Mine to keep

Mia

I stood in front of a mirror and admired my outfit for the tenth time. I had to look my best because today is the women's business conference and I will stand in front of everyone giving a speech. The media will be there, and so are the city's most important people and I have to look my best. "You look amazing." My friend Talia says holding my two-year-old son Sam, looking at me through the mirror with a smile on her face.

These two are my life, Talia has been my friend since college and was with me when I was pregnant with Sam. She was also there when his father left us and she helped me raise Sam. She has been like a sister to me all these years and without her; I don't know what my life would have been like or what it would be like if she were to ever leave. I have no family and I am a single mother. But with Talia on my side, I am not alone; I feel like I have a family, in her, I found a sister.

“Thanks, Talia, I have to look my best today, not only as a guest speaker but also as a businesswoman and who knows. I might just get an investor to expand my business.” She gives me that dimpled smile of hers. “Well, I hope an investor is not all that you get tonight, we traveled far for you to just get an investor.” She winks at me, I know what she means, since Jason left me, I have dated no one, I focused on my business and raising Sam.

I look at my wristwatch and it reads 20h00. It's time to leave, “My people, I will see you when I come back, Sam be good for aunty Talia, okay? And I expect you to watch me on TV and tell me all about it when I come back." I kiss Sam on the forehead and hug Talia. "You know I will, be good and kick ass." I laughed as I exit our hotel room, I took the elevator down to the lobby and out the door.

When I get outside my limo is already waiting and the driver has the door opened for me.

“Miss Black, you look gorgeous as usual." This middle-aged man has been driving me to business conferences for two years now and each time he would say these exact words. He is more like a brother of a sort, "Thank you, Steve." He gives me a small smile before closing the door then jogging to the driver's side.

Soon the car merges into traffic, and I look out the window. The night is beautiful and the streets are still busy with people going about their business. It's hard to sleep when you have to hustle and I understand just how these people feel. I was like this once when I was starting my business, there was no time to sleep, I had to make it work and provide a better future for my son than the one I had.

The car comes to a stop at the venue and it's buzzing with media. I see a few faces I know talking to the media and taking pictures for the next day's paper. Prominent business women looked dashing in their evening gowns holding their partner's arm as they posed for pictures. Well, I have no partner and it won't be the first time I appear in these events alone, and am okay with that. A man will just be a distraction and I can't afford that. Not now when my business is doing so well. I need to focus.

My turn comes, and Steve opens the door for me. As soon as I step out flashing lights blind me for a moment before my eyes adjust and I offer my practiced smile walking on the red carpet. “Miss Black, you look gorgeous tonight, who dressed you?” asked one reporter. “Miss Black, we heard you will be giving a speech tonight, can you tell me how you feel about that?” another asks, “Miss Black, there is a rumor that you are secretly seeing someone, are the rumors true?” always the same questions all the time.

Can't a woman just be single and not harassed about it? “No comment.” That is all I say before posing for a few pictures then walk into the venue. I sighed as I walked in feeling like it was going to be a long night, I take a glass of Champaign from a passing server and walked around looking for my table. I find it right on the second row to the front and I take a seat. I know I have to mingle but right now I just need some alcohol in my system and this Champaign will give me the courage I need to get through this night.

I spend a few minutes enjoying my drink and looking around. The place is decorated beautifully. “Miss Black, good evening.” Lord Jesus! Can't a lady just enjoy her drink without being bothered? I wear my practiced smile before turning to the gentleman that just greeted me. “Good evening, Mr…?” I raised an eyebrow, and he gives me a cheeky smile. “Williams, Nathan Williams.” He gives me his hand for a handshake and I took it. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Williams.” He smiles and I just want him to go away. But it would be rude to ask him to.