As a security measure, all invited guests were required to produce an invitation card. It seemed with Kay the rules were different.
There was a designated drop off area for him, which was by the second hotel entrance, a backup route to enter and exit the premises. It was a restricted access area and there were security personnel guarding it.
This was meant to avoid the high profile red carpet entrance treated to the VIPs. The usual photo sessions and interviews were not his thing.
His choice of entrance shielded him from the unwanted access and he did not like seeing his pictures splashed throughout the media. He was an unknown entity and he preferred it that way.
He could have easily slipped in through a private door but he was with his lady. That was the best he could do under the circumstances.
As soon as the limousine came to a halt, six body guards from the two SUVs jumped out. They were all in black tuxedos. His security entourage was with them this time around. There was no need to hide them from her anymore.
They were quickly ushered in by the men in black, crowding around them as if they were shielding them from some prying eyes.
It was all happening fast and Naledi felt like some celebrity hiding from the press. Knowing how private Kay was, she was not surprised. That was her Kay and she was looking forward to discover a whole lot more about him, something that excited her.
Things were slowly unravelling, some of which she was still recovering from.
Kay had insisted to the Counsellor that he could only attend if he ensured no cameras or pictures would be allowed inside.
If Naledi did not really understand the magnitude of the guy next to her, she got an idea when they walked into the hall.
The man of the moment, the Counsellor himself rushed over to welcome them. It was as if he had been waiting for them.
Kay gave him a scolding look of disapproval. “How dare he put me on the spotlight, he knew better not to bring unwanted attention on me” he thought to himself.
At the same time, he could not fault the man, it was not every time he graced his parties.
He slightly bowed to Kay, turned to Naledi and extended his hand as he introduced himself. He bowed and kissed her hand.
He could not hide his smile at the murderous look he was getting from Kay. He was battling to control the laughter bubbling inside. If looks could kill, he would be dead by now.
He ushered them to their pre-set table with specific seats for them. Kay had his arm on his woman as they followed the Counsellor to their table
Four bodyguards took position on the side-lines within close proximity to their table.
Naledi was awed by the glamorous décor with upscale table setting, the center pieces were amazing.
A place had been set up where guests could dance. There was also a stage where a live performance by a popular jazz band was serenading the guests.
It was apparent that at some point after all the formalities of the dinner and speeches, the beat of the music was going to change. This was evident from the state of art DJ equipment which was set up with up lighting that could change colours to the beat of the music.
This was without a doubt a luxurious event; From the fancy expensive champagne and sparkling wine, to the signature cocktails that were putting the guests in a fancy and glamorous mood.
Over and above the different wines placed on the tables, waiters were keeping the drinks flowing as they moved in between the tables taking orders. The bartenders were equally plenty and seemed experienced since they made their cocktails with flair.
She was glad it was a buffet dinner instead of plated dinner of which she was not a fan of.
Little did she know that all eyes were on them. Most ladies were curious on the woman sitting with the ‘big guns’, they stared in envy as the Counsellor was flattering her with his compliments.
“What do you think of the setup?” he smiled as he engaged her.
At first she was taken aback by the question but slowly relaxed seeing the friendly smile on his face.
“Absolutely gorgeous!” that was all she could say as she smiled back at him.
He winked at her and focused his attention on Kay who was glaring at him. “Have you seen Gee?”
“You know it will be difficult to make him sit in one place, let alone here at the table with us.”
With a somber expression he lowered his voice. “He is probably around somewhere, doing what he does best.”
Kay scanned the tables briefly for any sign of him. As if by magic he appeared. He acknowledged him by a nod, one swipe at his face he knew where his thoughts were.
It was becoming a topic that was driving a wedge between them.
He could not even hide his disapproval as he took a swipe at her. Kay grimaced at the sneer which was clearly visible on Gee’s face.
As soon as he turned and disappeared further into the room, Kay felt uneasiness creeping up on him. He was very instinctive and had always trusted his gut feeling. If he was to go with that feeling, it was telling him that all was not well and something was bound to happen that would upset him greatly.
He hoped that his friend would not do anything stupid to jeopardize his relationship with her. He had worked hard and even compromised his values and principles for her. Surely Gee was in a better position to know what she meant to him.
Kay had identified few familiar faces of women he had brief encounters with. He had no idea the Counsellor would know some of them that well to have invited them to his birthday dinner party. They must be close to him if they got the invite. It did not make much sense because the Counsellor had a distinct taste in women.
Something was not adding up, it was fishy. Kay did not like it one bit.
One thing was clear though, he was going to safeguard his woman in such a way that she would not bump into any of them.
This was going to be one hell of a night.