Riptide /GxG/(Completed)

FORTY

J A Z M I N E

I scanned the crowded area that was filled with melanated vessels whose eyes were glued to the different pieces of art displayed on the walls, and I couldn't help the level of anxiety that had begun mixing with the already present joy that I felt.

Even though it wasn't my first gallery showing I was still battling with my nerves because for the first time in a long time my own work would be on display.

A small sigh left me as I transferred my gaze to the watch which resided on my wrist to check the time.

7:35 P.M

The time reminded me that my invited guests would be here soon since I had told them to arrive at eight.

I had spent the first thirty minutes of the event greeting guests, accepting compliments and making business connections between my artists and investors. If it was any other day my introverted nature would have already begun dreading the remainder of tonight, but it wasn't.

This event was special and it meant a lot not only to me but to my people and the community we had created with each other.

My eyes shifted to the two paintings that I had paid Nia to do for the showing, and at the moment I was extremely grateful for the reality since they both seemed to complete the room.

"Ms Johnson," A voice called out and I turned my vessel to see a lady who looked to be in her forties behind me. "Ms Freda, we spoke on the phone about a purchase,"

Her reminder cleared up my confusion and I smiled while taking her now outstretched hand into mine.

"It's nice to actually meet you in person," I replied as I released her hand while simultaneously looking over to the woman who stood beside her, and the similarities in features left me to assume it was her granddaughter. "I'm guessing this is your granddaughter who's interested in the paintings,"

My assumption was followed by a redirection of my arm to shake the hand of the woman who seemed to be around my age.

"Yes, she—" Ms Freda started but stopped as my phone began ringing and I removed it from my jacket pocket in a swift motion, planning to decline the call and silence my phone but the name on the screen had my intentions changing.

"Excuse me, I really have to take this," I announced and she nodded wordlessly letting me know that she didn't mind if I did. I released a small smile while taking a few steps away from them to answer the phone. "Baby,"

"Where are you?" She asked softly, and the question left me to assume that they were close along with the sound of cars that were present in the background.

"I'm upstairs," I answered as droplets of happiness fell into the river of nervousness I was currently drowning in.

"Okay,"

"That's all?" I inquired since I could practically sense that she was about to end the call.

"Yeah," She replied before releasing a small chuckle.

"Alright, imma see you when you get here,"

"Okay, Ms Johnson," She replied before disconnecting herself from the call and I was left to smile at the playful and teasing tone her words were spoken with.

I returned my phone to its resting place before walking over to the women I had recently paused my conversation with.

"She left to roam around," The woman announced, referring to her grandmother the moment I stood before her. "I'm Ashely by the way,"