How I Met My Worst Enemy |COMPLETE|

Networking/ Net working

This was it.

This really was it.

This was the gathering full of important names and faces in the financial services industry. And to think, I—Keziah Maureen Mills—was present. My unworthy shoulders would rub with their honorable ones.

I was so nervous walking into the plaza. I wished more than anything that Thomas wasn't out of town. Or that Anne hadn't gone to visit her grandparents and introduce them to Donnie. I was still a little mad at her, but I'd rather have her here with me.

I rubbed my satin covered arm with my free hand and quickly gave myself a stern talk.

"We've got this, Kay."

I had to behave accordingly. Not that everyone else was here. It was just that I'd be running in the same circle as my father tonight. The very idea of him watching my every move and judging my behavior made me self-conscious.

"Good evening, Miss Mills."

It was David Welsh, and he'd gotten my name right. Shocking. Finally, after many months.

His lips quirked up at my simple appearance.

"You look perfectly presentable."

I did not dress to impress anyone. I got dressed to impress everyone. If they were anything like my father, they'd appreciate the dress I wore. My mother had picked it out for me. It was decent. It said loads about the character I wanted to portray. Bold without being too daring and beautiful without being too vain. Her words, not mine.

The gray dress showed nothing of my chest. It was form fitting, but not too tight where I was uncomfortable. My favorite part of the dress was the sheer sleeves.

"And you look approachable." I returned to him.

He dipped his head with an astute reminder.

"This is a professional setting."

"You look approachable, sir."

I smiled, patting myself on the back for my excellent quip.

His eyes danced with mirth, lingering on my face for a moment before looking around.

"The committee did a good job of preparing the venue."

I would not hold my breath for a direct compliment from Junior. We both knew the hard work I put into being both an event volunteer and his assistant. I ran errands, collected and reported seating arrangements, and still managed the guest lists for him.

Fiona, a member of the planning committee, approached me.

"Keziah, did you remember to have Mrs. Hartfield's dietary restrictions submitted to the catering company?"

"Don't sweat it Fi, I made sure to send it just in case someone forgot to."

I knew they'd forget. And being as I was a volunteer in the making of this event, nothing could go wrong.

"I know better than to doubt David. He was right about you." Fiona gave me a quick hug. "You're awesome."

I already knew that. I smiled, proud of myself.

Then Welsh said, "I expect nothing less from you. Since you are my assistant, remember your work reflects on me as well."

Trust him to take the praise from me and redirect it to himself. His ego was insatiable.

"I see you came alone. Your wealthy boyfriend couldn't find time to escort you?"

I ground my teeth and asked for patience from the Lord. I would not be baited into spoiling my mood or getting into anything with him. Why talk about Kennedy like he didn't know the man? Besides, Kennedy wasn't my boyfriend yet. He hadn't asked me, and I didn't need Welsh's reminder.