image
image
image

Chapter 16

image

“Do I look okay?” Leela asked stepping back from the phone. She pulled on the bustier of her sundress. Chelsea was on FaceTime, twisting her head from side to side as she inspected her. 

“You look nice. Why are you always second guessing your appearance? It’s a family dinner.”

“I keep telling you, you don’t know what it’s like here. The Ingrams are family, but the Bennetts are...”

“Family,” Chelsea inserted. “You need to stop being so anxious.”

“It’s Ethan’s house. I feel like I’m walking into Buckingham Palace or something every time I go over there.”

“Well, it’s Lauren’s house too. She hasn’t changed a bit so you’re good.”

“You’re right.”

“Are you sure it’s not Kiefer that’s making you feel all nervous?”

“No. I’m comfortable around him. It’s all a good vibe.”

“So you’re moving away from the good vibe?”

“We’re officially dating. I need to get out of his house or I’m going to be in his bed, girl.”  She put on her last piece of jewelry. “Believe me, moving out is way past necessary.”

Chelsea nodded like she understood. “Text me later and let me know how it went.”

“I will.”

“Send pics of the house if you can.”

“I’ll try,” Leela promised, and they ended the call.

Leela grabbed her bag, took one last look at herself in the mirror, fluffed her hair and joined Kiefer in the car.

“So, Lauren told me that Avery is here,” she said. “I like her. I’m looking forward to seeing her tonight.”

Kiefer backed out of the garage. “I can see you liking Avery. She reminds me of you. Spunky, confident, says what she thinks.”

Leela leveled him with a look. “Like we’re supposed to.”

“Of course, who doesn’t want to hear everything on your mind.” He teased her with an exaggerated eye roll.

“Anyway, it’ll be nice to see her again,” she said of Avery.

Kiefer returned his attention to the road, but then seconds later, glanced at her again. Leela noticed a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What was that look?” she asked.

“I decided to beg off Ethan and Lauren’s dinner.”

“What? Why?” she asked. “I was looking forward to seeing Harper’s baby too.”

“The baby is going to be around for about eighteen years and Avery will be in town for as long as it suits her. We’ll see them both later.” He exited the subdivision and turned left which took them in the opposite direction of Bennett Manor. “We’re doing something else tonight.”

She cocked her head to the side and asked. “Are you going to tell me what that is?”

“You’ll see,” he replied. “I told you I had a surprise.”

A smile settled in her belly. She loved surprises, so she settled back in her seat and let the soothing sound of the music piping through the sound system relax her. After about twenty minutes, they pulled onto the road she recognized. It was the one that led to the regional airport where they kept the Bennett jet.

Kiefer climbed out and opened her door. The flight crew greeted them and before she knew it, they were taking off.

The flight was a little less than ninety minutes. The sun dipped below the city’s skyline, painting the evening sky with hues of orange and purple, and she realized they were over Manhattan. The skyline was unmistakable. They landed and a limousine was waiting for them.

“At this point the suspense is killing me,” she said. “What are we doing?”

“Twenty more minutes, or so,” Kiefer replied, and he followed her into the limo. He seemed as excited about tonight as she was. She knew he had a big imagination, so tonight was probably going to be one that she’d never forget. But no matter what it was, she was with Kiefer, so it was going to be magical.

The limo stopped at the grand entrance of Buddakan. Leela’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. She looked at the sign and then back at Kiefer.

“You didn’t like the new Asian in Forest Hills,” he said after a small laugh born out of pride escaped his lips.

“I’m getting more and more impressed with this evening by the second.” Leela leaned across the seat and pressed her lips into his. Kiefer put his hand around her back and pulled her into his body. Their heat was powerful, electric, and she didn’t even want to get out of the car. Who could be hungry in his arms? Just then his stomach growled.

“Let me get some more of that later,” he said.

“Guaranteed,” Leela replied.

Kiefer pushed the button for the driver and told him they were ready to exit.

The restaurant’s exterior, adorned with ornate Chinese architecture and glowing lanterns, already hinted at the opulence within, but it was only a peek of what was to come. 

Kiefer held the door open, and as Leela stepped inside, she was immediately enveloped in the restaurant’s dramatic ambiance. The air was scented with a tantalizing blend of exotic spices, and the soft murmur of diners added to the mystique of the place.

The hostess, elegantly dressed in a traditional cheongsam, greeted them with a warm smile. She checked her reservation book for Kiefer’s name and then nodded in acknowledgment. “Right this way, Mr. Bennett, Madame.”

When Kiefer placed his hand in the small of Leela’s back, she couldn’t push down the magical feeling that she was being transported to paradise. The interior of the restaurant impressed her, causing a rush of anticipation. The towering ceiling was adorned with intricate wooden latticework, and the centerpiece was a massive golden Buddha statue, bathed in soft light. Candles flickered on each table, casting an intimate glow.

Kiefer pulled out a chair for Leela, and as she sat down, she was happy to say, “Kiefer, this place is incredible.”

He nodded. “I know. That’s why you’re here. I tried to rent the place out, but they don’t do that.”

The server approached, presenting them with menus and explaining the evening’s specials. As Leela perused the menu, she couldn’t help but feel like he had taken her to the moon. This was another world, a world of luxury and surprise where Chinese food wasn’t thirty dollars, and he’d arranged it all for her.

The server returned with a bottle of champagne and poured for them.

“I won’t forget this,” Leela said, reaching for her glass.

“Good. I hope it’s the first of many special days we’ll share.” He picked up his glass and clinked it against hers. “Happy Anniversary, Leela.”

Anniversary? What was he basing that on? They hadn’t even been dating, and then suddenly they were. She hadn’t marked the time.

Kiefer filled her in on his meaning. “You left Orlando a year ago today.”

Leela did a quick search of her memory. He was right. She’d loaded her car and driven to Forest Hills to start a new life. The car was leaking oil. Her credit was torn up. She had the cash from one paycheck in her wallet and not a penny more.

“How did you know that?”

“I asked Sienna. She was able to find the exact date on her calendar.”

“She would know. I remember playing the lottery and losing. I was so down. I wanted an instant miracle to fix my life, and then God showed me He was the miracle-maker. Sienna texted me and offered me a job.” She shrugged happily. “That seems like a lifetime ago.”

Kiefer raised his glass. “It was a past life. Stay in the present, right now with me and I promise you’ll never wish for another lottery win, Leela.”

The server interrupted to take their order. Kiefer requested the tasting menu so they could enjoy a variety of dishes.  

“Our tasting menus are for parties of four, sir.”

“I’m aware,” Kiefer replied. “If you’ll go ahead and prepare the other two servings to-go, I’ll appreciate it a great deal.”

The server bowed his head graciously, understanding code for I’ll tip you well and left.

Leela looked at the prices. She couldn’t help it. Definitely not thirty-dollar Chinese. It was twenty times that.

“What are we going to do with all that food?” she asked.

“Zoe and her roommate are on the way here. I told them to come pick it up.”

Leela squeezed his hand. “You are so thoughtful.”

“Well, she’s family. I thought you’d like to see her while we’re here.”

Leela took another sip of her champagne. Before they could finish their glass, the food started coming. It seemed like it was never going to stop. There were two kinds of dumplings—one made with edamame and the other oxtail. They had tuna tartare spring rolls, rock shrimp, sea bass, duck, monkfish, prawns, and so much more. She couldn’t even describe how she felt about the food. It was an experience that was so elevated there weren’t words.

As they were leaving with their bags, Zoe and her roommate showed up. They all got in the limo. Her little cousin updated Leela on her life in the city during the ride to the Bennett New York Hotel where Zoe lived.

She didn’t seem to miss Forest Hills but would be coming home soon to meet her sister’s new baby. Everyone was happy for Harper. She and Logan had grown weary of trying to start their family.

Once Zoe was out of the limo, Leela leaned back against the plush headrest. “That was nice. Thank you so much.”

Kiefer took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I’m not done.”

Leela leaned forward. She was as full as a tick. “Where are we going?”

A smile touched his lips. The driver opened the door again. “We’re here.”

Leela stepped out, slipped her arm through Kiefer’s and they walked into the hotel.

***

image

THEY WERE MET BY THE concierge in the lobby. Kiefer received his keys and a warm greeting before he and Leela stepped into the elevator. He kissed her again and only stopped because the penthouse doors opened. They entered and found a woman sitting at a table near the balcony. She stood and Leela gasped when she recognized her.

“Unoma Nwankwor?” Leela walked toward her.

She’d been fighting tears all night, but now she was going to cry. She looked back at him. There was a stack of books on the table. He’d ordered all of Mrs. Nwankwor’s titles.

“I’ve already signed the books, so now we can talk,” Unoma said.

Kiefer walked to the table and handed Leela the tissue holder before taking a few pictures of them. Leela was immersed in conversation with the woman, asking her about characters and settings, inspiration, and upcoming stories. Once they were done, Mrs. Nwankwor went to another room in the unit. The elevator door chimed, and the penthouse attendant let someone else in. Author Pat Simmons. Leela had her time with Pat. She joined Unoma in the other room while Pamela Samuels Young was escorted in. By the time they were done, there were more than fifty books on the table. The elevator chimed one more time and in came Walter Mosley. Leela nearly fainted.

“Mr. Mosley is the reason we’re here in New York City,” Kiefer said.

Mr. Mosley smiled. “I’m not traveling right now, but I was happy to come downtown in a limo.”

After Leela’s talk with Mr. Mosley, all the other authors rejoined her, and they took group photos. Leela hugged them and everyone except Mr. Mosely returned to the suites Kiefer had arranged for them. Mr. Mosley got in his limo and went home.

Leela’s bottom lip trembled so hard that she could not speak. Kiefer pulled her into his arms and stroked her back. This was a night she wouldn’t forget, and he couldn’t be happier that he had made it happen for her.

She tilted her head back and her eyes sunk into his. “This has been amazing. How did you think of this?”

He shrugged. “I create stories. Beautiful, meaningful ones most of the time. Anyway, I figured you would enjoy this. Vanessa Riley wasn’t available, and I didn’t want to wait until she was, so I made do with the rest of your list.”

She had been leaking tears all through her talks with the authors, but now a dam opened, and they flowed. “This was amazing. It was too much.”

“It wasn’t too much. I want to make you happy. I told you I love you. You’re about to find out what that means, Leela Ingram.”

Kiefer had no idea what those words did for her. She was so glad she’d had the courage to divorce Brad and move to Forest Hills.

They left the penthouse and went back to the limo and the airport. Once the flight reached cruising altitude, they undid their seat belts and cuddled up together on the sofa. Kiefer opened his audio book app and hit play on Maya Angelou’s poem collection. He’d found his phenomenal woman. She was in his arms right where she belonged.