Before each teacher received their award, the emcee spoke briefly about their accomplishments and discussed how many years they had been working in their field. When it was Dana’s turn, they talked about her work in the community, as well as the high praise she received from students and her fellow faculty members. The fact that she was one of the younger winners made her award that much sweeter. When they announced her name, Layla and the other four jumped to their feet, hollering and clapping.
“We’re so proud of you!” Tamika yelled above the noise.
Omar put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. With her dreadlocks piled on her head, Dana remained calm, a serene smile on her face. She glanced in their direction and acknowledged them with a wider grin, before going back to her seat.
Right before the end of the ceremony, a special leadership award was announced. The winner of that award was unknown, and the president of the college returned to the stage to present it.
“The Michael Boldt Leadership Award goes to the faculty member who has most demonstrated exemplary leadership ability. This person is a great communicator and dependable collaborator among his or her peers. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize, additional teaching and research resources, as well as reimbursement for attending conferences and seminars for professional development. It’s with great pleasure that I announce to you that tonight’s winner of the Michael Boldt Leadership Award goes to English Instructor Dana Lindstrom.”
Layla and Tamika gasped and jumped to their feet, clapping loudly for their friend. A shell-shocked Dana slowly returned to the stage as the president read a list of all the accomplishments that factored into her winning the award.
Layla didn’t hear a word he said, too busy hugging Tamika and then clapping along with the rest of the audience. The night had turned out better than expected, and she was glad to be in attendance to support her friend.
After the ceremony, the crew of five surrounded Dana, giving her hugs and kisses and congratulations.
Omar lifted her from the ground in a bear hug and gave her a big smack on the cheek. “Proud of you, babe,” he said in his deep voice.
“Thank you.”
Amazingly, Dana blushed. She never blushed. Tamika and Layla glanced at each other, silently communicating that they’d tease her about her behavior later.
“I’m ready to get my drink on. Where are we going to celebrate?” Omar asked, rubbing his hands together.
“What’s everybody in the mood for?” Anton asked. He stood behind Tamika with an arm looped around her neck, and she leaned back into him.
“I want a Long Island iced tea and some good music, that’s it,” Dana said, hugging her awards to her chest. The first was a framed certificate, and the leadership award was made of glass and shaped like a diamond, with her name etched in a gold plaque on the wooden base.
“How about Avery’s Juke Joint?” Tamika suggested.
“I haven’t been there in a long time. Is it still jumping?” Omar asked.
“Always. We might have to call ahead to get a table because it stays packed,” Dana said.
“Let me handle that part.” Omar pulled out his phone and walked away.
“It’s nice to have a celebrity in our midst,” Tamika said.
Rashad cleared his throat. “I hate to be a killjoy, but I’m not going to be able to join you at Avery’s.”
Layla stared at him. “Why not?”
Rashad’s eyes shifted around the room before landing on Dana. “I have a lot of work to do at the office still. I wish I could hang.”
“Oh no, that’s too bad,” Dana said.
“Yeah, I’m really sorry about this.”
He sounded sincere, but Layla couldn’t help but wonder what work he’d left unfinished at the office that required him to bail on the evening he’d assured her he had time for.
“Nice to meet you,” Anton said, and they gave each other some dap.
“Likewise.”
“Thanks for coming tonight. I really appreciate it,” Dana said.
“I wanted to be supportive. Congratulations again. I’ll see you later.” He kissed Layla’s temple.
She swallowed her disappointment, wanting to pull him aside and question him but thought better of it. Faking happiness, she overlaid her concerned, frowning face with a happy one and said, “See you later.”
Rashad’s troubled gaze met hers for a moment, and he seemed about to say something, but then he grinned, giving her one of his typical Rashad expressions. The outgoing, devil-may-care look where he flashed his pearly whites, as brilliant as the diamonds that sparkled in his ears. Then he was gone, winding his way out of the auditorium between the disappearing crowd.
Her girlfriends came to stand on either side of her.
“Is everything okay?” Dana asked quietly.
“I hope so,” Layla replied.
