Friday, July 6th, 2018

Kim's POV

My mom and dad were livid. So was I, but we have to make this night as peaceful as we can.

"Liam, please excuse me and my parents for a second? I need to ask them something in private. Mom? Dad? Let's go." I plastered a fake smile on my face as we stood up to leave the table.

We walked out to the front entrance of the ballroom.

"Mom and dad, please, for the love of humanity be on your best behavior. If he is sitting with us, that means his parents will too. I promise to be on my best behavior too. If it gets too much, please excuse yourselves."

My dad started gritting his teeth. "Whoever did this will hear from me."

"Remember, this could be a big night for Forester."

"Fine. If any of them say one word, I'm done."

"We better not go back empty-handed, so let's grab a glass of wine. And, I need to get off my ankle."

We each grabbed a glass of wine from a tray and went back to the table. His parents were now seated. He must have had a chat with them too.

"Good evening, Mr. & Mrs. Ellis." I felt terrible saying that out of my mouth. "That's a lovely dress you're wearing tonight." It really is.

Her husband elbowed her to say something. "Oh, thank you."

"Listen, I know this is awkward for everyone. So, I call a truce just for this evening, please?"

They all looked at each other, then answered, "Agreed."

Whoever his date was kept looking at me the wrong way. And, if she doesn't fix it, I'm going to smack her into the next century.

"Liam, to keep you in the loop, both the Ellis and Forester families are rivals."

"Okay. Thank you for explaining because I was confused."

The speaker of the program walked onto the stage.

"Welcome everyone to The Enlightened Star Gala. I am Mr. Marshall Blackburn. We hope that everyone brought an appetite and their dancing shoes. We will also give out the most prestigious award in the advertising industry, as well as additional awards. Waiters are now making their way to each table with the food. Please have an enjoyable evening. The announcing of the winners will take place after everyone finishes eating. Please enjoy."

Everyone applauded the host as he stepped off the stage. Waiters with different dishes approached our table. The guys let us select what we wanted first.

"Ugh, this food is too fattening," Whiny chick says. She looks like she doesn't eat at all.

"You're eating that?!" She had the nerve to say to me.

"Look, it's your choice not to eat. So, please leave me alone so I can eat."

"Rude."

"No, it's rude of you to ask somebody about what they are eating." This girl has been here all of 20 minutes and is getting on my nerves.

"Listen, what is your name again? Can you please not bother anyone at the table. Thank you," Mr. Ellis tells his date.

She smacked his arm. "You know what my name is, Ryder. It's Melanie. Waiter!!" She started banging her hands on the table. I could tell Mr. Ellis was pissed, but I sure don't care.

She drank just a glass of water the whole time we ate dinner. Liam started a conversation because it was too quiet.

"So, let's not talk about your being rivals. How about we talk about a like/dislike. I'll go first. I like Kimberly, and I don't like spicy foods." He had me blushing.

"I'll go next. I like, no, I love Starbucks. And, I don't like cheaters."

My mom and dad took a turn. Mr. & Mrs. Ellis did also. Whiny took a turn too.

"Eww, I don't like fattening foods, and certainly don't like children. They are loud and annoying."

Ryder's POV

"You evil witch! What is wrong with you?! Children are precious!!" I saw a few tears fall from her eyes as she stood up and hobbled away. What happened to her that made her so upset?

"I'll go get her," Liam says as he got up. Her parents tried hard not to say a word.

"You insensitive, little heifer. Just keep you darn mouth shut!" Ms. Forester's mother says. For once, I agree.

"Melanie or whatever your name is, you need to leave. Now! I have a daughter and since you don't like children, get out of my life and face. And, please lose my number."

"How am I getting home? You can't do this to me."

"I just did. I don't care how you get home. Go away." She got up and left. Thank goodness.

"Look here, do not ask me, my husband, or daughter about what just happened. It's a private, family matter and none of your business."

I'm curious. Within 20 minutes, Liam and Ms. El- I mean Ms. Forester came back. She was now wearing his jacket. How corny.

"Kimi, are you okay?" Her mom asked.

"I'm okay, now. I'm sorry, Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for my outburst." She then laid her head on Liam's left arm.

Mr. Blackburn is walking back on the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you enjoyed dinner. It's now time to announce the winners of Executive of the Year and Company of the Year. To announce the Executive of the Year, please welcome Ms. Jasmine Russell."

Everyone gave her a round of applause as she walked on the stage.

"Thank you for the amazing applause. The winner of the award has not only performed amazing things for the community but helps his company to succeed in so many ways. The winner for 2018 is Mr. Ryder Ellis!!"

The only ones who clapped at the table were Liam, my parents, and surprisingly Kimberly Forester.

I walked up to the stage to receive the award.

"I would like to thank the Association for the award. It means a lot to be recognized for my accomplishments for the community, and for my parent's company. And, I would like to thank my family for their love and support. Thank you." I waved my hand to the audience, then went back to my seat.

"Congratulations, Ryder. The business is in good shape with you for the future," my mother says. Mr. & Mrs. Forester rolled their eyes.

"Now, I have the pleasure to announce the Company of the Year. And, there is no reason to beat around the bush. The winner is Forester Advertising Agency!!"

My parents were seething. How do they do it? Seriously?

Kim's POV

"Kimi, would you like to receive the award?"

"Me?! Thank you, daddy."

Liam gave me a kiss on my cheek. "Congratulations, Kimi."

"Thank you. Uh, Liam will you come with me? I don't have my crutches."

"With pleasure." Liam stood up and I took his arm. We then made our way to the platform, and up the stairs onto the stage.

"Wow! First, I want to apologize for my outburst. Something struck a nerve, and I lashed out. A traumatic experience flashed before me. Thank you so much for this award. Thank you to the Advertising Association, my family, friends, and to the many people, I call my family - every employee at Forester. This award goes to you for your hard work to keep us on top. I hope to continue to make everyone proud once my parents' hand me the keys to run the company. Forester continues to grow each day. Just recently we signed a contract with Griffin Kelley for his resorts. We are always looking for ways to share our talents with the community. Thanks again."

Liam and I walked off the stage and went back to our seats.

"The floor is now open for dancing. Please continue enjoying the festivities. Swag bags are currently now being brought to everyone."

Looks like the truce is over.

"Did you really stand up there and say that?!" Mr. Ellis had the nerve to say. Both of our parents were no longer at the table.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Ellis?"

"His resorts are huge!"

"Duh. Everybody knows that. He came to my house in Maui to check on me because of my ankle injury. He asked what could he do, and I persuaded him to sign with Forester for his advertising needs. Not my fault I beat you to the punch, Mr. Executive of the Year. Maybe you should hand me that award too."

"Over my dead body."

"That can be arranged."

Liam started whistling. "Liam, this is why Ellis and Forester's should not be seen anywhere together."

"She's right about that, Liam because they will steal the rug under your feet." Mr. Ellis stormed off somewhere.

"You are one tough lady there, Ms. Forester."

"I have to be in this industry. My parents struggled and fought hard to become number one. I'll be darned if Ellis is going to take that away from them."

"You're not only beautiful but confident and passionate about what you do."

"And, you are undeniably attractive, Mr. Spencer. Where's your phone?"

He handed it to me, and I added my number to it.

"I can definitely see us on a second date. Call me."

"Oh, I absolutely will, Ms. Forester." We clinked our wine glasses and took a sip. I saw my parents on the dance floor. Too bad I can't dance unless it is a slow song. And, guess what came on? A slow song.

"Ms. Forester, may I have this dance? That is if you are up to it."

"Mr. Spencer, I would love to dance with you." Liam held out his hand for me. Then, we walked over to the dance floor.

He placed his left hand in mine, and his right arm pulled me closer to his chest. Then, he wrapped it around my waist. Not even Ryder Ellis is going to ruin this night.

Ryder's POV

I spotted her brother, Mitchell Jr. We are actually good friends. He was at the bar, so I plopped in the seat next to him.

"Mitch, your sister is insufferable."

"Kimi is competitive. But, once you get to know her, she is sweet. Although, she is a workaholic. Kimi rarely takes a break. She went through a very traumatic experience, so when I see her happy, it makes me happy. It's not for me to ever tell. That's the guy she was hoping to go out on a date with. She got what she wanted. My parents wanted to hand over the reins of the company to me, but I suggested Kimi because of her personality. She is persuasive, confident, passionate, outgoing, and a natural leader. I'll always support my sister."

"Oh, Ryder, I would be careful. Brandy was seen around here, looking for you."

"Great. That is the last thing I need. She followed me and the guys to Maui. She just won't get the hint that I don't like her romantically. I really don't want to date right now anyway. I want Ryley to have all of my attention."

"That's understandable. Uh-oh, Ryder, you need to leave, like right now. She is walking this way."

"See you later, man."

I got up from the bar and swiftly walked away. I heard Brandy ask Mitch if he saw me. He said no. Phew.

I grabbed a wine glass from one of the trays a waiter was carrying and drank it straight. I still haven't seen my parents yet. I might as well go - the date was a joke, and once again, Forester wins the biggest advertising industry award for the 10th year in a row.

I sent my parents a text that I was leaving. Then, I headed for the exit.

"Ryder! Ryder Ellis!! I know you hear me!" I need to hide quickly!! Or, better yet, I grabbed the first woman that walked passed me, wrapped my arms around her, and planted a kiss on one of the most magnificently, plump pair of lips I have ever kissed, which are painted with strawberry lip gloss that tastes heavenly.

Whoever I kissed started banging their fist on my chest, so I let them go. Oh no!

"Ugh, Ryder Ellis, why did you kiss me?!!!!"

I just kissed Kimberly Forester.

************************************************