The New Man

Chapter 9

Pulling up to the mansion that was booked for the charity event Hakeem stepped out of 2015 Infiniti Q60 and gave the keys to the valet to park his car. Walking up the steps and into the mansion it was already filled with people for the event tonight. His plan to expand the landscaping business will be in effect tonight by the guests giving donations to fund the project. Hakeem walked around the room greeting people and noticing his cousin Vincent hasn't made it yet. A waiter passed by Hakeem with a tray of champagne and he took a glass flute from the tray. Taking a sip he looked around the room and inwardly smiled at the fact that they would receive hopefully most of their funds tonight for the project. Looking over at the door Hakeem saw his cousin stroll in with two women on each of his arms. This event was for charity and here his cousin was acting like he was about to go to the club. Approaching Hakeem with a smug look on his face Vincent stood before his cousin.

"Hakeem" Vincent said with a smug look on his face.

"Vincent" Hakeem said before taking another sip of his champagne.

"Where is your date?" Vincent asked noticing Hakeem came to the event alone.

"I came solo for the night but it looks like you brought enough for the both of us" Hakeem said with a smirk.

"Sorry cuz they are all mine let's go ladies while Hakeem nurses his flute of champagne" Vincent said with a small laugh before walking away.

Shaking his head as he watched his cousin walk away with both beautiful women he glanced around the room again. He thoughts shifted back to his office earlier in the week when he asked Emily out and held her hand. His hand grew warm remembering her soft hand against his calloused hand and he held it to stop her from leaving. Noticing a shift in his mood he turned his gaze back to the door and his heart started beating faster. There she was in a stunning midnight blue sweetheart fit and flare ruched evening gown. The dress also had a crystal belt that went around the middle of the dress. Emily had and added hair piece to her short hair to make it look like her hair was long enough to make her styled bun for the evening. She looked simply gorgeous and very beautiful and Hakeem had no idea she would be attending tonight's event. Noticing a man in a black suit with a navy blue bow tie and handkerchief in his suit jacket step beside Emily and grab her hand Hakeem's smile disappeared quickly. Damn she has a date Hakeem cursed under his breath.

Deciding to make his presence known he maneuvered through the crowd toward Emily and her date. Seeing an older couple that knew her date talking to them he stepped close enough that the couple noticed who he was and told them they will talk to them later.

"Hakeem Reynolds it's a pleasure to meet you" Emily's date smiled and shook Hakeem's hand.

"Likewise" Hakeem nodded at him and turned his gaze on Emily who was stunned to see him at the event.

"Oh my name is Jason Myers and this is my date Emily Watson" Jason introduced the both of them.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Myers and see you again Emily" he said formally to Jason but gave Emily a soft smile.

Looking between Hakeem and Emily Jason gave them a confused look and wondered how they knew each other.

"So how do you two know each other?" Jason asked in a tight smile as he looked at both of them.

"We work together" Hakeem answered knowing how much fun it is playing with Emily's dates mind.

"Emily I didn't know you worked at Reynolds Landscaping I thought you worked at a high school as a guidance counselor" Jason turned to her as his smiled faded not liking what Hakeem said.

"I am a guidance counselor and Hakeem works as the football coach at the school" Emily said to Jason to calm him down.

"Oh so you own Reynolds Landscaping and coach football you must be a busy man" Jason challenged Hakeem with a smirk.