WAIT

#26 "I"

Kait's irises landed on the orange sun as it began to lower behind the clouds. Her arms wrapping around herself as her shoulder pressed against the edge of the door.

Her mind taking her to the earlier this morning. How swiftly everything just kept moving by and how filled she felt by it all.

Her own list folded neatly in her jeans pocket as the sides of her lips rose.

She mouthed a...

"Thank you."

To the sky before turning towards the hallway and allowing her feet to lead her into the auditorium.

"Have you eaten?"

Her mother's question caught her off guard as Kait shook her head from side to side.

"I don't have time to eat right now mom... I have to introduce our speaker for this evening."

"I can do that."

His voice caused her orbs to roll as they cut into slits at him.

"Myles..."

"You've been on your feet all day... you need to eat and rest... I've got you."

She shook away the feeling of warmth she felt by his words, nodding in response. She couldn't win this battle so she accepted defeat.

"I'm counting on you."

Her tone was warning as his molars came on display.

"I've got this."

For some reason she trusted his words and knew that this event meant as much to him as it did to her.

"Thank you."

She allowed the words to roll off her tongue as her feet led her to the back of the auditorium where her mom had a box placed for her.

Her fingers opened the white rectangular box revealing the chicken and fries. Her stomach grumbled instantly at the sight of the meal.

"Good evening ladies!"

His voice bounced off the walls of the room.

"I know you're accustomed to seeing Kait up here but I'm Myles... Kait's replacement for this afternoon."

The sides of his lips rose.

"And I must say I've been blessed beyond measure last night and this morning. These women really have some stories and some practical tips that can not only help you but me as well. I wrote my why and wrote my three non-negotiable... and I can't wait to see what I stands for this evening..."

The food touching her tongue was like an empty cup being filled. Ease soared through her as she listened to Myles, grateful that she had such an amazing support system.

"So without further ado I'd like to welcome Nikiesha Williams to bless our hearts this evening."

As applause sounded through the room, the space beside her became occupied.

Her orbs landing on the man who's eyes were fixated on her.

"Taking a break?"

His question caused her to chuckle.

"It's a forced break but necessary."

His head nodded in understanding.

The chocolate brown woman emerged into the wooden platform.

"Good evening beautiful people. My name is Nikiesha Williams and I'm your third speaker for the weekend. Speaking to you about the I in WAIT which simply means intentionality. So let's jog your memory a bit... The W was for."