Champagne, Cigars & Southern Nights

The Gala

It has been three weeks since the trip to New Orleans. My mother had been scarily quiet and that just makes me wonder what she is plotting behind the scenes. Oh and Miller, ugh. For him to oppose this break he has been m.i.a. Just more proof this relationship has run its  course. But I have other things to focus on.

I am beyond overjoyed that I got my top internship pick at MLG Social. The owner Madison is the best of the best when it comes to marketing and being one of the top publicists in the nation.  As excited as I am, a dark cloud looms over me knowing that the Boston Annual Society Gala is quickly approaching.

For as long as I can remember, my mother has manipulated what outfit I would wear, how my hair and makeup would look and even what time Miller and I should arrive, but this year that all stops! I am attending with my loves and know they will be there to support whatever shit show comes from the night. Let's be honest when Cecilia doesn't get her way, drama is bound to follow.

I get back on task and try to finish gathering all the archives needed for my research paper. Knowing my life will probably blow up in the next week or so, I want to get this work done while I am in the right headspace. My phone dings, and I  glance to see a text from Kennie.

Hey love, how long will you be in the library? Dad wants us to come hang out and have dinner. This just warms my heart on how loved I am by this family.

I quickly respond. I need about another thirty or so minutes. I will meet you at your dad's . Xoxo. Putting my AirPods in my ear, I am able to get everything I need secured and I am in my car within twenty five minutes.

My mind starts to replay my conversation with my therapist. Yes, after everything that happened leading up to New Orleans...wait, with everything that has occurred in my life since the age of ten, I thought it was best for me to seek professional help if I truly wanted to see growth and healing in my life.

I talked with pop and the girls and they all supported me in the decision. I will not lie, it has been hard bringing up some past trauma but I am able recognize a very unhealthy relationship that my mother and I have had since moving to Boston. I have been working with my therapist twice a week on what healthy boundaries looks like and figuring out what it is I want for my life, present and future. As brutal and tough as the sessions can be, I am starting to feel a little freer.

I pull into the driveway of Kenneth's home and next to Kennedy's car and I see one vehicle  I don't recognize. Walking through the front door, I make my way to the kitchen to the voices and to the surprise of another family member joining us tonight. Brooklyn.

Well shit. Breathe Camille. Don't blush. "Hey", I somehow get out in a normal tone.

Kennedy turns around and walks over to give me a hug. "How was the library?", she questions.

"It was great. I got all the data I needed to complete my research project by the weekend.", before I can continue, Kennedy squeaks in excitement.

"Dad, guess what? Grab a bottle of champagnes! Cami got her internship at MLG Social!"

Brooklyn hasn't taken his eyes off me. His attention one hundred percent on me and a smile appears on his face. "Oh, is that so?"

Glancing up at him, I respond, "Yes. I am really excited. It is truly an honor that I will be able to learn from Madison and her team." He simply nods before responding.

"They are an amazing team to work with. They have been doing PR and marketing for The James since day one."

Well isn't this a plot twist, I think to myself.