The One I Need

Cameron made quick work of the introductions.

June remembered Nyla being prickly the only time she’d met her, so her comments had come as no surprise.

Deron seemed nice, June thought. He was another person she wanted to question about the night her older sister died. But again, out of respect for Cameron’s family’s event, she wouldn’t do it now.

Cameron had said he would help her. She trusted that, when the time was right, he’d facilitate a conversation with Deron.

“Nyla. Deron.” A younger woman with shoulder length blond hair and a barely perceptible scar running down the side of her neck approached the couple, a bright smile lighting her face.

Wearing a simple black dress and minimal jewelry, she skidded to a stop when she saw Nyla and Deron weren’t alone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

When she backed up, Nyla placed a staying hand on her arm. “You’re not interrupting anything.”

Nyla made quick work of the introductions. June learned the young woman was Trini Wysocki and that she’d recently started working for the Grizzlies organization.

“I got to know Deron and Nyla through a mentoring program. It was a Flock initiative for first-generation college graduates.” Trini smiled at the Flocks. “I learned so much from them, and I’m still learning.”

“Nyla’s grandmother Hal mentored me for a while,” June said. “It was a very worthwhile experience.”

Nyla placed a hand on Trini’s shoulder. “A woman alone has power, but when we work together and help each other rise up, we have impact.”

“Totally agree.” Gesturing to Nyla, Trini smiled at June. “I’m going to make Nyla and Deron proud.”

“You’ve already made us proud,” Deron told her.

“I really appreciate you and Nyla allowing me to come tonight.” Trini glanced around. “And for loaning me out so I can work on Anson’s political campaign.”

“It’ll be a valuable learning experience.” Nyla’s gaze narrowed on something, or someone, in the distance. She took Trini’s arm. “There’s someone over there I want to introduce you to.”