which requires you to drive to other cities to retrieve the items. You speak at engagements to try to get support for your business. You drop everything for your clients to get them what they need at a moment’s notice if necessary.”
“But..” Sinclair tried to interject when Kingston put his finger to her lips.
“Let me finish. You neglect enjoying yourself because you don’t have time. And you repair your own car in the process and did I forget you take care of the backyard for your landlord. Did I miss anything?” Kingston had remembered every single thing that Sinclair had done and it had really bothered him to know she took on so much.
“Okay, so I lied but I’m used to it, it’s nothing,” Sinclair brushed it off and continued eating her dessert.
“Well that’s a lot of nothing that you do. You need to slow down.” Kingston was really concerned because Sinclair had her hands full.
“Thanks for your concern, but I’ll be all right. Besides I have help, I have Sasha my assistant and Oliver,” she said matter of fact.
“That may be true, but you still do so much. You are a workaholic and you need to slow down before you pass out somewhere.” Kingston explained.
“I am not a workaholic.” Sinclair replied, shaking her head.
Folding his arms Kingston responded. “Oh no. When was the last time you went on vacation?”
“Well….” Sinclair trailed on.
“And staring at the picture of the Eiffel tower in both your living room and office does not count.” Kingston said crossing his legs now.
With nothing to say Sinclair just shrugged her shoulders.
“You and my mother are two of a kind.” Kingston said with a chuckle. “After she became First Lady everyone would always ask her to do things for them. She never told anyone no, being the kind woman that she is.”
“Really?” Sinclair asked twirling her curly hair with her finger.
“My dad didn’t even know my mother had taken on so much until she started falling asleep during services. He re-delegated all the duties that she was doing and left her in charge of planning the yearly Women’s Day event and that’s all. That was the only time my father ever stood up against my mother and that was literally to save her from herself.” Sinclair had reminded him of his mother in so many ways that it was scary.
Sinclair just nodded because she did sound just like his mother.
“Come dance with me.” Kingston said extending his had to Sinclair.
Sinclair gave him a weird look.
“I know there is no music. I would sing for you but I can’t hold a note even if someone gave it to me in my hand.” Kingston said while laughing while still holding his hand out to Sinclair. “Dance with me please.”
“Okay.” Sinclair gave in. Kingston was very persistent and she kind of liked it.
“I know you have been doing things on your own for so many years but you have me now. And I am going to help you in any way that I can. I just need you to stop playing Super Woman.” Kingston said while slow dancing with Sinclair in his backyard.
Taking a deep breath, Sinclair looked up at Kingston. “I don’t know who else to be but Super Woman, that’s who I am.”
“That is not who you are, that is just who you have become to be throughout the years but I plan to change that really soon.” Kingston was not letting up because Sinclair had held the world on her shoulders for so long and now it was his turn to carry her burden. “I also need you to know that I am falling in love with you and I am going to do everything and anything to make you happy.”
Kingston was holding Sinclair so tight that he felt her try to escape his hold.
“I can’t.” Sinclair blurted out while trying to free herself from Kingston who refused to let her go. “Everyone who I have ever loved left me.”
Sinclair had been through enough heart ache and pain to last her an eternity and there was no way she was going to get hurt again. She intended to keep guarding her heart as she had for some many years, but the more she was with Kingston the harder it became.
“It’s okay Sinclair, I understand. But just to let you know I am not the man who broke your heart. Nor am I the man who is going to run away from a beautiful woman who is afraid of love. However, I am the man who is going to show you what real unconditional love is. Now you can push me all you want but I am not going anywhere.” Kingston said staring Sinclair right in her eyes.
“Is that so?” Sinclair asked, sounding skeptical.
“Yes, that’s so.” Kingston countered her while still staring down at her.
“We’ll see about that,” Sinclair replied with hesitation in her voice.
“We surely will. Now I would love for you to be my date for the annual Giving Back Gala. It’s a black tie affair where men have to wear tuxedos and women gowns. The gala raises money for several different charities that give back to the community. My parents will be there and I would really like you to meet them.” Kingston was praying Sinclair would agree because he really wanted his parents to meet her.
“I would love to be your date at the Gala.” Sinclair batted her eyes at Kingston feeling a little more at eased now.
“Thank you,” Kingston answered as he loosened his grip on Sinclair.
“By the way, you have some nice moves. I didn’t know pastors can dance.” Sinclair was definitely enjoying her time slow dancing with Kingston. It was nice and he smelled good too.
“I got it from watching my parents cut a rug as they say.” Kingston replied as they continued to dance to their own music in their heads. “If you like that then you’ll love this.” Kingston took Sinclair and twirled her around and dipped her leaving her simply stunned.