Encoding Love (BWWM)

///NINE

If Zora could make one wish, she wished Nathan Klein had never spoken her name aloud. Especially in a room of industry influencers and media reporters. If anonymity was her only comfort for the evening, it was swept away in one fell swoop. It was as if he had shined a spotlight directly over her, and now all eyes were on her. 

Thank goodness for the ever-practical Wilson. He was in her corner as they navigated the room. If he saw Zora fidget or stumble over her words, he would politely whisk her away to the next person. If the questions became too much, he would end the discussion promptly. It was a whirlwind. Zora had never experienced people being interested in her. 

People wanted to know where she was, what college she graduated from, and what her parents did for a living. They asked all these essential questions to rationalize what made Zora worthy of Nathan's praise.

When she explained that she was a young black woman from Connecticut who came from a single-parent home and attended Columbia while accumulating a massive amount of student loan debt, the questions turned into how someone as ordinary as Zora Rhodes fancied herself alongside Nathan Klein?

Zora figured she looked unassuming and the only way to show them how talented and deserving she was, was to shock them with her release. 

After what seemed like hours of conversation, Wilson returned her Elijah. He had kept up with the pair for some time before an executive for the charity held him up. He hadn't looked like he needed rescuing. Zora stood beside him as they spoke. She rejoiced to have a moment to herself, even if it was temporary.

"Ms. Rhodes," he bellowed to her cooly. "I hoped you enjoyed tonight."

Zora didn't have to look to know who had called her. She felt the heat of his body and the intensity of his stare announce him. Nathan approached the trio with a calmness she was envious that she didn't possess. How could a man with so much happening around him remain unfazed? Perhaps he was used to it, she guessed before clearing her thoughts, remembering that he was speaking to her.

"I did. It was a good evening." Zora lied. 

Well half-lied. Zora loved the organization and the support of women in tech. But she could've done without the dress, the heels, the spotlight, and the babysitter. Not a dig on Wilson, but these events weren't her favorite. But she was grateful for the opportunity. 

Silence followed, and Zora realized Nathan was waiting for more. A nervous smile crept onto her face. Though she said it enthusiastically and tried to look convincing, Nathan made a minor arch in his right eyebrow. Did she have a look on her face that shared her true feelings?

"I was able to meet some of the young ladies awarded scholarships, and their eagerness for their future was inspiring to see," Zora quickly amended.

His eyebrow seemed to lower, but his eyes lingered over her a second longer. He finally nodded, accepting her answer. Zora didn't realize she had been holding her breath until Nathan turned to his date.

"I'm sure they reminded you of yourself at their age," Serena chimed in. 

Had she been standing there the entire time? Zora blinked as if clearing a haze from over her eyes. Serena held a perfect smile, it appeared friendly, but her tone was one Zora was familiar with. In the same manner, people in her life, like Helena, acted like she didn't matter.

"And Zora probably served as a new role model. After all, she is working for an industry leader," Elijah added. 

A grin overtook Zora's face. Elijah always gave her words of encouragement and believed in her as much as her father. His friendship was invaluable. 

Serena smirked. "I agree. That's why I pledged $20,000 toward the scholarships. To help more women like Ms. Rhodes." Zora wanted to roll her eyes. Her interest in the tech world was only in Nathan himself. "How much have you pledged?"

Zora paused. She hadn't thought about how much to give. Before this evening, Zora didn't have anything to offer but knowledge. Then she remembered the check Wilson bestowed on her earlier. Zora knew she didn't need that amount of money sitting around. She could take care of her student loans and her father's mortgage, upgrade her apartment to a one-bedroom, buy a car and still have more than enough. So giving away the money was painless.

"I would like to pledge 100," Zora beamed.

Serena laughed. "100 dollars?"

"No 100 thousand," she chuckled. "I'll give half of what I've earned." 

Serena's eyes widened, and her mouth shut. Elijah was stunned as well. She heard him muttering but could only make out, 'sheesh.' The only reaction that mattered to Zora was Nathan's. 

Zora saw his gray eyes flicker like two burning coals. His eyes slightly widened, one corner of his mouth turned down, and she couldn't understand why. Was he dissatisfied, Zora thought. Did she not give enough?

"Humble and generous. You have my respect, Ms. Rhodes." Serena smiled, genuinely extending her hand out. 

Sensing no ill will, Zora shook her hand and grinned. "Please, Zora is fine."

When the night ended, and everyone had fun, Zora expected everyone to go their separate ways. She certainly was hoping so because the night had been long. Her feet ached, and her dress was becoming itchy. Zora wanted to seek solace in her studio, but her boss demanded otherwise.

"Mr. Klein wants you to return to the office with him immediately," Wilson whispered to her while she was retrieving her coat. 

Puzzled, Zora asked, "Tonight?"

She turned to see the stern expression on his face. He was not in the mood for questions. "Please, Ms. Rhodes. Mr. Klein is in a mood. Grab your belongings, say goodnight to your date, and let's go."

Zora did just that. Outside the steps of the Plaza, she was finishing up with Elijah.

"I guess tonight was just a taste of what's to come for you," he teased. His boyish smile was evident across his face. 

Zora laughed. "I suppose, though, I hope not every night. I can only handle so much."

"Enjoy your moments, Zora." Elijah's fingers skimmed across her cheek as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Like before, Zora felt that irresistible pull that brought them closer. She closed her eyes, anticipating what was to come, but the clearing of someone's throat halted their movements.

The pair broke apart, confronted with a disapproving Wilson. Nathan was beside him, and he appeared irritated. 

"Oh right. Well, thank you and good--"Elijah began. 

"Let's go," Nathan said sharply. It was a tone Zora had never heard from him before, and she didn't like it. Perhaps this was the side of Nathan Klein that people were always anxious bout. Zora knew she couldn't handle his wrath. Internally she was quivering. 

Nathan proceeded past them to an awaiting luxury car that Zora couldn't recognize. He slid in without a second glance. Elijah stood by the curb as Wilson and Zora entered the vehicle. Zora being last, she looked up at him with a small smile, and he waved before the car pulled off into the night. "Goodnight, I guess?"