Can I Get It

Milestones and Promises

CHAPTER THREE
Milestones and Promises

Eliza and Kayla were radiant as they celebrated the fifth anniversary of their brainchild, Press Pate, a public relations company that had grown from a bold idea to an influential force in the industry.

The pair had poured years of dedication, ambition, and tireless effort into building their dream into a reality. Their success was evident in the luxurious setting they had chosen for the milestone event: a grand, private dinner at one of the city's most exclusive restaurants.

The restaurant had been transformed for the evening to embody everything that Press Pate represented. The long dining table was the centerpiece, adorned with a striking display of gold roses, the deep, warm hue of their petals catching the candlelight and casting a golden glow over the room.

The company's logo, sleek and minimalist, had been imprinted down the side of the venue in bold, modern letters that seemed to shimmer in the ambient lighting.

It was invite-only, an evening meant to celebrate the people who had made Press Pate the success it was. Friends, family, employees, and clients gathered in an atmosphere charged with the kind of joy that only comes from reaching a significant milestone. The room hummed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as guests took in the festivities.

Kayla and Eliza stood near the head of the table, their confidence radiating like a beacon. Both women had chosen outfits that reflected their strong, vibrant personalities. Eliza wore a fitted black dress that hugged her curves, accented by delicate gold embellishments, while Kayla opted for a more daring look—a metallic, midnight-blue dress that accentuated her figure and shimmered as she moved.

The two women shared a knowing smile, their eyes sparkling with pride and anticipation.

Kayla held India in her arms, the tiny baby nestled against her chest, blissfully unaware of the buzz around her. Zilla, Kayla's boyfriend, stood beside her, phone in hand, capturing the moment. His eyes, dark and full of pride, never strayed from Kayla. He was the kind of person who wore his heart on his sleeve, and that night was no exception as he recorded her every move, the warmth in his expression undeniable.

As the dinner began to wind down, Kayla stood up to make her speech. The room fell into a hushed silence, anticipation hanging in the air like the delicate scent of roses. Kayla adjusted her hold on India and took a deep breath, her smile growing as she met the eyes of those gathered.

"Five years," she began, her voice steady and full of emotion, "five years ago, Eliza and I embarked on a journey that seemed impossible at the time. We took a leap of faith, driven by passion, vision, and a little bit of audacity. Today, standing here with all of you, I can say it was worth every late night, every sleepless hour, and every moment of doubt."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Zilla's phone caught every word, his grin proud as he recorded the scene. Kayla continued, speaking of the challenges they had faced and the lessons they had learned. She thanked their first clients—Phil, April, Roland, Tookie, and Reeva—who had believed in them before they had any accolades or success to back them up. Their faith had been a guiding light, pushing them through the most difficult days.

Eliza stood at her side, eyes glistening, pride radiating from her as she listened. The moment was perfect, a testament to everything they had accomplished together.

When Kayla finished, the applause rolled through the room once more, loud and genuine. The guests cheered, and a few people called out, "Speech, Eliza!"

Eliza laughed, the sound warm and contagious. She stepped up, taking the microphone from Kayla and casting her gaze over the crowd. "Well, what can I say after that?" she began, her voice tinged with humor. "Kayla is a lot more poetic than I am, but I think we can all agree that we've come a long way."

The guests laughed, Arthur's voice ringing out from the back of the room, shouting, "Preach, baby!" That provoked more laughter, and even Eliza couldn't help but smile as she glanced back at Arthur. He winked at her, and she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.

Eliza spoke of the company's growth, the people who made it possible, and the connections they had built over the years. She acknowledged their incredible employees and the clients who had become friends. "And to my partner, Kayla—this wouldn't be possible without your relentless determination and unwavering belief in us. You are the heart and soul of Press Pate, and I'm beyond grateful to be on this journey with you."

The applause that followed was louder, filled with genuine affection. Kayla's eyes shone as she reached out to squeeze Eliza's hand. The guests all stood, some whistling and clapping, and the room seemed to buzz with the energy of shared success.

As the evening continued, the group posed for a family photo. Arthur, Zilla, and little India stood alongside Eliza and Kayla. Phil and April, who had been their first clients and champions, joined them, their faces beaming with pride. Tookie, Roland, and Indira, loyal supporters who had been by their side since the early days, stood close, their smiles wide.

Along with Briar, Henry, Melody, Rio, Joshua, Charm, Jonathan, Trinity, Reeva, and Jacob, stood there, grinning. Eddie, and Yandy, Eliza's older brother and his wife, rounded out the group, their arms around each other.

It was a perfect moment, a snapshot of all they had achieved and the people who had made it possible. But as the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Eliza's older brother, Eddie, had been talking with Yandy, who mentioned in passing that Eliza was dating Arthur. Eddie, a man who took his big brother role seriously, raised an eyebrow at this. His protective instincts kicked in, and he decided to take action.

Finding Arthur at the edge of the room, Eddie approached with a mixture of curiosity and determination. "Hey, Arthur," Eddie said, his voice even but firm. Arthur turned, his dark eyes meeting Eddie's with a look of cautious respect.

"Hey, Eddie. Everything okay?"

Eddie leaned in, his tone low and measured. "Listen, man, I need to have a word with you. It's about my sister."

Arthur's smile dimmed a little, the light of his easy confidence shifting to a more serious expression. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Eddie paused, choosing his words with care. "Look, I'm just making sure you're serious about my sister. She's been through a lot, and she deserves someone who's going to put her first. So, tell me this—are you in this for real, or is this just another chapter in a story that doesn't go anywhere?"

Arthur's jaw tightened for a moment, but then he nodded, the steely edge of his gaze softening. "I'm in this for real, Eddie. Eliza is everything to me. I'm here for the long haul. You have my word."

Eddie's expression shifted from suspicion to a semblance of approval, though the protective glint in his eyes didn't fade entirely. He nodded, reaching out to shake Arthur's hand. "Good. Just remember, I've got my eye on you. Always."

Arthur chuckled, his tension easing. "I wouldn't expect anything less. But you don't have to worry. Eliza's happiness is mine, too."

The two men exchanged a look of understanding before Eddie turned back to join Yandy. Arthur took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room for Eliza. When he found her, she was surrounded by her team, laughter bubbling around her. His heart swelled with the weight of his love for her, and he knew he had made the right choice.

Eliza caught his gaze and smiled, eyes twinkling. He walked over to her, pulling her into an embrace that spoke of shared triumphs, unwavering trust, and dreams yet to come.

"Everything okay?" she asked, sensing the subtle shift in his demeanor.

Arthur leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Perfect. Just making sure our future is as solid as today."

Eliza laughed, a sound that could brighten any room. "It already is, Arthur. It already is."

And as the night continued, surrounded by those who had built and supported Press Pate, they celebrated not just a successful business, but the bond that made it all possible—a love that had taken root and thrived, ready to face whatever came next.