She felt verklempt, needing to fan herself and take a slight step back. His aura, his presence was so overpowering Cheri found it hard to breathe and keep it together.
“I’ll let you get back to work now,” Cheri smiled, gingerly backing away. “I just wanted you to know how happy I am to be here.”
Ameer turned, giving Cheri his full attention. “Glad to have you on board.”
His gaze was enough to steal Cheri’s heart away. She relished at that moment where she felt like she connected with him. And as Cheri walked away, her feet never touched the ground.
“Mom, so you’re staying for a while,” Messiah asked as Siobhan pulled the car into the visitor’s parking lot at Renaissance Elementary School.
“Yeah, I thought I would hang out for a little while, see if I can help,” she answered, putting the car in park and turning off the ignition. “If that’s not too embarrassing for you.”
“It’s not,” Messiah answered, releasing his seatbelt. “As long as you don’t hug and kiss me in front of the other kids.”
Siobhan laughed. “I promise to keep my hands and my lips to myself in front of your classmates.”
“Pinky swear?” Messiah asked.
“Pinky swear,” she giggled, shaking her head.
The two locked pinkies to seal the deal.
“But that doesn’t stop me from getting my hug and kiss now, does it?” She smiled, reaching over and pulling Messiah into a big bear hug.
“Mom,” he groaned after a few too many seconds. Siobhan let him go.
“I was just getting enough to last the rest of the day, that’s all,” she chuckled.
“If you say so,” Messiah smiled in return.
They climbed out of the vehicle. Siobhan made sure Messiah had his lunch and backpack before locking the car. Siobhan could already see activity around the school and a big banner announcing the Back to School drive.
“Excuse me,” she said, avoiding bumping into a woman trying to enter the building at the same time.
“Oh no, excuse me,” Cheri replied.
The two women exchanged pleasant smiles as Messiah held the door open for them.
“He’s such a gentleman,” Cheri commented.
“Thank you,” Siobhan replied.
“Hey, bro,” Basel greeted. He pulled up behind the truck Ameer was helping to empty.
“Wassup,” Ameer greeted, taking a moment to walk over to his brother’s car. “Hey there, Aya.”
“Good to see you, Ameer,” she replied.
“Where do you want us,” Basel asked.
“I’m going to be here at the elementary school, at least for a while,” Ameer commented. “If you two can go to the middle school and help out, that would be fantastic.”
“Whatever you need,” Basel affirmed.
“Thanks for inviting us,” Aya smiled, leaning over her husband.
“Absolutely, sis. Glad for the help,” Ameer smiled in return. “I’ll see you guys later, okay?”
“Okay,” Basel smiled. Aya waved as Basel put the car in reverse and backed away from the truck.
“This is going to be so good,” she grinned.
“I think so, too,” Basel agreed.
Any opportunity they had to give back to the community, they were excited about it. And although Aya had only been a part of the Ali family for a short while, she loved being a part of the family’s charitable endeavors. Basel’s willing heart was one of the reasons she fell in love with him. The family’s willing heart was part of why she loved them all.
“Good morning, Ms. Greer,” Principal Theodore Monroe greeted.
“Good morning, Principal Monroe.
“Messiah, are you heading to class, young man?”
“Yes, sir,” Messiah replied. “I’ll see you later, mom.”
“See you later, man.”
They watched as Messiah made his way down the hall.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Sure,” Siobhan replied, returning her attention to the principal. “I was wondering if you all could use some help with the drive today?”
“I think we could,” Mr. Monroe replied. “Let me just quickly check with the coordinators.”
Just as Mr. Monroe moved towards the door, Ameer was entering.
“Mr. Ali, I have some parents asking if you all could use more volunteers?”
“Absolutely,” Ameer replied as he crossed the threshold into the school.
“With more than 500 children here, we can use all the help we can get.”
“Great,” Mr. Monroe answered. He turned on his heels. “Here’s one of our parents right here.”
Ameer’s eyes followed where Principal Monroe directed.
“Ms. Greer,” he uttered, beckoning for Siobhan to join them. Ameer watched as an incredibly beautiful woman approached.
“Mr. Ali, this is Ms. Greer, mom to one of our first-grade scholars,” Monroe introduced.
“Good morning, Ms. Greer,” Ameer greeted, extending an upturned hand.
“Good morning,” Siobhan smiled, accepting his salutation.
“I’ll leave you two to coordinate the details of her volunteering,” Principal Monroe said.
“Thanks, Mr. Monroe,” they both answered, almost in unison. The coincidence brought smiles to both their faces.
“Oh,” Siobhan smiled, realizing they were still shaking hands. She eased hers from his embarrassedly. “So, what can I do to help?” Siobhan asked.
This woman’s round deep-set dark honey brown eyes caught Ameer off guard. There was such brilliant intelligence in the eyes that looked back at him.
“Well,” Ameer began, clearing his throat and trying to regain focus on her question. “We will need assistance at the tables, giving out the backpacks and other goodies.”
“Other goodies,” Siobhan inquired.
“Yes, other goodies,” Ameer replied. “In addition to the packs, we’ve got laptops for all the new students, gift cards for other essentials the students and their families may need, as well as resource information that could potentially help in areas that we can’t.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” Siobhan nodded.
“Thanks,” Ameer smiled. “Just trying to help where we can. Let me walk you over to where we’re set up if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine,” Siobhan agreed.
It was natural for Ameer to extend his hand towards her back as they walked side by side. He abbreviated his long stride to match Siobhan’s much shorter one.
“Geneva,” Ameer greeted as they approached the tables. “I thought you were going on vacation?” He greeted, pulling Geneva into a one-armed hug.
“After this,” she smiled in return.
“Make sure you do, go on vacation, that is,” Ameer leaned in speaking so only his executive assistant could hear. Geneva was a consummate workaholic. She had to be strongly encouraged even to take a vacation in the first place. Ameer knew it wouldn’t take much for Geneva to change her mind and decide her time was better spent at the office. She deserved some time off, and he wanted Geneva to have it.
“I will,” she sighed. “I promise.”
Satisfied with her response, Ameer returned his attention and his positioning to Siobhan.
“We have a parent here that would like to assist,” Ameer explained, his hand lightly resting on the center of Siobhan’s back. She was mindful of it but not bothered by it. Cheri, standing at another table, paused as she saw Ameer standing close to another woman.
“Of course,” Geneva smiled. “I’ll help her get settled in, sir.”
“You’re in very capable hands,” Ameer smiled as his gaze brought Siobhan into view. “Geneva will take good care of you.”
“Thanks so much, Mr. Ali,” Siobhan smiled, taking a slight step back and extending her hand.”
“It’s Ameer, and thank you,” he smiled in return, covering her hand with his own.
Cheri watched how long they held hands. Her e
yes narrowed as she saw how Ameer looked at this other woman. Cheri’s eyes trailed Ameer as he took purposed back steps looking at the woman, before pivoting on his heels and regaining his full stride toward the side door. Cheri watched Ameer until she couldn’t see him any longer. And then her narrowed eyes returned to the woman. Cheri’s eyes narrowed even more until she was practically squinting. The slight menaced pitch to Cheri’s top lip was indicative of how she felt about the woman who seemed to have stolen too much of Ameer’s attention.
Chapter Five
Once everything was set up at the elementary school, Ameer took a moment to check-in at the other two schools. They were running on schedule, well in advance of the time the actual giveaway was supposed to begin. Although Ameer had capable assistance at each location, as the coordinator for the event, he felt compelled to check-in and make sure that if anything was needed, they knew he was available. As he drove down the road that connected all three schools, Ameer thought about the parent volunteer, Ms. Greer. That in and of itself was uncommon for him. Ameer encountered beautiful women all the time. Yet, there was something uncommonly interesting about her, even from the brief encounter they shared. Ameer shook his head at his own thoughts as he pulled into the high school’s parking lot. It was a gorgeous late summer morning, not too hot, yet, with lots of sunshine and a gentle breeze. It was going to be a good day.
“Hey mom, hey dad,” Ameer greeted as he approached the giveaway station in the high school.
“There’s my son,” Aziza beamed, opening her arms to receive him.
“Thanks for coming, mom,” Ameer uttered against her salt and pepper hair.
“You know we wouldn’t miss it,” Aziza replied, hugging Ameer a little tighter. As Ameer stepped out of his mother’s embrace, his father, Omar, was there with another.
“Always good to see you, son,” Omar said.
“Good to see you, too, dad,” Ameer replied. “How’s everything going?” Ameer asked as they parted.
“Everything is well in hand,” Omar commented as Aziza stepped up to join them.
“Are you staying?’ Aziza asked as Omar laced his arm around his wife’s waist.
“It looks like you all have it all together, but if you need me, I can stick around,” Ameer replied.
“You don’t have to,” Aziza answered. “We’ve got this.”
“Well, if you need anything, you know I’m just a phone call away,” Ameer offered.
“We do, son,” Aziza smiled. “We’ll see you later, okay?”
“Absolutely.” Ameer leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek.
After checking in with Basel and Aya at the middle school, Ameer returned to the elementary school. When Ameer came through the door, Cheri immediately noticed. She perked up at his mere presence, fluffing the curls in her hair and smoothing down her blouse, making sure it was tucked in just right. Cheri wanted him to notice her, to make eye contact with her. Cheri’s eyes followed Ameer as he moved. And when Cheri gained his eyes, she brightened, smiling from ear to ear. But Ameer’s gaze did not remain with her. Cheri watched as he made eye contact with each one of the volunteers, including the woman from earlier. From Cheri’s vantage point, Ameer’s eyes seemed to remain fixed on that woman for far too long. She thought about going over and saying something to him, to gain his attention again. But just as Chari got ready to move from her post, the children began coming in.
“Good morning, good morning, good morning, Renaissance scholars,” a male voice boomed over the intercom system. It was enough to cause Cheri to stay where she was, but that didn’t mean she took her focus off Ameer.
“This is your student-leader, Principal Monroe. We are so excited to have Mr. Ameer Ali and his team with us today. Because of their generosity, all of you are in for a treat. So please, follow the directions of your teachers. And let’s have a fantastic day. First-grade teachers, please line up your scholars and proceed in an orderly fashion to the atrium. The remaining grades will follow in ascending order. Thank you.”
Within a few moments, the atrium was filled with first graders, dressed in their school uniforms, lined up behind their respective teachers, eager for what was to come. The volunteers perked up in response to the children’s excitement. They filed in orderly, just as their principal suggested. Ameer was at the start of the table, greeting every scholar and shaking their hand. He engaged them with polite conversation until it was their turn to proceed down the line to pick up their goodies. Siobhan was happy to be a part of what was going on at the school. Being available for things like this was part of the reason she was self-employed. She needed and wanted to be there for Messiah. She was all he had, and Messiah was all she had.
Siobhan couldn’t help noticing Mr. Ali’s demeanor with the children. He was good with them, and they responded positively to his engagement. Cheri noticed everything, including how the parent-volunteer was checking out Ameer. The initial group of first graders got their new gear. They were super excited. Messiah was a part of the second group of first graders.
“How are you doing, young king,” Ameer greeted Messiah. Hearing Mr. Ali greet her son in the same way she did, caused a smile to ease across her lips.
“I’m doing well, sir,” Messiah replied.
Her son’s reply made Siobhan smile even more.
She wasn’t the only one who smiled in response to Messiah’s reply. Ameer did, too. As Messiah moved down the line, Ameer turned his attention to the next scholar in line.
“Hey mom,” Messiah greeted when he stopped at his mother’s station. Ameer overheard the young man, turning to see him standing in front of Ms. Greer.
“Hey, young king.”
As her son moved down the line, Siobhan felt eyes on her. She inclined herself in Mr. Ali’s direction and found the eyes she felt. She could feel her cheeks warm in the millisecond their eyes truly connected. It was a gaze Siobhan didn’t dare maintain. But also, in that split second, Ameer saw enough that he wanted to know more. The rest of the giveaway went off without a hitch. When everything was said and done, there were hundreds of happy children at the elementary school.
“How did it go, Basel,” Ameer asked, calling his brother on the cellphone.
“Very well,” Basel replied. “We’re serving the last of the eighth-graders now.
“Any problems, hiccups?” Ameer inquired.
“No, sir,” Basel answered. “Everything has gone well.”
“Thanks again for helping out.”
“I should be thanking you,” Basel replied.
“For what?” Ameer asked.
“Aya has been smiling the entire time.”
“Well, if that’s the case, you’re welcome.”
“Talk soon?” Basel asked.
“Talk soon.”
Ameer was pleased when he got a similar report from his mom and dad.
“Things went exceptionally well,” Aziza answered. “We can’t wait until next year.”
Ameer finished talking to his parents and slid his phone into his pocket. The volunteers were still there cleaning up after the last of the scholars had been served.
“Geneva, excellent job as always,” Ameer smiled. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Ali. You know I look forward to this every year.”
Ameer was pleased to see Ms. Greer was still around. There had been stolen glances, peripheral appraisals, and mental musings during the event that only served to heighten his intrigue. Admittedly, it had been a while since his curiosity was piqued. It had also been a minute since he actually considered approaching someone. Yet, as those thoughts played out in his head, his feet were already moving in her direction. Ameer felt his heartbeat accelerate, causing his otherwise assured steps to pause. That feeling was new, nascent, and unfamiliar, but it didn’t stop Ameer from moving forward. She felt eyes on her again, pervasive, appraising, and Siobhan felt an escalation to the beat of her heart, so much so that she placed her hand on
her chest in response. That had never happened to her before. It was new, unnerving, and unfamiliar. Siobhan found herself frozen in place for the briefest moment, unable to think clearly or even move as she felt Mr. Ali’s eyes directed her way.
“Excuse me, Ms. Greer?” Ameer said as drew closer to her.
He had an innately captivating presence and a commanding manner that resonated with Siobhan. There was a hint of something about him before when she was close to him, an air of command and self-confidence. But she hadn’t paid much attention. This time, though, Ameer’s arresting good looks and virile appeal was unmistakable.
“Siobhan,” she uttered, the length of her lashes lightly kissing her blushed cheeks.
“Ameer,” he crooned, the smooth of his deep voice melodically vibrating to her ears. “It’s very nice to meet you, Siobhan,” Ameer trilled, once again extending his hand.
Her eyes brightened, and she smiled. “Nice to meet you, too, Ameer.”
This time when their hands touched, Siobhan was shocked at the impact of his gentle grip, and Ameer noted the softness of her delicate hand.
“Um,” Ameer began.
For a second, Ameer couldn’t remember what he intended to say. He found himself unable to focus, distracted by the gleam in her eyes, that no makeup could improve. Ameer adjusted his stance, grounding himself at the moment.
“I wanted to thank you for volunteering today personally,” he started again. “We, I really appreciate it.”
“It was my pleasure,” Siobhan replied, the beginnings of a smile tilting the corners of her full lips. “It was a lot of fun.”
“For me, too,” Ameer agreed. “Your son,” he continued.
“Yes, Messiah,” Siobhan added. Ameer noticed that at the mere mention of her son’s name, Siobhan’s entire energy shifted. Ameer could immediately read unconditional love in her eyes for him.
“He seems to be a brilliant young man,” Ameer continued.
The smile on Siobhan’s face widened. “He is,” she beamed.
“Well, I didn’t know if you were aware, but we have a program called Engineers on the Rise here at your son’s school. I thought he might be a good match.”
Ameer (The Brothers Ali Book 5) Page 3